In Genoa, a number of women report being raped; inspector Petra Delicato takes on the case and needs to work with deputy inspector Antonio Monte.

A trainer and a veterinarian helps Petra and Antonio investigate after a corpse is found; they discover that the victim was involved in dog trafficking.

After an appearance on a TV show, Petra receives a package at the police station. Inside, perfectly preserved in formalin, is a severed penis. Similar brutal amputations follow, one after the other, in some macabre ritual.

Petra and Antonio investigate the murder of a much-hated TV gossipmonger. The two, however, soon find themselves in too deep, uncovering the seamy side of the entertainment business.