“Should delight you whether you’re looking for smiles or thrills.”—The New York Times Book ReviewMrs. 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 … 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
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This was an utter delight, start to finish. It’s a smart suspense novel, superbly constructed, with the bonus of a foreign setting.
A spunky character with lots of common sense to help her and her friends out of sticky situations. She has found the perfect part time job for her later years.
More action-packed than your typical cozy, which I love. Certainly has great cozy elements, but also goes way outside the normal box. The danger, intrigue and travel really up the original aspects of this series–even though it isn’t a new series! Great mystery to be solved and the perfect character to do the solving.
Out of all the Mrs Pollifax books, this one – the First Mrs Pollifax novel, remains my most favourite of all of them.
The are wonderful characters in this book – the best one being the awesome Mrs Pollifax, herself. She is my heroine – a 60ish little old lady who decided one day to join the CIA. And she manages to pull it off too!
This book …
Reading The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax at the age of 13, I was inspired to become quick thinking and innovative. Although Mrs. Pollifax was a grandmother, she was courageous and resourceful and really impressed me to become that person myself!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE these books. I have the whole series and have gotten both my mother, my MIL and my Auntie-in-law totally hooked on these books. WE LOVE THEM!
Where else can you find an older woman, bored with her life, who goes and applies to be in the CIA?? Its amazing. YES, some of the stories are far-fetched, but to me, that just adds to the …
The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax is book 1 in a 14 book series begun in 1966 by Dorothy Gillman. I’m guessing that my mom, who loved mysteries, must have read them when they first came out. I couldn’t imagine that i’d love a series that involves the CIA in the Cold War, but oh boy was i wrong, because Mrs Pollifax is a character that could make any …
This was a light read. I like the main character a woman who is underestimated and full of surprises.
The writing and the setting are both reminiscent of another time.
Such a super-fun read. A little dated but I love the premise and follow-through.
So fun to read. Page turner
i love all her books. Fun to read/
I read this whole series a number of years ago and loved them all.
You can never go wrong with Mrs. Pollifax!
Loved it !
Enjoy all in the series.
An enchanting series with an enchanting protagonist! I’ve loved all of Dorothy Gilman’s mysteries, and would recommend them to anyone who enjoys cozy-style mysteries.
Love this series. Look forward to more of Mrs. Pollifax. Just a pleasant read.
Fabulous book! Made me want to read everything Mrs. Pollifax was involved in! Left me smiling with her abilities.
“The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax” was an unexpected delight. A fun read. The best “spy” book I’ve read in a long time. But, be warned, it will leave you with an urgent need to read more of Mrs. Pollifax’s adventures. I am almost done with the second book and there are many more in this series. Enjoy!
First in a series that I will definitely be reading. Mrs. Pollifax may be older but don’t count her out. She is an amazingly resourceful spy