Summer. A boy is lying on the floor of an Oslo appartment. He is bleeding to death. Outside the church bells toll and he begins to tell his story. Autumn. Former police inspector Harry Hole returns to Oslo after three years away. He seeks out his old boss at Police Headquarters to request permission to investigate a homicide. But the case is already closed: the young junkie was shot dead by a fellow addict. While Harry tries to uncover the truth the murdered boy continues his tale. A man walks the dark streets of Oslo. The streets are his and he has always been there. He is a phantom. (cat)

Part of the The Harry Hole Series series.