ThemainprotagonistofthestoryisDetectiveChiefInspectorVeraStanhope.Sheisextremelydedicatedtoherworkandisconstantlyhauntedbyherownpersonaldemons.Despiteanyfeelingsoflonelinessshemayhave,sheneverletsitshowandinsteadfacestheworldwithsharpwit,cunning,andbravery.HerloyalandpatientpartnerisSergeantJoeAshworth.Thetwoofthemtackleeachnewcasewithunmatchedenthusiasmandprofessionalism.