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The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax (Mrs Pollifax, Bk 1)
The Unexpected Mrs Pollifax - Mrs Pollifax, Bk 1
Author: Dorothy Gilman
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,...  more »
PBS Market Price: $8.09 or $4.19+1 credit
ISBN-13: 9780449208281
ISBN-10: 0449208281
Publication Date: 1/12/1985
Pages: 192
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 129

4 stars, based on 129 ratings
Publisher: Fawcett
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 2
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax (Mrs Pollifax, Bk 1) on + 108 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
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.
reviewed The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax (Mrs Pollifax, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 5
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.
Alison-H avatar reviewed The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax (Mrs Pollifax, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
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.
reviewed The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax (Mrs Pollifax, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
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.
timtastic avatar reviewed The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax (Mrs Pollifax, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 4
This was a wonderful book. Mrs. Pollifax is definitely my hero!! I will surely read other Mrs. Pollifax books. Highly recommend.
Read All 31 Book Reviews of "The Unexpected Mrs Pollifax Mrs Pollifax Bk 1"

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usdalton avatar reviewed The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax (Mrs Pollifax, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
I think that this must be the first in the series. Even though it was written 1966, it was very relevent and most enjoyable. I just love Mrs. Pollifax.
reviewed The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax (Mrs Pollifax, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Mrs. Pollifax, a quirky grandmother, is sent out on a CIA mission to Mexico in a case of mistaken identity. Her adventures and misadventures begin a second career for her that is important, lively, dangerous, scarey and satisfying.
The story is easy to read but very interesting. This series is more enjoyable if you this book first.
anitag avatar reviewed The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax (Mrs Pollifax, Bk 1) on + 78 more book reviews
This is the first mystery novel on Mrs. Pollifax. I started to read it and could not put it down until I finished it. It has suspense, mystery, action...a real page turner! Mrs. Pollifax is tired of Garden parties, teas, and volunteering at the hospital... and is looking for something new and exciting to do. She volunteers to work for the CIA and there begins her first adventure as a spy. Great characters full of spunk who do their country proud. Very interesting plot. My kind of lady! Great book. I highly recommend.
Leeankh avatar reviewed The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax (Mrs Pollifax, Bk 1) on + 139 more book reviews
I'll be honest. I had a hard time getting through the beginning of this book. It was written with a bit more formality than I expected. It just didn't grab me right from the start, so it felt like a chore to read. However, that view quickly changed once I got into the meat of the story. The action of the second half is fast paced and exciting. By the end of the book, I really liked Mrs. Pollifax and would gladly read more of her adventures. She showed that she is smart and resourceful, and I didn't feel that I needed to suspend as much disbelief as I thought I would when I read the description. Overall, I enjoyed the book and I'm glad I stuck it out until the end.
reviewed The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax (Mrs Pollifax, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Mrs. Pollifax is the ultimate fun character! You'll laugh out loud.
reviewed The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax (Mrs Pollifax, Bk 1) on
Prefer the later novels

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