Read book or watch tv series first?

[Bichette]

DH and I have just started watching Slow Horses and loving it so far. I read the first book many years ago and have completely forgotten the plot since. I have now bought the second book and am in 2 minds whether to read it before watching the adaptation or not. I think it would help me understand the complex plot but then also spoil the surprises. What do you think?

I’ve read all the books but over the last few years and it hasn’t altered how I enjoy the program . I’d read first

Omg there is only 1 correct order

1. Book
2. Watch

(in my humble opinion)

That's not even a question, who doesn't read the book first?

I always read the book first,then watch the TV series/film. It feels odd doing it the other way round,for some reason.

Yes book then watch

Difficult …

I started reading the books because there was a cliffhanger I couldn’t wait to see resolved in maybe S3. And found to my surprise that there was a considerable gap between the stories in the novels and those of the TV adaptations. The written plots are more complex - but on the other hand, while the writer can sustain a plot, there are things he’s not that great at - fully rounded characterisation and romantic relationships being two that come to mind. So the TV shows sort of even things out a bit. And of course, some of the actors turn their characters into completely epic personas - beyond anything in the books.

After finishing the S3 novel I went back and started the novels from Volume 1. It probably does no harm to read them first - I’d honestly say they reach their full potential on screen, but you’ll be able to fill in narrative holes and thus make watching the series all the more rewarding.