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Every month I put together a list of the new mystery adaptations to watch, but sometimes I want to tell you about things that aren’t an actual adaptation but are in your wheelhouse nonetheless—like crime shows that are bookish. These recent series use a lot of popular mystery tropes, fall into the “bookish show” category, and some even have authors as writers/creators.
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 Down the River Unto the Sea (King Oliver #1) by Walter MosleyFX’s new crime show, The Downlow, has a lot of great tropes, starting with Lee Raybon (Ethan Hawke) being a “journalist” who wrote an unfavorable article about a powerful family, which has put him in danger. And the level of danger only increases when he ups his digging into the family after a family member’s supposed suicide. The series was created by Sterlin Harjo—who you hopefully know from Reservation Dogs—and it is one of this year’s best shows, from its dark humor to its annoyingly lovable lead. And the episode with Peter Dinklage is *chef’s kiss*. But how bookish is the show? Lee not only owns a bookstore, he lives in the tiny apartment above it, references and quotes books, and a large collection of books from an estate sale plays a pivotal plot role. Also, Walter Mosley and Lou Berney are credited with each writing an episode, and there are production ties to indie bookstores. All eight episodes are now streaming on Hulu. And if you want to see the trailer, here you go. All access members continue below for more new bookish mystery shows to wath |
