The Unexpected Mrs Pollifax

· A Mrs Pollifax Mystery Book 1 · Prelude Books
4.0
2 reviews
eBook
227
Pages
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About this eBook

Mrs Emily Pollifax is a 60-ish widow wanting more from life than teas and garden club meetings. In search of adventure, she decides to offer her services to the CIA — who, after all, would spot a suburban grandmother as a cold war secret agent? — and adventure she finds.

Her first assignment, in Mexico City, doesn’t sound dangerous – until something goes wrong. She suddenly finds herself abducted across the world, embroiled in quite a hot Cold War... and her abductors find themselves entangled with one unbelievably feisty lady.

Armed with only an open mind and a little karate, Mrs Pollifax is the most lovable and unlikely of international spies.

What readers are saying:

“Love, love, love Mrs Pollifax. Ms Gilman has an extraordinary way of keeping you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages of her books.”

“How can a sweet little old lady get into so much trouble? Mrs Pollifax is a gem and a hoot!”

“A book that gives you a big smile on every page. I'm looking forward to my next Mrs Pollifax adventure.”

“Who wouldn't fall in love with a senior citizen who wears absurd hats, pushes the book cart at the hospital, and knows karate?”

“I first read the Mrs Pollifax books when I was a little girl and I keep coming back to read the books again and again.”

“Read it, it's the best thing you can do for yourself. It's like a reminder of the zest for life.”

Editorial reviews:

“Mrs Pollifax is an enchantress.” New York Times

“Mrs Pollifax gives Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple a rival to reckon with.” Toronto Star

“Filled with adventures–and misadventures–but through it all Mrs Pollifax is triumphant.” Booklist

“Absorbing and worthwhile ... You won’t want to put the book down.” Portland Telegram
“The pace never flags, bolstered by the shrewd Mrs P. and a host of well-defined characters who all work their surprising wiles.” Publishers Weekly

“Should delight you whether you’re looking for smiles or thrills.” New York Times Book Review

“All’s right with the world as long as Mrs Pollifax is part of it.” Mobile Register

Ratings and reviews

4.0
2 reviews
Alison Robinson
23 October 2020
Be swept back in time to the Cold War. Mrs Emily Pollifax is an unremarkable widow living an uneventful life, volunteering at the local hospital, garden club, book club etc. She's so bored that she almost, almost steps off the roof of her apartment building. Then a chance chat with her doctor reminds Mrs Pollifax that she once wanted to be a spy. Full of determination she walks into the CIA building and offers her services. Of course Mrs Pollifax is almost the exact opposite of a spy, but that what makes her perfect for a simple assignment in Mexico City. Of course little old ladies (laugh that a woman a decade older than me is deemed a little old lady) are famous for not doing the expected and soon Mrs Pollifax finds herself captured and kidnapped. If you like the sound of a book where a resourceful old lady outsmarts her kidnappers and rescues two fellow prisoners then I think you'll love this, I thought the 'twist' was obvious from the outset, but then I've seen a lot of spy films. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
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Grace J. Reviewerlady
29 July 2020
Mrs Pollifax is easily described - she is a woman of substance never to be underestimated! Emily Pollifax, widow, has two grown up children and grandchildren who she keeps in touch with, but that doesn't fill her days. Even with all her clubs and volunteering, she longs for a bit of excitement in her life then she recalls her younger self's desire to be a spy. Now who better to approach to offer her services in that field than the C.I.A.? Confident in her abilities, she quickly finds herself with her very first assignment - straightforward with exacting instructions so nothing can go wrong - can it? There is a lot of fun in this mystery, but a fair bit of dangerous excitement too! I received my copy just as I was on my annual break and it fitted into my holiday reading perfectly. Mrs Pollifax is one gutsy woman who I really took a shine to. I'm thrilled that this is the first of many mysteries featuring her. Expertly created by the late Dorothy Gilman, this was a smashing read with a bit of fun mixed in with intrepid adventure. Smoothly written and fully enjoyable, I look forward to Mrs Pollifax popping up in my kindle again in future. If you like to immerse yourself in a good cosy mystery, then this is one for you. Please note that this is a new edition of an older book. Well worth the four stars I'm happy to give it.
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About the author

Dorothy Gilman was born in New Jersey, USA in 1923. She enjoyed story-telling from a young age, and studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

During the 1950s and early 60s she wrote children’s books under her married name Dorothy Gilman Butters. But it was the later Mrs Pollifax series of novels which properly made her name. She travelled extensively and many of her travels fed into Mrs Pollifax’s adventures.

Gilman was awarded the annual Grand Master Award by the Mystery Writers of America in 2010. She died in 2012.

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