This is a prequel to "Victim without a Face," and it is set in Stockholm. The crimes are ghastly, but the character of the lead detective, Fabian Risk, shows determination and a willingness to pursue criminals even when it puts his career in jeopardy. The novel also displays the effect that Risk's singleminded work focus has on his family. This theme gets picked up in "Victim without a Face," which begins with the family's move to Risk's childhood home in Helsingborg.