The leader of a religious cult in Guyana instigates a mass suicide. He succeeds
in killing himself and his whole flock of worshippers, save one. In a wood outsi
de Ystad, the police make an horrific discovery: a severed head, and hands locke
d together in an attitude of prayer.
A Bible lies at the victim's side, handw
ritten corrections and amendments on every page. A string of incidents, includin
g attacks on domestic animals, has been taking place and Inspector Wallander fea
rs that these events could be the prelude to attacks on humans on a much greater
scale. Meanwhile Linda Wallander, preparing to join the Ystad police force, arr
ives at the station.
