The book also paints a grim picture of modern society, touching on:
: A world-renowned criminologist and psychological profiler. His expertise provides the technical backbone of the investigation, offering "Mindhunter"-style insights into the serial killer's psyche.
: The plot weaves through the shadows of power, involving wealthy elites and influential figures like Pedro Mendiluce.
: An inspector from the UDEV (Violent Crimes Unit) in A Coruña. She is characterized as a strong-willed, intuitive investigator with a complex personal life and a relentless drive to catch those who prey on the innocent.
The story begins with a chilling discovery in A Coruña, Spain. Lidia Naveira, a young woman from the city's high society, is found dead in the Eiris pond. Her body has been meticulously posed to recreate the famous Pre-Raphaelite painting Ophelia by John Everett Millais.
Their dynamic—balancing police procedure with criminal psychology—is the heart of the series. 3. Key Themes: The Beauty of the Macabre