In addition to the tensions involved in solving murder cases, the series is built on clashes of personality, gender and class: Lynley is a polished man and a peer of the realm, and Havers is an untidy woman from a working-class background.

[1] All episodes from the first two series and two from the third are based on novels by the American writer Elizabeth George, though the plots and characters are often significantly altered.

Initially adapted by Lizzie Mickery, later episodes are original stories for television based on her characters.

The first full series began broadcasting on 8 April 2002, with the first episode based on and named after the third novel, Well-Schooled in Murder.

Exterior shots of Lynley and Havers' base were filmed at the Bircham Dyson Bell solicitors offices on Broadway, central London.

Lynley and Havers investigate the death of teenager Sarah Middleton, who had gone missing two weeks previously.

Havers works on gaining the wife's trust, while Lynley learns more about the husband's troubled background.