Sleuth reads by example

Mike Ward previews tonight's TV

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WOULD you indulge me for a moment and allow me to tell you about a show that isn't on free-to-air TV? I shan't be making a habit of this by the eay, but in the absence of anything particularly sensational tonight on the main channels, other than some football match or other, devoting a few lines to the rather fine BOOKISH (U&alibi, 8pm and 9.10pm) seems only right and proper.

It's a new six-part drama set in London in 1946, with creator Mark Gatiss in the starring role. Gatiss plays a chap called Gabriel Book, who by spooky coincidence happens to run a bookshop.

Polly Walker plays the magnificent Trottie, Gabriel’s wife and his dearest friend since childhood — their marriage a front for the fact that he’s actually gay.