Amid the scenic splendour of small-town life lurks a web of deception, greed and dark secrets.Tackling these perplexing cases are Detectives Mike Shepherd (Neill Rea), Kristin Sims (Fern Sutherland) and Daniel Chalmers (Jarod Rawiri). Along with eccentric pathologist Gina Kadinksy (Cristina Ionda), they use all manner of less than conventional methods to solve Brokenwood's more macabre and unusual crimes. From an ’80s rock star with a dead groupie on his conscience to an explosive school quiz night, a fatal séance to a killer chandelier, and a science teacher’s ziplining misadventure, this season’s investigations continue to brand Brokenwood as New Zealand’s deadliest town. Even Santa Claus makes an appearance as oddball Frodo’s infamous family experiences a lethal case of stolen identity.“New Zealand Midsomer Murders” The Guardian“A hotbed for unrelated grisly deaths... harmless fun” Radio Times