Synopsis

A mysterious phone call puts Kluftinger and his colleagues Maier and Hefele on the trail of a brutal series of murders. A serial killer who cuts out the hearts of his victims and drapes them macabrely at the crime scene is up to mischief in the Allgäu. There is hardly any time for Kluftinger's own worries, the chest pains that are making his life hell. Does he suffer from heart problems like his father? Kluftinger thinks - also because of the strange statements of his doctor Dr. Langhammer - terminally ill. But he will solve this case. Even if it's the last thing he does. In fear of death, Kluftinger takes surprising measures to turn things around again. A yoga class with Dr. Langhammer is one of them. The investigations lead him to the clinic in Oberstaufen, where his father is lying after heart surgery. The first murder victim turns out to be the chief physician of this clinic, Dr. Steiner. Drug residues were found in his blood. A drug that is only used in one series of tests in this clinic. Is it about illegal drug trials? Is Kluftinger's father also in danger? More victims are found: an insurance broker and an employee of the Augsburg regulatory office. A book of matches is found at all crime scenes, each time there is one less match in it. From five it goes down until there is only one left. But what is the connection between the dead? When Maier suddenly disappears, Kluftinger has to ask himself whether the last match is meant for his pedantic colleague. A dramatic race against time culminates in a showdown in the ghost train.