Apple TV's latest British thriller series Down Cemetery Road is based on Mick Herron's 2003 eponymous novel. If the name rings a bell, it's because Mick Herron is behind another popular and Emmy-winning series on the platform, Slow Horses (adapted from Slough House). After the platform's success with this Mick Herron title, which has recently wrapped up its fifth season, Apple TV is ready to bring another of the author's stories to life.Down Cemetery Road stars British actress Emma Thompson as a private investigator Zoë Boehm, who is contacted by a frantic woman named Sarah (Ruth Wilson), after a nearby explosion causes a girl's disappearance. As Zoe digs deeper into Sarah's relationship with the missing girl and the explosion, she uncovers a dangerous government conspiracy.The latest Apple TV series is set in the quiet suburban neighbourhood of Oxford, England. Developed by Slow Horses writer Morwenna Banks, Down Cemetery Road subverts our expectations of an idyllic suburban neighbourhood. The quiet neighborhood stands in complete contrast with the violent happenings and soon, all the characters are caught in this conspiracy.More on this in our story.Where is Down Cemetery Road set? Exploring the setting of Apple TV's latest seriesMick Herron has proved himself as a master of mysteries and thrillers with his Slough House series. After making a hit franchise and an Emmy-winning series out of his 2010 novel, Apple TV+ has now set its eyes on the author's debut novel Down Cemetery Road. It is quite impressive that the recently debuted thriller series is set in the quaint English city of Oxford. While the narrative carries similar thriller tones to Slow Horses, Herron has traded the bustling central London setting for this sleepy town in Oxfordshire, England.The setting of Oxford, England, carries a lot of weight as it is a quite idealized location, known for its quiet suburban neighbourhood. Apple TV's thriller series aptly utilises the leafy suburban enclave of Oxford. It's comfortable and residential setting feels safe, almost like the last place for a mishappening, let alone a conspiracy.However, this is where Herron's imagination truly shines. Contrary to the central London setting of Slow Horses, which invites crime, betrayal and government conspiracy, the sleepy town of Oxford feels safe. However, Mick Herron's story subverts this narrative by opening with a dramatic house explosion.The recently released Down Cemetery Road premiere aptly utilizes the contrast between the surface calm of domestic life and the violent explosion to set the tone for the remainder of the season.Down Cemetery Road takes place in a tight-knit suburban View this post on Instagram Instagram PostApple TV's Down Cemetery Road leaves more questions than answers with its consecutively released first two episodes. Thompson's protagonist Zoë Boehm begins the show with a frantic visit from art conservator Sarah, who wants her to find out about a missing child. However, it is soon revealed that Sarah is unrelated to the said child, which initiates a circle of suspense and lies. Between Zoë's desire to unravel the secrets of this case and Sarah's increased involvement with her next-door explosion, the quiet suburban setting truly shines.Oxford’s tranquil exterior becomes the perfect camouflage for secrets and explosive truths waiting to be unearthed. Setting the show in Oxford isn’t just an aesthetic choice, but a narrative one. Oxford represents a unique duality. On one hand, it’s timeless and picturesque and on the other, it’s filled with narrow alleys, ancient walls and hidden corners that invite intrigue.The Oxford suburbs create the perfect illusion of privacy and comfort. But the explosion shatters that illusion, forcing characters to confront the truths they’ve long buried under layers of civility and privilege.Down Cemetery Road will release weekly episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV.For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.