Alphy is invited to a party at a country manor, where he hopes to raise funds for the ailing church. The evening's frivolities are cut short when a body is found in the basement.

It’s 1961 and times are very much changing in Grantchester. The Reverend Will Davenport has begun to consider new challenges elsewhere, while Geordie and Cathy Keating deal with an independent Esme out in a dangerous world. It’s not long before Alphy Kottaram makes his arrival as the new vicar, enchanted by the village and remarkably gallant about his rocky welcome. Will the locals ever be able to accept him as one of their own?

Grantchester Season 9 finds police and vicar(s) investigating clandestine circus performers and deceitful archaeologists, while exploring gender politics in the workplace, and the meaning of faith in the community. As mysterious clues build to a truly explosive finale, this season is set to be the biggest and boldest yet.