The Scottish Crime Drama That Keeps Viewers Hooked Until the Final Episode

With chilling murder investigations, forensic puzzles and secrets that reach deep into the past, Traces has earned praise from crime drama fans for its suspenseful storytelling and compelling performances. Set in Dundee, Scotland, the six-part series combines scientific investigation with deeply personal mysteries, creating a thriller that keeps audiences guessing across its two seasons.

First arriving on Alibi in 2019, the drama returned for a second season in 2022. Inspired in part by real-life forensic science research at the University of Dundee, Traces puts a team of women at the centre of disturbing cases that test their professional skills and personal lives.

Starring Molly Windsor, Martin Compston, Laura Fraser and Jennifer Spence, the series offers a mix of intricate mysteries, emotional revelations and high-stakes investigations.

What Is Traces About?

The first season introduces viewers to the Scottish Institute of Forensic Science (SIFA), where a young laboratory assistant discovers that a case study in her forensic science course may be connected to a tragedy in her own family.

Emma Hedges, played by Molly Windsor, returns to Scotland and takes a job at SIFA. While studying forensic science online, she comes across disturbing evidence linked to the unsolved murder of her mother, Marie.

What begins as an academic exercise soon becomes a deeply personal search for answers. As Emma investigates the case, long-hidden secrets begin to surface, forcing her to question the people around her and reconsider what she thought she knew about her past.

She is joined by Professor Sarah Gordon and Professor Kathy Torrence, whose forensic expertise proves vital as the women work to uncover the truth and bring a killer to justice.

The investigation places all three women under considerable pressure, blurring the line between their professional responsibilities and their personal involvement in the case.

Season 2 Raises the Stakes

The second season expands the story beyond a single murder investigation, introducing a series of terrifying bombings across Dundee.

As fear spreads throughout the city, the SIFA team must examine the evidence, identify the person responsible and help prevent further attacks. With the threat escalating, their scientific skills become essential to uncovering the truth before another incident occurs.

The change in direction gives Traces a broader sense of urgency while retaining the forensic investigations and character-driven drama that defined its first season.

A Strong Cast Led by Familiar Scottish and British Stars

One of Traces‘s biggest strengths is its ensemble cast, which brings depth and credibility to the series’ tense investigations.

Molly Windsor as Emma Hedges

Windsor leads the drama as Emma, a young woman whose pursuit of forensic science becomes entangled with the mystery surrounding her mother’s death. She is also known for her performance in the BBC miniseries Three Girls, which earned her the 2018 BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress.

Martin Compston as Daniel McAfee

Compston plays Daniel McAfee, Emma’s love interest, who becomes caught up in the criminal investigation during the first season. The Scottish actor is widely recognised for his role as Detective Inspector Steve Arnott in the acclaimed crime series Line of Duty.

Laura Fraser as Professor Sarah Gordon

Fraser portrays Professor Sarah Gordon, one of the key figures at SIFA. International audiences may recognise the Scottish actress from her portrayal of Lydia Rodarte-Quayle in the American drama Breaking Bad.

Jennifer Spence as Professor Kathy Torrence

Spence completes the central trio as Professor Kathy Torrence. The actress is also known for her work in the science-fiction series Travelers.

Together, the cast helps ground the show’s complex investigations in believable relationships, personal struggles and the emotional consequences of pursuing difficult truths.

Viewers Praise Its Intriguing Mysteries and Performances

Audience reviews on IMDb highlight the series’ ability to sustain suspense while delivering strong performances and an engaging story.

One viewer praised the production for its Dundee setting and the quality of its cast, describing it as a show that keeps audiences hooked until the end. The reviewer also congratulated Alibi for commissioning and producing such a high-quality Scottish drama.

Another viewer called Traces intriguing enough to watch in just two sittings. Although the opening episode initially caused some confusion, the reviewer said the storyline soon came together and praised the talented actors.

A third audience member highlighted the show’s original storyline and the cast’s natural performances, recommending it as a series worth discovering.

The reactions point to the appeal of a crime drama that gradually reveals its mysteries, rewarding viewers who stay with the investigation as the pieces begin to fall into place.

Where Can You Watch Traces?

Both seasons of Traces are available to watch on Apple TV. Viewers with Amazon Prime Video accounts can also purchase the two seasons for £9.99.

For fans of British crime dramas who enjoy forensic mysteries, layered characters and investigations that become increasingly personal, Traces offers a suspenseful six-part story with plenty to uncover.