A jawbone is found in the middle of the forest. When the rest of the body is found, it turns out that it has just recently been moved and belongs to Viktor Eklund, who has been missing for five years. His mother, well-known author Cecilia Eklund, has just managed to put his disappearance behind her. Martin Beck was investigating the disappearance, but Alex thinks it is unusually thin and not like Martin's usual work. But Martin is very secretive and reluctant to talk about the case. Fredén, on the other hand, does not hesitate to blame the bad work on Martin. There is a lot that is not true. Martin is on sick leave and everyone knows how sick he really is. Fredén, on the other hand, immediately takes the chance and offers Alex Martin's service. He wants new blood in the corps. But Alex seems to have completely different plans. Something that Joseph notices.