Plot Synopsis

Set in 1920s Toronto, FRANKIE DRAKE MYSTERIES is a one-hour series that follows the adventures of Frankie Drake and her partner Trudy Clarke at Drake Private Detectives, the city's only all-female detective agency, as they find themselves taking the cases the police don't want or can't handle, while fighting crime in the age of flyboys, gangsters, rum-runners, and speakeasies. Her gender is her biggest advantage -- who would ever think a woman could be a detective? She has a knack for solving cases but she's no cop -- her brand of justice doesn't always follow the law. From airplanes and booze running to American G-men, Communists and union busters, Frankie's fearless sense of adventure gets her into all kinds of trouble, but she always manages to find her way out. In a time of change and hopefulness, Frankie is a woman ahead of everyone. FRANKIE DRAKE MYSTERIES had its U.S. premiere on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 9pm ET/6pm PT on Ovation.

"Mother of Pearl" (Airs Saturday, June 15 at 9pm ET / 6pm PT): Frankie partners with a surprising ally when she's named as the number one suspect in a robbery that looks like the work of her dead father. Guest starring Wendy, Steve Lund and Derek McGrath.

"Ladies in Red" (Airs Saturday, June 22 at 7pm ET / 4pm PT): Frankie and Trudy are hired by a factory owner to root out communists at his plant, but things soon take an explosive turn. Guest starring Karen and Paul Amos.

"Summer in the City" (Airs Saturday, June 22 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT): When a body turns up in the luggage of a young man, the case brings Frankie and Trudy into Toronto's elite social circles. Guest starring Emmanuel Kabongo, William Melling, Steve Lund and Grace Lynn Kung.

"Healing Hands" (Airs Saturday, June 29 at 7pm ET / 4pm PT): When Elsie, the faith-healing daughter of a preacher, disappears, Trudy brings the case to the agency. Frankie and Trudy agree on one thing: there's no way a teenage girl is as innocent as her parents believe. They discover Elsie has been not just moonlighting as a jazz singer, but also that she's been planning to run away with her handsome mentor. But that's only the tip of the iceberg. Guest staring Greta Onieogou, Richard Walters.

"Out of Focus" (Airs Saturday, June 29 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT): Frankie and Trudy go Hollywood when they're hired to investigate what looks like a murder captured on film by none other than legendary film producer Mack Sennett. To blend in, Frankie becomes a reluctant stunt double for leading lady Sofia Devoe, while she works to find out who could be a real killer. Can the detectives discover the truth behind the facade before the final credits roll? Guest starring Dmitry Chepovetsky, Laura Vandervoort, Megan Fahlenbock.

"Whisper Sisters" (Airs Saturday, July 6 at 7pm ET / 4pm PT): After a shooting injures the young son of a friend, Frankie and Trudy's investigation leads them into the dangerous world of bootlegging. Guest starring William Melling and Grace Lynn Kung.

"Ties That Bind" (Airs Saturday, July 6 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT): Mary recruits Frankie and Trudy to find a missing teacher, but their investigation leads them to family secrets, Chinatown and murder. Guest starring Melanie Scrofano, Russell Yuen, Grace Lynn Kung and Wendy Crewson.

"The Pilot" (Airs Saturday, July 13 at 7pm ET / 4pm PT): A day off turns into a day at the office for Frankie and Trudy when the infant son of a charismatic aviator is kidnapped during an air show. Guest starring Emmanuel Kabongo, Laurence Fox, Charlotte Sullivan, Lucas Bryant, and Kris Holden-Ried.

"Ghosts" (Airs Saturday, July 13 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT): The horrors of war haunt Frankie when an investigation into a soldier's murder reunites her with a friend left traumatized by his tour of duty. Guest starring Kris Holden-Ried.

"Anastasia" (Airs Saturday, July 20 at 7pm ET / 4pm PT): Frankie is hired to confirm the identity of a young woman claiming to be a Russian princess and protect her from those who want her dead. Guest starring Steve Lund, Jodelle Ferland, Wendy Crewson and Sebastian Pigott.

"Once Burnt Twice Spied" (Airs Saturday, July 20 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT): When Frankie gets a mysterious call from a British spy, Mary discovers how she and Trudy met, and how Drake Private Detectives was formed. Guest starring Karen Robinson, Grace Lynn Kung and Christopher Jacot.



Season 2 of FRANKIE DRAKE MYSTERIES debuted in the United States on Saturday, July 27, 2019, as Ovation aired back-to-back episodes from 7-9pm ET/4-6pm PT).

"The Old Switcheroo" (Airs Saturday, July 27 at 7pm ET / 4pm PT): An old rival turns up selling antiquities, but Frankie's convinced it's all a scam. Can the team prove it before she takes the money and runs?

"The Last Dance" (Airs Saturday, July 27 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT): The team investigates a kidnapping gone wrong at the Palais Royale. They learn the victim is gravely ill and race to find him and save his life.

"Radio Daze" (Airs Saturday, August 3 at 7pm ET / 4pm PT): Mary is acting in a radio drama, but when she realizes the play is a cover for a heist, she must find a way to warn Frankie.

"Emancipation Day" (Airs Saturday, August 3 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT): When donations are taken from a girls' orphanage, civil rights hero Marcus Garvey hires the team to catch the thief and find the cash.

"Dressed to Kill" (Airs Saturday, August 10 at 7pm ET / 4pm PT): When famed French designer Coco Chanel is the target of a brazen assassination attempt, Drake Private Detectives are hired to protect her.

"Extra Innings" (Airs Saturday, August 10 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT): Frankie suspects sabotage when a baseball player dies mid-game. Her investigation puts her at odds with ruthless mobster Bessie Starkman.

"50 Shades of Greyson" (Airs Saturday, August 17 at 7pm ET / 4pm PT): Mary's job is threatened when she accuses Detective Greyson of hiding evidence. Has she overstepped her bounds, or is Greyson a dirty cop?

"Diamonds Are a Gal's Best Friend" (Airs Saturday, August 17 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT): What starts as a simple case of a missing horse leads the team into the gardens of Toronto's elite in pursuit of a murderous jewel thief.

"Dealer's Choice" (Airs Saturday, August 24 at 7pm ET / 4pm PT): Frankie and Trudy reluctantly take a case from mob boss Bessie Starkman, but things take a turn when Frankie's accused of murdering a mole.

"Now You See Her" (Airs Saturday, August 24 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT): When a magician's assistant is killed, Frankie goes undercover to find the culprit. But can she see clearly through the smoke and mirrors?


The third season of FRANKIE DRAKE MYSTERIES had its U.S. premiere on Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 7pm ET/4pm PT on Ovation. Frankie Drake and Trudy Clarke continue to rely on Mary Shaw and Flo, who are always ready to lend a hand snooping through police files or sneaking a peek at an autopsy report. Mary's newfound confidence at the police station, and in life, leaves her frustrated with her status as a morality officer and pushes her towards exciting new professional goals. Meanwhile Flo finishes her in-class portion of medical school and looks forward to her clinical training in-hospital, all while juggling a long-distance beau and the varied demands of Drake Detective cases. As Trudy's love life with Bill Peters heats up, she also excels at her investigative work, taking on some truly hair-raising risks as she works to solve cases. And finally, Frankie continues to lead the team with aplomb and ingenuity, while exploring a romantic connection with boxer Moses Page. From cases in London, England with new mystery novelist friend Agatha Christie, to a mermaid-themed jazz club, to swanky Toronto private schools, to busy telephone exchanges filled with busybody operators, the latest season of Frankie Drake Mysteries promises a rousing good time. Season 3 episodes include:

"No Friends Like Old Friends" (Airs Saturday, April 4 at 7pm ET/4pm PT): After her wartime friend goes missing in London, Frankie must work with Agatha Christie to uncover the reason behind the disappearance.

"Counterpunch" (Airs Saturday, April 11 at 7pm ET/4pm PT): Frankie takes her boxing skills to the mat as part of a plan to take down a corrupt cop who's been extorting Ward residents.

"School Ties, School Lies" (Airs Saturday, April 18 at 7pm ET/4pm PT): To find the killer of a beloved teacher at a swanky private school, Frankie enlists the help of a precocious student.

"A Brother in Arms" (Airs Saturday, April 25 at 7pm ET/4pm PT): Frankie's floored when a man claiming to be her half-brother shows up at the agency begging her to help his wrongly imprisoned friend.

"Things Better Left Dead" (Airs Saturday, May 2 at 7pm ET/4pm PT): Frankie concocts a chilling ruse to expose a man who claims he can speak to the dead.

"Life on the Line" (Airs Saturday, May 9 at 7pm ET/4pm PT): When a toy store owner is the target of a harassment campaign, the gang go undercover at a telephone exchange to nab the culprit.

"Out on a Limb" (Airs Saturday, May 16 at 7pm ET/4pm PT): When a showgirl dies, Frankie's investigation leads her to go undercover as a server at a mermaid-themed nightclub.

"Ward of the Roses" (Airs Saturday, May 23 at 7pm ET/4pm PT): Trudy's past is in the spotlight when her schoolmate and former best friend, Etta Rose, runs for city council in a ward that's traditionally gone to a white candidate. It's an uphill battle for Trudy's friend, made worse when a firebomb is thrown at her campaign office. Enlisting the full force of the Drake Detective Agency, we dive into the corrupt world of local politics, to find who would want to keep this woman, with her progressive and bold ideas for social programs, out of office. Guest starring Richard Walters and Olunike Adeliyi.

"A History of Violins" (Airs Saturday, May 30 at 7pm ET/4pm PT): During some downtime, an opportunity to dive into Trudy's interest in music is interrupted, when, while attending an avant-garde violin performance with Frankie, the lights are cut and the priceless instrument is stolen. With the police unwilling to take the case of a missing instrument seriously, enigmatic violinist Natasha Petrov enlists the help of the Drake Detective Agency. Guest starring Wendy Crewson, Grace Lynn Kung, Sarah Allen, and Rob Stewart.

"A Sunshine State of Mind" (Airs Saturday, June 6 at 7pm ET/4pm PT): It seems like a great day for Mildred Clarke, when she tells Trudy and Frankie about the prime new waterfront land she's bought in Florida after meeting a salesman recently. The day darkens, however, when Frankie meets her mother, Nora, who's absolutely panicked, confessing that she's the victim of a fake-land scam -- from a conman selling fake Florida land! Shocked at the audacity of someone who would swindle two older women, Frankie and Trudy vow to get their mothers' money back. Guest starring Wendy Crewson, Grace Lynn Kung, Karen Robinson, Patrick McKenna, and Andrew Gillies.
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On Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 7pm ET/4pm PT, Ovation premiered "Music at Midnight," a one-hour FRANKIE DRAKE MYSTERIES special that features performances by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Chantel Riley and Sharron Matthews. Filmed following strict safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, this special concert takes place on the set of FRANKIE DRAKE MYSTERIES in Toronto, Canada.

The fourth season of FRANKIE DRAKE MYSTERIES will have it's U.S. premiere on Ovation on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 7pm ET/4pm PT. Season 4 opens with the detectives and their best gal pals traipsing through the woods on a scavenger hunt that quickly turns deadly. From the wilderness to the world of high society, from an underground cabaret to a candy factory, Frankie (Smith) and Trudy (Riley) investigate murders, kidnappings, heists and poisonings. Using her position as a morality officer, Mary (Liddiard)'s able to snoop through police files and be privy to non-civilian discussions, while Flo lends a hand with autopsy reports, science experiments, and her newly acquired medical skills. Busy with their professional lives, the team also finds time for personal pursuits. This season, Frankie has a European race car-driving beau, Trudy's dreams for a home, sweet home are closer than ever, Mary falls for the wrong fella, and Flo starts a family. And, as always, Frankie Drake Mysteries promises high-stakes danger, excitement, intrigue, and friendship. Season 4 episodes include:

"Scavenger Hunt" (Airs Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 7pm ET): Our gals are on a spirited scavenger hunt. When a player is murdered, they need to solve if it's case of killing off the competition or more personal.

"Prince in Exile" (Airs Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 7pm ET): When a playboy Prince is kidnapped, the team has to be discreet as they investigate so to avoid an international incident.

"The Girls Can't Help It" (Airs Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 7pm ET): Frankie and Trudy cross paths with a trio of flappers and head into an illegal auction as they investigate the theft of a priceless bottle of wine.

"A Most Foiled Assault" (Airs Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 7pm ET): When the coach of Canada's first female fencing team is murdered and a fencer is wrongly arrested, Frankie and Trudy are tasked with the solve.

"Ghost in the Machine" (Airs Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 7pm ET): Convinced she was visited by the ghost of a murdered woman; Nora makes Frankie and Trudy search their building leading to a shocking discovery.

"The Guilty Party" (Airs Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 7pm ET): A man acquitted of a grisly murder is still a suspect. The clock ticks as the team investigate whether or not he is the guilty party.

"Life Is a Cabaret" (Airs Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 7pm ET): Drag star Roger LeBlanc aka Miss Elsa (guest star Thom Allison) offers a break in Frankie's latest case and begs her to continue her murder investigation. Flo is happy to accompany Roger to an underground cabaret where she is given the cold shoulder by wary patrons and performers until she proves herself --on stage, singing! Co-written by series star Sharron Matthews. Additional guest stars: Johnathon Sousa and Steve Cumyn.

"Sweet Justice" (Airs Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 7pm ET): When Trudy discovers that her new dream home has contaminated water, the gals investigate the source with help from nighttime vigilante, Lady Justice.

"Showstoppers" (Airs Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 7pm ET): Mary looks into a morality violation by Rita Hart's modern dance troupe and Frankie questions if they've brought the Spanish Flu to Toronto.

"A Family Affair" (Series finale airs Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 7pm ET): It is cheers mixed with tears at DPD as Trudy packs up her things, having decided to accept a full-time position with Webley Insurance. Frankie is happy for her friend, but disappointed to be losing her partner. Before she has time to dwell though, her half-brother Jack (guest star Dillon Casey) arrives with news that their father Ned Drake (guest star Geraint Wyn Davis) is alive! Frankie has all kinds of emotions -- from hurt for being abandoned to the anticipation of reconnecting with her dad -- which are only heightened when mom Nora (guest star Wendy Crewson) is thrown into the mix. With Frankie, Nora, Ned and Jack in one room, at one time -- it's a family reunion like we've never seen. Additional guest stars: Johnathon Sousa, Matt Gordon, Patrick Garrow, Ben Sanders, Mac Fyre, Mark Taylor, Steffi DiDomenicantonio. Written by Jennifer Kassabian & Keri Ferencz. Directed by Harvey Crossland.