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  • The Unexpected Mrs Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman book cover
  • The Unexpected Mrs Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman book cover
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The Unexpected Mrs Pollifax

by Dorothy Gilman

An unlikely recruit for a Cold War mission

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AlbakiReads Editorial

An unlikely recruit for a Cold War mission

At around sixty, widow Emily Pollifax is ready for a life beyond tea and garden club meetings, so she volunteers for the CIA. A first assignment in Mexico City takes an unexpected turn, carrying her far from its starting point and into a Cold War espionage adventure. The contrast between Pollifax’s suburban-grandmother image and her new role as a secret agent shapes the book’s central comic premise; her open mind and limited karate skills are part of what she brings to the situation. This opening installment pairs international intrigue with a woman sleuth whose reasons for seeking adventure are as important to the setup as the mission itself.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers interested in mysteries featuring women sleuths and amateur investigators.
  • Those who enjoy espionage stories with an older protagonist.
  • Readers seeking a mystery that combines international intrigue with comic elements.

Themes

Later-life reinventionAdventure and curiosityEspionageExpectations about age and capability

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

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

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