Bookish Season 2: Everything We Know So Far

When Mark Gatiss’ cosy crime drama Bookish debuted on U&Alibi last summer, it wasn’t actually an instant hit. Rather, as the show was added to Now TV and as viewers found it on their own, word of mouth gradually spread. Soon, it seemed like everyone was talking about the six-part series, which centres on antiquarian bookseller and part time detective, Gabriel Book (Gatiss).

But the people at U&Alibi never doubted the series would be a hit: the broadcaster renewed Bookish for season 2 before season 1 even aired. Set to land this summer, here’s everything we know so far about the series’ return – plus a first look at the trailer.

Bookish Season 2: Plot, Cast, Release Date & More

Mark Gatiss is something of a media polymath: he is an actor, comedian, screenwriter, director, producer and novelist. And when it comes to Bookish, he utilises many of the strings in his bow, creating, writing, executive producing and starring in the period mystery.

Whisking us back to 1946, Gatiss stars as protagonist Gabriel Book, an eccentric antiquarian bookshop owner who utilises his storied collection to assist the police in untangling knotty mysteries. Having delved into a world of espionage and secrets during the recently-passed WWII, Book’s Books on Archangel Lane is a cosy front for his continuing career as an expert detective.

On and off camera, Gatiss is assisted by Bridgerton star Polly Walker, who stars as his lavender wife Trottie Book and helped pen episode 1 of season 1.

What Will Happen?

Book has three crimes to solve in Bookish season 2. The first delves into the burgeoning world of spiritualism, with medium Harold Sneed (Jason Watkins) at the centre of a séance full of secrets.

For the second case, Inspector Bliss (Elliot Levey) tasks Book with untangling a puzzling murder on Savile Row, with elderly tailor Maxie Kleinmann (Allan Corduner) eager to confess – but the evidence doesn’t quite stack up.

The final two episodes of the six-part series will delve into the mysterious past of Felix, the father of Jack (Connor Finch), the recently released petty criminal hired by Book in season 1. Book and Jack head off to the charming German village of Würl by the mysterious ‘E’ (Simon Callow) to thwart a thieving Duchess (Miranda Richardson).

Speaking to Radio Times, Gatiss hinted these episodes will reveal Book’s history with Felix. ‘Episode 5 [and] 6, that’s what it’s about,’ the writer-actor said. ‘So we will find out what happened, who Felix was, what happened to him, the whole shebang!’ Despite the series’ summer release date, this will all be backdropped by Christmas in Germany.

In his personal life, Book remains intrigued by Jack. Meanwhile Trottie’s head is turned by the arrival of the debonair Colonel Winters (Rupert Graves). But will their safe, convenient marriage be threatened?

Watch the trailer below for a taste of the action.

The Cast

The core cast will return for season 2 of Bookish, including Gatiss as Gabriel Book, Walker as Trottie Book, Finch as Jack Blunt, Levey as Inspector Bliss, Blake Harrison as Sergeant Morris and Buket Kömür as Nora.

But with three new cases to crack, there will be plenty of new faces on screen, too, including Jason Watkins, Miranda Richardson, Simon Callow and Rupert Graves, alongside Claire Skinner, Youssef Kerkour, Allan Corduner and Ruth Codd.

Release Date

No specific date just yet, but we are told Bookish season 2 will air on U&alibi ‘this summer’. In the US, the series airs on PBS.

Will There Be A Third Season?

It seems Bookish has a long future ahead: in January 2026, Gatiss let slip he was already writing series 3.

As for what the future of the series holds, he quipped: ‘It would involve books. And murder – never theft.’

All episodes of Bookish are available to stream on Now.

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