The cherished mystery drama,The Marlow Murder Club, returned to our television screens with the highly anticipated third series and audiences have proclaimed the opening episode "brilliant".

Based on the novels by Death in Paradise creator Robert Thorogood, the show takes place in the picturesque Buckinghamshire town of Marlow.

Where retired archaeologist and amateur sleuth Judith Potts (Samantha Bond) teams up with dog walker Suzie Harris (Jo Martin) and vicar's wife Becks Starling (Cara Horgan) to solve a succession of intriguing crimes.

Each series has showcased an assortment of famous faces, with the likes of Peter Davison (The Gold, Gentleman Jack), Tony Gardner (The Larkins, Last Tango in Halifax) as well as the comedy legend Harry Enfield making a guest appearance in the latest series, reports Hello.

In Season 3, Judith, Suzie and Becks tackle a fresh collection of perplexing mysteries, aided by Marlow Police's senior detective, Tanika Malik (Natalie Dew), reports The Mirror.

The synopsis states: "From the sudden death of the town's beloved mayor - the nicest man in Marlow - to a celebrity chef found dead at the launch of his cookbook with half the town in attendance. The team will be working under the watchful eye of the Marlow community.

"They'll also be called to action at a university reunion in an eerie manor house where, in a surprising twist, Becks finds herself amongst the suspects. Could this case threaten our amateur sleuths' roles as civilian advisors?"

This captivating drama epitomises cosy crime at its absolute best. With compelling mysteries, clever plot developments and plentiful charm, it's scarcely astonishing that The Marlow Murder Club has established itself as such a beloved programme with viewers.

Expressing their thoughts on social media, enthusiasts have hailed the programme's highly-anticipated third series as "brilliant".

One viewer posted on X: "Last night's #MarlowMurderClub Series 3 premiere was off to a great start, brilliant stuff from Samantha bond, Cara Horgan, Jo Martin, Natalie Dew."

Whilst another commented: "So pleased this is back on. I love it." A third audience member commended the show as a "brilliant crime drama," whilst another applauded the "beautiful scenery and laugh out loud moments".

Meanwhile, the programme has received positive assessments from television critics, with The Times likening the drama to "the TV equivalent of a garden wallow listening to birdsong whilst enjoying a nice cup of tea," in its three-star evaluation.

Awarding four stars, the Daily Mail praised the show as "cosy crime at its snuggest and most comforting".

All six episodes of The Marlow Murder Club Season 3 are now available to stream on U and Channel 4.