Thriller hailed 'best in world' based on 'masterpiece' novels is free to stream on ITV

Crime drama fans are able to watch "one of the best ever" series for free on ITV. Based on the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series of novels by Val McDermid, Wire in the Blood was released in 2002 and follows a university clinical psychologist, who taps into his own dark side to get inside the heads of serial killers. Set in the fictional English city of Bradfield, Dr Anthony "Tony" Valentine Hill (played by Robson Green) works alongside Carol Jordan (Hermione Norris) and other detectives to track down the twisted murderers before they strike again.

The psychological thriller series ran for six seasons from 2002 to 2008 before it was cancelled by ITV the following year. It was reported the show was axed due to high production costs and the heavy competition of other new series on the network. During its original run, the show was praised for its strong performances, particularly by Green as Dr. Tony Hill, and its suspenseful storylines. All six series are available to stream for free on ITVX.

The first novel in the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series, The Mermaids Singing, was released in 1995 by Scottish crime writer and No. 1 bestseller McDermid. Since then, she has written 11 novels involving the psychologist and detective duo.

The books have achieved significant commercial success, with McDermid's novels being translated into 30 languages and selling more than 11 million copies worldwide.

Readers can't get enough of the books and have raced to hand it a glowing review, with one writing: "One of the best crime series ever written is the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan 'Wire in the Blood' by @valmcdermid."

"Wire in the Blood is an unimpeachable masterpiece," added a second as another agreed: "The Wire in The Blood novels are soooo good! I've been inhaling them for the past two weeks. Currently on book 4."

A fourth echoed: "@valmcdermidThe Wire In The Blood is an absolute masterpiece!!!"

Despite the TV adaptation ending more than 16 years ago, the show still resonates with viewers.

"Wire in the Blood with Robson Green is the best of British detective series. Great show," one viewer said as another posted: "Excellent / suspenseful/ entertaining. Excellent cast and acting. Well written, love the characters, the main acting team, they work so well together."

A fourth agreed: "I've just completed Wire in the Blood. I watched it 1st time round on TV in 2002. It's just brilliant, definitely one of the first best British TV crime series! Thank you! And thank you to @valmcdermid for bringing Tony Hill to life. I've almost finished the books!"

Another shared: "This is one of the very best police-procedural shows ever done in the world. Robson Green does an amazing job as a quirky and intense psychologist that helps the local police deal with various crimes. From the first episode until the end of the series, it kept me on the edge of my seat."

Someone else added: "Thrilling, brutal, yet magnetic, this show was so damn good, My only regret is that I have to come so late to enjoy it. Doctor Hill is so my kind of character, charismatic, a little weird and extremely intelligent, Robson Green is perfect for the role."