They call her "The Demon Lera," a name her beauty belies: Straight black hair, full sensuous lips, long aristocratic body. Opaque golden eyes. She is Countess Silvana Lera, mistress of an island fortress home to:
Mrs. Stitch, the housekeeper, whose knowledge is worth more than her life.
Benedetto, wily half brother to the Countess, who has two passionate obsessions.
Zangari, the gypsy servant, whose eyes finally see one terror too many.
Marc Antoine, son of the countess, accused madman and killer who in death wears the most unexpected mask of all.
They are waiting for the honored guest, Melissa Summers, pretty, young, wealthy, vulnerable to love. HER WELCOME HAS BEEN PREPARED.