In small Ural city begins to take place something incomprehensible. Very young Ваня Скворцов dies under enigmatic circumstances, and ominous rumors walk, that as though he gets out at nights from a grave and frightens the belated passers-by. People begin without trace to disappear, thus not only ordinary citizens but also keepers of order. Appearance is in city of scientist-archaeologist Nikolay Всесвятского, that, allegedly, is known with impure force, generates not clear rumours about vampire deceaseds-bats and some all-powerful Owner, capable to exterminate all urban population under a root. Who he, this Owner? Maniac, killer or somebody's foolish mystification? American John Смит, working in Russia by contract,, as veritable materialist, disbelieves in no mysticism, considering all of it a generation ridiculous to history about a count Dracula. But in life there always is a place to the nightmare. And when he comes, great deal in presentation of John and to him similar sceptics can turn over from feet to the head...