Investigating Death in Paradise
Finding New Meaning in the BBC Mystery Series
Published on 4. April 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
246 pages
978-1-4766-8886-2 (ISBN)
Description
First televised in 2011, Death in Paradise remains one of the most popular shows in the U.K. The detective series is frequently ignored, panned or belittled by television critics, but viewers disagree. Bringing in more than eight million viewers a season, it is accessible in more than 235 global territories. This first book-length assessment of Death in Paradise offers a fresh take on the popular BBC drama.
The book positions the show within broader contexts that illustrate its origins and timeless appeal, from the first conceptualizations of "paradise" in ancient cultures to the creation of the classic detective story in the 1920s. The detective inspectors on Death in Paradise come from a long line of fictional eccentrics who excel at finding quirky clues, seeing surprising connections and employing help from other officials and agencies. Through exploration of these narrative elements and more, the author reveals deeper themes of justice, inclusion and environmentalism.
The book positions the show within broader contexts that illustrate its origins and timeless appeal, from the first conceptualizations of "paradise" in ancient cultures to the creation of the classic detective story in the 1920s. The detective inspectors on Death in Paradise come from a long line of fictional eccentrics who excel at finding quirky clues, seeing surprising connections and employing help from other officials and agencies. Through exploration of these narrative elements and more, the author reveals deeper themes of justice, inclusion and environmentalism.
Reviews / Votes
"If the late celebrity chef, author, and travel documentarian, Anthony Bourdain, had written a book about the TV series, no doubt it would have read a lot like Investigating Death in Paradise."-Arthur Hayes, Fordham University "Eloquently penned...an entertaining read...casual and avid fans will love and understand the series even more after reading this book. If you have been a scathing critic of the show, Andersen just might nudge you to take a second look."-Traveling WildMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Jefferson, NC
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
39 photos, notes, bibliography, index
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
408 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4766-8886-2 (9781476688862)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Robin Andersen is a media writer, commentator, award winning author, and professor emerita of communication and media studies at Fordham University. Her media analysis can be found at Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, FAIR.org.
Content
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
Introduction: The Long Dream of Paradise
?1.?Finding and Losing Paradise in the Caribbean
?2.?Women on the Island and on the Screen
?3.?Exploring Guadeloupe and Finding Death in Paradise
?4.?Paradise, Harry, the Shack on the Beach, and the British Detective Inspectors
?5.?A Different Kind of Police Officer
?6.?Eccentrics, Quirky Clues, Surprising Prompts, and the Detective Denouement
?7.?Swimming Pools on Death in Paradise and Visual Storytelling
?8.?The Hard Work of Producing TV in the Tropics
?9.?Meeting Don Warrington at the Fort Royal
10.?Filming the Geography of Paradise and the Interior Landscapes of Character
11.?Season 10: A Decade of Death in Paradise
12.?The 2021 Christmas Special: A Close Reading
Conclusion: Casting Shade on a Sunny Island
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
Acknowledgments
Preface
Introduction: The Long Dream of Paradise
?1.?Finding and Losing Paradise in the Caribbean
?2.?Women on the Island and on the Screen
?3.?Exploring Guadeloupe and Finding Death in Paradise
?4.?Paradise, Harry, the Shack on the Beach, and the British Detective Inspectors
?5.?A Different Kind of Police Officer
?6.?Eccentrics, Quirky Clues, Surprising Prompts, and the Detective Denouement
?7.?Swimming Pools on Death in Paradise and Visual Storytelling
?8.?The Hard Work of Producing TV in the Tropics
?9.?Meeting Don Warrington at the Fort Royal
10.?Filming the Geography of Paradise and the Interior Landscapes of Character
11.?Season 10: A Decade of Death in Paradise
12.?The 2021 Christmas Special: A Close Reading
Conclusion: Casting Shade on a Sunny Island
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index