The aristocratic Inspector Thomas Lynley and the down-to-earth Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers join forces to investigate a series of murders. An investigation of a decapitation on a remote Yorkshire farm uncovers a disturbing family history.

The hunt for the murderer reaches a dark climax; Lynley's turmoil threatens to compromise the investigation; Havers must face her own demons.

When a promising young student disappears, Inspector Lynley and DS Havers are pulled into the secretive world of Bredgar Hall, a prestigious public school whose facades and traditions mask the truth at every corner.

Lynley and Havers investigate a murder at a star-studded gathering in a Scottish country house. Lynley's judgement is seemingly affected by his feelings for one of the guests.

DI Lynley and DS Havers continue to investigate the murder of a stunning young deaf student who is bludgeoned to death on her morning run, and discover that she's been hiding many secrets.

A vicar in a Lancashire village dies after eating a meal prepared by expert herbalist Juliet Spence, someone that should know the difference between wild parsnips and deadly hemlock.