Take an exciting journey back to another century, and join Detective Murdoch as he solves some of Toronto’s most horrific crimes in the season four premiere of the popular homegrown series, Murdoch Mysteries on Tuesday, May 10 at 8pm ET/PT (9MT, 7CT) on Citytv. Produced by Shaftesbury, Murdoch Mysteries is also broadcast on drama channel Alibi in the UK and has been licensed in more than 100 countries and territories worldwide.

Set in late 1890s Toronto and based on Canadian author Maureen Jennings’ popular series of novels, Murdoch Mysteries explores the intriguing world of William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson), a handsome young detective using radical forensic techniques, for the time, to solve some of the city’s most gruesome murders. Murdoch’s small circle of confidantes include pathologist Dr. Julia Ogden (Hélène Joy), a staunch ally who shares the detective’s fascination for forensic science; Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris), Murdoch’s eager but sometimes naïve right-hand man; and Murdoch’s reluctantly supportive boss, Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig).

The fourth season will continue to throw some difficult challenges for Detective Murdoch and the cases only get more difficult to solve. Pathologist Dr. Julia Ogden, who departed Toronto for a new job in the last season, may have found a compelling reason to stay in the United States. Her replacement, the ill-tempered Dr. Francis (Paul Rhys) will clash frequently with the even-tempered Murdoch. Elusive spy Terence Meyers (Peter Keleghan) reappears when Murdoch investigates a case that could threaten Canadian–American relations. Romance may spark when an old flame returns to pay Murdoch a visit under tragic circumstances and a wedding takes place in the season finale…but who will be walking down the aisle? Prime Minister Stephen Harper makes a cameo appearance and special guest stars include Victor Garber, Lisa Ray, Leah Pinsent, Lisa Faulkner and Craig Olejnik.

In the premiere episode, Detective Murdoch is finding it difficult to adjust to life without pathologist Dr. Julia Ogden. Lonely and irritable, he frequently clashes with her replacement, the ill-tempered Dr. Llewellyn Francis. The antagonism between the two escalates to the breaking point when a dismembered body is found encased in concrete, leading Murdoch to seek the personal and professional advice of his like-minded predecessor at Station 4, Detective Malcolm Lamb (Victor Garber). A shocking truth is eventually revealed and ultimately exposes the dreadful truth about the case… a truth that will have disturbing reverberations for Murdoch.

Find out the shocking truth and more on the season four premiere of Murdoch Mysteries. (This premiere date replaces the previously announced June 7, 2011 premiere date.)

Can’t get enough of Murdoch Mysteries? Watch Murdoch Mysteries: The Curse of the Lost Pharaohs, an exclusive 13-part original online series on Citytv.com. Created as an extension of the fourth season of Murdoch Mysteries, the web series features the stars of the series and brings to life Constable George Crabtree’s first novel, “The Curse of the Lost Pharaohs.” In each installment, Crabtree must work alongside Detective Murdoch, Julia Ogden and Inspector Brackenreid to battle mummies and evil villains in a valiant attempt to save the Queen of England and – in turn – the world. Watch it Wednesday, May 11 on Citytv.com.

Check out Citytv.com for full episodes and exciting extras from some of your favourite Citytv programming, available 24 – 48 hours post broadcast. You can now also catch up on your iPad by downloading the free Citytv video app on iTunes.