A new murder is commited involving a gruesome display of a family sitting at the table. Detective Saga Norén is tasked with the investigation together with a new Danish detective after the incarceration of Martin Rohde.

With the detectives now working on two so-called 'clown murders', a prime suspect is the traumatised son of the first victim, who is on the run. The usually phlegmatic Saga is distracted from the investigation by the unwelcome appearance of her mother, who insists on showing her a medical file, hoping to find a resolution to their estrangement.

Saga and her new partner Henrik follow leads in finding their kidnapped boss Hans. In the meantime personal developments in Saga's life influence her work as a police officer.

Saga and her new partner Henrik grow closer together while new discoveries shed light on how the murder cases are linked together.

Saga and Henrik interview the estranged sister of the latest victim, who mentions that he had been cautioned after complaints from some of his pupils. Whilst nursing the hospitalised Hans, Lillian discovers a wound inside his cheek and Saga immediately orders the re-examination of previous victims. Claus attends the gallery opening of works from Freddie Holst's private collection and is alarmed when Anneka arrives and demands admittance.

A sceptical Henrik and Saga are initially unimpressed when a young art curator suggests a connection between the murders of Helle Anker and Lars-Ove Abrahamsson and the brutal attack on Hans, but his theory leads them to interview Freddie Holst, a successful businessman with a substantial art collection. The detectives are called to yet another victim whose mutilation seems to be the work of their serial killer.

Burglars make the gruesome discovery of two new victims, which Henrik recognises reflect the title of another of Freddie Holst's artworks called Cancel Christmas. The victims were foster carers and, whilst the team await a list of their charges, Saga and Henrik receive a breakthrough lead from John's new girlfriend Tina, who has been staking out the Holst house.

A captive Jeanette's whereabouts are located by Freddie using a tracking device and, with all resources being utilised to investigate the kidnapping, Saga is brought back from suspension to help Henrik follow a tip on who is behind the abduction.

Rasmus has discovered Freddie's abandoned helicopter in a disused concrete factory and is told to wait for back-up.