The marriage between sociology professor Patrick and psychotherapist Julia is a successful, stable union, a relationship many envy. It is a partnership in which both find a sense of security and inspiration. The only thing missing is sex. Julia has lost all desire for it. Patrick, however, refuses to resign himself to abstinence. Since both are determined to save their relationship, Julia proposes an unconventional solution to the problem. Online, Patrick finds Claire, a woman who is natural, intelligent, attractive, and desirable. Claire is a woman who knows exactly what she is doing, and who shrewdly leverages her erotic capital to ensure her financial security. The affair is intended to remain strictly sexual. Yet Patrick proves unable to control his emotions as planned. When Claire discovers that she is merely a means to an end for the couple, she begins to cross the established boundaries thereby throwing the entire lives of the married couple, and their family, into turmoil.

Claudia Voss, honorary mayoress, is presented with a fait accompli when her Southern German district decides to build a refugee centre in her town. Some of the population are fuming and resistance grows, but there are equal amounts of willingness to help and empathy. Unexpectedly, the committed wife and mother attracts the attention of right-wing circles and faces attempts to intimidate her. The more Claudia Voss tries to mediate, the stronger the hostility becomes. A gripping contemporary thriller which paints a nuanced picture of the challenges brought by an increasingly polarized political reality. No exception, but instead a widespread, alarming phenomenon in today’s democratic societies.