There, she quickly becomes intrigued by a mythical creature known as the Essex Serpent (hence the title), and finds herself inexorably drawn to the village vicar, William Ransome, and his wife, Stella. But when tragedy strikes, locals accuse her of attracting the creature.

To say much more would veer us towards spoiler territory. Suffice to say, though, it’s a compelling read – which explains why The Essex Serpent was named the 2016 Book of the Year by both the British Book Awards and Waterstones.

Who stars in the cast of The Essex Serpent?

Danes will be portraying Cora, obviously, and Hiddleston will take on the role of William.

The rest of the cast will take on the following roles:

Dillane will star as Luke Garrett, a pioneering young surgeon. Some call him a genius, others a liability. He’s headstrong and ambitious, and he meets his intellectual match in Cora.
Squires will appear as Martha, who is more than just a servant in Cora’s household; she’s a highly intelligent and fiery young socialist, and Cora’s closest confidante.
Poésy will star as Stella Ransome, who is friendly, sympathetic and adored by her husband Will and children. A beautiful soul inside and out, she becomes a firm friend of Cora’s when she arrives in Aldwinter.
Westman will portray Dr George Spencer, Luke’s right hand man. An unexceptional surgeon he may be, but a kinder man you couldn’t hope to meet.

The Essex Serpent: Apple TV+’s evocative new period drama has finally landed and the critics are captivated