In July 1944, Chief Inspector Werner Resske is sent to the lake district of East Prussia to investigate the gruesome murder of Baron Ferdinand von der Schwechau.

Why did the baron have to die? Is there a connection to the failed assassination attempt on Hitler shortly before in the same region? What role does Charlotte, the victim's beautiful but headstrong daughter, play? Who is she said to be having a forbidden love affair with—a Polish forced-laborer?
With the help of Sergeant Fiebranz, Resske tries to solve the case professionally. Preferably without interference from the Gestapo.
When the Red Army finally invades East Prussia, these concerns are overshadowed by worries about his own safety and that of his family.