A man finds himself trapped in a tightening web of circumstantial evidence that forces him to question his own innocence regarding a murder. The protagonist must navigate a hostile legal and social landscape while the evidence against him mounts with alarming precision. Inspector Van der Valk enters the narrative to dissect the case, employing a methodical yet charismatic approach to uncover the truth. The story utilizes a focused perspective to examine how external pressures can distort an individual's perception of reality and personal history.

Readers frequently highlight the novel's ability to maintain tension through psychological introspection rather than relying solely on action sequences. Critics often point to the introduction of Inspector Van der Valk as a significant moment in the development of the police procedural genre. Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of the Amsterdam setting in creating a distinct, moody atmosphere that complements the protagonist's growing paranoia. Many observers appreciate the author's restraint in pacing, which allows the complexity of the legal predicament to unfold naturally. The work is widely regarded as a foundational entry that establishes the intellectual and stylistic hallmarks of the series.