Charlotte Leonhardt

Marianne Vauban is an outspoken investigating judge with surprising methods and disarming sincerity. Accompanied by Captain Pastor and her clerk Yves, Marianne must draw on all her experience, sagacity, and empathy to investigate complex cases in astonishing worlds. But one case is particularly close to her heart: the murder of a prostitute ten years ago. She promised the victim's son that she would get to the bottom of this murder.

Joseph has an intensely close and ambiguous relationship with his sister Marianne. At her going-away party the day before she leaves to go abroad, Joseph is caught between his feelings for his sister and the advances by other suitors.