Assignment Manchurian Doll

Sam Durell #18

by Edward S. Aarons

Book by Aarons, Edward S.

Genres: Espionage

159 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

AKA Paul Ayres, Edward Ronns.

Edward Sidney Aarons (September 11, 1916 - June 16, 1975) was an American writer, author of more than 80 novels from 1936 until 1962. One of these was under the pseudonym "Paul Ayres" (Dead Heat), and 30 were written using the name "Edward Ronns". He also wrote numerous articles for detective magazines such as Detective Story Magazine and Scarab.

Aarons was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and earned a degree in Literature and History from Columbia University. He worked at various jobs to put himself through college, including jobs as a newspaper reporter and fisherman. In 1933, he won a short story contest as a student. In World War II he was in the United States Coast Guard, joining after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. He finished his duty in 1945, having obtained the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Reviews

[Paul Cornelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lurid book cover for another Aarons spy novel that does it great injustice. The is a top flight story, I think. For the first time, Durell is placed in danger in both Japan and China. Two possible Russian defectors are at the center of the intrigue. As usual, wonderful atmosphere and a strong sense of authenticity of place in Assignment Manchurian Doll.

This is one novel in which both Durell and one of his co-protagonists, Nadja, pursue a personal vendetta against an Irish-Japanese gangster, Omaru, who is the physical embodiment of a Sumo wrestler. Twists and turns may come, but it's no secret from the moment Omaru is introduced that his villainy is far too deep and widespread to ever make an accommodation with him. Thus, a battle to the end. As a result, there is much more violent action in this novel than is usual in a Durell story. And all of Sam's typical attempts to avoid killing come to naught throughout. Evil is too evil to allow it.

[Amy Maalmi]

This was the first book in the series that I read. I really enjoyed it and I didn't find it predictable. So, I attempted to read the series. Over all though (since I have no intention of reviewing each book since there are so many) the series is quite disappointingly reflective of James Bond. Also, I began to find as I read more of the books that the formula of how Sam (the main character) interacts with the women he is introduced with, is extremely repetitive with a very few exceptions. And the relationships are highly ridiculous with women constantly wanting to be made love to in order to "feel alive" after some close shave with destiny, regardless of their personality type. At this point, Sam is a walking STD. Plus, as Aarons progressed in his writings, these scenes began to become a bit more graphic, where as in the beginning they tastefully aluded to what occurred.

However, I enjoyed this story very much and there are a few odd books out of the series that I've come across and enjoyed as well.

[John Peel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Durell is back, and this time a top Soviet operative wants to defect to the West - but he'll only surrender to Sam. He claims it's because Sam is the only agent he can trust - but it's far more likely that he's simply bait to trap and kill Sam. Nevertheless, Sam has to go through with it; it's his job.

And with luck, this time it won't kill him...

Another excellent adventure story - moody, tense and tremendous fun.

[Benjamin Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 18th book in the “Assignment” series finds Special Agent Sam Durell willingly walking into a trap in order to assist in the successful defection of Soviet agent, Alexi Kaminov. The trap involves a woman, of course, a deadly and damaged Soviet agent without whom Kaminov would not defect.

Much of the story takes place in Japan and some in China but it really reads like a Cold War novel with Soviets as the major characters. The primary bad guy is a Omaru, a businessman who runs the Kaiwa Trading Corporation which runs people, propaganda, and espionage cash back and forth across the East Asia coasts. To me he was the most interesting character and a worthy opponent for Sam’s own counter-espionage skills.

This novel, published in 1963, is fairly typical of the series. I’ve read enough of them now to recognize many of the patterns that seem to crop up in each of the books but they continue to be easy, fun reads for me.

[Derek · Rating 2 out of 5]

My memories of _Assignment Moon Girl_ was of an outlandish Bond-style "espionage" thriller, but this was far more grounded, at least in concept. The villians were freakshows, of course.

I'll probably forget the details in a day or so, and the entire thing in about a week.