Midsomer

Midsomer is a fictional English county that serves as the primary setting for the long-running British detective mystery television series, Midsomer Murders. The show, based on the Inspector Barnaby novels by Caroline Graham, depicts the investigations of Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby and later his cousin, Detective Chief Inspector John Barnaby, into a series of murders that occur in the seemingly idyllic villages and country houses of Midsomer.

The county itself is portrayed as a picturesque and tranquil place, characterized by rolling hills, charming hamlets, and historic buildings. However, beneath this serene surface, Midsomer is a hotbed of dark secrets, eccentric characters, and a surprisingly high murder rate, often fueled by family feuds, hidden motives, and bizarre circumstances. The contrast between the bucolic landscape and the grim criminal activity is a defining element of the series.

Midsomer is not a real geographical location in England. Instead, it is an amalgamation of various picturesque rural locations, primarily filmed in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire, amongst other counties. This allows the show to capture the quintessential English countryside aesthetic that has become synonymous with the Midsomer brand. The fictional nature of Midsomer allows for creative storytelling and the creation of a unique atmosphere that blends rural charm with thrilling mystery.