Tough, straight-talking detective Victoria Woll becomes emotionally involved in a case when a child is found in a forest near her murdered mother. Ava's father is also killed in a separate but connected incident, with the motivation for the murders difficult to fathom and the suspects talking at cross purposes. At the same time, Victoria makes a powerful enemy when she antagonises Jan Devold, her department head. Her successful attempt to undermine Jan seems set to have dangerous repercussions for years to come.