Carl Morck used to be a good homicide detective One of Copenhagen's best, in fact Then a bullet almost took his life Two of his colleagues weren't so lucky, and Carl, because he didn't draw his gun, blames himself Now his erratic behaviour is going to cost him his job It's just a matter of time So promotion is the last thing he expects Newly created Department Q deals with 'cases of special focus' His former colleagues think it's a joke - a home for hopeless cases Carl, leading it, will fit right in Except that his first case is that of missing politician Merete Lynggaard She vanished five years ago Everyone assumes she's dead Everyone assumes it's a waste of time Everyone, that is, except Carl Because Merete isn't dead - at least not yet