Christian Tüdel’s dream came true: his debut novel “The Mermaid” was published to great success. But why is he so depressed and withdrawn—more than ever? His acquaintance, Erika Falk, learns that, for some time now, he has been receiving strange, frightening letters. Meanwhile, Magnus—Tüdel’s best friend—disappears without a trace, and shortly after, they find him on the coastline, murdered and frozen into the ice. Erika’s husband, Detective Patrik Hedström, takes on the investigation of this horrifying case. He discovers that similar threats were received by three of Christian’s closest friends, including Magnus. But when asked, the remaining living ones refuse to answer categorically. What caused their strange silence? And what secret are they guarding so stubbornly, even without fear for their own lives? The truth needs to be found before it’s too late…