The plot revolves around British aristocratic detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and his working-class partner, Sergeant Barbara Havers, as they solve crimes interwoven with social issues. As the 8th Earl of Asherton, Lynley is from the highest aristocratic order of Britain outside the royal family, while Havers is a perceptive woman who cannot boast a rich heritage. The divide in their social status often makes for interesting conversations and differing perspectives that explore the themes of class and gender.油罐车上下来的是一名彪悍男子，大概三十出头的年纪，刮着光头上面还有两条疤，看上去很是恐怖，而奥迪车上下来的则是一老一小的男性，老的大概四十多岁，小的十六七，看样子是父子俩。