The body of the German real estate agent Walter Holzer was found right on the border with Bavaria. Major Peter Palfinger starts the investigation. He is supported by his committed colleague Irene Russmeyer, his superior Hofrat Seywald and, in constant competition, his Bavarian counterpart: Chief Inspector Hubert Mur. Mur thinks the case is resolved, but Palfinger encounters tragic entanglements and finally a very unexpected motive.