Traces focuses on three female forensic professionals, Emma Hedges, Sarah Gordon and Kathy Torrance, working together at the fictional Scottish Institute of Forensic Science and Anatomy (SIFA) at the fictional University of Tayside in Dundee, Scotland, as they uncover the truth of a murder case and bring a killer to justice.
Molly Windsor[8] as Emma Hedges, a lab technician who has moved back to her birthplace of Dundee, for her new job, and in search of answers about her mother's murder.
Laura Fraser[9][10] as Professor Sarah Gordon, professor of Chemistry at the University of Tayside and Emma's new boss at SIFA.
Jennifer Spence[11] as Professor Kathy Torrence, a professor of forensic anthropology at the University of Tayside and a colleague at SIFA.
Martin Compston[12] as Daniel MacAfee, director of a construction company and romantic interest of Emma.
Vincent Regan[13] as Phil MacAfee, Daniel's father and former director of MacAfee Construction.
Michael Nardone[14] as Detective Inspector Neil McKinven, a friend of Professor Gordon who has insight on the Marie Monroe case.
Phil McKee as Jimmy Levin, husband of Marie Monroe and Emma's stepfather.
Stuart Heritage reviewing on behalf of The Guardian rated the series three out of five, and whilst acknowledging the series is loaded with talent, said "this is what happens when TV runs out of new shows".[22]The Times awarded the series two out of five, with Carol Midgley saying that "the biggest crime here so far is a lack of flavour".[23]