Sherlock and League Of Gentleman star Mark Gatiss has been confirmed to be writing and starring in brand new detective drama, Bookish.

The new six-part series, which will debut on UKTV’s Alibi channel, will see Gatiss turn investigator across three major crimes.

He will play Gabriel Book, a antiquarian bookshop owner who is ‘erudite and unconventional’, and often helps police solve mysterious crimes.

Based in 1946, Book uses all the knowledge he’s earned from reading his collection to help crack the cases.

The synopsis adds: “Book has gathered around him a host of lovable, damaged misfits whom he informally protects, cajoles, and mentors. His wife, Trottie, runs the wallpaper shop next door.

“She’s a charismatic adventuress whom Book loves deeply but not physically, for they are in a ‘lavender’ marriage to help conceal Book’s sexual orientation in a time when it was illegal to be gay.”

Each case he will face will span across two episodes each.

Speaking of the new role, Gatiss said: “To misquote Goodfellas: “All my life I’ve wanted to be a detective!” I couldn’t be more excited to be bringing this series to the screen, and to plunge viewers into our intoxicating version of post-War London.

“It’s an under-examined time and an under-examined world and Bookish is the strange, funny and thrilling show that I’ve always wanted to make.”

Helen Perry, head of drama for UKTV, said: “UKTV is the home for writers’ passion projects, and we are so proud to be working with the exceptionally talented Mark Gatiss on his, along with the effervescent team at Eagle Eye.

“Mark’s unique detective thriller is full of wit and heart, with a central platonic love story that is sure to enthral audiences. And because Book is a gay man, at a time when it was illegal to be so, we are proud that the drama shines a light on an important LGBTQ+ story. The star-studded cast Eagle Eye have already put together is tribute to the sure-fire hit Bookish is to become.”

Polly Walker (Bridgerton, Line of Duty) will be joining him on the mysteries as Book’s colourful wife Trottie. 

Connor Finch (Everything I Know About Love), O Elliot Levey (We Were the Lucky Ones, Quiz) and Buket Kömür (Our House) also appear.

The series will also feature a host of guest stars including Joely Richardson (The Gentleman, Renegade Nell), Daniel Mays (The Long Shadow, Code 404) and Jonas Nay (Deutschland 83, Concordia).

Bookish will air on Alibi in 2025.