Six-year-old Clifford Greenwood vanishes from the family hotel Wildenvey and an employee is found dead. Detective William Wisting believes the boy was kidnapped. The Greenwood family is shocked, but Wisting discovers they have secrets.

Wisting is under pressure, still without leads. Clifford's parents await contact from the kidnapper but receive a mysterious message that leads them to a gruesome discovery. It's clear the kidnapper wants to tell them something, but what?

The police initiate a manhunt for the kidnapper, who is revealed to have a strong personal motive. As time is running out, Wisting must dig into a tragic event from the distant past. Andrew is forced to participate in a high-stakes game.