Village of Artigat, southern France, summer 1542, during the reign of Francis I. Martin Guerre and Bertrande de Rols marry. A few years later, accused of having committed a robbery, Martin suddenly disappears. When, almost a decade later, a man arrives in Artigat claiming to be Martin, the Guerre family recognizes him as such; but doubts soon arise about his true identity.

Inspector Bart is assigned to investigate the disappearance of Many, a young fashion designer with whom he broke up some time ago. But had he really broken up? Because the night before the crime, we see him leaving her house. And that same night, she is found murdered. It's a difficult investigation.