A weaker entry in the series, but still enjoyable. I found it to be too much of an early Cold War espionage novel rather than an over-the-top pulpy adventure, which was what I wanted. Nayland-Smith has traveled to New York City, where a brilliant scientist is on the verge of inventing a death-ray machine that will upset the fragile balance of power between the USA and the USSR. The Soviets, the British, and the Americans have all placed agents close to the scientist, and of course, Fu Manchu is involved. His goal is to prevent the device from falling into the hands of the Communists, who he despises. More death traps and more of Fu Manchu's outre agents and inventions would have helped enliven this one. ( )