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.)

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!

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.

too slow so far

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

A really good, and true, spy story.

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

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.