Read the books, they are much better Having read some of these mysteries beforehand, I was really looking forward to this series. You always expect some changes, but neither of the main characters bear any resemblance to the characters in the books in appearance or character. The tv version used a few things from the books, Frances Barber is good as Pearl's mother. I don't dislike either Kerry Godliman or Howard Charles, I have seen them both in other things and they have been very good, but they are totally wrong for these roles. The series doesn't use enough of the original stories either, which are actually very good. I don't understand why?
Honestly, read the books by Julie Wassmer, they are much better.