 A serial killer rips out the heart of his victims, and Detective Inspector Clifford (Anthony Valentine) is in charge of the investigation without any lead. While listening to the radio, he becomes aware of a best-seller, in which the killer also removes the heart of his victims, and Clifford meets the writer, Natalie (Suzanne Danielle), and she tells that the character was based on a countess that lived centuries ago. Clifford asks for an appointment with the descendant, Mrs. Henska (Siân Phillips), who becomes his suspect number one. Although under investigation, the murders do not stop and Clifford tries to find other clue.