A routine annual pilgrimage for Europe's gypsy population turns into a lethal investigation when mysterious deaths plague the gathering in Provence. Cecile Dubois and Neil Bowman embed themselves within the caravan to track the source of the fatalities, navigating a landscape of cultural tradition and hidden danger. They face opposition from the ruthless Gaiuse Strome, who orchestrates a vast international conspiracy to protect his interests. The narrative unfolds as a high-stakes pursuit, documenting the protagonists' efforts to expose the truth before the caravan disperses.

This work reflects the classic thriller mechanics characteristic of Alistair MacLean's mid-career output. The narrative relies on a blend of exotic location-based tension and a rapidly escalating conspiracy that forces the protagonists into constant movement. Readers typically identify the strength of the book in its ability to weave a specific cultural backdrop into a standard mystery framework. The pacing suggests a focus on procedural discovery rather than deep character introspection, maintaining a consistent level of urgency throughout the text.