Ystad police make an horrific discovery a severed head, and hands locked together in a prayer Other incidents, including attacks on domestic animals, have been taking place and Inspector Wallander fears that these might just be the prelude to further attacks on humans Linda Wallander, preparing to join Ystad police force, arrives at the station and becomes involved in the case In the process she shows the hallmarks of her father - the flaring temper, the maverick approach - when confronting a group of extremists bent on punishing the world's sinners