Copenhagen, 1834. Hans Christian Andersen works tirelessly, seeks connections with rich people and celebrities—all so he can be noticed. He writes like obsessed: plays, speeches at banquets, poems about love—but he doesn’t get good reviews. Only when he starts writing fairy tales does the world finally see his talent. But what’s true in these stories, and what’s made up? In the harbor, the mutilated body of a prostitute is found. A witness immediately names a suspect: Hans Christian Andersen, who was seen leaving her room last night. He explains himself, but the police don’t believe him. Only thanks to Andersen’s high connections does he get released—with one condition: he must find the criminal, or he’ll end up in prison himself.