Masterpieces of oriental mystery

"The insidious doctor returns to Great Britain with his league of assassins, the dreaded Si-Fan. He seeks to subvert the realm at the highest levels, but Fu-Manchu has his own secrets--which he will protect by any means."--P. of cover.

The scenes of this story are laid in Egypt featuring Abu-Tabah, the inscrutable Egyptian, who appears and disappears so mysteriously. Abu-Tabah is is not so blood-curdling a villain as Fu Manchu, but his exploits possess the same exotic interest that characterized the often nefarious activities of the yellow doctor. In the latter half of the book, notably in the story, The Valley of the Sorceress, there is an element new to Sax Rohmer’s work, the supernatural.

Adventure story involving a British reporter, an American agent, and a French detective (Gaston Max, who shows up in at least two other Rohmer works). A mad scientist, Anubis, has plans for world domination. If you like other Rohmer works, you'll enjoy this one. Gothic elements plus "modern" science blend well, and the Black Forest setting is effectively presented. The early suspense is well-handled.