This very effective novel, set against a background of the post World War Two refugee crisis merges two stories together.   On one level we are introduced to Robert Watt: a recently qualified Scottish doctor, assigned by an  American OSS  (CIA) commander to investigate a disturbing epidemic which has broken out in the Polish/German refugee camp at Tarutz.   At Tarutz he falls under the spell of the beguiling Katryn, desperate to escape to 'America' and is befriended by the earnest, chessplayer Dr Geigy, whose ultimate fate is the tragedy of the book.   Watts colleague, Doctor Arthur Lee, a cancer specialist with a passion for 17th century history believes there is a link with the descendents of Hamelin.   This story of the destruction of a town by forces beyond its control is told in episodes as the novel unfolds.