This time, detectives Anna Grünwald and Kevin Ganslinger consult Thomas Meiberger when two people are abducted who have disturbing similarities. The criminal psychologist, now a lecturer at Salzburg University, is asked to help them find the perpetrator, who marks the abduction site with detailed marionettes of his victims. Meiberger tries to delve into the displaced mind of a person who has been thrown off course, who sends coded messages with his actions - and possibly wants to be found. When two more people disappear, like the first victims psychologists, the circle of suspects narrows. While Grünwald fears for the lives of the abductees, Meiberger has no idea what role he is playing in the plan of the mysterious perpetrator, who unexpectedly makes contact with him.
