A new serial killer thriller set in the wilds of rural Scotland is coming to ITV soon, perfect for fans of Shetland.

Based on GR Halliday’s debut novel, The Dark is a six-part series that follows Scottish Detective Monica Kennedy (played by Laura Donnelly) and Detective Connor Crawford (played by Mark Rowley).

A synopsis for the series reads: “When the body of a young man is found eerily staged in the idyllic Scottish wilderness, detective Monica Kennedy fears this is just the beginning of a terrifying campaign that will strike the heart of a rural community.

“As paranoia rises, suspicions and secrets are forced into the light, and the locals start to realise that there is a serial killer hidden amongst them.

“With her experience of dealing with the darkest of humanity, Monica Kennedy quickly becomes entangled in a heightened game of cat and mouse with a cunning killer.”

Laura Donnelly takes on the role of Detective Monica Kennedy in the upcoming ITV drama(Image: GETTY)

Monica is the only person who can stop the killer before he claims any more victims. However, when her own history creeps up on her, she begins to lose trust in her own judgement.

Will it be her own actions that are the biggest risk to herself and her family?

Also joining the cast of The Dark will be Emun Elliott as Barclay Adams and Helen Baxendale as Bethany.

Both are parents who have been scarred by their past and aren’t pleased to see Detective Monica at their door again with a case linked to their missing son.

The thriller The Dark is set to air on ITV soon(Image: ITV)

The book’s author, GR Halliday, had nothing but praise when speaking about Matt Hartley’s adaptation of her work and the commitment of Poison Pen Studios.

She commented: “I’m so thrilled and excited that Monica and co are coming to the screen! With so much talent on board, I know Matt and the Poison Pen team will do an amazing job in bringing the story, characters and Scottish landscape to life.”

Meanwhile, Matt shared: “ITV is home to some of the most iconic detective shows, so it is an honour to be writing The Dark and adding to that great cannon of work.

Mark Rowley is taking on the role of Detective Connor Crawford in the ITV drama(Image: 2026 Karwai Tang/GETTY)

“I am hugely grateful to Polly Hill for her faith in me and excited to be working with her, alongside the brilliant producers at Poison Pen, to bring this new, distinctive crime thriller to life. I can’t wait for viewers to meet the inimitable DI Monica Kennedy and to journey into the dark with her.”

The Dark started filming in and around Glasgow during 2025 and is produced in association with ITV Studios.