Murdoch Mysteries is a Canadian mystery drama television series that began in 2008. The series is based on the Detective Murdoch novels by Maureen Jennings and is set in Toronto around the turn of the 20th century. It centres on William Murdoch, a detective at Station House Four, who solves crimes using scientific techniques and inventions which are highly advanced for the time. He is assisted by Constable George Crabtree, city coroner Doctor Julia Ogden and Inspector Thomas Brackenreid. The show was developed for television by R.B. Carney, Cal Coons and Alexandra Zarowny. It is produced by Shaftesbury Films.