Earlier this year, I watched a crime drama called Whitstable Pearl (via UKTVPlay). Kerry Godliman, who I’m more familiar with from comedy panel shows, turned in a cracking performance as the main character along with a strong supporting cast. I was delighted to recently be given a copy of the first book in the series the show was based on, The Whitstable Pearl Mystery by Julie Wassmer.

That was also good although quite different. Casting directors for crime dramas seem to have a habit of ignoring the physical descriptions. Wassmer’s Pearl has long, dark hair but Godliman keeps her shorter, blonde locks. Meanwhile, the blond and rather nordic McGuire is portrayed by Howard Charles, who has short dark hair and a look that has some ambiguity but certainly doesn’t scream “Scandanavia”.

As is often the case, book and film occupy universes that are vaguely parallel, sharing some of the names, locations and plot details, but you have to take each one as they come because the story has to adapt to the medium.