Murder in Suburbia

DI Kate Ashurst and DS Emma Scribbins investigate the mysterious death of affluent party girl Nikki Pengelly. Her distraught fiancé Ralph blames Nikki's besotted ex-husband Gavin but the investigation leads the detectives to the Applejacks dating agency, run by Redmond Appleby and his wife Maxine and a back-to-school disco. Then Ralph's bitter ex-girlfriend Hazel goes missing.

Ashurst and Scribbins investigate the murder of Charlie Egan, who was found dead in a swimming pool on his stag night, having been handcuffed with his hands behind his back. His fiancée's father, the local mayor, soon becomes prime suspect.

Ashurst and Scribbins investigate the murder of Gideon Finch, who was found burnt to death in his car. He had reportedly been having an affair with his neighbour. It soon transpires that his wife was having an affair with his brother, who has no alibi.

Ashurst and Scribbins investigate the stabbing of a charity shop worker, Lyn Chichester, who was working for a charity that raised money for animal sanctuaries in Africa. But tracing the money to its rightful owners proves slightly tricky.

Dowdy Helen McKee the secretary at Middleford Comprehensive, is the victim of a hit and run. DI Kate Ashurst and DS Emma Scribbins discover she had a big say in admissions to the popular school, so desperate parents could be responsible, or maybe it's headmaster John Stanton whose car is damaged.

Neighbour from hell Bernard Lloyd is bludgeoned to death with a hammer so DI Kate Ashurst and DS Emma Scribbins pay a visit to Cherry Meadows, the cul-de-sac which was disturbed by his non-stop DIY. Suspects include Bernard's pill-popping wife Wendy bitter pensioner Reg Thornton and Chloe and Patrick Walters who felt the victim was ruining their chances of selling their home.