Based on the novels by Elizabeth George, the show follows the cases of Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers. The usual crime/mystery procedural formula is followed fairly closely, but the 'twist' here is that Lynley is an Earl, while Havers is working class. This leads to disagreements and misunderstandings between the characters, but also means that they bring different perspectives to their cases. Each perhaps picking up on a clue that the other would normally miss or discount.
