Jackson is a former police officer turned private investigator in his sixties. Shaped by intense childhood trauma, he possesses a strong moral compass and a relentless desire to protect vulnerable people. He is currently adjusting to his role as an active grandfather while trying to solve the disappearance of a Renaissance portrait.

Reggie is an intelligent and fiercely ambitious Detective Constable. Orphaned at a young age, she fought hard for her education and independence. She strictly adheres to police procedures, which often puts her at odds with Jackson's unconventional methods, though she highly values their enduring friendship.

Lady Milton is the elderly aristocratic owner of Burton Makepeace House. Struggling with her family's declining wealth and power, she feels increasingly obsolete in modern British society. Despite her snobbery and entitlement, she harbors a deep loneliness and misses the companionship of her former staff.

Simon is the unorthodox vicar of St Martin's Church who has recently lost his voice due to a psychological block. Suffering from a crisis of faith and profound grief over the death of his infant son years earlier, he seeks spiritual sustenance in nature rather than religion. He continues his pastoral duties primarily to look after his elderly parishioners.

Ben is a 34-year-old retired Army major who lost his leg in an explosion in Afghanistan. Struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and panic attacks, he feels purposeless and isolated since his fiancée left him. He finds a sense of peace tending to his sister's beehives and tentatively exploring the world outside his home.

A mysterious woman who operates under various identities and appearances. As Melanie Hope, she was a devoted live-in carer; as Sophie Greenway, she served as a cultured housekeeper. Known for her modest demeanor and efficient work, she possesses an enigmatic background that connects several separate art thefts.

Carl Carter is a heavily armed fugitive known for killing police officers. His escape from a nearby prison brings a genuine and deadly threat into the isolated, snowed-in area surrounding Burton Makepeace House.

Hazel is the daughter of the late Dorothy Padgett. She claims to be the sole inheritor of her mother's estate and insists that a stolen painting holds only sentimental value. Her rehearsed demeanor leads Jackson to suspect she is hiding information about her family.

Ian is Hazel's twin brother and co-heir to Dorothy's estate. Slightly more forthcoming than his sister, he admits to their father's bullying nature but remains equally fixated on retrieving the stolen artwork without involving the police.

Dorothy is a 96-year-old woman who recently died of natural causes. During her long life, she nurtured quiet interests in ballroom dancing, Italian, and writing romantic stories, finding small moments of joy despite an oppressive marriage to a difficult man.

Harold is the late husband of Dorothy and father to the twins. A former soldier who served at El Alamein, he is remembered by his family as a domineering bully who dictated the atmosphere of their household.

Louise is a high-ranking police officer and Reggie's boss. She shares a complicated and secretive history with Jackson Brodie, marked by past investigations and lingering romantic tension that neither has fully resolved.

Piers is Lady Milton's eldest son. Desperate to keep the family estate financially viable, he resorts to opening a hotel, hosting murder mystery weekends, and organizing hunting trips, often complaining about the heavy burden of maintaining the house.

Cosmo is Lady Milton's youngest son. Burdened by debt, he seeks ways to extract value from the estate. His mother openly suspects him of dubious and illegal behavior regarding the family's assets.

Arabella is a member of the Milton family and mother to twin girls. Due to archaic inheritance rules, she cannot inherit the estate, a fact that highlights the outdated traditions the family clings to.

Johnny, the late Lord Milton, inherited an estate crippled by death duties, forcing him to sell off valuable family assets. His death was officially ruled natural, though rumors swirl within his own family regarding the circumstances.

Fran is Ben's supportive sister and a former veterinarian. She provides a safe haven at Dairy Cottage, taking in various rescue animals and caring deeply for her traumatized brother as he navigates his difficult recovery.

Alice is Dorothy Padgett's granddaughter. She lives in a state of constant anxiety, trapped in an abusive marriage with a wealthy husband who controls her through fear and intimidation.

Mark is Alice's husband. He projects an aura of flashy wealth and uses underlying aggression and intimidation to maintain control over his terrified wife.

Bob is a helpful neighbor of the late Dorothy Padgett. He aids Jackson's investigation by sharing crucial details about Dorothy's final days, including a late change to her will.

Titus is the artistic director of a struggling acting troupe hired to perform a murder mystery at Rook Hall. He is theatrical and slightly desperate, completely unaware of the real dangers unfolding around the performance.

Nanny is an elderly staff member who has remained with the Milton family long after her charges have grown, acting as a living reminder of the estate's outdated traditions.

Janet is an elderly parishioner of St Martin's Church. Her quiet, devout life is violently interrupted when her home becomes the center of a horrific crime scene.

Tatiana is Jackson Brodie's current girlfriend. As a student of toxicology, her academic background provides a useful scientific sounding board for Jackson during his investigations.

Derek is the local church organist and a friend to Lady Milton. He provides her with flattering attention, hinting at a life beyond the rigid confines of Burton Makepeace House.