One autumn morning Bruno comes across an abandoned car parked near a local beauty spot. Inside is a dead woman, Monique, who appears to have taken her own life. But there are circumstances surrounding the death that raises Bruno's suspicions, particularly when disputes arise regarding her will. At the same time, Bruno makes the mistake of interfering in a local marital dispute. Deputy mayor Xavier has been playing away and finds himself evicted from the family home. Old controversies about deer culls taken on new life and then a second campaign begins, stating that Bruno is less of a village copper and more of a secret policeman, whose main job is working for French intelligence. Suddenly Bruno's shiny reputation is looking a little tarnished as he battles to save his name and answer the questions surrounding Monique's suicide.