If you’re already patiently waiting for the return of Bookish next week, Christmas has come early – with U announcing the return of the adored detective drama before series 2 has even aired. We’re being treated to a two-part festive special this December – while series 3 of the best cosy crime drama out there is officially in the works.
For those who don’t know, Bookish tells the story of Gabriel Book (Mark Gatiss) who owns a bookshop in post-war London. However, when he’s not reading or stacking the shelves, he’s using his vast knowledge to solve real-life murder mysteries. And, he’s keeping a secret of his own…
With series 2 arriving this week - and the Christmas special coming in December - here’s everything you need to know about Bookish, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.
What is Bookish about?
This cosy crime drama, which first aired 2025, is set in 1940s London and introduces us to crime-busting bookshop owner Gabriel Book (Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss) who’s harbouring a secret: he’s gay at a time when homosexuality was illegal. To hide his sexuality, he’s in a ‘lavender marriage’ with his close friend Trottie (Polly Walker), and their bookshop becomes the unlikely sleuthing HQ, where they unravel a series of intriguing investigations.
Book takes in an ex-convict Jack (Connor Finch) as an assistant with the hope of giving him a second chance, but it soon becomes evident his appointment wasn’t so random after all. For a flavour of the drama, the team unpacks a string of mysteries including: skeletons unearthed at a nearby building site, the poisoning of a local chemist, the death of a film extra and an army captain who collapses after drinking a poisoned cocktail.
The second run coming next week promises even more fun, with Gabriel asked to help with a mysterious case involving a medium, a murder at gentleman’s outfitters and a thieving Duchess (played by Miranda Richardson). Sherlock’s Rupert Graves, Doctor Who’s Simon Callow and McDonald & Dodds’ Jason Watkins are also joining the cast.
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What will the Bookish Christmas special be about?
The first-ever Christmas special titled Bookish: The Crown Of Destiny will see Gabriel open his doors for a special festive mystery, packed with seasonal charm. As for its third chapter, which will air in 2028, production has just been announced, and the official synopsis promises ‘even more of the intrigue, wit and compelling mysteries that have made Bookish a favourite with audiences’. We’ll keep you updated with more details about the new cases and guest stars as they land in the coming months.
Who’s in the cast of the Bookish Christmas special?
As we await the cast announcement for the Bookish Christmas special and series 3, here's a rundown of the stars appearing on our screens for series 2 this week.
The cast of Bookish series 2 includes:
- Jason Watkins (McDonald & Dodds) as Harold Sneed
- Miranda Richardson (Blackadder) as Duchess Alberta
- Simon Callow (Doctor Who) as ‘E’
- Rupert Graves (Sherlock) as Colonel Reggie Winters
- Claire Skinner (Outnumbered) as Mrs Calthrop
- Youssef Kerkour (Gavin & Stacey) as Yusuf
- Ricky Champ (EastEnders) as Kendall
- Allan Corduner (Tár, Homeland) as Maxie Kleinmann
The returning cast from Bookish series 1 includes:
- Mark Gatiss (Sherlock) as Gabriel Book
- Polly Walker (Rome) as Trottie Book
- Elliot Levey (The Chamber) as Inspector Bliss
- Connor Finch (Everything I Know About Love) as Jack
- Blake Harrison (Maigret, The Inbetweeners) as Sergeant Morris
- Buket Kömür (Our House) as Nora
Is Bookish any good?
Yes – it’s exactly the type of cosy crime drama that is perfect for snuggling up on the sofa with. As well as the compelling mysteries, the platonic relationship between Gabriel and Trottie gives the show real heart and sets it apart from shows centred around conventional, hetereosexual romances. Mark Gatiss is the perfect eccentric sleuth, and the way in which he’s forced to hide his sexuality adds an extra emotional layer to the crime-solving.
Is there a trailer for the Bookish Christmas special?
While we await a trailer for the Bookish series three, and the Christmas special, you can get a flavour of the action in the trailer for the upcoming series 2.
How can I watch the Bookish Christmas special?
The Bookish Christmas special will arrive this December, but specific dates and times are still under wraps. But, you don't have to wait too long for your mystery fix (hooray), series 2 of Bookish will premiere next week on U&alibi at 8pm on Wednesday 26 August. As for the third chapter, it's set to air in 2027 - and we'll keep you updates here as soon as we have an official premiere date.
What other crime dramas can I watch now?
For another cosy crime drama, we’d suggest Channel 5’s sun-soaked Benidorm Is Murder, which follows former detective Dennis Crown (John Hannah), who’s moved to Spain to open a bar, hoping for a quieter life in the sun. But when tourists start showing up dead, he’s reluctantly pulled back into his old crime-busting life. Benidorm Is Murder is available to watch now on Channel 5. For another period mystery, we’d recommend Summer ’36, a French whodunnit that transports you to the dazzling French Riviera in 1936. When a prosecutor dies, four very different women all become prime suspects – and it’s a riveting ride to work out who was actually responsible. Summer ’36 is available to watch now on Netflix.
