Agatha, public relations specialist, moves from London to the small village of Carsley, hoping for a quieter, simpler life. She soon finds her dreams dashed when she becomes a murder suspect after entering a quiche-making competition.

"Some of literature's most terrifying characters, including Dr. Frankenstein and his monster, Dorian Gray, and iconic figures from the novel Dracula are lurking in the darkest corners of Victorian London. They are joined by a core of original characters in a complex, frightening new narrative. Penny Dreadful is a psychological thriller filled with dark mystery and suspense, where personal demons from the past can be stronger than vampires, evil spirits...

Vanessa Ives accepting her demons could exact a terrible cost and plunge the world into darkness, while Ethan Chandler, Dr. Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, Sir Malcolm, the Creature, and Lily must each face their own monstrous selves.

Prime Minister Robert Sutherland's committee, comprised of leading contingency planners and senior politicians, navigates the difficulties in overcoming a major national crisis.