We’ve yet to see the first series of Bookish, but the show’s already planning its second run.
The new detective series Bookish comes from writer Mark Gatiss, who also stars in the title role. The show takes place in London 1946, where the bookshop owner Gabriel Book assists the police with their investigations.
Here’s the synopsis for Bookish:
If his War was packed with espionage and secrets, Book’s Peace is just as full of adventure! Now he helps the police solve the strangest of crimes and the knottiest of murders. But his close association to the force is not without its dangers. For although he is very happily married to his childhood best friend, the captivating Trottie, Book is a gay man living at a time when homosexuality was illegal. When Book and Trottie take in Jack it seems like an act of altruism: a second chance for a young jailbird. And Jack proves a worthy assistant both in the shop and in Book’s murder investigations.
The show promises a complex mystery at the heart of every story, with a number of well-known guest stars. They include Paul McGann, Joely Richardson and Daniel Mays.
Mark Gatiss said:
“I’m thrilled that the team at U&alibi are allowing me to dive back into the world of Bookish and create more fiendish crimes for Gabriel Book and the team to solve. I can’t wait for viewers to immerse themselves in the world we’ve created when the first series airs in a few months’ time.”
To celebrate the recommission, U&Alibi have released a sneak preview of the first series…
Bookish is co-written with Matthew Sweet and Ian Hallard. The director is Carolina Giammetta and the producer is Jake Harvey.
The series comes from Eagle Eye Drama, part of ITV Studios. It’s produced in association with Happy Duck Films and is supported by the Belgian Tax Shelter.
Series 1 airs on U&Alibi and streams on U in July 2025.
A Bookish Book
Additionally, there’s a spin-off book coming. Written by Matthew Sweet, it will tell the crime stories from Nora’s perspective. Also titled Bookish, it’s published on 10th July.