Handsome, young vicar Sidney Chambers shares his spiritual duties with a love of jazz, complicated relationships with women, and an enthusiasm for amateur sleuthing. When the concern of a parishioner compels him to dig deeper into a grisly suicide, he gets on the nerve of a tired, local law enforcement officer—Inspector Geordie Keating. Fortunately, the cleric and the cop bond over their war service, their love of a good pub, and their competitive instincts—in this case, for backgammon.
In the village of Grantchester, the funeral of a parishioner leads vicar Sidney Chambers to become involved in a murder investigation - and a confrontation with the local police.
When Amanda's engagement ring is stolen on the night a murder is committed, Sidney and Geordie investigate whether there is a connection between the two crimes.
Sidney gives up alcohol and tries to renew his focus on clerical duties, but is dragged into another case when there are mysterious deaths in the village.
A fire in the village leads Sidney to another investigation. Meanwhile, a family crisis causes Geordie to become distracted and detached from his job.
Sidney and Geordie go for a night out at Johnny Johnson's London jazz club, but soon discover that policemen and clergymen can never truly be off duty.
With Amanda and Guy's wedding fast approaching, Sidney is thrown into crisis - is he truly cut out for life as the vicar of Grantchester?