Axel Steen, an investigator in Copenhagen's homicide department, is driven by an inner unrest. His constant fear that his heart could suddenly stop beating keeps him awake night after night, looking out from the window of his old apartment across the streets of N rrebro, the artist, drug and red light district of Copenhagen. At a cemetery close by, an unidentified man is found murdered, his body propped up against a gravestone, and Axel is called to the scene. The investigation initially points towards the police force and links to the demolition of a nearby youth hostel. But Axel soon finds out that many people, both inside the police and out, have an unusual interest in the case - and in preventing it from being solved. Despite being in the middle of a personal crisis, Axel will not stop until the case is solved, whatever the consequences. But the consequences turn out to be larger than expected - especially for Axel himself.