A man finds himself drawn into a dangerous, ancient ritualistic conflict that threatens his sanity and his life. Edward Leithen, a successful lawyer, encounters a woman named Kore Arabin who is haunted by a recurring vision of a Greek island and a sacrificial dance. As he investigates the origins of these visions, he is pulled into a web of occult mystery and physical peril that tests his rational worldview. The narrative unfolds through a blend of psychological tension and atmospheric suspense, set against the backdrop of both London society and the rugged landscapes of the Mediterranean.

Readers often note that this work deviates from the author's more conventional adventure novels by incorporating elements of the uncanny and the psychological. Discussion frequently centers on the effectiveness of the slow-building tension as the protagonist moves from skepticism to belief. Critics highlight the author's ability to maintain a grounded tone even when the plot ventures into the realm of the occult. Many readers appreciate the intellectual depth provided by the protagonist's internal monologues regarding the nature of fear and tradition. The book is generally regarded as a distinct entry in the author's bibliography due to its focus on internal conflict rather than purely external action.