Murder Before Evensong Star Reveals Book Changes
Amit Shah reveals how his new five-part series brings Richard Coles's novel to life.
Channel 5 is turning Richard Coles's first Canon Clement novel into a TV series, and if you were expecting a straight-up cozy churchyard whodunnit, hold that thought. 'Murder Before Evensong' is coming in a bit darker and sharper than you might think.
The essentials
- Premieres Tuesday 7 October at 9pm on Channel 5
- Based on the first book in Richard Coles's Canon Clement series
- Matthew Lewis stars as Canon Daniel Clement; Amit Shah co-stars as DS Neil Vanloo
Not a page-for-page adaptation
Amit Shah says the show is inspired by the novels rather than a strict translation of book to screen. In plain English: expect changes. Some characters you know from the first book are here, some are brand-new, and the creative team has nudged the tone away from the traditional cozy lane into something a little moodier and edgier. Shah also pointed out that the series digs into character dynamics and the messiness of relationships in this small world, which is what they think will keep viewers hooked through the finale.
So what happens?
We meet Canon Daniel Clement, a reserved rector in the postcard-ready village of Champton, just as his formidable mother Audrey shows up unannounced and kicks up old memories he would rather not deal with. Before Daniel can even catch his breath, he discovers the body of a parishioner, Anthony Bowness, who also happens to be the cousin of Lord de Floures. From there, Daniel is pulled under the glossy surface of village life to sift through secrets that have been buried for years.
While the police do their job — enter DS Neil Vanloo — Daniel is also juggling the press, the public glare, and a decidedly unimpressed bishop. And yes, he has to face an uncomfortable possibility: the killer might have been aiming for him.
Richard Coles on seeing Daniel Clement on screen
"Readers think that Daniel Clement is basically me," Coles said. Seeing Matthew Lewis in costume, "he actually does look like a hotter version of me," which, he admitted, required "a little bit of mental rearrangement!"
'Murder Before Evensong' lands Tuesday 7 October at 9pm on Channel 5. If you know the book, don't get too comfortable — this one is playing with the formula.