A fanatical sect is suspected to be behind some horrific violent crimes in Ystad. Henning Mankell's sharp-eyed commissioner receives assistance from her daughter Linda, a newly-graduated police officer, and criminal inspector Stefan Lindman. The first of 32 films with Krister Henriksson as the popular commissioner Kurt Wallander.

They are the perfect French haute bourgeois couple: Paul is a respected surgeon and Lucie cooks and gardens exquisitely. But now, in the autumn of his life, Paul can’t resist the lure of an ambiguous and dangerous relationship with a mysterious young woman. Might there be something sinister behind the roses delivered to his office and the “chance” meetings?