The story revolves around the Norwegian police officer Harry Hole, who is sent to Sydney, Australia to serve as an attaché for the Australian police's investigation into the murder of a young female Norwegian celebrity, Inger Holter. Her boyfriend, Evans White, is initially approached as a suspect. Hole is assisted by Aboriginal colleague Andrew Kensington; together they find out that they are dealing with a serial killer who strangles blonde women. Hole befriends a red haired Swedish named Birgitta . As the story becomes more complex, Harry struggles to find the killer and becomes more alcoholic. There are more back stories about Harry's past and culture in Australia.