Much water has flowed since writer Agatha Sever, famous for her sharp mind and sharp tongue, discovered the beauty of a small Karelian island. She has had to investigate many mysterious and convoluted crimes in this deceptively quiet spot. Next in line is another mysterious murder, capable of baffling even such a talented detective. The mummified body of an unidentified man is found in a local swamp. Once again, Agatha must unravel the islanders’ legends of an ancient mystical curse. At the same time, her personal life becomes more complicated when an outside investigator arrives on the island—a person from Agatha’s past whom she had tried to forget.