A vicious murder with a broadsword leaves a man dead at a remote and ancient castle in the Bavarian forests. Shortly thereafter, the bubonic plague--a hideous disease believed to be eliminated centuries ago, is detected in Bavaria, killing its victims. German police Kommissar Franz Waldbaer strongly suspects a link to the castle, but his investigation is impeded by the master of the castle, the arrogant Count von Wintelock. As Waldbaer painfully...