Harry is on a special mission. Detective Harry Hole arrives in the sweltering heat of Bangkok. The Norwegian ambassador has been found dead in a rundown motel room, and Harry has been sent to investigate. It is clear that the ambassador's family is hiding some secrets, but few people are willing to talk. He must solve a crime and avoid a scandal. When Harry gets hold of some incriminating CCTV footage, the situation becomes even more complicated. The man who gave him the tape disappears, and Harry realizes that failing to solve a murder case is far from the only danger threatening the unwary. But in a foreign city, who can you trust?.