The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax
The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax
Book Brief
Beta204
Novel • Fiction
Albania • 1960s
1983
Adult
14+ years
Super Short Summary
The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman features a widowed grandmother who seeks adventure by joining the CIA as a spy. Thrilling circumstances lead her on an international escapade, highlighting her courage and resourcefulness.
Reviews & Readership
34,123 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Dorothy Gilman's The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax receives praise for its charming, elderly protagonist who breaks conventional spy tropes with wit and resourcefulness. Readers admire the engaging plot and lighthearted tone, though some find the storyline occasionally implausible. Overall, it's considered a delightful, cozy mystery with a unique heroine.
Who Should Read The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax?
Readers who revel in cozy mysteries with a touch of espionage, akin to The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith, will delight in The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman. Fans of endearing, unconventional sleuths and spirited adventures will find this charming saga captivating and amusing.
34,123 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dorothy Gilman's novel The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax was first published in 1966 and introduces readers to the delightful Mrs. Emily Pollifax, who embarks on her adventures later in life, becoming a beloved character in the espionage genre.
The character of Mrs. Pollifax draws inspiration from her life experiences and how people reinvent themselves. Despite being a widow living in New Jersey, she joins the CIA, turning the stereotype of a grandmother upside down.
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The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax is the inaugural book in a series that eventually expanded to 14 novels, showcasing the character's longevity and popularity over three decades.
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204
Novel • Fiction
Albania • 1960s
1983
Adult
14+ years
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