Netflix's Forgotten Mini Series is a Must-See for Any True Crime Fan

Summary

• The series is not available in many regions, hence its position under our radars.
• True crime fans will love that this is based on a true story.
• The events leading up to the crime involve twisted love, betrayal and gas.

Crime shows are all about the crucial little details we miss, but what about an entire series that was somehow buried in our memories or completely undetected on our binge lists?

While many crime fans are accustomed to looking forward to future releases, they are also prone to missing hidden gems like this one. This series has been sitting like a cold case for years, but it's time to dive in and uncover the treacherous tale of love, deceit, death, and a dentist.

Released at the end of April 2016, The Secret is a riveting four-episode miniseries with nail-biting suspense, a steadily increasing pace, and a passionate affair that leads two people to betray their partners in the most unimaginable ways. If The Secret doesn't sell itself, true crime fans will be (morbidly) ecstatic to learn that the scandalous series is based on a very true story.

A depraved dentist, a Sunday School teacher and a very twisted love story

The Secret combines drama, suspense and believable performances, but the story it tells is far from fiction. The first episode of the miniseries was broadcast exactly 25 years and 11 days after the shocking double murder in Northern Ireland.

Hazel Buchanan and Colin Howell met at the Baptist church they attended with their respective families and began an adulterous relationship in 1990, just a year before the mysterious deaths of both their spouses.

Originally named The Castlerock Suicides, it would take a staggering 18 years for the families of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan to learn the truth behind their deaths after the couple was found dead in a car filled with smoke. It was Colin himself who came forward, having confessed his crimes to the church elders, apparently prompted by the death of his eldest son and urged to go to the police.

However, the truth that comes to light is far worse than anyone could have imagined, involving the sexual abuse of unconscious patients, a deadly plan that was eventually put into action, and a fake suicide pact.

A highly praised series following a heinous crime

There is undoubtedly an abundance of information online about the case, but The Secret brings this murder story to life in a gripping and suspenseful way that cannot be missed.

Fans who have already watched the series have confirmed that it is absolutely binge-worthy and difficult not to watch all four episodes in one sitting. Fans have also praised Nesbitt, who is all too used to playing characters in crime dramas, for his performance in The Secret, which is both moving and chilling.

Another common sentiment among fans of the show is that The Secret is not as available as it should be. Many who want to watch the show have complained about not being able to find it on Netflix US.

Could we speculate that this is one of the reasons why it has been so easily forgotten by those who have seen it and remained unknown to those who have not?

However, despite the critical and audience acclaim, The Secret has also received its fair share of controversy. Reminiscent of recent events surrounding another true crime show, Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, families of the victims have threatened legal action against the creators of The Secret for the alleged hurt and distress caused by the series.

Where to uncover The Secret

Somehow, just like Colin and Hazel’s crimes, The Secret managed to stay hidden, but it's time for it to come out into the light. The Secret is available on itvX, BritBox, Amazon Prime UK and Netflix in certain regions, US excluded.