Nothing is what it seems behind the well-trimmed hedges of the picturesque cottages in the idyllic English county of Midsomer. Beneath the tranquil surface of sleepy village life exist dark secrets, scandals and downright evil. John Nettle stars as the humorous, thoughtful and methodical Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.

A gentle stroll in the woods for Miss Emily Simpson ends up in tragedy. To the village doctor Miss Simpson's death looks natural but her old friend, Lucy Bellringer is unconvinced. Lucy eventually draws the unwilling Chief Inspector Barnaby into the case.

Barnaby's investigations reveal old rivalries, old loves and new scandals. Then a second horrifying killing shocks Barnaby into running the murderer to ground.