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Fu Manchu #5
The Mask of Fu-Manchu
After discovering the tomb of El Mokanna - the Veiled Prophet - and retrieving the precious relics buried there, the eminent archaeologist Sir Lionel Barton blows up the tomb. The heretic sect faithful to Mokanna interpret the fireball as their prophet's second coming, and a violent uprising begins.
Meanwhile, the insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu senses an opportunity to use the powerful relics for his own evil ends. The action stretches from Persia to Cairo, then back to London, including an extraordinary confrontation inside of the Great Pyramid. Along the way his opponents face Ogboni killers, mind-control drugs, dervishes, and a "ghost mosque."
Meanwhile, the insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu senses an opportunity to use the powerful relics for his own evil ends. The action stretches from Persia to Cairo, then back to London, including an extraordinary confrontation inside of the Great Pyramid. Along the way his opponents face Ogboni killers, mind-control drugs, dervishes, and a "ghost mosque."
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1932
12 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Sax Rohmer
494 books125 followersAKA Arthur Sarsfield Ward (real name); Michael Furey.
Arthur Henry Sarsfield Ward (15 February 1883 - 1 June 1959), better known as Sax Rohmer, was a prolific English novelist. He is best remembered for his series of novels featuring the master criminal Dr. Fu Manchu.
Born in Birmingham to a working class family, Rohmer initially pursued a career as a civil servant before concentrating on writing full-time.
He worked as a poet, songwriter, and comedy sketch writer in Music Hall before creating the Sax Rohmer persona and pursuing a career writing weird fiction.
Like his contemporaries Algernon Blackwood and Arthur Machen, Rohmer claimed membership to one of the factions of the qabbalistic Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Rohmer also claimed ties to the Rosicrucians, but the validity of his claims has been questioned. His physician and family friend, Dr. R. Watson Councell may have been his only legitimate connection to such organizations. It is believed that Rohmer may have exaggerated his association in order to boost his literary reputation as an occult writer.
His first published work came in 1903, when the short story The Mysterious Mummy was sold to Pearson's Weekly. He gradually transitioned from writing for Music Hall performers to concentrating on short stories and serials for magazine publication. In 1909 he married Rose Elizabeth Knox.
He published his first novel Pause! anonymously in 1910. After penning Little Tich in 1911 (as ghostwriter for the Music Hall entertainer) he issued the first Fu Manchu novel, The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu, was serialized from October 1912 - June 1913. It was an immediate success with its fast-paced story of Denis Nayland Smith and Dr. Petrie facing the worldwide conspiracy of the 'Yellow Peril'. The Fu Manchu stories, together with his more conventional detective series characters—Paul Harley, Gaston Max, Red Kerry, Morris Klaw, and The Crime Magnet—made Rohmer one of the most successful and well-paid authors of the 1920s and 1930s.
Rohmer also wrote several novels of supernatural horror, including Brood of the Witch-Queen. Rohmer was very poor at managing his wealth, however, and made several disastrous business decisions that hampered him throughout his career. His final success came with a series of novels featuring a female variation on Fu Manchu, Sumuru.
After World War II, the Rohmers moved to New York only returning to London shortly before his death. Rohmer died in 1959 due to an outbreak of influenza ("Asian Flu").
There were thirteen books in the Fu Manchu series in all (not counting the posthumous The Wrath of Fu Manchu. The Sumuru series consist of five books.
His wife published her own mystery novel, Bianca in Black in 1954 under the pen name, Elizabeth Sax Rohmer. Some editions of the book mistakenly credit her as Rohmer's daughter. Elizabeth Sax Rohmer and Cay Van Ash, her husband's former assistant, wrote a biography of the author, Master of Villainy, published in 1972.
Arthur Henry Sarsfield Ward (15 February 1883 - 1 June 1959), better known as Sax Rohmer, was a prolific English novelist. He is best remembered for his series of novels featuring the master criminal Dr. Fu Manchu.
Born in Birmingham to a working class family, Rohmer initially pursued a career as a civil servant before concentrating on writing full-time.
He worked as a poet, songwriter, and comedy sketch writer in Music Hall before creating the Sax Rohmer persona and pursuing a career writing weird fiction.
Like his contemporaries Algernon Blackwood and Arthur Machen, Rohmer claimed membership to one of the factions of the qabbalistic Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Rohmer also claimed ties to the Rosicrucians, but the validity of his claims has been questioned. His physician and family friend, Dr. R. Watson Councell may have been his only legitimate connection to such organizations. It is believed that Rohmer may have exaggerated his association in order to boost his literary reputation as an occult writer.
His first published work came in 1903, when the short story The Mysterious Mummy was sold to Pearson's Weekly. He gradually transitioned from writing for Music Hall performers to concentrating on short stories and serials for magazine publication. In 1909 he married Rose Elizabeth Knox.
He published his first novel Pause! anonymously in 1910. After penning Little Tich in 1911 (as ghostwriter for the Music Hall entertainer) he issued the first Fu Manchu novel, The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu, was serialized from October 1912 - June 1913. It was an immediate success with its fast-paced story of Denis Nayland Smith and Dr. Petrie facing the worldwide conspiracy of the 'Yellow Peril'. The Fu Manchu stories, together with his more conventional detective series characters—Paul Harley, Gaston Max, Red Kerry, Morris Klaw, and The Crime Magnet—made Rohmer one of the most successful and well-paid authors of the 1920s and 1930s.
Rohmer also wrote several novels of supernatural horror, including Brood of the Witch-Queen. Rohmer was very poor at managing his wealth, however, and made several disastrous business decisions that hampered him throughout his career. His final success came with a series of novels featuring a female variation on Fu Manchu, Sumuru.
After World War II, the Rohmers moved to New York only returning to London shortly before his death. Rohmer died in 1959 due to an outbreak of influenza ("Asian Flu").
There were thirteen books in the Fu Manchu series in all (not counting the posthumous The Wrath of Fu Manchu. The Sumuru series consist of five books.
His wife published her own mystery novel, Bianca in Black in 1954 under the pen name, Elizabeth Sax Rohmer. Some editions of the book mistakenly credit her as Rohmer's daughter. Elizabeth Sax Rohmer and Cay Van Ash, her husband's former assistant, wrote a biography of the author, Master of Villainy, published in 1972.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 2, 2022
After discovering the tomb of El Mokanna aka “The Veiled Prophet” in Egypt, and retrieving the historical relics buried therein, the famous archaeologist Sir Lionel Barton blows up the tomb. This has repercussions as the heretic sect faithful to Mokanna choose to interpret the resulting fireball as the second coming of their prophet. A violent uprising begins. The insidious Dr. Fu Manchu senses an opportunity to use the powerful relics for his own evil goals which include fostering an Islamic uprising that he hopes will sweep across the globe.
The fifth novel in the Fu Manchu series, written by Arthur Henry Ward under his Sax Rohmer pseudonym, is once again told from the first-person perspective of Shan Greville. (For the uninitiated, the first three books were from Dr. Petrie's perspective) This one is a direct continuation of the previous novel, The Daughter of Fu Manchu so I would urge that book be read first. Of course, Nayland Smith and Dr. Petrie are major characters as is Greville’s fiancé Rima, the niece of Sir Lionel. The action stretches from Persia to Cairo, then back to London.
When our heroes first encounter Dr. Fu Manchu this time around they are startled by his youthful and vigorous appearance. It seems his genius has discovered a way to harness the essence of an essential oil of a rare Burmese orchid and he now has a new lease on life. His daughter makes a couple of appearances, mostly to administer mind-control drugs to poor Greville resulting in his full cooperation and adoration of Fu Manchu and his evil deeds. Fortunately, that doesn’t last for more than a few hours, but it is enough to cause significant damage to any attempts to forestall Fu Manchu’s plans as well as the successful kidnapping of Rima. The ransom scene deep inside the Great Pyramid to get Rima back is extraordinary and a real highlight of the entire novel.
This is another fun read in the Fu Manchu saga although not all is explained. For example, after the ransom scene in the pyramid, Fu Manchu is effectively trapped by Nayland Smith and company. There is no way out. However, there is never any explanation provided for how he escapes, simply that he has done so. Such are the mysterious ways of Fu Manchu.
The fifth novel in the Fu Manchu series, written by Arthur Henry Ward under his Sax Rohmer pseudonym, is once again told from the first-person perspective of Shan Greville. (For the uninitiated, the first three books were from Dr. Petrie's perspective) This one is a direct continuation of the previous novel, The Daughter of Fu Manchu so I would urge that book be read first. Of course, Nayland Smith and Dr. Petrie are major characters as is Greville’s fiancé Rima, the niece of Sir Lionel. The action stretches from Persia to Cairo, then back to London.
When our heroes first encounter Dr. Fu Manchu this time around they are startled by his youthful and vigorous appearance. It seems his genius has discovered a way to harness the essence of an essential oil of a rare Burmese orchid and he now has a new lease on life. His daughter makes a couple of appearances, mostly to administer mind-control drugs to poor Greville resulting in his full cooperation and adoration of Fu Manchu and his evil deeds. Fortunately, that doesn’t last for more than a few hours, but it is enough to cause significant damage to any attempts to forestall Fu Manchu’s plans as well as the successful kidnapping of Rima. The ransom scene deep inside the Great Pyramid to get Rima back is extraordinary and a real highlight of the entire novel.
This is another fun read in the Fu Manchu saga although not all is explained. For example, after the ransom scene in the pyramid, Fu Manchu is effectively trapped by Nayland Smith and company. There is no way out. However, there is never any explanation provided for how he escapes, simply that he has done so. Such are the mysterious ways of Fu Manchu.
October 18, 2022
The Mask of Fu Manchu is the 5th book in the Dr. Fu-Manchu fantasy / horror series by Sax Rohmer. This story is told by Shan Greville, assistant to archaeologist Lionel Barton and fiance to Barton's daughter Rima. In Persia they find a treasure belonging to the prophet Mokanna. Fu Manchu finds out and wants the treasure to begin a Muslim uprising in the Mid-East.
Thus begins a battle between Fu-Manchu and his beautiful daughter Fa Lo Suee, and their minions, and Nayland Smith, his friend Dr Petrie and Barton's people as Fu tries to get the treasure. The story moves to Egypt and beyond. It's an entertaining story, an adventure with horrific / fantastical elements as Dr Fu Manchu knows and uses many secretive, mysterious tricks to get his way.
As always, you are left with an impression of the skill and wisdom / craftiness of Fu Manchu and the intrepid spirit and determination of Nayland Smith to battle him. I've enjoyed this series. It's not perfect but it's an interesting look at this fantastical genre. (3.0 stars)
Thus begins a battle between Fu-Manchu and his beautiful daughter Fa Lo Suee, and their minions, and Nayland Smith, his friend Dr Petrie and Barton's people as Fu tries to get the treasure. The story moves to Egypt and beyond. It's an entertaining story, an adventure with horrific / fantastical elements as Dr Fu Manchu knows and uses many secretive, mysterious tricks to get his way.
As always, you are left with an impression of the skill and wisdom / craftiness of Fu Manchu and the intrepid spirit and determination of Nayland Smith to battle him. I've enjoyed this series. It's not perfect but it's an interesting look at this fantastical genre. (3.0 stars)
August 4, 2016
Two and a half stars. Perhaps better than "Daughter of Fu Manchu", largely because good old Dr. Fu Manchu is in it. I won't give much away, but this book is guilty of such a strange anticlimax that it might as well be a story in reverse. Shan Greville makes is still the same poor hero he was in the last book, even Dr. Fu Manchu tells him so. Nayland Smith and Dr. Petrie do appear, but they are given far less to do. "The Mask of Fu Machu" is often more like a family gathering than an adventure story since many of the characters seem simply to be hanging out and reviewing old times.
This book was the basis for the Boris Karloff film of the same name, one of the few Fu Manchu movies to actually use the title and story from one of the Sax Rohmer books. Wally Wood also adapted it into comic book form.
I haven't been put off just yet, I still fully intend to read "The Bride of Fu Manchu".
This book was the basis for the Boris Karloff film of the same name, one of the few Fu Manchu movies to actually use the title and story from one of the Sax Rohmer books. Wally Wood also adapted it into comic book form.
I haven't been put off just yet, I still fully intend to read "The Bride of Fu Manchu".
July 2, 2021
I enjoyed this one better than the first book of the series - it seemed more straightforward pulp without dragging on forever. Exotic locations, check (Persia and Egypt - as well as London); mysterious (and possibly supernatural) murder methods, check; sinister cultists, check; weird science (mostly drugs - because Fu Manchu), check. I liked the fact that the antagonists seem to take turns outsmarting each other, although the "hot Eastern babe falling in love with an Englishman for, evidently no other reason than, hey, Englishman" trope was meh. Fu Manchu is portrayed as honorable (within his own standards) and even his foes admit that his plots are actually selfless, to an extent, "He aimed to lift China from the mire into which China had fallen." As always (in this series), this involves a worldwide conspiracy of all non-white peoples (in this book, Chinese, Muslims, and Africans) to bring down Western domination of the world. The author, while sounding kind of racist most of the time, and never actually coming out and saying that maybe said domination may not actually be beneficial to local peoples, manages to give the impression (possibly unintentionally) that there are two sides to this story. 3 stars.
February 20, 2018
Dr. Fu-Manchu was dead but has gotten much better. Now he seeks to incite a Muslim uprising to destroy Western civilization. Shan Greville returns as the narrator, serving under world famous Orientalist Sir Lionel Barton. Sir Lionel discovers the long lost sword and mask of a Muslim prophet and Fu-Manchu uses this as a pretext to announce the return of the Masked Prophet. He will raise an army that Fu-Manchu will secretly lead as soon as he gets his hands on the artifacts. Great escapades from Iran to Egypt to London ensue.
Fu-Manchu is as clever and nefarious as ever, and now in the peak of health. His daughter Fah Lo Suee is back under his control (sort of) and still love struck with Mr. Greville. Greville has completely usurped Dr. Petrie who now only shows up occasionally to prescribe sedatives, but Sir Nayland Smith once again plays a prominent part in attempting to foil Fu-Manchu's plan. Sir Lionel Barton is also prominent, and not shown in a good light. He is more of the villain in this story than Fu-Manchu, being manipulative, egotistic, and cavalier with the lives of others. Sir Lionel is pointedly compared to Dr. Fu-Manchu, who is shown to be honorable and forgiving in contrast. Sir Lionel is also a clever fellow and is instrumental in keeping Fu-Manchu at bay for most of the book. He cannot, however, be forgiven for being a common 1930's British Egyptologist, better known as grave robbers. When he gets what he is looking for from a historic Persian tomb he thinks nothing of blowing up the rest of it, irreparably destroying a priceless archaeological site. I can overlook the dated Anglocentric racism, but this truly offends me.
This book came out in 1932, the same year as the Boris Karloff movie of the same name. The movie makes some changes to the story but retains many of the same characters and much of the overall plot, but is most notable because Fah Lo Suee is played by Myrna Loy, the most amazing and beautiful actress ever to walk the Earth.
Many people will not like how this book ends, and I cannot give it more stars because of the whole King's Room of the Great Pyramid scene. Sir Lionel does lead the Yellow Menace on a jolly chase in any case.
Fu-Manchu is as clever and nefarious as ever, and now in the peak of health. His daughter Fah Lo Suee is back under his control (sort of) and still love struck with Mr. Greville. Greville has completely usurped Dr. Petrie who now only shows up occasionally to prescribe sedatives, but Sir Nayland Smith once again plays a prominent part in attempting to foil Fu-Manchu's plan. Sir Lionel Barton is also prominent, and not shown in a good light. He is more of the villain in this story than Fu-Manchu, being manipulative, egotistic, and cavalier with the lives of others. Sir Lionel is pointedly compared to Dr. Fu-Manchu, who is shown to be honorable and forgiving in contrast. Sir Lionel is also a clever fellow and is instrumental in keeping Fu-Manchu at bay for most of the book. He cannot, however, be forgiven for being a common 1930's British Egyptologist, better known as grave robbers. When he gets what he is looking for from a historic Persian tomb he thinks nothing of blowing up the rest of it, irreparably destroying a priceless archaeological site. I can overlook the dated Anglocentric racism, but this truly offends me.
This book came out in 1932, the same year as the Boris Karloff movie of the same name. The movie makes some changes to the story but retains many of the same characters and much of the overall plot, but is most notable because Fah Lo Suee is played by Myrna Loy, the most amazing and beautiful actress ever to walk the Earth.
Many people will not like how this book ends, and I cannot give it more stars because of the whole King's Room of the Great Pyramid scene. Sir Lionel does lead the Yellow Menace on a jolly chase in any case.
July 1, 2021
Let me preface this by saying that I know most of what to expect from this series, yet I am still surprised. Not because I don't know where the adventure will take us next but rather because...get ready for it...
I ACTUALLY ENJOYED THIS ONE!
Now don't get me wrong I've made it no secret that I find Rohmer to be a one note writer with very limited skill, but I'll be honest I think the writing got better here, let me explain:
The prose is still melodramatic, yet it is not overpowering. Each time before this I dreaded picking up another Fu Manchu because I know that I'd be bombarded by a ton of run on sentences, to the point that I even nicknamed the writing style as “The Purple Peril". It was still there but to a lesser degree, and ran along much smoother I thought. I could understand if it was a drama about the uncaring civil servant who wishes to get to know a well to do noble Chinese man, except it is not: this is an thriller and I wish to be entertained, simple as, and this does exactly what it sets out to achieve.
The characters are starting to come into their own a bit more. Smith, Petrie and Barton get decent coverage as our heroes. Though Smith and Petrie appear fleetingly their presence sort of helps to ground it a bit. Every other supporting character is a block of wood though, including our dear narrator and his wife. That being said the villains are still awesome. Fu Manchu and Fah Lo Suee still bring that exotic mysticism which kept me in suspense on what new plan they devised. Fah Lo Suee only appears in a few brief scenes as the token femme fatale but I can buy that (it also helps that she was played by Myrna Loy), Fu Manchu is just as cunning as always but I really like the chemistry in one scene where he and Smith meet up again, and the prior scene Smith makes a reference to their code of honour. It really adds some dimension to their personalities rather than the Devil Doctor being just another villain of the week.
The ending peters out a bit, and is somewhat of an anticlimax. It's like "We're on a boat now!" before it then goes to "Also a wedding!"
Despite this I enjoyed the final moments where Fu Manchu writes a note to the narrator for congratulating him on his marrage, and sends a necklace to his wife. What a sweetheart!
In short this is the best in the series I've read so far and it done something that none of the others have: It left me wanting more. I'll admit I'm impressed, Mr Rohmer, and for that I'm giving you the slow clap award.
I ACTUALLY ENJOYED THIS ONE!
Now don't get me wrong I've made it no secret that I find Rohmer to be a one note writer with very limited skill, but I'll be honest I think the writing got better here, let me explain:
The prose is still melodramatic, yet it is not overpowering. Each time before this I dreaded picking up another Fu Manchu because I know that I'd be bombarded by a ton of run on sentences, to the point that I even nicknamed the writing style as “The Purple Peril". It was still there but to a lesser degree, and ran along much smoother I thought. I could understand if it was a drama about the uncaring civil servant who wishes to get to know a well to do noble Chinese man, except it is not: this is an thriller and I wish to be entertained, simple as, and this does exactly what it sets out to achieve.
The characters are starting to come into their own a bit more. Smith, Petrie and Barton get decent coverage as our heroes. Though Smith and Petrie appear fleetingly their presence sort of helps to ground it a bit. Every other supporting character is a block of wood though, including our dear narrator and his wife. That being said the villains are still awesome. Fu Manchu and Fah Lo Suee still bring that exotic mysticism which kept me in suspense on what new plan they devised. Fah Lo Suee only appears in a few brief scenes as the token femme fatale but I can buy that (it also helps that she was played by Myrna Loy), Fu Manchu is just as cunning as always but I really like the chemistry in one scene where he and Smith meet up again, and the prior scene Smith makes a reference to their code of honour. It really adds some dimension to their personalities rather than the Devil Doctor being just another villain of the week.
The ending peters out a bit, and is somewhat of an anticlimax. It's like "We're on a boat now!" before it then goes to "Also a wedding!"
Despite this I enjoyed the final moments where Fu Manchu writes a note to the narrator for congratulating him on his marrage, and sends a necklace to his wife. What a sweetheart!
In short this is the best in the series I've read so far and it done something that none of the others have: It left me wanting more. I'll admit I'm impressed, Mr Rohmer, and for that I'm giving you the slow clap award.
January 30, 2017
This was a difficult book to get through for me. The writing is approached in such a stinted awkward way, that reading is cumbersome. This is also not really a good guy versus bad guy or anything like it. There is a murder and an ominous force that is somehow involved for some reason that i never did grasp.
The characters are not well defined and similar in to many ways. Much like The Shadow book I read a few weeks ago, The focus is Fu Manchu and all else takes a back seat in a way. The huge difference with The Shadow is the writing of that character, which i found fascinating. the writing of Fu Manchu, written around the same time - 1932, is neither interesting or compelling.
Due to the above, I found myself reading through the book not caring what happened to any of them. There was plenty of suspense. likely the best parts written. But the results of that were mostly melodramatic and empty.
Bottom line: I don't recommend this book. 3 out of ten points.
The characters are not well defined and similar in to many ways. Much like The Shadow book I read a few weeks ago, The focus is Fu Manchu and all else takes a back seat in a way. The huge difference with The Shadow is the writing of that character, which i found fascinating. the writing of Fu Manchu, written around the same time - 1932, is neither interesting or compelling.
Due to the above, I found myself reading through the book not caring what happened to any of them. There was plenty of suspense. likely the best parts written. But the results of that were mostly melodramatic and empty.
Bottom line: I don't recommend this book. 3 out of ten points.
August 29, 2012
Nobody could write pulp adventure fiction like Sax Rohmer, and this was one of his best. The story and the stereotypes are hopelessly dated, but who cares, it's a ton of fun anyway. My copy, with a 1932 copyright date, is missing a dust cover and has a black binding with a spiderweb incised, and the spiderweb has the word "Intrigue" on the left and "Love" on the right.
July 14, 2010
Jingoism! Imperialism! The "Yellow Menace"! Oh boy! If you can put aside political correctness, you'll enjoy this mystery/thriller from the Golden Age full of midnight assassins, ghostly mosques, mysterious murders, ancient relics, and angry mobs (and that's just in the first 100 pages).
June 12, 2018
Once again, Fu Manchu TRIES TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD!
September 30, 2020
In this installment of the Fu Manchu adventures, much of the action takes place in Egypt and the Middle East as the nefarious titular mastermind expands his scope of influence and his world-conquering ambitions. Once again narrated by Shan Greville, this tale is as deliciously pulpy and briskly engaging, perhaps even a bit more so, as the novels that preceded it. Fu Manchu's daughter returns in this volume; the chapters describing the mind games she plays are quite well done. Famed archaeologist and explorer Lionel Barton also returns in this book; the interactions and tensions between him and Nayland Smith are wonderful. The Mask of Fu Manchu is an excellent installment in the series.
The actual edition that I read is "The Orient Edition, P.F. Collier & Son Corporation By Special Arrangement With Doubleday, Doran & Company, Inc. Garden City, N.Y. Copyright 1932 by Sax Rohmer." It is a jacketless hardback, 330 pages, with black boards. On the front is a colorless impression of Fu Manchu's head in a spider's web. A spider dangles from the web, in which are trapped the words Intrigue, Mystery, and Love. In this edition are a few beautifully rendered black-and-white illustrations depicting scenes from the stories.
The actual edition that I read is "The Orient Edition, P.F. Collier & Son Corporation By Special Arrangement With Doubleday, Doran & Company, Inc. Garden City, N.Y. Copyright 1932 by Sax Rohmer." It is a jacketless hardback, 330 pages, with black boards. On the front is a colorless impression of Fu Manchu's head in a spider's web. A spider dangles from the web, in which are trapped the words Intrigue, Mystery, and Love. In this edition are a few beautifully rendered black-and-white illustrations depicting scenes from the stories.
March 27, 2022
Shan Greville is an associate of sir Lionel Barton, and engaged to marry his niece Rima. They are archeologists and steal antiquities that they find……..and Dr Fu Manchu wants what they have. This book was written in the late 1920’s and so much that we consider politically incorrect now was just the way that it was in the book. They discover some artifacts in Egypt that the Mohammedans want…….. the story started out ok but became bogged down in the narrative. Shan engaged to Rima bur Dr Fu Manchu has a beautiful daughter that is attracted to Shan…. I had to suspend belief in some parts to know that the evil doctor has mysteriously was to sneak into and out of places and the drugs that he develops that cause amnesia and complete obedience etc. they did explain all of this away at the end by says that he was a part of the “underworld”. Totally noir Glad that i read it but won’t read any more in the series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2018
#5 in the oriental villain Fu Manchu series. The story opens in the city of Isfahan, Iran (Persia) with the murder of Dr. Van Berg, the curator of artifacts for famed archaeologist Sir Lionel Barton. Barton discovered the tomb of El Mokanna - the Veiled Prophet - and retrieving the precious relics buried there which has triggered an Arab uprising with Fu Manchu behind it as he seeks an opportunity to use the powerful relics for his own ends. Sir Denis Nayland Smith, retired Scotland Yard detective now working for the government arrives to help. The action stretches from Persia to Cairo to London encountering Ogboni killers, mind-control drugs, dervishes, and a ghost mosque.
March 29, 2018
One of the more entertaining entries in the series. The Doctor has discovered formula elixir vitae and is more spry, mobile, and inventive than ever - the only sign of age is a certain mellowing, even nostalgic regard for his enemies Wayland Smith and Dr. Petrie. Daughter Fah Lo Suee is present to provide a hint of exotic sexuality. This time out, the Si-Fan are aiding a revolutionary Muslim sect who believe in the resurrection of the "veiled prophet". The Yellow Peril meets Radical Islam! These books are the bad conscience of Empire.
Chapters 10 & 11 mention Spring-heeled Jack, unusual outside of Fortean literature.
Chapters 10 & 11 mention Spring-heeled Jack, unusual outside of Fortean literature.
September 4, 2018
Este es la tercera novela que leo de Fu-Manchú, incluida en el primer volumen de Ediciones B. Si a los dos anteriores les puse cuatro estrellas, este se lleva tres por la repetición de viejas tramas: el asesinato misterioso, la droga que quita la voluntad, el secuestro y el trato con el malo malísimo... Una sensación de libro ya leído me ha echado un poco para atrás.
Sin embargo, el buen hacer del autor consigue que la historia se lea de un tirón y que siga resultando agradable. Recomendado para fans de la saga o curiosos sobre el origen del mítico villano.
Sin embargo, el buen hacer del autor consigue que la historia se lea de un tirón y que siga resultando agradable. Recomendado para fans de la saga o curiosos sobre el origen del mítico villano.
January 16, 2024
This was an okay book. I enjoyed it. Definitely dated and a little racist, it had a lot of interesting back and forths. Dr. Fu Manchu is always an interesting enemy with interesting plots. I liked how the chief was able to fool Dr. Fu Manchu at least twice into stealing the wrong stuff, but Dr. Fu Manchu won out in the end, but his plot was already foiled at that point, so it didn't really matter - except he kept Barton from his glory as well.
September 22, 2019
Rohmer's writing style is somewhat dated, but the story is still intriguing.
November 19, 2025
Congrats Shan
October 11, 2011
The Mask of Fu Manchu, published in 1932, was the sixth of Sax Rohmer’s Fu Manchu novels. This time the threat to civilisation comes from an heretical Islamic sect.
Sir Lionel Barton, the eminent but rather fiery archaeologist, has discovered the tomb of El Mokanna, the Veiled Prophet. Having retrieved the precious relics buried there, the Sword of God, the golden mask and the golden sheets inscribed with the New Koran, Barton blows up the tomb. This might seem like an odd thing for an archaeologist to do but it’s exactly the sort of thing you’d expect Sir Lionel Barton to do.
El Mokanna had been the leader of a sect of Islamic heretics, a sect that still has its devotees - and they take the fireball in the desert caused by the explosion as a sign. It awakens ancient longings and resentments and the potential is there for an uprising on an even larger scale that than of the Mahdi in the Sudan in the 1880s (which led to the death of General Gordon in the defence of Khartoum in 1885).
Dr Fu Manchu sees an opportunity here, an opportunity to advance his own interests. Anything that is likely to cause problems for the European powers is welcome news to Fu Manchu. He intends to manipulate the rising, but first he will need to get hold of those precious relics. It’s up to Sir Denis Nayland Smith to prevent this from happening.
This is a typical Fu Manchu novel. In other words it’s enormous fun.
One of the things that makes Fu Manchu such a memorable character is that he is not a simplistic villain. Rohmer’s characters always describe him with a mixture of fear and admiration and it’s reasonable to assume that this reflects Rohmer’s own views of his famous creation. On one occasion the narrator Greville (one of Sir Lionel Barton’s assistants) describes him as being the most evil but also the most honourable man he has ever encountered. Fu Manchu’s word is his bond.
This particular novel is even more sympathetic to Fu Manchu than the earlier books. He demonstrates not just his habitual sense of fair play but also displays something close to affection to Greville, sending him rare and valuable presents on the occasion of his wedding.
There is a sense in which Fu Manchu is being depicted as a worthy adversary. He is ruthless certainly, and implacably hostile to European colonial power, but he is also a gentleman. He knows the rules of the game, and he knows that certain things are just not cricket. He will kill to achieve his aims, but he will never kill without a reason, and never for such a base motive as mere revenge. If his plans are foiled that’s part of the game.
Fu Manchu’s daughter Fah Lo Suee plays an important role in this novel, and she’s an ambiguous character as well. She is motivated more by lust than the pursuit of power but the Fah Lo Suee of the novel is rather less evil, and less depraved, than the Fah Lo Suee so memorably played by Myrna Loy in the 1932 movie. She is ruthless and devious, no question about that, but she’s not a monster.
To some extent this reflects the fact that the book is a product of a different world from our own, a better world, where even diabolical criminal masterminds are constrained by matters of basic decency and good sportsmanship.
While the Fu Manchu books are often cited (especially in these days of all-pervasive and draconian political correctness) as being representative of the worst kinds of jingoism and racism I have to say that I strongly disagree. While Rohmer certainly believed in the likelihood of a power struggle between East and West I’ve personally seen no evidence in his books that he regarded Asians as morally or intellectually inferior to Europeans. On the contrary The Mask of Fu Manchu contrasts the scrupulous honesty of Dr Fu Manchu with the dishonourable conduct of Sir Lionel Barton, and as always Fu Manchu turns out to be at least the intellectual equal of his opponents. We have dangerously widened our definition of racism so that any suggestion of the possibility of cultural conflicts is now seen, quite wrongly, as racist.
If you’ve never sampled the delights of the Fu Manchu novels I would urge you to read them in the correct sequence, starting with The Mystery of Fu Manchu (published in the US as The Insidious Dr Fu Manchu ). There is immense enjoyment to be found in the pages of these books.
Sir Lionel Barton, the eminent but rather fiery archaeologist, has discovered the tomb of El Mokanna, the Veiled Prophet. Having retrieved the precious relics buried there, the Sword of God, the golden mask and the golden sheets inscribed with the New Koran, Barton blows up the tomb. This might seem like an odd thing for an archaeologist to do but it’s exactly the sort of thing you’d expect Sir Lionel Barton to do.
El Mokanna had been the leader of a sect of Islamic heretics, a sect that still has its devotees - and they take the fireball in the desert caused by the explosion as a sign. It awakens ancient longings and resentments and the potential is there for an uprising on an even larger scale that than of the Mahdi in the Sudan in the 1880s (which led to the death of General Gordon in the defence of Khartoum in 1885).
Dr Fu Manchu sees an opportunity here, an opportunity to advance his own interests. Anything that is likely to cause problems for the European powers is welcome news to Fu Manchu. He intends to manipulate the rising, but first he will need to get hold of those precious relics. It’s up to Sir Denis Nayland Smith to prevent this from happening.
This is a typical Fu Manchu novel. In other words it’s enormous fun.
One of the things that makes Fu Manchu such a memorable character is that he is not a simplistic villain. Rohmer’s characters always describe him with a mixture of fear and admiration and it’s reasonable to assume that this reflects Rohmer’s own views of his famous creation. On one occasion the narrator Greville (one of Sir Lionel Barton’s assistants) describes him as being the most evil but also the most honourable man he has ever encountered. Fu Manchu’s word is his bond.
This particular novel is even more sympathetic to Fu Manchu than the earlier books. He demonstrates not just his habitual sense of fair play but also displays something close to affection to Greville, sending him rare and valuable presents on the occasion of his wedding.
There is a sense in which Fu Manchu is being depicted as a worthy adversary. He is ruthless certainly, and implacably hostile to European colonial power, but he is also a gentleman. He knows the rules of the game, and he knows that certain things are just not cricket. He will kill to achieve his aims, but he will never kill without a reason, and never for such a base motive as mere revenge. If his plans are foiled that’s part of the game.
Fu Manchu’s daughter Fah Lo Suee plays an important role in this novel, and she’s an ambiguous character as well. She is motivated more by lust than the pursuit of power but the Fah Lo Suee of the novel is rather less evil, and less depraved, than the Fah Lo Suee so memorably played by Myrna Loy in the 1932 movie. She is ruthless and devious, no question about that, but she’s not a monster.
To some extent this reflects the fact that the book is a product of a different world from our own, a better world, where even diabolical criminal masterminds are constrained by matters of basic decency and good sportsmanship.
While the Fu Manchu books are often cited (especially in these days of all-pervasive and draconian political correctness) as being representative of the worst kinds of jingoism and racism I have to say that I strongly disagree. While Rohmer certainly believed in the likelihood of a power struggle between East and West I’ve personally seen no evidence in his books that he regarded Asians as morally or intellectually inferior to Europeans. On the contrary The Mask of Fu Manchu contrasts the scrupulous honesty of Dr Fu Manchu with the dishonourable conduct of Sir Lionel Barton, and as always Fu Manchu turns out to be at least the intellectual equal of his opponents. We have dangerously widened our definition of racism so that any suggestion of the possibility of cultural conflicts is now seen, quite wrongly, as racist.
If you’ve never sampled the delights of the Fu Manchu novels I would urge you to read them in the correct sequence, starting with The Mystery of Fu Manchu (published in the US as The Insidious Dr Fu Manchu ). There is immense enjoyment to be found in the pages of these books.
May 10, 2013
Sax Rohmer in his book, “The Mask of Fu-Manchu” Book Five in the Dr. Fu-Manchu series published by Titan Books brings us new adventures of Sir Denis Nayland Smith, Dr. Petrie and, of course, the evil Dr. Fu-Manchu.
From the Back Cover: “Imagine a person, tall, lean, and feline, high-shouldered, with a brow like Shakespeare and a face like Satan…”
London, 1913—the era of Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, and the Invisible Man. A time of shadows, secret societies, and dens filled with opium addicts. Into this world comes the most fantastic emissary of evil society has ever known… Fu-Manchu.
After discovering the tomb of El Mokanna – the Veiled Prophet – and retrieving the precious relics buried there, the eminent archaeologist Sir Lionel Barton blows up the tomb. The heretic sect faithful to Mokanna interpret the fireball as their prophet’s second coming, and a violent uprising begins.
Meanwhile, the insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu senses an opportunity to use the powerful relics for his own evil ends. The action stretches from Persia to Cairo, then back to London, including an extraordinary confrontation inside of the Great Pyramid. Along the way his opponents face Ogboni killers, mind-control drugs, dervishes, and a “ghost mosque.”
Afterword by Leslie S. Kilnger
“The Mask of Fu-Manchu” is a thriller, no doubt about it. Smith and Petrie’s lives are in great danger from page one and the danger grows with the body count. I think Mr. Rohmer was at the top of his craft when he wrote this adventure. And the action takes us all over The Middle East then back to London. Just when you think you might know where the story is heading Mr. Rohmer tosses in another turn which you take at high-speed on two wheels. Mr. Rohmer writes in a breathless style that will keep you on the edge of your seat, flipping pages as fast as you can read them just trying to keep up with runaway roller coaster ride story. “The Mask of Fu-Manchu” is the perfect read to get your adrenalin going and root for the good guys to conquer a menace that is almost supremely evil. This is a wild ride read and I recommend it highly. This is a high-octane series and I am so glad that Titan Books is bringing the whole series back. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Titan Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the Back Cover: “Imagine a person, tall, lean, and feline, high-shouldered, with a brow like Shakespeare and a face like Satan…”
London, 1913—the era of Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, and the Invisible Man. A time of shadows, secret societies, and dens filled with opium addicts. Into this world comes the most fantastic emissary of evil society has ever known… Fu-Manchu.
After discovering the tomb of El Mokanna – the Veiled Prophet – and retrieving the precious relics buried there, the eminent archaeologist Sir Lionel Barton blows up the tomb. The heretic sect faithful to Mokanna interpret the fireball as their prophet’s second coming, and a violent uprising begins.
Meanwhile, the insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu senses an opportunity to use the powerful relics for his own evil ends. The action stretches from Persia to Cairo, then back to London, including an extraordinary confrontation inside of the Great Pyramid. Along the way his opponents face Ogboni killers, mind-control drugs, dervishes, and a “ghost mosque.”
Afterword by Leslie S. Kilnger
“The Mask of Fu-Manchu” is a thriller, no doubt about it. Smith and Petrie’s lives are in great danger from page one and the danger grows with the body count. I think Mr. Rohmer was at the top of his craft when he wrote this adventure. And the action takes us all over The Middle East then back to London. Just when you think you might know where the story is heading Mr. Rohmer tosses in another turn which you take at high-speed on two wheels. Mr. Rohmer writes in a breathless style that will keep you on the edge of your seat, flipping pages as fast as you can read them just trying to keep up with runaway roller coaster ride story. “The Mask of Fu-Manchu” is the perfect read to get your adrenalin going and root for the good guys to conquer a menace that is almost supremely evil. This is a wild ride read and I recommend it highly. This is a high-octane series and I am so glad that Titan Books is bringing the whole series back. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Titan Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 4, 2013
Reviewing for Hearts on Fire Reviews:
I really like the cover art Titan Books has placed on this novel; the insidious Oriental just seems to leap out at the reader, intent on his quest for world domination. When I was a very small child, I discovered Sax Rohmer’s Fu Manchu for the very first time, and I considered it a blessing. I devoured every one of the Fu Manchu stories I could find. (I think that’s why when I watched the 1930’s Flash Gordon on TV as repeats, I always rooted for that delightful Emperor Ming instead of the sturdy handsome Aryan blond Flash.) Way back in that much simpler time, I also discovered that I loved and admired both Dr. Fu Manchu, the nefarious Oriental villainous mastermind; and Sir Denis Nayland Smith, that indefatigable, highly intellectual Englishman (who unfortunately carried much of the ethnic racism of his time). I loved both characters, and I firmly believed that one could not exist without the other. Both were necessary. With only one, the stories would have been—just lopsided.
Many decades later, Titan Books has determined to bring out many of the Fu Manchu collection, and I still consider it a blessing. Of course, now I am more aware of some of the dated racism (Sax Rohmer, the author, lived from 1883-1959, hardly the most enlightened era in world society. So I overlook that somewhat, and proceed to enjoy a rip-roaring adventure tale. Every single Fu Manchu novel is exactly that, but I believe now, upon rereading “The Mask of Fu Manchu,” that perhaps this one will be my favourite. Rohmer leads off with a punching reader’s hook like no other, with danger, adventure, thrills, romance, authority figures—and yes, that inimitable frisson of the Supernatural which signals that somewhere, our beloved Villain is on the scene. This time (and perhaps this is apropos in terms of the tenor of the last two decades), the dangers revolve around an archaeological expedition which has discovered and unearthed some very secret and potentially dangerous Moslem artifacts, from the tomb of a long-gone Moslem heretic saint. Oh, what has been stirred up indeed!
I really like the cover art Titan Books has placed on this novel; the insidious Oriental just seems to leap out at the reader, intent on his quest for world domination. When I was a very small child, I discovered Sax Rohmer’s Fu Manchu for the very first time, and I considered it a blessing. I devoured every one of the Fu Manchu stories I could find. (I think that’s why when I watched the 1930’s Flash Gordon on TV as repeats, I always rooted for that delightful Emperor Ming instead of the sturdy handsome Aryan blond Flash.) Way back in that much simpler time, I also discovered that I loved and admired both Dr. Fu Manchu, the nefarious Oriental villainous mastermind; and Sir Denis Nayland Smith, that indefatigable, highly intellectual Englishman (who unfortunately carried much of the ethnic racism of his time). I loved both characters, and I firmly believed that one could not exist without the other. Both were necessary. With only one, the stories would have been—just lopsided.
Many decades later, Titan Books has determined to bring out many of the Fu Manchu collection, and I still consider it a blessing. Of course, now I am more aware of some of the dated racism (Sax Rohmer, the author, lived from 1883-1959, hardly the most enlightened era in world society. So I overlook that somewhat, and proceed to enjoy a rip-roaring adventure tale. Every single Fu Manchu novel is exactly that, but I believe now, upon rereading “The Mask of Fu Manchu,” that perhaps this one will be my favourite. Rohmer leads off with a punching reader’s hook like no other, with danger, adventure, thrills, romance, authority figures—and yes, that inimitable frisson of the Supernatural which signals that somewhere, our beloved Villain is on the scene. This time (and perhaps this is apropos in terms of the tenor of the last two decades), the dangers revolve around an archaeological expedition which has discovered and unearthed some very secret and potentially dangerous Moslem artifacts, from the tomb of a long-gone Moslem heretic saint. Oh, what has been stirred up indeed!
August 22, 2011
This book, #5 of 14 in the Fu Manchu series, is a direct continuation of the previous entry, "The Daughter of Fu Manchu." Thus, a reading of that earlier story is fairly essential when going into this one. Shan Greville again narrates, and all our old friends are back: Nayland Smith, Dr. Petrie, Orientalist Lionel Barton and his niece, Rima. Comm. Weymouth and Karameneh make only token appearances in this work. Thanks to the essential oil of a rare Burmese orchid, Dr. Fu has attained a new lease on life in this book, and is both stronger and more active than ever. You might call him a brand-new Fu! Fah Lo Suee, his evil but hot-blooded daughter, makes some nice eerie appearances in this tale, as well.
The story this time concerns Fu's attempts to steal the so-called relics of El Mokanna from Sir Lionel. These relics will enable him to foster an Islamic uprising that will sweep the world. The action jumps from Persia to Cairo, to adventure on the high seas and then back to jolly old London. Mixed in with the usual fast pace we are treated to Ogboni killers, mind-control drugs, dervishes, metal dissolvers, a "ghost mosque," and amnesia. One of the high points of the novel is a midnight ransom meeting with Dr. Fu Manchu in the heart of the Great Pyramid; a very memorable sequence indeed. Rohmer even manages to throw in a nice sentimental ending of sorts to this story, in which Fu gets to show what a classy dude he is capable of being. I am docking the book a star because several of the events are not explained (how did Fu get out of the Great Pyramid, anyway?), and because the writing in one or two scenes was a bit fuzzy (I still can't figure out that Ogboni spider-thread pendulum trick). Still, these are minor quibbles. This is essentially a mighty fun read, and a worthy addition to the Fu saga.
The story this time concerns Fu's attempts to steal the so-called relics of El Mokanna from Sir Lionel. These relics will enable him to foster an Islamic uprising that will sweep the world. The action jumps from Persia to Cairo, to adventure on the high seas and then back to jolly old London. Mixed in with the usual fast pace we are treated to Ogboni killers, mind-control drugs, dervishes, metal dissolvers, a "ghost mosque," and amnesia. One of the high points of the novel is a midnight ransom meeting with Dr. Fu Manchu in the heart of the Great Pyramid; a very memorable sequence indeed. Rohmer even manages to throw in a nice sentimental ending of sorts to this story, in which Fu gets to show what a classy dude he is capable of being. I am docking the book a star because several of the events are not explained (how did Fu get out of the Great Pyramid, anyway?), and because the writing in one or two scenes was a bit fuzzy (I still can't figure out that Ogboni spider-thread pendulum trick). Still, these are minor quibbles. This is essentially a mighty fun read, and a worthy addition to the Fu saga.
January 26, 2013
Our old friend, the insidious evil doctor Fu Manchu, returns in "The Mask of Fu Manchu,” the fifth book in Sax Romer’s classic mystery series. Although a few of the Fu Manchu books are a bit "trite" in spots, and at times they certainly have the feel of the "pulp fiction" genre; nevertheless, the series is surprisingly well written. It has been a century since Sax Rohmer gave the world the gift of the incredibly intelligent, and yet so evil, Doctor Fu Manchu, one of literature’s great evil geniuses rivaling even Doyle’s Professor Moriarty. Romer’s Fu Manchu novels are worth the time to discover the great, intellectual (and stereotypical) evil genius who is Fu Manchu. My copy is a yellowed page paperback from 1966; however, some newer editions are currently being re-released in paperback and more are destined for the Kindle (e-readers) as well.
Shan Greville again narrates, and all our old friends are back: Nayland Smith, Dr. Petrie, Orientalist Lionel Barton and his niece, Rima. Mysterious ancient lands, a “ghost mosque,” a meeting within the Great Pyramid, abductions, mind control drugs, assassins, and a deadly plot to incite a religious war propel the plot forward. After discovering the tomb of the Veiled Prophet and discovering the Prophet’s precious relics buried there, Sir Lionel Barton, the famous archeologist, blows up the tomb. The fireball is seen by a small group as their prophet's second coming, and like a wildfire, the message is spread across the idle east. Now Fu-Manchu senses an opportunity to use the “Prophet’s Mask” and other powerful relics for his own evil ends, and a struggle for world domination begins again.
Shan Greville again narrates, and all our old friends are back: Nayland Smith, Dr. Petrie, Orientalist Lionel Barton and his niece, Rima. Mysterious ancient lands, a “ghost mosque,” a meeting within the Great Pyramid, abductions, mind control drugs, assassins, and a deadly plot to incite a religious war propel the plot forward. After discovering the tomb of the Veiled Prophet and discovering the Prophet’s precious relics buried there, Sir Lionel Barton, the famous archeologist, blows up the tomb. The fireball is seen by a small group as their prophet's second coming, and like a wildfire, the message is spread across the idle east. Now Fu-Manchu senses an opportunity to use the “Prophet’s Mask” and other powerful relics for his own evil ends, and a struggle for world domination begins again.
April 19, 2015
Though I've seen several Fu Manchu movies, this is only the 2nd Fu Manchu book I've read. It's fun but as an adventure story, it rather lacks in real action. Things happen at a distance, or are related as exposition. The title character is also kept at a distance--though we do meet him, his presence is minimal in the novel. This has almost nothing to do with the 1932 movie of the same name with Boris Karloff aside from the title mask, a plan to liberate the Asiatic people from their Western oppressors, and the character of the daughter who is far more evil (and interesting) in the movie.
April 4, 2016
Unfortunately it was a sign of the times that racist remarks were freely written and accepted by many authors, Sax Rohmer was no different.
That sad fact aside, this series of books was written by the masterful Sax Rohmer where there is no dull moment, no chance of catching your breath, and all the reasons why he was such a great author in each book. A style all his own written at a time when harlots, whores and racy clothing wasn't needed to capture and maintain a readers attention.
Fantastic character development. I couldn't put this book, or any of his other Fu Man Chu works, down.
July 14, 2008
This is the fifth book in the Fu Manchu series by British author Sax Rohmer. The story was originally serialized over twelve issues in Collier's Magazine in 1932. It is a continuation of the battle between Dr. Fu Manchu and the forces of the British Empire. The story is replete with exotic locations, deadly assassins, dashing heroes, and a deadly plot to incite a religious war. Nothing less than the ultimate control of civilization is at stake here.
November 6, 2013
A rollicking good yarn, but very of its time. All orientals are mysterious, shift, or a servant, the British own the world. Characterisation is slight, and definitely comes second to the plot. I only really got a very clear picture of Fu Manchu as a distinct personality, everyone else is a cypher. There are lots of references to previous adventures, in earlier books. Better to read this in sequence.
November 2, 2014
One of the best Fu Manchu books thus far anyway. The story reads more like a complete novel than most of the earlier entries in the series but it is still very episodic. The book came out in 1932 the same year as a film of the same title, but the film has little to do with the book except in the broadest sense, although it is the best of the Fu Manchu films, with a great performance from Boris Karloff as the title character.
February 23, 2016
Fun romp of a book, loaded with creepy atmosphere, a decent cast, and lots of non-PC attitudes.
Fu Manchu is interesting, as he isn't just 'that evil oriental', he has a distinct personality and makes for a nice balance between the good guys and bad guys.
You almost wish their was a book done from his point of view.
Fu Manchu is interesting, as he isn't just 'that evil oriental', he has a distinct personality and makes for a nice balance between the good guys and bad guys.
You almost wish their was a book done from his point of view.
July 28, 2012
The fifth in the series, this one is set in Egypt, mostly, and with Fu plotting to lead a "Moslem" sect via religiously significant relics dug up illegally by an English collector, it seems positively modern compared to the ones set in London opium dens.
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