The Scottish crime drama Traces has been praised by viewers as 'gripping' and 'intriguing', with many saying it keeps them hooked until the very end. The six-part series, set in Dundee, blends forensic science with crime investigations and personal secrets.
First airing on Alibi in 2019, the show returned for a second season in 2022, expanding its story beyond an individual investigation to a wider threat to the city. The drama stars Molly Windsor, Martin Compston, Laura Fraser and Jennifer Spence.
Plot and cast
The first series introduced viewers to the Scottish Institute of Forensic Science (SIFA), where three women become drawn into a personal investigation. Emma Hedges, played by Molly Windsor, returns to Scotland and discovers a disturbing connection between a fictional forensic case study and her own past.
After taking a position as a lab assistant at SIFA, Emma enrols in an online forensic science course and uncovers a link to the unsolved murder of her mother, Marie. Working alongside her are Professor Sarah Gordon and Professor Kathy Torrence, played by Laura Fraser and Jennifer Spence.
The second season shifts the drama in a new direction, as the SIFA team face a series of bombings across Dundee. The women must analyse the evidence and identify the person responsible before another attack.
Viewer reactions
Viewers have shared their thoughts on IMDb, with one review reading: "Well worth a watch. Set in Dundee, Scotland, great performances by the cast. Keeps the viewer hooked until the end. Congratulations to Alibi for commissioning and producing such a high quality production in Scotland."
Another viewer described the series as "intriguing", adding: "So intriguing, we watched the whole series in 2 sessions. The first episode had us a little confused but everything soon fell into place. A really good storyline acted by such talented actors."
A third viewer stated: "Original storyline with powerful natural performances from all of the cast. Really worth a watch. Don't let it slip you by."
Both series of Traces are available to watch on Apple TV, while Amazon Prime Video users can purchase the two seasons for £9.99.
