When a woman's body is found strangled with a tie in Raven's Wood, it's reminiscent of a case from ten years ago, in "Midsomer Murders: Stranglers Wood," from the second season.
Barnaby calls on the investigator from ten years ago, George Meakam (Frank Windsor); he is not only no help but very negative on whether Barnaby will catch the strangler.
Since a Rolex watch was found near the body, Barnaby is able to trace it to John Merrill (Nicholas Farrell). Farrell is the Director of Marketing of a tobacco company, and the victim turns out to be the face of their "Carla" cigarette commercials.
It looks good for Merrill being the killer, but other suspects appear as Barnaby and Troy try to solve the Strangler's Wood case.
On the home front, Joyce is away caring for her mother, leaving Cully and Barnaby to fend for themselves. Though Barnaby intends to spend some time with Cully, the case keeps interfering.
Very good, intriguing script, with John Nettles, Phyllis Logan (as Mrs. Merrill) and the cast in top form.
Highly recommended.