They live the same life as millions of us. They have a lot in common: they fall in love, get married, get divorced, take care of children, and sometimes knock back a mug of beer or a glass of something stronger. And at the same time, these are completely different people: someone hates weapons, but loves chess, and someone has a phenomenal memory. Each of them has their own weaknesses, shortcomings and talents. But they all serve in the police, investigating crimes under the leadership of Martin Beck. When Martin Beck and his assistants begin investigating robberies in the capital's parks in The Man on the Balcony, there is no sign that they will encounter a more serious crime. Not far from the scene of the last robbery, police find the body of a strangled nine-year-old girl.