10 Gripping Mysteries Similar to The Last Party

Description: A no-nonsense detective leads complex murder investigations in Northumberland, with the rugged countryside playing a key role in the storytelling. The series excels in character-driven narratives and procedural detail.

Fact: The titular character, Vera Stanhope, is inspired by crime novelist Ann Cleeves' books. The show often films in real-life locations across Northeast England.

Description: A Scandinavian noir series centered on a murder investigation that spans two countries, requiring detectives from Denmark and Sweden to collaborate. The stark visuals and complex characters elevate the mystery.

Fact: The show's title refers to the Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden. It sparked a wave of international remakes, including 'The Tunnel.'

Description: A gritty crime drama centered on a determined police sergeant navigating personal and professional challenges while solving brutal crimes in a small town. The raw emotional intensity and moral dilemmas stand out.

Fact: The series was praised for its realistic portrayal of policing in rural England. The title refers to the nickname for the Calder Valley due to its drug problems.

Description: A gripping crime drama set in a small coastal town, focusing on a high-profile murder investigation that deeply affects the tight-knit community. The show's atmospheric setting and intricate character dynamics enhance the mystery.

Fact: The show's iconic cliffside scenes were filmed in West Bay, Dorset, which became a tourist hotspot after the series aired. It also features a hauntingly beautiful score by Ólafur Arnalds.

Description: A psychological thriller following a cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a serial killer. The tension is heightened by the killer's unsettling normalcy and the detective's relentless pursuit.

Fact: Gillian Anderson's character was one of the first female leads in a UK crime drama to be portrayed as both authoritative and emotionally complex. The show was filmed in Belfast.

Description: A high-stakes police procedural delving into corruption within the force, with intense interrogations and twist-filled narratives. The show's focus on institutional distrust and moral ambiguity makes it compelling.

Fact: The interrogation scenes are famously lengthy, with one running over 20 minutes in a single take. The acronym 'AC-12' became iconic among fans.

Description: A detective series set in the remote Shetland Islands, blending crime-solving with the stark beauty and isolation of the landscape. The slow-burning mysteries often involve deep-seated local secrets.

Fact: The show is based on the novels by Ann Cleeves and is known for its authentic portrayal of Shetland's culture and dialect. Many locals were cast as extras.

Description: A cold-case drama that meticulously unravels decades-old murders, focusing on the impact of the investigations on both the victims' families and the suspects. The emotional weight and procedural realism are standout features.

Fact: Each season features a new case with a different cast, but the core detective duo remains. The show avoids flashy visuals, relying on strong writing and performances.

Description: A dark crime series featuring a troubled detective returning to work to solve a cold case, blurring the lines between her professional and unraveling personal life. The noir-ish tone and unreliable protagonist add depth.

Fact: The show was created by Hans Rosenfeldt, who also wrote 'The Bridge.' Marcella's blackouts and memory loss were inspired by dissociative fugue states.

Description: A family liaison officer navigates a murder investigation in a seaside town, with personal and professional boundaries blurring. The coastal setting and family-centric drama add layers to the crime plot.

Fact: The show is set in Morecambe Bay, known for its shifting tides and dangerous sands. The lead character's role as a family liaison officer is a unique angle in crime dramas.