Plot Synopsis

Based on P.D. James' Dalgliesh series of books and set in mid-1970s England, DALGLIESH is comprised of series of two-part mysteries that follow Inspector Dalgliesh as he solves unusual murders and reveals buried secrets, amid some of England's most spectacular settings. A recent widower and acclaimed poet, Dalgliesh employs his exceptional empathy and insight to plumb the darker depths of the human psyche to solve crimes. Each season is comprised of three, two-part stories.

On Monday, October 31, 2021, Acorn TV released "Shroud for a Nightingale (Part 1)" and "Shroud for a Nightingale (Part 2)," the first two-part mystery. DCI Adam Dalgliesh is sent to a nursing school to investigate the death of Heather Pearce, a student poisoned during a demonstration. But as he uncovers the secrets that infect the school, can Dalgliesh identify the killer before they strike again? After the death of another student nurse at Nightingale House, Dalgliesh's hunt for the murderer intensifies. A private patient who died at the on-site hospital might hold the answer, but Dalgliesh's curiosity puts his own life in danger.

The sophomore season of DALGLIESH debuted with a two-part mystery on Monday, April 24, 2023 on Acorn TV. The second season, consisting of six episodes, is based on three more novels from P.D. James' bestselling murder mystery series, "Adam Dalgliesh Mystery," with Bertie Carvel reprising his role as the enigmatic titular investigator. This season sees DCI Adam Dalgliesh taking us through 1970's England as he solves unusual murders ranging from a senior forensic biologist found dead in his lab, to an illustrious but controversial defense barrister found deceased in her chambers, to a young doctor being set on fire in the grounds of his family museum. Season 2 guest stars include (alphabetically): Yaseen Aroussi, Margaret Clunie, Michael Culkin, Sorcha Cusack, Deborah Findlay, Richard Harrington, Anastasia Hille, Sam Hoare, Sylvestra Le Touzel, Michael Maloney, Dominic Rowan, Sara Stewart and Daisy Waterstone. The second story, "A Certain Justice," drops on Monday, May 1, with the finale, "The Murder Room," premiering on Monday, May 8.
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Debuting on Monday, December 2, 2024 on Acorn TV, DALGLIESH's third season is made up of three distinct mysteries, each two episodes long. The first, "Death in Holy Orders," premiered on Monday, December 2, the second, "Cover Her Face," which marks Carvel's directorial debut, debuts on Monday, December 9, and the third, "Devices and Desires," drops on Monday, December 16. Season 3 is set in 1979 on the cusp of Margaret Thatcher's victory and sees Commander Adam Dalgliesh take on three highly sensitive cases -- from a remote seminary already mired in scandal, to a wealthy family under political attack, and to a spate of killings at a nuclear power station. Guest stars this season include Anton Lesser, Lloyd Owen, Claire Goose, Liz White, Adam James, Richard Lintern, Ellora Torchia, Parth Thakerar, Soni Razdan, and Josie Walker. Episodes are:

"Death in Holy Orders (Part 1)" (Monday, December 2, 2024): Commander Dalgliesh heads to a seminary in West Sussex to investigate the bloody murder of a senior churchman. He finds that nearly everyone here had a personal grievance with the victim. And several of them are lying.

"Death in Holy Orders (Part 2)" (Monday, December 2, 2024): A second death shakes the order. As Commander Dalgliesh uncovers a secret agenda on the part of one of his suspects, the seminary falls further into disrepute. But perhaps this is the very key to unlocking the killer's motive.

"Cover Her Face (Part 1)" (Monday, December 9, 2024): A murder in the house of an influential family brings Commander Dalgliesh to the heart of Essex. As he considers the prospect of a politically motivated attack, a local man comes forward with an explosive allegation. Directed by Bertie Carvel.

"Cover Her Face (Part 2)" (Monday, December 9, 2024): Through a pair of grueling interrogations, the victim's life comes into sharper focus, but will it lead the police to their killer? After a shocking confession is made, Dalgliesh realizes he has been lied to. Directed by Bertie Carvel

"Devices and Desires (Part 1)" (Monday, December 16, 2024): Kent police search for a serial killer targeting the female employees of a nuclear power station. Dalgliesh arrives to investigate a possible terrorist connection.

"Devices and Desires (Part 2)" (Monday, December 16, 2024): The hunt is on for a second killer as the threat to the local community looms larger than ever. Can Dalgliesh unpick a complex web of loyalties before it's too late?