1st century AD. In a secluded monastery on the island of Vectis, mysterious red-haired scribes tirelessly write down in manuscripts the names, dates of birth and death of more and more people... 1947. During archaeological excavations, the monastery library was discovered - and the US secret services are trying to take possession of it at any cost... Present day, New York. The FBI is investigating a case codenamed "Doomsday". The case of a serial killer who sends postcards to his victims indicating the exact day of their death. Experienced agent Will Piper and his partner Nancy immediately understand that these are very unusual crimes. But so far even they do not suspect that the key to solving these murders lies in the distant past...