Set in Toronto in the late 19th century, Murdoch Mysteries follows the adventures of Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) who uses innovative inventions and pioneering forensic techniques to crack cases.
Based at Station House Four, Murdoch is highly knowledgeable, patient, observant and methodical, possessing an excellent memory and a precise, logical mind wired for solving problems. A slightly harder puzzle for Murdoch, though, is how to connect with people emotionally. Perhaps working with brilliant pathologist and Chief Coroner at City Morgue, Dr Julia Ogden (Hélène Joy), will help - she's every bit his match intellectually and could help to bring out his softer side.
Dr Julia Ogden (Hélène Joy) and William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson).
One thing Murdoch is passionate about is science - and if the latest, cutting-edge methods and techniques don't exist yet... well, you've just got to invent them!
Murdoch's experimentation is definitely not to the taste of his rough, gruff boss Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig) who's a traditional copper through and through, but if they get results it's pretty hard to argue with them. That doesn't stop him trying though.
More impressed by Murdoch's methods are eager young constables George Crabtree (Jonny Harris) and Henry Higgins ( Lachlan Murdoch) although trying to explain the scientific details and workings to this pair of wide-eyed coppers might well take you all day.
Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig).
Armed with pioneering police procedures along with the odd gadget or gizmo, Murdoch sets his mind to solving a set of intriguing mysteries like the baffling death of Henri Gaston, whose body is found hanging from a tree in the centre of a recently plowed field with no footprints in the surrounding soil. Or the inexplicable murder of Alice Howard, the newly crowned Miss Toronto Electric and Light, who is electrocuted by an insulated switch at a public demonstration on the dangers of alternating current. And, when a medium channels a murder victim during séance and reveals the location of the body, there must be a rational explanation. But what is it?
Murdoch and Geraint Wyn Davies as Arthur Conan Doyle.
Along the way, Murdoch encounters real-life figures like electrical genius Nikola Tesla (Dmitry Chepovetsky), Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan Doyle (Geraint Wyn Davies) and Queen Victoria's playboy grandson, Prince Alfred (Chad Connell).
And, in one very personal case, Murdoch has to face his estranged, violent father, whom he blames for his mother's death. As a devout Catholic in the predominantly Protestant city of Toronto, Murdoch has had to deal with prejudice and preconceptions - but can he set aside his own grief and grievances when Murdoch senior is implicated in a man's murder?