Solving British Mysteries from My Couch
Weekend Reads v. 6.9.2025
What is it about a series that is so enjoyable? Whether it is a book series or a teleseries, there’s something downright delightful about the ability to inhabit another place with a group of characters.
I’m not one for TV during the week and most of my reads are on-off stories, so when I stumble across a new series it feels sort of exciting. Or rather, the anticipation of returning to the series provides a small spark of excitement. This was especially true when I discovered the show Slow Horses. Oh, to return to that horribly dank office with its motley crew of disgruntled MI-6 rejects on a mundane Friday evening after a long week at work! When I’d run through the last of the most-recent series, I felt a tiny wave of grief wash over me as I realized there was no more storyline to follow.
If being enveloped in a series is a coping mechanism, so be it. That is the power of a good story. It can transport you out of the ordinary humdrum and deliver glimpses of extraordinary lives. It can offer perspective and lessons that come with walking in another person’s shoes without the high costs that come with actually putting those shoes on yourself.
My teleseries of late is one from ol’ Blighty (of course) and is based on the books written by Robert Galbraith. (That is, the pseudonym JK Rowling tried to hide herself behind) The show follows a private detective named Cormoron Strike and his unlikely associate Robin as they solve various mysteries in and around London. They have the dingy office in a bumpy part of London as well as all the typical miscommunications that befall a partnership of this kind. The mysteries wind in and out of beautiful homes I’ll never visit and follow people I’ll never meet. It is a glorious break from the stress of a long week.
If you’re in need of a good book, here are a few places that might offer solid suggestions:
The Modern Mrs. Darcy is a well organized site with a wide array of genres.
The Stripe doesn’t focus on literary fiction but instead on those bestselling books you see in airport bookstores and on the beach. It’s a great place to find easy reads.
What to Read If is a Substack that categorizes reads by your potential frame of mind. It’s kind of a clever way to find a new book.
If non-fiction is your thing, here’s an article from W on the best reads so far this year.
Sadly, I don’t have a solid source for Netflix, Hulu or any of the other 574 streaming services pumping shows into our dens. Grace Atwood’s newsletter usually offers a recap of whatever shows she watched the week prior, so maybe start there if you’re looking for a new show? There are the obvious recommendations like White Lotus (haven’t seen), The Summer I Turned Pretty (also haven’t seen), or Platonic Love (great cast but, nope, haven’t seen). And there are the classics like Schitz Creek, The Crown, Downton Abbey, and Game of Thrones.
As for older series I’ve enjoyed, here are a few you may enjoy if you haven’t already seen them:
Only Murders in the Building on Hulu
Pachinko on Apple TV is a remarkable adaptation of the novel that chronicles 4 generations of Korean immigrants in Japan.
I mentioned Slow Horses on Apple TV above, and I’ll mention it again because it really is perfect if you’re into British + crime drama + dry humor.
Silo on Apple TV is based on the series of novels. It’s a remarkable story with incredible sets, cinematography, and casting.
Mindhunter on Netflix is a great choice if you’re OK with darker material. The writing on this show is superb.
The Americans on Hulu holds up remarkably well. Again, great writing, incredible storyline, and amazing attention to detail when it comes to costume and props from the 1980s.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix is 10 years old, and it still makes me laugh as hard as when I first watched it. It’s the brainchild of Tina Fey, so maybe that’s why?
And the U.K. version of Ghosts is a clever series I could watch multiple times. It’s far better than the U.S. version of the show, IMHO. In the States you can watch this on Paramount+.
And here’s a list of shows Vanity Fair thinks you might like in September, TIME brings you a list of what’s new on Netflix.
What about you? What series do you love? What are you watching and reading?
Do you need a house purse? (Why, yes. Yes you do)
When it comes to plates and bowls and mugs, I typically lean toward classic colors and patterns (AKA blue and white and British vibes). My tastes must be evolving because when I saw the new line from East Fork that features a deep emerald green and ready-for-Autumn brown, I briefly wondered if I should overhaul my cupboards. These dishes aren’t inexpensive, but they do feel very much like the affordable section of the Heath Ceramics neighborhood.
Speaking of Heath Ceramics, they have a new line of dishware born from a partnership with Herman Miller. Maybe I should get a new set of cupboards after all!
And while we are on the topic of collaborations, this clothing line from cookbook author Molly Yey and Tractor Supply is kinda fun.
This curation of kids’ clothes inspired by a day of apple picking is sweet.
I’m thinking of making these sourdough crackers. Have you ever made homemade crackers?
For everyone dressing the exterior of their home for autumn, here’s the secret for thriving mums.
Did you know you can hire a bridesmaid?
The five best bagel spots in NYC.
The 20 best things to do in Turks and Caicos. (This one’s for you, Emily!) Somewhat related: the most affordable all-inclusive resorts in the world.
I finished the unauthorized biography on Gwyneth Paltrow, so this article asserting she “was never normal” kinda resonates. The biography is a fun read, btw!
Is it just me, or does shape wear for your face seem a bit extreme?
Yesterday, I caught up with one of my childhood-turned-college-roommate friends. She and her family went to Greece this summer, and we remarked about the incredible food and weather Greece offers. I went to Greece ages ago, and while I loved my time in the country, I didn’t fall in love with Athens. This new Prior guide to Athens may just prompt me to revisit this ancient city and give it another chance.
Be on the lookout for ballerina sneakers this autumn. They’ll apparently be “in.”
Are we crimping our hair again???
Is it sweater weather where you are? It’s been gloriously mild here, and I can’t help but feel excited for all that cooler weather brings.
A note that there are Amazon Affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase (thank you!), I may earn a small commission.
Here’s to a wonderful week ahead!