Trese's origins can be traced back to the short-lived radio show The World of the Unknown, written by both Mark Gatela and Budjette Tan. To date, Alexandra Trese has been involved in 34 cases spread across 8 volumes (not counting the cases included in spin-offs). Alexandra also reckons with herself, as a prophecy foretelling her inevitable choice between the good of the city and the future of the Underworld slowly comes to the forefront as well. She serves as the series' main antagonist, gaining favors with political and supernatural parties and enacting a grand plot for the future of the country at the cost of lives. Over the course of the later books, the political figure known as the Madame returns to the Philippines and slowly propagates her influence throughout the city.

Their origin was expanded upon in the third book, Trese: Mass Murders. She also has two loyal bodyguards called the Kambal, who are half-breeds wearing matched suits and a pair of magical masks. Just like how the local police consult Trese on matters of supernatural origins, Alexandra also consults beings of the Underworld, such as the Nuno sa Manhole, the Wind Tribes, and tikbalang clan leaders, to get a better understanding of the situation. Most of the cases unfold as procedurals but the methods used by Alexandra in solving them are more unorthodox, involving rituals and the use of magical as well as everyday objects. The Trese series features both stand-alone stories and overarching storylines about supernatural crimes that Alexandra Trese investigates. It is mostly set in the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, where supernatural beings of the Underworld based on Philippine myths and folklore cohabitate with humans and wield immense influence and power over small and large business as well as local crime syndicates. The series follows main protagonist Alexandra Trese, proprietor of the night club The Diabolical, mysterious detective, and consultant to the local police force regarding crimes of supernatural origin.

Trese murder on balete drive