Shortly before Christmas, Chief Inspector Hanne Wilhelmsen is called to the scene of multiple murders. Four people are found shot dead at the home of the wealthy Stahlberg family. Three of the dead are members of the family, and the fourth victim is an undistinguished author, seemingly out of place. As Hanne and her longtime police partner, Billy T., investigate, they unearth many motives for the murders. But Hanne doesn't believe that the full story has been revealed, and she concentrates her efforts on discovering why the author was at the Stahlberg home. As Hanne draws closer to the truth, she will once again risk everything for justice. But this time, will she pay the ultimate price?