In an orphanage outside Oslo, a twelve-year-oldboy is causing havoc. The institution’s aging director, Agnes Vestavik, sees sheerhatred in Olav’s eyes, and when she is found murdered, stabbed in the neck—withOlav nowhere to be found—the case goes to maverick investigator HanneWilhelmsen, recently promoted to superintendent in the Oslo police. Hanne ordersan investigation of the orphanage staff, but she is hopeless at delegating andsharing responsibilities. Only her supreme deductive skills keep her on thejob, but this is one case where her instincts are leading her astray. Soon Olavwill lead police on a chase that will upend all of their assumptions.