The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax Audiobook By Dorothy Gilman cover art

The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax

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The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax

By: Dorothy Gilman
Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat
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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. This first in the series sends Emily on her first case after she successfully persuades a skeptical CIA recruitment officer that she is the best person for the job.

©1970 Dorothy Gilman (P)1989 Recorded Books, LLC Detective Espionage Mystery Spies & Politics Suspense Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Fiction Cozy Feel-Good Exciting Witty

Editor's Pick

Smart, snappy, cozy series with sublime narration
"Barbara Rosenblat is one of my favorite narrators. Nowhere does she elevate a story more than with The Unexpected Mrs. Polifax. Dorothy Gilman started the series in 1970—the story of a garden-club wife from New Brunswick, NJ, who joins the CIA in a madcap series of events—and Barbara Rosenblat narrates a dozen titles, all available at Audible. If you love John D. Macdonald or Rhys Bowen, may I suggest your next audio binge?"
—Christina H., Audible Editor

Charming Protagonist • Lighthearted Spy Adventure • Exceptional Voice Acting • Refreshing Female Lead • Resourceful Heroine
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Oh goodness, what a fun listen this was! Mrs. Polifax is such a loveable character, and boy does she go on quite an adventure! Mrs. Polifax is very resourceful and uses her many years of wisdom to think of clever ways to escape and save herself from a rather precarious situation. The whole story was a treat, and I couldn't put it down once I started. It's absolutely worth a credit!

What a FUN read, I love Mrs. Polifax!

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Enjoyed this better the second time around. Even though I needed to suspend my belief for the plot, it was engaging, delightful.
and held my attention. Plus, it was nice to hear this talented narrator's voice again in her earlier days before she became too gravelly, as in the Beryl and Edwina mysteries.

Loved it

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At first I was skeptical, but was pleasantly surprised by the cast of characters. Some of the escape plans were a little far fetch however, that made me want to see what other antics they got into. Looking for to her next adventure!

Pleasantly surprised!!

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This story is a delightful, cozy mystery. Mrs. Pollifax is a wonderful combination of sweet and spunk. Her tenacity is inspiring and left me looking forward to her next adventure.

Delightful

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Emily Pollifax is a gem. Her dignity and resilience are impeccable. Just when she thinks she is not needed anymore she finds herself on an adventure that she had dreamed of doing as a child. I want to be Mrs Pollifax when I grow up.

Perfect for the family!

Hilarious!

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I discovered Mrs. Pollifax in my local library when I was a teenager, and thought she couldn't get better...until I heard Barbara Rosenblat's narration. She is absolutely the perfect narrator for this series; she does all the voices, she uses pacing and pauses when appropriate, and even the accents are spot on.

In this book, the first in the series, Mrs. Pollifax is a woman of a certain age facing a quiet retirement with nothing but her geraniums to keep her company. After a young doctor flippantly suggests she try to fulfill a lifelong dream, Mrs. Pollifax decides to volunteer herself to her country via the CIA. A series of events takes her to Mexico City, where all she has to do is visit a certain bookshop on a certain day...but of course things don't go as planned.

The entire series is worth a listen, especially those books read by Barbara Rosenblat. Traveling with Mrs. Pollifax is like traveling with a friend you'll never want to leave behind.

“AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY"

Mrs. Pollifax is the best!

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I was afraid it might be a bit dated but it is not. The story is very entertaining and the reader is a great fit. I am looking forward to the next one.

Unexpectedly entertaining

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Akin to Phryne Fisher, this was delightful to listen to on a long drive - so much fun, that we went inside and finished the last half hour!

Pollifantastic!!

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This is a memorable tale of an old lady unsatisfied with her life and decides to become a spy. Memorable characters and clean read.

Fun adventure and mystery.

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I download this book some time ago but I always found something better to read:listen to than this 1960s publication. Of course the 1960s where are the heyday of spy novels and movies. Bond, James Bond, was a sensation and we couldn't get enough of international intrigue. I want Kimes Mrs. Pollifax. 50 years later I get to enjoy a spy story full of humor and kindness. Of course there were narrow escapes, brilliant inventiveness, and just plain luck.

Unexpected Joy

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