All successful television crime series have one thing in common – their emphasis on location. It is as important as the story and the characterisation. Think of Taggart and Glasgow, Rebus and Edinburgh, Morse (and later Endeavour) and Oxford, Vera and Northumberland, Wallander and Ystad. In all such series, the location itself is practically a main character rather than a backdrop. It becomes an integral part of the drama.This is particularly true of Hinterland, with every episode of its three series located in various areas of Ceredigion. Indeed, it could be argued that the main marketing feature of Hinterland is its variety of locations, their scenic atmosphere, moods and ambience. They are aptly described as ‘the fabric of the series’.This lavishly illustrated coffee-table-style publication of almost 200 pages is a must, not only for Hinterland aficionados but also for all those who appreciate photographic landscapes. They are aptly described on the back cover as exploring ‘the silent but ever-present character of Ceredigion’.The photographs vary from those actually shot during filming of the 13 episodes to David Wilson’s atmospheric black-and-white images. And there are essays by Ed Talfan and Ed Thomas, who are the co-creators of Hinterland, and an evocative piece by screenwriter Cynan Jones. Indeed, short as it is, Jones’s essay is itself worth the purchasing price.In their introduction, the two Eds reveal that their ambition with Hinterland was to give the Welsh audience a crime show to call its own. ‘From the beginning, our greatest inspiration for the series was the landscape.’Invaluable to the book is the map at the end which notes the areas of Ceredigion that are portrayed. Along the coast they stretch from Ynys-las to Mwnt and inland to the edge of the Elan Valley and Soar-y-mynydd. This is a book that should be ever-present at your elbow. Turn to it whenever you have time to spare. Turn to any page. Lose yourself in the ever-changing landscape where you can experience all four seasons within the course of a single day. Sunshine and shadow, mists and myths exist side by side. Turn to Borth and believe in Cantre’r Gwaelod. Above Soar-y-mynydd, expect that great hymnologist, Williams Pantycelyn, to ride by at any minute. At Ceinewydd (New Quay) you might bump into Dylan Thomas waiting for the Black Lion to open. Feast your eyes on these timeless landscapes, and anything seems possible.
