Content Warning: This section discusses violence (including gun violence), murder, and death. It also mentions the Holocaust.

Vera Hobbs, a baker in Gunwalloe, England, sees a light on in Charlotte Blake’s cottage. Charlotte is the author of a best-selling book about Picasso and an expert in “APR, or artistic provenance research” (4). There is a serial killer, known as “the Chopper,” on the loose, which causes Vera to worry. At work, Vera asks Molly, her employee, when she last saw Charlotte. Molly saw Charlotte driving north the previous day. Vera talks to her friend Dottie, who suggests that they call Charlotte. Vera finds her work phone number and is sent to voicemail. Then, she calls Detective Sergeant Timothy Peel.

Sarah Bancroft, a former CIA operative and art curator, is married to an officer in the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), Christopher Keller, who goes by the name Peter Marlowe. Sarah hears on the news that the Chopper has killed Charlotte, whose book Sarah owns. After hearing other news about an upcoming election, Sarah prepares to attend an event where Van Gogh’s stolen painting Self-Portrait With Bandaged Ear will be returned to the Courtauld Gallery. She is the first to arrive at Isherwood Fine Arts that morning, and Julian Isherwood comes in shortly thereafter.