An English tourist investigating a series of mysterious deaths among a gypsy pilgrimage in Provence finds himself in mortal danger. Neil Bowman, an English tourist, becomes entangled in a dangerous investigation when he notices suspicious deaths occurring during the annual gypsy pilgrimage to southern France. His suspicions lead him to uncover a plot financed by Gaius Strome, a man he believes to be the wealthy aristocrat Le Grand Duc Charles de Croytor. Aided by Cecile Dubois, whose friend Lila Delafont is connected to the suspected financier, Bowman follows the caravan, facing escalating threats as he attempts to reveal the secret the gypsies are determined to conceal.

The narrative is characterized by Alistair Maclean's signature blend of suspense and action, drawing readers into a tense investigation set against the evocative landscape of Provence. The plot is driven by escalating danger and the protagonist's relentless pursuit of a hidden truth, a hallmark of Maclean's acclaimed thrillers. The story's reliance on a central mystery and the constant threat to the protagonists suggests a fast-paced and engaging reading experience. This work is expected to appeal to fans of classic suspense and adventure fiction who appreciate intricate plots and high-stakes scenarios.