In the late 1890s, police Inspector William Murdoch takes a new, more scientific approach to solving crimes. Assisted by coroner Dr. Julia Ogden and Constable George Crabtree, Murdoch introduces such concepts as finger marks and lie detecting machines. In season 9, while Crabtree serves time for the murder of his sweetheart's husband, Murdoch investigates an inmate stabbing that may be connected to the case.