A laborer is found dead in the cement factory he works in. The suspect is the factory’s supervisor, who had differences with the victim. During research, Don Matteo and the police accidentally uncover a dramatic relationship.

The stables of an equestrian center catch fire. Suspicion falls on the old horse groom first, who has a motive to harm his employer. The employer, owner of the stables, might have a motive too - to collect insurance money. With Don Matteo's help and the aid of little boy Simone, the police uncovers the truth.

The manager of a country hotel is found dead. By chance, Don Matteo discovers that the victim blackmailed unsuspecting hotel guests with video recordings. Suspicion falls on a woman who seems to be involved. Her husband accuses himself.

The young woman Petra (Jacqueline Lustig), on the run from police after supposedly committing a crime, takes Don Matteo hostage. While the police and Don Matteo's 'family' attempt to free him, our protagonist cooks up a plan: In order to escape and to uncover the truth, he tries to become an accomplice to his kidnapper.