In the autumn of 1978, a man runs for his life in the Spiekeroog dunes, with no chance of escaping his murderers. Days later, when his body is washed ashore on the eastern beach of the island by the rough North Sea, the obligatory investigations by the village policeman and the island doctor conclude that it was an accident. There has never been a murder on Spiekeroog. Many years later, Bremen chief inspector Raiko Aden just wants to enjoy a relaxing vacation on his former home island. However, the theft of an antique Pieta from the Old Island Church awakens his investigative instincts and leads him back to this long-ago murder case and other intrigues. Raiko Aden receives support from the charming educator Susanne Schulenberg, whom he meets on the ferry to Spiekeroog. While both share a growing affection, they also share many concerns.