Dmitry Vlaskin

Anatoly Lunin is a former clinical psychologist, and now a consultant in the operational investigation group on high-profile crimes. A unique method based on the peculiarities of his psyche helps Lunin solve crimes. He can get used to the role of the criminal, literally get into his head, and restore his motives. Anatoly knows that his abilities are a mental illness that he has to hide. His boss, Colonel Pokrasov and journalist Drapova seek to expose the hero, but Lunin is saved by the intercession of the high authorities — General Mordvinov. Anatoly has a difficult relationship with his colleague, a full—time criminologist psychologist Arina Solodovnikova. However, with each new case, her opinion about him changes — Arina is convinced of Lunin's professionalism and unusual talent.

Due to his inherent cunning, resourcefulness and access to police archives and databases, Poptsov has been able to avoid punishment for many years, terrifying the entire Irkutsk region. He gradually turns into a semi-mystical character, an elusive demon from whom there is no escape. And yet, the operatives, led by Kovalev, after going through a series of difficult life situations, will go on the trail of the killer, stopping the terrible conveyor of death.

He killed and went unpunished for more than ten years, and more than fifty people died at his hands. An innocent man was convicted and shot instead. For a long time, the murders he committed could not be combined into one case. Maniacs of this caliber simply did not exist in the USSR, so law enforcement agencies were not ready to fight the "Rabid Beast", as journalists later dubbed it. Vigilantes, police officers, investigators from the prosecutor's office, psychiatrists were involved in the capture of Chikatilo, and new investigative techniques were developed that will help save innocent people.

In the center of the story are three main characters - Lieutenant Colonel Soshnikov, Captain Muravyov and Major Zakharov. Three ages, three different characters, three different destinies, which are destined to meet at the Khmeimim military base.