For vibrant, lovely Jean Suttman, the fellowship to study in Rome was the culmination of all her dreams-until she undertook an innocent expedition to the ancient subterranean Temple of Mithra.

From the moment she stepped into the pagan darkness and discovered the corpse of the repulsive Albert, one of her fellow students, she was afraid. Not even the comforting presence of the perceptive and practical Jacqueline Kirby could erase the fear which was nourished by one small accident after another. "Accidents" which come dreadfully close to killing her.

Someone was stalking Jean, someone ruthless and determined. Before long she could see no chance of rescue from the ever-present terror... no hope of escape... nothing but death...