The series comprises adaptations of the works of Ruth Rendell, many of which are based on her extensive range of short stories. In some cases, the stories were expanded from Rendell's original material or elements from a number of stories were woven together into one episode. A smaller number of episodes were based on Rendell's full-length novels, e.g. Going Wrong, starring James Callis and Front Seat, starring Janet Suzman.
Two 3-disc DVD sets are available in the US, with the third set being released on 24 June 2008. In the UK, the series is being repeated through February 2009 on the digital channel ITV3.