Novels have been an inspiring blueprint for plenty of movies and web series, conjuring characters on screen that are immortalised on paper by authors. Several popular movies and web series owe their success to their inked counterparts – the classic Sherlock or the contemporary Bridgerton, Enola Holmes, Game of Thrones and more being some recent examples. The OTT is full of web series that are book adaptations like the recent Netflix release A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, which is based on the novel of the same name by Holly Jackson. Let’s explore some of the best mystery thrillers (web series) you probably didn’t know were based on books. From classic adaptations to contemporary thrillers, these mystery thrillers (web series) offer an array of intriguing tales on Netflix, JioCinema, and more.
1. Sharp Objects – JioCinema
This psychological thriller based on the debut novel by Gillian Flynn follows Camille Preaker, a troubled journalist who returns to her small hometown of Wind Gap, Missouri, to cover the gruesome murders of two young girls. Haunted by her traumatic past and struggling with self-harm, Camille is forced to confront her demons while trying to unravel the dark secrets buried beneath the town’s idyllic surface. As Camille reconnects with her estranged mother, Adora, and her half-sister, Amma, she discovers disturbing truths about her family and the community. The investigation gets complicated when Camille starts digging into the murders and faces manipulation and a web of lies that threaten to engulf her.
2. The Night Manager – Disney+ Hotstar
Based on John le Carré’s 1993 novel of the same name, the show features a stellar cast including Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, Olivia Colman, Tom Hollander, and Elizabeth Debicki. The story follows Jonathan Pine (Hiddleston), a former British soldier who now works as a night manager at a luxury hotel in Cairo. His life is upended when he is approached by Sophie Alekan, the mistress of an arms dealer, who gives him confidential documents about an illegal arms deal involving Richard Roper (Laurie), a powerful businessman. When Alekan is murdered, Pine approaches Angela Burr (Colman), an intelligence officer who has been working to expose Roper’s criminal activities. Pine goes undercover to infiltrate Roper’s inner circle, however, his mission is complicated by his growing feelings for Roper’s girlfriend, Jed Marshall (Debicki). The series is known for its high production values, gripping plot, and intense performances. There’s also an Indian version, headlined by Aditya Roy Kapoor.
3. Bard of the Blood – Netflix
Kabir Anand (Emraan Hashmi) is an intelligence officer turned Shakespeare professor. Kabir was forced to leave RAW after a failed mission in Balochistan, which caused the death of his colleague and close friend. Years later, Kabir is forced to return when his former mentor, Sadiq Sheikh (Rajit Kapur), approaches him for a mission. When Sadiq is killed, Kabir takes up the mission to rescue the captured agents. Joining Kabir are Isha Khanna (Sobhita Dhulipala) and Veer Singh (Vineet Kumar Singh). The trio traverse the dangerous terrain of Balochistan, deal with local insurgents, Pakistani intelligence, and the Taliban, and uncover a larger conspiracy that threatens regional stability. This engaging spy thriller, based on the novel of the same name by Bilal Siddiqi, offers a blend of action, drama, and suspense.
4. Big Little Lies – JioCinema
Adapted from Liane Moriarty’s eponymous novel, the web series features a star-studded cast comprising Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, and Zoë Kravitz in lead roles. The plot revolves around five main characters – Madeline Mackenzie, Celeste Wright, Jane Chapman, Renata Klein, and Bonnie Carlson. The story begins with a murder at a school fundraiser, and the series unfolds through flashbacks and police interviews, gradually revealing the circ*mstances leading up to the crime. As secrets are uncovered, the show explores themes of domestic violence, friendship, and the masks people wear to hide their true selves. The series is known for its suspenseful storytelling, character development, and exploration of important social issues.
5. House of Cards – Netflix
One of the most top-rated shows, this political mystery thriller is based on Michael Dobbs’ novel of the same name, the series spans six seasons and stars Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Michael Kelly, and numerous supporting actors. The series follows Frank Underwood (Spacey), a ruthless and ambitious politician who begins the show as the House Majority Whip in the U.S. Congress. When he is passed over for a promotion to Secretary of State, Frank, along with his equally ambitious wife Claire (Robin Wright), embarks on a manipulative and morally dubious quest to gain power and control over Washington, D.C.
6. You – Netflix
Starring Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail, Shay Mitchell, and Victoria Pedretti, among others, this psychological thriller is based on the bestselling novel by Caroline Kepnes. Spanning four seasons, the series follows Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley), a bookstore manager who becomes dangerously obsessed with the women he dates. Joe’s charming exterior hides a dark and obsessive nature, as he goes to extreme lengths to insert himself into the lives of his romantic interests. The show combines psychological thriller elements with dark comedy, exploring the lengths to which Joe will go to maintain his idealised version of love. The series is known for its intense and often unsettling portrayal of its main character and commentary on the intersection of technology and personal privacy.
7. Orange is the New Black – Netflix
The show is based on Piper Kerman’s memoir, Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison, which recounts her experiences in federal prison. The series centres around Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling), a privileged New Yorker who is sentenced to 15 months in a federal women’s prison for her involvement in a drug trafficking scheme a decade earlier. The show explores her journey through the prison system and the complex relationships she forms with her fellow inmates and the prison staff. The series blends drama with dark humour and satire, offering a nuanced portrayal of life in prison while addressing broader social issues.
