When the people of a small corrupt town find out a secret inspector will be arriving shortly they panic, something which a lazy civil servant takes full advantage of and lets them believe that he is that inspector.

Anton, a maladjusted and yearning man is trying to find love, comfort and a new family to requite his feelings. This is a journey through the early days of autumn that ends up being a series of turbulent and chaotic trials for those who crosses his path.

A series of grisly murders where the victims faces have been removed by acid starts to turn up around Stockholm. Detective Martin Beck and Gunvald Larsson are once again drawn into the darkness.