In 1790 Johan Gustav Dåådh joins the Stockholm police, in an attempt to change, or at least improve, the system from within. He is a modern thinker in an old hierarchy. Torn between alliances, he solves crimes among rich and poor.

A mother sends postcards to her estranged son and daughter inviting them back to the guest house they grew up in. She gives each of her children one piece of advice and leaves them to ponder the meaning.

In turn-of-the-21st-century Moscow, an innocent trade plunges Swedish investment banker, Tom Blixen, into a battle with millionaires, politicians, oligarchs and their private armies.