Inga, a 17 year-old, is sent to live with a scheming aunt who wants her to become mistress of her rich neighbour. She falls for a common young man instead.

A young American girl is found dead in Gota Kanal, Swedens largest channel. Since there are hardly any clues or evidence at all it seems as if the murder cant be solved. Martin Beck and his men are assigned to the case. Soon they find a likely suspect and together with a police woman they begin a cat and mouse game to catch him.

The author Per Anders Fogelström walks around in Vita Bergen, the south part of Stockholm and tells us about Anna Charlotta's life at the turn of the century. She is taken care of at the Shelter in the old ore farm outside of Vita Bergen.

A 19-year-old boy, after his mother's death, starts a relationship with his father's mistress, although he is engaged. The relationship continues after the woman has become his stepmother.