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The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax

Book 1 in the series:Mrs. Pollifax

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In "The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax," readers are introduced to Emily Pollifax, a widowed woman who, feeling bored and unfulfilled, decides to follow her childhood dream of becoming a spy by volunteering for the CIA. Through a case of mistaken identity, Mrs. Pollifax embarks on a courier mission that takes her on an unexpected and thrilling adventure filled with humor, charm, and suspense. The book, set during the Cold War era, offers a light and entertaining read, showcasing Mrs. Pollifax's resourcefulness, wit, and determination as she navigates through various challenges and encounters a range of intriguing characters.

The narrative of "The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax" unfolds in a fun and engaging manner, blending elements of cozy mystery with espionage, creating a delightful and humorous story that keeps readers entertained. Dorothy Gilman's writing style captures the essence of Mrs. Pollifax's character, portraying her as a likable and unconventional protagonist who defies expectations and embarks on a series of improbable yet enjoyable adventures that make for an enjoyable and light-hearted read.

Characters:

The characters are vibrant and endearing, with Mrs. Pollifax standing out as a witty and resourceful elderly heroine.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by humor, engaging dialogue, and a cozy approach to espionage storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a widowed woman who volunteers for the CIA, only to find herself embroiled in unexpected and humorous espionage adventures.

Setting:

The setting is mostly in the 1960s Cold War context, spanning multiple locations that enhance the adventurous feel.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick and engaging, blending humor and action effectively throughout.
He smiled and returned his glasses to his nose. “Which brings me to the fact that, although I find you in excellent health physically, I do note certain signs of depression. You’re not quite the same ...

Notes:

The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax was published in 1966.
It is the first book in a series featuring the main character Emily Pollifax.
Emily is a widowed grandmother from New Jersey who decides to become a CIA agent due to boredom.
The book blends elements of mystery, crime, and spy genres with humor and lightheartedness.
Emily Pollifax is recruited by mistake to perform a simple task that leads to an unexpected adventure.
The series consists of 14 books in total, indicating its popularity and longevity.
The character of Emily is portrayed as resourceful, intelligent, and endearing, appealing to readers of various ages.
The story is set during the Cold War, incorporating historical context and political intrigue.
The book is praised for being a refreshing alternative to graphic spy stories and mysteries.
The narrative is celebrated for its charming dialogue and character interactions, often evoking comparisons to other popular cozy mysteries.

From The Publisher:

"Should delight you whether you're looking for smiles or thrills."-The New York Times Book Review

Mrs. Virgil (Emily) Pollifax of New Brunswick, New Jersey, was a widow with grown, married children. She was tired of attending her Garden Club meetings. She wanted to do something good for her country. So, naturally, she became a CIA agent.

She takes on a "job" in Mexico City. The assignment doesn't sound dangerous at first, but then, as often happens, something goes wrong. Now our dear Mrs. Pollifax finds herself embroiled in quite a hot Cold War-and her country's enemies find themselves entangled with one unbelievably feisty lady.

"Mrs. Pollifax gives Agatha Christie's Miss Marple a rival to reckon with."-Toronto Star

Ratings (20)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (8)
Liked It (7)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (47):

Read It (20)
Want To Read (18)
Not Interested (9)

1 comment(s)

Incredible
2 weeks

Wow! That was so fun! It reminds me a bit of The Prisoner of Zenda in how fun and clever it was. I heartily recommend it.

 

About the Author:

Dorothy Gilman (1923-2012) was the author of 14 Mrs. Pollifax novels, including The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax, the series debut; Mrs. Pollifax Pursued; Mrs. Pollifax and the Lion Killer; Mrs. Pollifax, Innocent Tourist; and Mrs. Pollifax Unveiled. She was also the author of many other novels, among them Thale's Folly.

 
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