The Well-Mannered Assassin

De: Aline, Countess of Romanones

Narrado por: Susam O'Malley

The New Yorker raved that her bestselling memoir, The Spy Wore Red, "reads like a perfect thriller." Now the real-life model-turend-spy presents a thirlling novel of suspense -- based on the true intrigues of Carlos the Jackal. One of the most infamous names in the history of espionage, Carlos managed to elude his enemies for decades...until his recent arrest made headlines across the world. This exciting ficitonal account reveals the insidious methods -- and brilliant genius -- behind his international maneuvers. It is the story of a man whose smooth, cultured charm hides a secret identity and a shattering plot -- and the one woman who discovers he is actually the notorious Carlos the Jackal.
The inspiration for the Countess of Romanones' novel was her own actual meeting with Carlos the Jackal in 1977, when he delivered documents to her home in Madrid; and her experience as a consultant with a wide variety of world specialists on international terrorism.©1994 by Aline, Countess of Romanones (P)1998 by Blackstone Audiobooks

Intriguing

While the reader's voice is gravelly, I couldn't stop listening. Knowing that this novel is based on fact continually drew me in to the thread of the action. I recommend this one.

Intriguing!

At first, I was a little put off by the reader's voice. But, as I was drawn into the story, the reader's style added to the interest of the story. I found the story very interesting--especially because it is based on fact. I'm certain this is the way spying was done at the time of this story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down! by Anne (not Robert)

Great story told.instyle

Loved the story, but the narration was just wonderful! Best listen >n a long time.

Another Amazing Story

A story full of intrigue and mystery, truths and embellishments. Beautifully Read by Susam O”Mallory.

fun, but not as good as earlier books

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I enjoyed listening to the narration, very relaxing. however, this particular book was more of a society name dropping excercise than previous books. It is harder to picture her in the action heroine role in this story. Still fun to listen too.

Would you be willing to try another book from Aline and Countess of Romanones ? Why or why not?

yes, hoping to hear more of the author's past writing quality and experiences.

The Countess Never Disappoints

This gripping story, based on fact, rivals those of Vince Flynn and Lee Child. Aline, Countess of Romanones, has lived a fascinating life, with fascinating people, as told in her other books. The narration is a perfect fit to the drama and action, without affectation.

Treat yourself and give it a listen.

෴

Audio performer got the French pronunciation correct but burger the Spanish. Distracted from a gripping narrative. Why don’t these recorders research the accents, inflections?

Boring

Had to force myself to continue reading this, and even within three hours of finishing, I'm tempted to call it quits.

Absorbing but disappointing

This has all the makings of an excellent yarn, but the prose is flabby and trite. By removing all the superfluous detail as well as the unnecessary adjectives and adverbs, the countess would actually heighten the suspense and enjoyment. The choice of reader was also unfortunate - her voice verges on unpleasant and her range of expression, as someone once said (probably Dorothy Parker) "runs the gamut from A to B."

This Explains 9-11

If the CIA's spy activities in regards to terrorists is at all reflected in this book (as the author--supposedly once a VERY highly placed spy--asserts) it is no wonder the CIA is so clueless. Setting that aside, this book is bad. The plot is boring. The writing is bad. I would have said "really, really, really bad", but that phrase sounds too much like one that might be found in this book. She does mange to make the rich jet set seem as morally corupt as one tends to suspect. Her good "friends" are Emelda Marcos and the facist Spanish Dictator Franco (who she retitles simply as the head of state). Everyone wears fur. Men still have "manservants" and women have maids. The description of hunting is particularly odious--where at one site each "gun" can bag 100 birds a day. (No, I'm not a PETA person, but this book would make good recruitment propaganda except that no one would read it . . .)

It is hard to evaluate the reader because no one could read this book out loud and make it sound good. Kudos to her for actually reading the entire thing. I cannot imagine very many people have finished the book.


Oh Yeah, this is supposed to be about Carlos the Jackal, and Aline, The Countess, etc. etc. claims to be an expert on terrorism. That is true. She is a terror to readers in this book.