Michael Haller acquires an established law firm after a murdered colleague, but it does not bring him luck. Among the clients is Walter Elliot, a film mogul accused of double murder. Although his case is a guarantee of welcome media attention and fat profits, Haller has no idea yet that there may be a connection between the murder of a colleague and the indictment of a tycoon, and that he has thus painted a target on his forehead. Despite the danger, he slowly penetrates the case and realizes that something is amiss. He finds himself between the millstones: he must defend the interests of the client and at the same time obey the law. Therefore, he devises a diabolical plan, although he realizes that he is risking not only his career, but also his bare life.

The book became the model for a successful Netflix series.