Detecting the success of cozy ‘Midsomer Murders’    

Over the more than 20 years it’s been airing on British TV, “Midsomer Murders” has quietly become a genre classic – known for dainty teacups and lager-sodden pubs as much as for the subversive ways in which various victims are offed. (Consider: a butterfly collector was found pinned to a wall.) In the February issue of Mystery Scene, I examine the stalwart series: its origins, its turning points, its … weirdness. My sources include the prolific mystery writer-producer Anthony Horowitz, who was involved in production early on. The issue is on newsstands now.