ITV’s “chilling” new serial killer drama ‘that will keep you guessing’ casts its lead Scottish detective

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ITV’s upcoming series The Dark has found its lead in The Nevers star Laura Donnelly.

Actress Donnelly, recognized for her role alongside Colin Farrell in “Sugar,” is slated to portray the character of Scottish detective Monica Kennedy in the television version of GR Halliday’s book “From the Shadows” (as reported by Deadline).

In this crime drama, our tough-as-nails detective, the lead character, delves into the chilling mystery surrounding the death of a young man whose corpse was artfully arranged in an unsettling manner. The detective suspects that this murder may be just the opening act in a sinister series of events intended to disrupt the bonds within the local, peaceful countryside community.

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In the face of growing suspicion and unveiling of hidden truths, the residents come to the unsettling revelation that one of their own is a secretive serial murderer lurking among them.

At the moment, Donnelly is the sole actor connected to the project, as further casting is currently underway and will be unveiled when ready.

Written by Matt Hartley, who has previously contributed to popular TV shows like EastEnders and Hollyoaks, the ITV series may have potential for additional seasons as Halliday’s book has given rise to two sequels titled Dark Waters and Under the Marsh.

Published in 2019, the novel “From the Shadows” has earned acclaim for its eerie and disturbing nature, leaving many readers on the edge of their seats with its intriguing plot twists, as noted in numerous reviews available on NetGalley.uk.

The reader found the book engaging, filled with captivating characters and a suspenseful storyline that leaves you in a state of wonder. They also mentioned that the novel has a distinctly eerie atmosphere and can be quite gory at times.

It was noted by someone that Detective Inspector Monica Kennedy bears a resemblance to the much-loved Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope, played by Brenda Blethyn, in the TV series ‘Vera’.

The reader praised Monica Kennedy, stating that she’s remarkably intelligent and shares similar qualities to Vera. They found her writing to be well-crafted and thoughtful.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel awestruck when I hear about Monica being called “unrivaled” by the show’s writer Hartley, or “bold” as described by ITV’s Director of Drama, Polly Hill. The anticipation builds as she prepares to deliver a tale set in the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of rural Scotland, promising a story that will send chills down my spine!

In a statement, Hill mentioned that ‘The Dark’ is an engaging new dramatic series featuring the courageous Detective Inspector Monica Kennedy. This story, set in Scotland, portrays Kennedy as she endeavors to apprehend a serial killer in a truly bone-chilling atmosphere.

The adaptation by Matt is incredibly captivating, and I’m thrilled to collaborate on this novel with him and the crew at Poison Pen.

A release date for The Dark is yet to be announced.

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2025-08-21 19:19