Airing on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, another gripping episode of the crime series "Midsomer Murders" delighted fans, featuring Inspector Barnaby. The episode, titled "The Book of Bertram," dives deep one author's murder tied intricately to his long-forgotten literary mystery.
For those who missed it, the episode is available for streaming on the ZDFneo Mediathek, which offers countless television shows after their original broadcast as video on demand. While most of their shows are accessible immediately post-broadcast, it's worth noting not all episodes receive repeated airings on television.
But what is the story behind "The Book of Bertram"? The plot thickens when author Bertram Jewel, portrayed by Jon Culshaw, is killed shortly after being exposed as not only a once-beloved figure but also as ex-con Robert Grimes, infamous for selling faulty smoke detectors. His return to the limelight is sparked by the anticipated release of his book's revised edition, promising new clues to his long-elusive treasure.
Ten years have passed since Bertram's original work "The Seekers" was published, and to date, no one has successfully unraveled its elaborate riddles. Fans, having invested considerable time and finances in the pursuit of the hidden riches, are left reeling when the shocking truth is unveiled during the book launch—a journalist's exposé paints Bertram as little more than a conman.
Shocked and disillusioned, Bertram’s supporters, including his friends Danica and Eli Trask, portrayed by Sally Lindsay and Shaun Dooley respectively, disown him entirely. Even his young admirer, Ludo (Zak Ford-Williams), finds solace only when Bertram offers him insight—an unpublished page featuring new details. Pushed to prove the treasure's existence, Bertram begrudgingly agrees to unearth and photograph it. Tragically, his plan is foiled, resulting in his fantastical yet gruesome murder, reminiscent of one of the book’s own riddles.
All the clues point to Inspector John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and his partner DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix), who diligently piece together the puzzle surrounding Bertram’s demise. Their investigation reveals how deeply entrenched Bertram was, not solely as a public figure but also as someone with complicated relationships—both fond and bitter—with various residents of Midsomer.
Through their sleuthing, Barnaby and Winter learn about Bertram's past of deceiving homeowners, which led to functional smoke detectors failing ridiculously, even costing lives. The narrative thickens when they speak with Othello Khan (Omid Djalili), who found himself besmirched by Bertram when the latter labeled him dishonest at Midsomer's most prominent pub-quiz competition. Tensions rise as Khan asserts he received a telephone call from Bertram just hours before his murder, hinting at prior regrets about their combative history.
Adding to the intrigue is the character Venetia Butts (Selina Cadell), mother of the local priest, who mysteriously acquires part of Bertram's treasure without clear explanation. Her attempts to negotiate the sale of the treasured yet poorly crafted gold statuette spark more conflict, leaving the audience questioning her motives as investment woes surface.
This episode is rich with plot twists, turns, and deceptive masquerades reflecting the themes of betrayal, greed, and the universal search for truth deeply embedded within the fabric of "Midsomer Murders." Following yet another murder amid the investigation, Barnaby and Winter race to make sense of the grotesque tableau—all eerily reminiscent of Bertram's illustrative book puzzles.
Should fans wish to stay tuned for more mysteries, they can catch upcoming episodes and explore the series' rich history on various broadcasting platforms. Viewers are encouraged to check back frequently to catch new airings and enjoy the trailer for future episodes!
