"The Puppeteer" is a detective mini-series about the search for a mysterious serial killer who leaves a series of custom porcelain dolls next to the bodies of his victims. Several years ago, he operated in the capital city, and it was his hand that took the life of investigator Yuri Vishnya's beloved wife. The deranged criminal was apprehended at that time, but either he now has an imitator, or the police initially arrested the wrong person. Vishnya is not allowed to participate in the investigation, and the case is assigned to his colleague, Zharov. However, Vishnya cannot stand idly by.