State of emergency in Ausseerland: The "Maschkera" are on the loose! The annual carnival parade in Bad Aussee is just around the corner, and everyone is filled with anticipation. However, the joyful atmosphere in the spa town is overshadowed: a death threat received by the Ausseer carnival committee is causing concern among the carnival enthusiasts. A drum woman is to pay with her life! To prevent a possible attack, Inspector Franz Gasperlmaier is assigned to conduct undercover investigations. He is to disguise himself as one of the traditional drum women and march incognito in the parade. But despite all precautions, the carnival festivities come to a tragic end shortly after they begin - with a gruesome murder! The chef of a renowned organic hotel in the area is found stabbed to death. It soon becomes clear that the murder victim was involved in shady dealings and dubious activities.