Is Murder by the Book Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Murder by the Book is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Murder by the Book Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1987, Murder by the Book enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on Mild-mannered mystery writer D. Under the direction of Mel Damski, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Robert Hays. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Murder by the Book offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Murder by the Book resonates with current cultural themes in the Comedy space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Murder by the Book is available for streaming on fuboTV. It is also featured on platforms like MGM+ Amazon Channel and MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Murder by the Book centers on a unique premise within the Comedy landscape. Mild-mannered mystery writer D. H. Mercer has become so immersed in his material that his creation, hard-boiled private eye Biff Deegan, constantly appears to him as a hallucination. Intent on getting rid of Biff, and replacing him with a more civilized detective, Mercer soon finds himself in a genuine mystery involving art fraud, murder, and a beautiful lady in peril. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1987 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Murder by the Book has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Murder by the Book sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Murder by the Book (1987): with an audience rating of 5.9/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Comedy, Crime, Mystery, Thriller, TV Movie cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch Murder by the Book Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
fuboTV
MGM+ Amazon Channel
MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel
MGM Plus
PhiloParents Guide & Age Rating
Murder by the Book is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.9/10, and global collection metrics, Murder by the Book stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Murder by the Book movie hit or flop?
Murder by the Book has received mixed reviews with a 5.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Murder by the Book worth watching?
Murder by the Book is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Crime, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Murder by the Book online?
Murder by the Book is currently available for streaming on fuboTV. You can also check for it on platforms like fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, Philo depending on your region.
Explore More Verdicts
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Murder by the Book movie hit or flop?
Murder by the Book has received mixed reviews with a 5.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Murder by the Book worth watching?
Murder by the Book is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Crime, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Murder by the Book online?
Murder by the Book is currently available for streaming on fuboTV. You can also check for it on platforms like fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, Philo depending on your region.
What is the story of Murder by the Book?
Murder by the Book is a Comedy, Crime, Mystery movie that follows: Mild-mannered mystery writer D. H. Mercer has become so immersed in his material that his creation, hard-boiled private eye Biff Deegan, constantly appears to him as a hallucination. Intent on getting...
Is Murder by the Book family friendly?
Yes, Murder by the Book is generally suitable for family viewing as it is a Comedy, Crime, Mystery movie.
What language is Murder by the Book available in?
Murder by the Book is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
Mild-mannered mystery writer D. H. Mercer has become so immersed in his material that his creation, hard-boiled private eye Biff Deegan, constantly appears to him as a hallucination. Intent on getting rid of Biff, and replacing him with a more civilized detective, Mercer soon finds himself in a genuine mystery involving art fraud, murder, and a beautiful lady in peril.
Critic Reviews
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