A young woman is found dead on an unmanned yacht in the Stockholm archipelago. Her lungs are filled with seawater, yet there is not a drop of water on her clothes. The victim's sister, a famous peace activist, is being pursued by a ruthless killer. On the same day, a body is discovered hanging from a clothesline in an apartment in Stockholm. It is Karl Palmcrona, the general manager of the Strategic Products Inspection, the man who approves Sweden's equipment contracts. Everything indicates that it is a murder because the room is empty and there was no way to climb up to the double knot that strangled him. However, Inspector Joona Linna is sure it is a suicide.

Conducting both investigations simultaneously, Linna is unaware that he is entering a Machiavellian world of secret supplies, silent agreements, and contracts with the devil that cannot be broken even by death.

After "The Hypnotist," Lars Kepler once again signs a thrilling thriller and continues to explore the dark side of Sweden.

"One of the most exciting books of recent years... and a perfect literary work... what more could one ask for?"
(Goteborgs-Posten)

"The Contract of Paganini" is the art of selling your soul to the devil, whatever that means."
(Julie Malaure, Le Point)