The Well-Mannered Assassin

by Aline, Countess of Romanones

After three thrilling memoirs, America's glamorous secret agent gives us a novel of international intrigue and terror so rich in detail that only someone who had lived through such dangers could have imagined it. In her fourth book, Aline Romanones, American beauty, Spanish socialite, devoted mother, and spy, makes her first foray into the world of fiction. Drawing on some of her most frightening moments as an undercover agent, as well as her unique channels of information, the Countess crafts a novel of stunning suspense. When a handsome young man calls on business one day for Aline a pleasant and casual acquaintanceship begins. Yet the flowers she receives suggest he has something different in mind. Only afterward, when it is too late to change the course of events, will she learn the truth - that her charming new friend is actually the notorious terrorist known as Carlos the Jackal. A deadly game of cat-and-mouse ensues, taking Aline through a host of lavish settings in Bavaria, Paris, and Marbella, where friends can no longer be trusted and she will need all her skills as a former OSS operative to get out alive.

Genres: Nonfiction, Espionage, Biography, Mystery, History, Autobiography, World War II

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 3, 1994

About the author

Doña María Aline Griffith Dexter, Countess of Romanones, Grandee of Spain (born Pearl River, NY, 1923) is an American married to a Spanish aristocrat, socialite, writer and spy. She married the Count of Quintanilla in 1947 and they later became the Count and Countess of Romanones.

Aline was born in 1923 in New York, was working as a model when she was recruited to become an OSS agent in Spain where she met and married her late husband. She lives at Pascualete, the country estate of her husband's family, which she painstakingly restored.

Reviews

[L Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when it originally came out, almost thirty years ago. I didn't remember what it was about, but did remember that I really liked the books by this author when I read them originally. I found my original copy of this book, which had fallen behind a number of other books on my bookshelf and was delighted, since I had recently ordered and re-read the first of her books, "The Spy Wore Red".
Re-reading this book after so many years, there were a few things that struck me. There are a lot of words on every page. Looking at some of my other paperbacks, there are probably twice as many words per page. Also, although I had a little trouble keeping track of some of the people (this is based on what happened in real life, not fiction), I was spellbound by the story, which covers her life as a wife and socialite--as well as being a spy. No sooner did I finish reading the book, I decided to re-read it immediately and started back at the beginning. I don't EVER recall doing that with any other book. And, I am still enjoying it!
I strongly recommend this book!

[Lisa Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aline, the Countess of Romanones, tells another story from her life as a secret agent. Although she is now a grandmother, when she stumbles upon Carlos "The Jackal" at a wedding, it starts her on the path to helping her handler find a ring of arms and drug dealers - and the one thing it all has in common is the infamous assassin.

Although there were parts that were a little slow, just like her other stories, I found it fascinating - especially as you think about all the people she knew and came in contact with, and the things she was able to do. She really was an amazing and unique woman!

[Irv Kantrowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book.
This is a very complicated story that involves terrorists, drug dealing, and illegal arms selling.
It takes place mostly in Spain and has very interesting pastimes of very rich people.
I learned some of the finer points about bull fighting, flamenco dancing and other sports/activities.

[Alan Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aline, an American by birth, started her career as a spy working for the OSS during World War II when she was very young. In this book she is a wife, mother and Countess of Romanones living in Spain, but she can't keep away from terrorism, especially when it includes people she knows well, and she is connected with some of the most famous people on the planet. The world of wealth she lives in will be unfamiliar for most people, and the parties and the game shootings reek of excess that conservationists will abhor, but they are a slice of live and she describes this life very well. The terrorists are bent on blowing things up, and it isn't a spoiler to say that the climax of the book will blow you away.

[Jeanne Hedge · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of guns and drugs

An interesting story be it fictional, factual or some combination of the two (it's hard to know what to believe when it comes to the Dowager Countess' spy stories).A few minor points really strain credulity, but since fact is stranger than fiction those parts may be the truest of all.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rated R: DNF
Dang it! Thankfully I didn’t get too far in before Ava Gardner was F bombing all over the place. I knew I was taking a risk since it was a book about an assassin after all but you never know. What a shame, definitely an intriguing story line.

[Jane Darby-Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last book I the Countess’ spy series. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This one had fact and fiction and is termed a novel rather than her actual experience. You can tell when the book seems unbelievable in places. It’s a good escape in reading!

[Patricia L. Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all the others in "The Spy Wore..." series, had started and never finished this one. It was an enjoyable read like the others. There were a few typos and editing oversights but they didn't spoil the read. The Countess lead.an amazing life!

[Lisa Tollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hats off to the Countess

I love reading the adventures of the Countess of Romanones, from her days with the OSS to being entangled with the infamous Carlos the Jackel.

[truenorth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know. Her other books were better I think.

[Marilyn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing woman

I never cease to be amazed at the life of Aline Griffith. She led a fascinating life and was able to write about it in such a way as to take you with her.

[Tirzah Heinzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed the continuation of the spy wore red.
(had a small pg rated item) but the story line was great to follow.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

After three thrilling memoirs, America's glamorous secret agent gives us a novel of international intrigue and terror so rich in detail that only someone who had lived through such dangers could have imagined it. In her fourth book, Aline Romanones, American beauty, Spanish socialite, devoted mother, and spy, makes her first foray into the world of fiction. Drawing on some of her most frightening moments as an undercover agent, as well as her unique channels of information, the Countess crafts a novel of stunning suspense. When a handsome young man calls on business one day for Aline a pleasant and casual acquaintanceship begins. Yet the flowers she receives suggest he has something different in mind. Only afterward, when it is too late to change the course of events, will she learn the truth - that her charming new friend is actually the notorious terrorist known as Carlos the Jackal. A deadly game of cat-and-mouse ensues, taking Aline through a host of lavish settings in Bavaria, Paris, and Marbella, where friends can no longer be trusted and she will need all her skills as a former OSS operative to get out alive.

I enjoyed this story of spying and intrigue with Carlos the Jackal as a prime character.

[Sheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Mannered Assassin: OK, so imagine learning that a crazy assassin is on the loose- although this person has saved your life on several occasions? The Countess details the horrifying tales of hunting down one of the most dangerous terrorists in history. As always, the Countess rarely tells her dear husband of the gorey details, keeping him in the dark until the hitman shows up on the grounds of their estate! The Countess tells her stories amidst the uber wealthy of Europe with flair. Who wouldn't want to be her-dripping in fine custom jewels, wearing the most elegant of gowns, entertaining the rich and beautiful of the world- and doing this calmly while being chased around Spain? She seems teflon coated though and is a survivor. The CIA knew what they were doing as they kept her busy for 34 years in the intelligence community post WW II. Another gem from the Countess. (Let's hope she is working on another book.)

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of her four spy novels, this one is written as fiction, although it is based on facts. The character she writes about is Carlos, the Jackal, "the most feared terrorist and assassin in the world". He is also the subject of Ken Follett's famous book, and appears as the killer in The Pelican Brief by John Grisham, and is a character in The French Connection. I read this again a year or so ago, and intend to read it again, now that I'm reminded of it. All her books are permanent fixtures on my bookcases.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novel by the author of 'The Spy wore Red'. Told from the 1st person, as if these experiences happened to her (Aline). Better written than her "real-life" tales. But, some of the characters were confusing and I wasn't as satisfied with the ending. The final "episode" seemed to come from nowhere and try to tie too many things up at once.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so amazing Terrorism insight! And the story is true and so recent! Europe, Russia ect!! Can't decide which of her 4 books I like the most. They are each Separated by about 20 years. I love them all and understanding High Society and from a spy that was friends with Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy!!!! Read them for a fun informative time!

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fourth of her spy books and the only one that she admits is fiction only because she says that Carlos the Jackal is still alive. So what is he going to do? Sue her for defamation of character? Anyway, it was an interesting read just like the first three whether it is true or not.

[Catrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way this novel portrayed Carlos the Jackal instead of as a murderous mastermind he is a well liked playboy. I recommend this to anyone who likes intrigue. I will read this book again it was that good.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good, and true, spy story.

[Maki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know till 2008 about this final sequal. This book is half tru, half made-up, but still great spy book. She did meet the Carlos the Jackal in person.......

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very brave lady, I guess this is based on her true spying experiences! Wow.

[Katie Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Well-Mannered Assassin and thought it was much better than Aline's second book. It kept me on my toes and was a fun read!

[Nfreynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her first work of fiction. The ending is not believable, more like a Hollywood movie sensational ending. Not nearly as good as her "Spy" series, which are based on her life.

[Amloid Mesa]

too slow so far

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful fictonal story of intrigue and international spy rings! Like this author