The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax
Ratings21
Average rating3.9
“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
Series
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14 primary books#1 in Mrs. Pollifax
Mrs. Pollifax is a 14-book series with 14 released primary works first released in 1966 with contributions by Dorothy Gilman.
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This is definitely dated and some cringy racial language ("Oriental" and calling someone "The Genie" because they don't know his name). That aside, Mrs. Pollifax is fun. The whole idea of showing up at the CIA in retirement because you're too healthy to die is such a good premise.
I was pleasantly surprised by this action-adventure novel. It was well-written, well-characterized, well-plotted... everything you could ask for, and with added bits of humor and thoughtfulness thrown in. I think it would appeal to a wide variety of people, particularly those who like plot-driven novels and quirky old people.
A little bit ridiculous, highly entertaining, and quite funny. I love Mrs Polifax's attitude and resourcefulness - this is a spy novel I can get behind!
I was a little bit hesitant to read this book since I tend to prefer the writing in newer books, but despite it's age it was easy and quick to read. Some elements are dated, of course, but nothing too bad.
