Mystery novel series Murder Most Unladylike set for TV adaptation

Robin Stevens’ children’s mystery novel Murder Most Unladylike

British-American author Robin Stevens’ children’s mystery novel Murder Most Unladylike is to be adapted into a TV series by StudioCanal Television, UK-based prodco Strong Film & Television and Stevens’ new production banner Unladylike Productions.

The 6×45’ project will be directed by James Strong (Mr Bates vs The Post Office) and written for TV by Anna McCleery (Free Rein). StudioCanal Kids & Family is handling worldwide merchandising and licensing.

Described as a fast-paced murder mystery series following two rebellious teen female detectives, it is inspired by Stevens’ multi-million selling book series, which debuted in 2014.

Murder Most Unladylike is among the first coproductions to emerge from StudioCanal’s in-house label StudioCanal Stories, which was launched in 2024 and is dedicated to literary adaptations for film and TV under the leadership of senior VP Sarah Reese Geffroy.

M-K Kennedy, MD at StudioCanal Television, said: “The strength of the IP, coupled with the vision of Anna McCleery will ensure this is going to be family co-viewing at its best and testament to our continued ambition to bring bold literary adaptations to television audiences worldwide and with phenomenal franchise opportunity.”