The crime drama is based on the books by Parnell Hall and is backed by NI Screen.

Filming is underway in Northern Ireland on new C5 crime drama The Puzzle Lady starring Phyllis Logan.

The 6 x 60’ series is produced by Factual Fiction and December Films with additional funding from Northern Ireland Screen.

Based on the best-selling books by American author Parnell Hall, the story begins when a strange murder takes place in a sleepy market town, with a baffling crossword puzzle left on the body. They turn to Cora Felton (Logan), a recent arrival in the town, whose fame as the Puzzle Lady suggests she may solve the case…

The series was ordered by Paul Testar, commissioning editor, drama, Channel 5 and Paramount+ who will also executive produce alongside Sebastian Cardwell, deputy chief content officer, Paramount UK for Channel 5.

The executive producers for Factual Fiction are Patrick Irwin, Dominique Moloney, Tom Dalton and Emily Dalton; Todd Berger and Julie Di Cresce for December Films; Jennifer Chen for Channel Zero Studios and Daniel Mekinda for GroupM Motion Entertainment; and Yi Qiao, director drama and Robert Franke, VP Drama for ZDF Studios.

Dalton will also direct the series with Moloney on board as writer. PBS Distribution is on board as the US distributor and the series is co-produced with Channel Zero and ZDF Studios, who are distributing in ROW.

Testar said of the commission: “We’re very pleased to bring The Puzzle Lady to Channel 5, a compelling, cosy crime drama that will keep viewers guessing and entertained equally. Phyllis Logan will be excellent as Cora Felton, our Puzzle Lady.”