MURA operative Konstantin Troshin returns from the front after the victory in the Great Patriotic War and finds out that he no longer works in the police. The reason is a conflict with an influential general of the NKGB of the USSR. But Troshin cannot imagine his life without the police. He manages to get a job as a precinct officer in the most disadvantaged area of Moscow — Maryina Grove.

Ihor is a famous photographer whose works are published in a number of magazines and presented at international exhibitions. In the cycle of affairs and trips, he meets a girl. The image of Lera, her beauty and mystery awaken in him both romantic feelings and the creative interest of the photo artist - they inspire him to create a series of beautiful photographs of his beloved. A fast-paced novel brings confusion into the hero's life and puts him in front of a choice: a new unexpected relationship or a proposed multi-month business trip to America, which causes envy among colleagues. Somehow, while completing the documents, Igor accidentally notices on the bulletin board a photo robot of a dangerous criminal who resembles Lera. Getting confused in comparisons, facts and doubts, he tries to find the truth. The struggle between love and the realization of the bitter truth ends tragically.

People from all over the area and even from all over the country come to Maximilian, who lives in a quiet rural area, for advice. Maximilian is known as a prophet and sorcerer. For example, he is able to give out the methodology for the election campaign. This is why a candidate for deputy named Kutergin comes to him. Here he organizes proper work to receive the population. Disappointed with such a life, Maximilian climbs onto an iron cage in a field and waits for a revelation, a conversation with the Lord. He is declared a stylite; Hare Krishnas, communists, democrats and other crazy people come from all over. And Maximilian suddenly realizes that he must return to the city to his wife, to whom he promised five years ago that he would quit drinking, and leaves his “pillar”. Maximilian left, and his place was taken by Kutergin, who believed in the miracle.

Lida, a kind and sympathetic person, raised her younger brother and is raising her daughter alone, although she has friendly relations with her daughter’s father. Having a higher education, Lida works as a typist. With the arrival of a new boss, her life changes.

Trying to save the well-being of her family, a woman begins her own investigation in search of an anonymous person - and innocent people become victims of her persistence.

Although he is only eighteen, twenty-year-old Nadia permits Sergei to move into her apartment and share her bed. However, his callowness swiftly bores her, and she is unable to hide her increasing disdain for him. Understandably, this is a matter of some distress for him. Her contempt is more difficult for him to bear than she suspects, and one day he is provoked to murder her.