A library turns into a shelter... Bookish is a series that reveals what lies beneath the surface.

Following the huge success of Sherlock, British writer and actor Mark Gatiss returns with a new television adventure, Bookish, a rich dramatic experience set in post-World War II London .

Mark Gatiss returns with a different kind of drama in “Bookish” The series premiered on July 16 on the UK channel U&Alibi and is expected to air in the United States on PBS, indicating its potential global reach, particularly among audiences of historical dramas and intelligent investigations.

A story where crime intersects with hidden identities. The series takes place in 1946, as Britain recovers from the ravages of war and experiences a delicate social transition. In this context, we meet Gabriel Book, the owner of a rare bookshop. He lives a seemingly quiet and simple life, but in reality, he plays a secret role as an unofficial detective, hired by the police to solve complex mysteries and cases. Book's character is not ordinary: he is a gay man in a time when homosexuality was a crime, and he lives in a formal marriage with his girlfriend, "Trotty," played by Polly Walker. His library becomes a safe space for the marginalized and broken, a center for compassion and alternative solutions, not just for books but for souls searching for safety and belonging.

A human drama with different eyes and remarkable acting. What sets Bookish apart from other crime dramas is its profound human touch, highlighting repressed identities within a traditional society suffering from post-war turmoil. Mark Gatiss, who plays the lead role, saw the series as a way to showcase a gay character in a time period often under-reported in drama, where silence speaks louder than words, and resistance takes the form of everyday life under strict laws.

The series features a star-studded cast including Connor Finch, Paul McGann, Elliott Levy, Pocket Komor, Luke Norris, and Rosie Cavaleiro, alongside a host of new faces and rising talent, enhancing the richness and diversity of the work in terms of acting and artistic vision.