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The Well-Mannered Assassin

aline countess of romanones

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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.

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 3,1994

This edition

Format
336 pages, Hardcover
Published
May 4, 1994 by Putnam
ISBN
9780399138638
ASIN
0399138633
Language
English

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About the author

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aline countess of romanones

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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.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 24 votes)
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9(38%)
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24 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
cassandrale179
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 26,2025
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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!
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lolipopgi
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 26,2025
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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!
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Irwanda04
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 26,2025
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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.
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qwyxivi
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 26,2025
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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.
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keragamming
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 26,2025
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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!
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PostPunkTea
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 26,2025
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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.
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Qwartney
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 26,2025
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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.
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gubbl3
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 26,2025
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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!
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