One of the best detective series - good plots, beautifully sombre landscapes and a score to match. Character dynamics between temperamental-but-kindhearted Vera Stanhope and her staff, especially her early and replacement detective-sergeants (both young males) is central, as is usually the case with detective dramas based on novels. The invisibility of Vera's superiors is slightly odd, but David Leon's visibility in the early seasons is something to be appreciated, pet. EJ 45, IF 38.