CSI Argyll: Can rookie sleuths crack twisty case devised by Rebus creator?
Parm Sandhu was already sold on the concept of Murder Island when she signed up – and when she found out Ian Rankin was involved she was jumping for joy.
The plot of the six-part series has been developed by the best-selling author and is designed to have plenty of twists and turns for the contestants to navigate.
Sandhu said: “When they gave me the outline of what they were planning, it’s a completely unique way of filming anything. I’ve never seen a series like this before.
“I was very keen from the outset and then a little while later they said Ian Rankin was writing the plot. I’m one of his biggest fans so I was jumping up and down!”
The series sees budding crime-solvers leading their own investigation into the discovery of a body that has shocked the fictional island community of Hirsa.
Eight contestants work in pairs to sift through evidence, decipher forensic and pathology reports, and interview suspects. The amateur sleuths try to solve the crime and build a case that can stand up in court.
Inspector Rebus author Rankin said: “When it comes to writing a whodunnit I usually call the shots, taking the reader only to the places I want them to visit and showing them only the characters I want them to see. Murder Island is different.
“The detectives can follow any strand, uncovering clues as they go and asking the suspects any questions they like. Will I manage to stay one step ahead of them? I think I’ve constructed my twistiest story yet – so let’s see!”
Failing teams must hand in their badges and be taken off the case and the island. If the last remaining team can identify the killer and build a case good enough to satisfy one of Scotland’s leading lawyers, they could scoop a £50,000 prize.
Sandhu serves as senior investigating officer, flanked by retired detective Simon Harding and organised crime specialist Graham Mcmillan. They use their decades of experience to judge each team’s merits.
“The crime scene was very good, very realistic,” said Sandhu. “I’m hoping the blood wasn’t real but it certainly looked it!
“On the first day when the contestants went to the crime scene, some of the mistakes were very basic. But they are the type any rookie detective would make.
“It’s got to be about being methodical, analytical, and not cutting corners while building that bigger picture.”
Their only training consisted of watching crime dramas such as CSI but Sandhu said the amateurs did “incredibly well.” She added: “There were some very silly mistakes, like picking up glasses that had fingerprints and possible DNA on them, walking through blood and wondering whose footprints were left when it was their own.
“The teams couldn’t go to their family or friends for help, they didn’t have the internet. They were completely alone other than a phone call back home to check everything was going OK.
“They had no resources other than the clues, the help from us and whatever they brought to the table themselves.
“Everyone was ensconced in the island. It’s an amazing place, I’d definitely go back – unless there’s a murder in which case I’m staying away!”