A sharp detective with a messy life, DCI Vera Stanhope patrols her “patch” of northeast England, pursuing the truth in cases of murder, kidnapping, and blackmail. Vera is obsessive about her work and faces the world with caustic wit, guile and courage.

Alan is a stylish tailor with moves as sharp as his suits. He has spent years searching tirelessly for his missing son Michael who stormed out over a game of Scrabble. With a body to identify and his family torn apart, Alan must repair the relationship with his youngest son and solve the mystery of an online player who he thinks could be Michael, so he can finally move on and reunite his family.

Parent-to-be Taye contemplates confiding in their pregnant partner Serena about their own gender identity on the day of their baby shower. Taye is unsure of how to go about this but as the baby shower looms the ticking clock becomes more overwhelming. He has to tell Serena before it’s too late. Meanwhile, Serena finds herself convinced by her assertive mother and baby shower co-host Pam, to turn the event into a gender reveal party. Wale, Taye's brother, is aware of the impending gender reveal and advises Taye to hold off on sharing their secret. In a moment of reflection fuelled by discomfort, Taye stares at himself in the mirror, gathering the courage to reveal the truth to Serena.

Laurie, a cynical schoolgirl, builds a secret friendship with Pete, an older handyman who is obsessed with her.