Book Reviews of The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax

Loved every minute of it. Even though I am much younger than she, I lived the life of a spy vicariously through her the entire way. So many exciting things - and dangerous things - happen but Mrs. Pollifax handles the unexpected better than most. Its a page turner and then makes you want to head right for the next book in the series.

The Cold War background politics of this spy novel are dated, but the charm, wit, and resourcefulness of the title character (and the writing) never go out of style.

Mrs. Pollifax reminds me of Elizabeth Peter's Amelia Peabody (though that should probably be the other way round as Gilman's work is older) without the constraints of Victorian society or the journal structure of the novels.

Whether you're looking for a new twist on the spy novel or a strong female character who proves there is life after grandkids this book is certainly worth your time.

The first Mrs. Polifax book. I really enjoyed it, and plan to read the rest of the series.

From http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/G_Authors/Gilman_Dorothy.html:
Mrs. Pollifax, grandmother & CIA agent in New Jersey, is featured in:

The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax (1966)
The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax (1970)
The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax (1971)
A Palm for Mrs. Pollifax (1973)
Mrs. Pollifax on Safari (1976)
Mrs. Pollifax on the China Station 1983)
Mrs. Pollifax and the Hong Kong Buddha (1985)
Mrs. Pollifax and the Golden Triangle (1988)
Mrs. Pollifax and the Whirling Dervish (1990)
Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief (1993)
Mrs. Pollifax Pursued (1995)
Mrs. Pollifax and the Lion Killer (1996)
Mrs. Pollifax, Innocent Tourist (1997)
Mrs. Pollifax Unveiled (2000)

From FantasticFiction.com:
"Mrs. Pollifax is an enchantress."
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
Mrs. Virgil (Emily) Pollifax of New Brunswick, New Jersey, was a widow with grown 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. This time, the assignment sounds as tasty as a taco. A quick trip to Mexico City is on her agenda. Unfortunately, something goes wrong, and our dear Mrs. Pollifax finds herself embroilied in quite a hot Cold War-and her country's enemies find themsleves entangled with one unbelievably feisty lady.

This is probably one of the best series of books I have read. Mrs. Pollifax is smart, capable, funny and just absolutely wonderful. This is a series of 14 books and they are all great. A wonderful, wonderful read.

This is the first of a series of books about a woman in her sixties with grown children and grandchildren and a garden club who decided one day to become a CIA agent. Mrs. Pollifax is endearing and always surprising as well as amusing. 5 out of 5

This was a wonderful book. Mrs. Pollifax is definitely my hero!! I will surely read other Mrs. Pollifax books. Highly recommend.

This was a highly amusing book. The plot moved well in pace and in events, and dialogue was concise without being too curt to be believable. The strength behind the story, in my opinion, is the wit supporting the writing.

Most surprising in this book is that Gilman constantly brings up and comments upon highly moral topics. Throughout the book, these topics subtly enter the story and are explored for both the readers' interest as well as Mrs. Pollifax's.

Mrs. Pollifax is lovable, as well as Johnny (especially in his moments of indignation), and even her captors become likeable, in their own ways. Gilman most definitely creates the first book as an addicting window to the rest of the books in her series.

Highly recommended.

This was quite good and I'd like to read more of the series.

I love the Mrs Pollifax series.

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

The first book in this great series!!

This is the first in the Mrs. Pollifax series. She is an older woman looking for a bit of adventure, so she goes to the CIA to offer her services. Its a hoot!

Was recommended to me, but just didn't grab me. I assume a good book though as there are many in the series!

Great book in the Cold War comedy adventure series.

didn't care for the book

First in the series of Mrs Pollifax books, we are intorduced to Emily, Farrell, and Carstairs.
Story of an innocent, untrained CIA operative who is taken prisoner.
Dated politics of the Cold War is the background.

very good mystery

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