Adam Verne-Smith is a man with a haunted past. He and three others know the truth of what happened in the summer of 1979 at Wyvis Hall, which Adam re-named Ecalpemos ("someplace" spelt backwards). Adam and his arrogant friend Rufus meet again for the first time in twelve years, trying to keep one step ahead of the police to avoid the truth coming out. We go back in time twelve years to Wyvis Hall, and see how events built up to a crisis point.

I actually found this television adaptation was better than Ruth Rendell's novel. It was well-cast. Saira Todd was very good as the mentally-unbalanced Zosie. She looked child-like, as the book described her. Douglas Hodge and Jeremy Northam were also convincing with their roles. The character of Rufus was very intimidating and callous. Adam looked pained and guilt-ridden.

I noticed with the scenes set in the present that there was a lot of blue. Even the light had a bluish tinge. Is there any significance in that?

"A Fatal Inversion" is different from your regular "whodunnit". We know who did the crime but not who the crime was done to. Right until the end we are left guessing. This is drama at its best.