Scotland Yard Commander Adam Dalgliesh has been on leave following the death on duty of a member of his team, DS Sarah Hillier. His superiors order him back to work to investigate the murder of the Director of the Steen Clinic, which specializes in psychiatric cases.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Roy MarsdenCommander Adam Dalgliesh | Commander Adam Dalgliesh |
| MMairead CartyDS Sarah Hillier | DS Sarah Hillier |
 Sean ScanlanNeil Casey | Neil Casey |
 Robert PughDCI John Martin | DCI John Martin |
 Donald DouglasAsst. Commissioner Hart | Asst. Commissioner Hart |
 Cal MacAninchPhilip Tippett | Philip Tippett |
 Frank FinlayProfessor Etherege | Professor Etherege |
 Sian ThomasDr. Saxon | Dr. Saxon |
 Christopher RavenscroftDr. Robert Baguley | Dr. Robert Baguley |
 Jerome FlynnPeter Nagle | Peter Nagle |
 Bridget HodsonJennifer Priddy | Jennifer Priddy |
 Jerome WillisDr. Kynaston | Dr. Kynaston |
 George CostiganRobin Cheeseman | Robin Cheeseman |
| JJuliet PrewD.C. Shelley | D.C. Shelley |
 Robert EastMr. Lampton | Mr. Lampton |
 David HemmingsGodbolt | Godbolt |
 Peter TuddenhamPriest | Priest |
 Ann-Gisel GlassEstelle Challon | Estelle Challon |
| CCraig EdwardsDC Neilson | DC Neilson |
| SSuzanne BurdenSister Ambrose | Sister Ambrose |
 Susannah CorbettDS Horrocks | DS Horrocks |
 Peter WhitbreadRich Male Patient | Rich Male Patient |
| SSheila MitchellMrs Fenton | Mrs Fenton |