Get ready for a chilling winter special in Rosenheim! “Totholz” throws the usually sunny Bavarian town into a deep freeze, both literally and figuratively, as a series of seemingly unconnected events unfolds, leading to a shocking and unexpected climax.
The core of the mystery revolves around the discovery of a body – or rather, *bodies* – found in a seemingly idyllic, snow-covered forest. Initial investigations point towards a tragic accident, possibly related to the harsh winter conditions and the treacherous terrain. But as the Rosenheim cops, led by the ever-reliable Chief Inspector Korbinian Hofer, delve deeper, the picture becomes far more complex.
The investigation quickly unravels a web of secrets and lies concealed beneath the picturesque facade of Rosenheim. A seemingly respectable member of the community emerges as a prime suspect, their perfect image shattered by a history of hidden debts and shady dealings. This suspect’s connection to a local forestry business, and particularly the harvesting of deadwood (“Totholz”), becomes increasingly crucial to the case. Their involvement isn’t straightforward, however; the investigation reveals a complex network of individuals all with their own reasons for keeping secrets. Mistrust and suspicion run rampant amongst the suspects, leaving the team questioning the reliability of every witness.
A key element of the plot involves a long-forgotten feud within the town, resurrected by the recent deaths. Old rivalries and resentments, previously buried beneath the surface, erupt into the open, complicating the investigation and causing unexpected alliances and betrayals within the team itself. We see familiar faces grapple with personal challenges that intersect with the central case, impacting their judgment and clouding their perspectives. A secondary storyline weaves in a seemingly unrelated incident – a local artist’s disappearance – that later proves to be intricately linked to the deaths in the forest. Their work, featuring unsettling imagery connected to the forest and the harvested deadwood, offers crucial clues to the unfolding mystery.
As the investigation progresses, a surprising twist throws the entire case into question. The initially assumed motive for the killings is revealed to be a smokescreen, obscuring a far more sinister and ambitious plot. The true perpetrator is not who you expect, possessing a shocking connection to both the victims and a significant element of Rosenheim’s landscape. The motive involves far more than just personal vendettas; land ownership, hidden wealth, and long-held grievances play a significant role. The climax is a tense and suspenseful confrontation, taking place in a dramatically appropriate location amidst the snowy backdrop, where the perpetrator’s true intentions are finally revealed. The resolution leaves a lingering sense of unease, demonstrating the dark underbelly that can lie hidden beneath even the most picturesque of winter landscapes. Expect unexpected alliances, shocking betrayals, and a truly satisfying, if slightly unsettling, conclusion to this winter-themed mystery.