UKTV confirms July release for its upcoming period mystery drama Bookish

UKTV has confirmed July 16th as the release date for its upcoming U&Original series, Bookish, which it commissioned as an original for its crime channel, Alibi. The series is the brainchild of Emmy Award-winning writer Mark Gatiss (Sherlock) who will also star in the lead role. 

What is it about?

 Mark Gatiss stars as Gabriel Book, an unconventional antiquarian bookshop owner. Book, is a secretly gay man in a “lavender marriage” to his loyal wife, Trottie, who uses his extensive literary knowledge and his wits to aid the police in solving complex crimes and mysteries. The series blends post-war nostalgia with some darker themes, with intriguing characters and puzzling mysteries. 

Who is in the cast? 

Mark Gatiss and Polly Walker are joined by Connor Finch (Everything I Know About Love) as Jack, Elliot Levey (We Were the Lucky Ones) as Inspector Bliss, Blake Harrison (World on Fire) as Sergeant Morris, and Buket Kömür (Our House) as Nora.

Guest cast members include Paul McGann (Doctor Who), alongside Tim McInnerny (Blackadder), Elizabeth Berrington (Fifteen-Love), Mark Umbers (Hotel Portofino), and Angeliki Papoulia (The Lobster) as Princess Ruhije. 

Watch the trailer here:

When will it air?

Bookish will air on the channel U&Alibi in the UK on July 16th and as part of PBS’ Masterpiece series later in 2025-26. It has already been renewed for a second season.