For years, Slow Horses has quietly become one of the most reliably excellent shows on television. With its ragtag team of disgraced spies and its razor-sharp blend of cynicism and heart, the Apple TV+ series has set a high bar for espionage storytelling. But if you've already devoured every episode of that show, there's another Mick Herron adaptation on the same streamer that deserves your attention—and it might just be the perfect companion piece.
Down Cemetery Road, based on Herron's novel featuring private investigator Zoë Boehm, arrived last year to glowing reviews and a devoted following. The series was quickly renewed for a second season, and for good reason. Developed by Morwenna Banks, a writer from the Slow Horses team, and starring the formidable duo of Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson, this eight-episode mystery-thriller is a darkly funny, edge-of-your-seat ride that stands entirely on its own.
What Is Down Cemetery Road About?
The story kicks off with a house explosion in a quiet Oxford neighborhood. Two adults die, and their young daughter, Dinah Singleton, is injured but alive. The official explanation is a gas leak, but Sarah Trafford (Wilson), an art conservator who lives nearby, isn't buying it. Something about the scene doesn't add up—the evidence feels staged, the hospital is oddly evasive, and Dinah seems to vanish without a trace.
Despite warnings to back off, Sarah can't let it go. She enlists the help of Joe Silvermann (Adam Godley), one half of a struggling detective agency run by him and his wife, Zoë Boehm (Thompson). When Joe's involvement turns dangerous, Zoë steps in, and the two women find themselves on a hunt that stretches from Oxford to a remote Scottish island. What they uncover is far darker than a simple crime: a corrupt black ops mission with ties to the highest levels of the British government.
A Fresh Take on the Detective Genre
What makes Down Cemetery Road so compelling is the chemistry between its leads. Thompson's Zoë is a foul-mouthed, leather-jacket-clad antiheroine who delivers withering one-liners with deadly precision. She's tough, messy, and emotionally guarded—but also surprisingly vulnerable, which makes her impossible not to root for. Wilson's Sarah, meanwhile, is no damsel in distress. Her background in art restoration gives her a keen eye for detail, and her stubborn compassion drives her forward even when common sense says to stop.
Together, they're a buddy-comedy dream team—awkward, exasperated, and grudgingly respectful all at once. Their dynamic crackles with energy, and watching them navigate the twists and turns of the case is pure entertainment.
Like Slow Horses, this show revitalizes its genre by injecting Herron's signature dry wit and intricate plotting into a familiar framework. It's a taut, clever thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end, with a cast of misfits taking on a corrupt system. If you're a fan of Mick Herron's other work, this is a must-watch.
For those who enjoy mind-bending psychological thrillers, Down Cemetery Road fits right in. And if you're looking for more binge-worthy miniseries, this one should be at the top of your list.
With season two already in the works, there's never been a better time to catch up on this hidden gem. Trust us—you won't regret it.
