Step aside,SherlockandPeaky Blinders, because we have a first look at an upcoming detective drama series set in post-war London. We’re talking aboutBookish, created and written by our very own Mycroft Holmes (Mark Gatiss). Set in post-war London in 1946, the series centers on Gabriel Book, an erudite and unconventional antiquarian bookshop owner who assists the police in solving intricate mysteries, utilizing knowledge from his extensive collection of books.
The film is being advertised asa crime thrillerand the first-look photos show a very fine aesthetic. But that’s not all — Gatiss also stars in the film as the whip-spart Gabriel Book himself! The cast ensemble also includes but isn’t limited toPolly Walker, Connor Finch, Elliot Levey, Blake Harrison, Buket Kömür,and a glorious line-up of guest stars. The series will comprise of six parts, with each episode spanning 70 minutes, and is slated to air on UKTV’s crime drama channel Alibi in 2025.
The filming began six months ago in April 2024 and the production team had only revealed casting information up until now. The first-look images are now out and we have new coppers in town, scientists, detectives, and certainly a bookshop owner who thinks on his toes and appears to be just as quirky as we had imagined. The exact release date of the show is not yet unveiled.
Polly Walker From ‘Bridgerton’ Will Play Gabriel Book’s Wife
As per casting details unveiled byRTS, Walker (Bridgerton) will be playing Trottie, Gabriel Book’s wife and their marriage is described as a “lavender” arrangement, intended to conceal Book’s true sexual orientation during a time when homosexuality was criminalized.
Among other notable characters, we have Harrison (World on Fire)playing Sergeant Morris, Levey (The Chamber) playing Inspector Bliss, Kömür (Our House) playing Nora, and Finch as Jack, among others. As perCultbox,BookishSeason 1, Episodes 5 and 6 will starPaul McGann(Doctor Who) as Mr. Kind, alongsideTim McInnerny(Blackadder) as ‘D’, with more guest stars includingAngeliki Papoulia(The Lobster) as Princess Ruhije,Elizabeth Berrington(Good Omens) as Sylvia Orr, andMark Umbers(Hotel Portofino) as Victor Orr. The series is produced by Eagle Eye Drama. Here’s what Gatiss has had to say about the upcoming show:
“To misquote Goodfellas: “All my life I’ve wanted to be a detective!” I couldn’t be more excited to be bringing this series to the screen and to plunge viewers into our intoxicating version of post-War London. It’s an under-examined time and an under-examined world and Bookish is the strange, funny, and thrilling show that I’ve always wanted to make.”
As of now, a trailer forBookishhas not been released. However, those aware of Gatiss’s work, can anticipate a lovely blend of historical context, literary references, and intricate storytelling upon its debut in 2025.
