Adventure Annotation- -Dorothy Gilman

The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax

by Dorothy Gilman

Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1966.

216 pages

ISBN: 978-0-385-05974-9

Summary: In a case of mistaken identity, Emily Pollifax leaves her ordinary life as a widow and grandmother to become a spy for the U.S. government; relying on her wisdom, quick instincts, and wit, along with the help of fellow CIA agent Farrell, Pollifax escapes capture several times, goes on a high speed chase by car and boat, and wears disguises to outsmart corrupt militants from Mexico and Albania.

 

Series Information: This is the 1st book of the Mrs. Pollifax Mysteries series.  There are 14 books in total. The last book of the series is Mrs. Pollifax Unveiled published in 2000.

Genre: Adventure/Gentle Read

Characteristics:  Being an Adventure novel, the hero escapes from one dangerous episode to the next. The storyline focuses on a mission and there are many action scenes which take place in multiple countries around the world. Chapters are separated by scenes. The mood is dangerous and exciting; Mrs. Pollifax is anxious yet determined about things to come in the novel. There is a conversational tone in the style of writing, as well as military jargon and some colorful language. The hero rescues herself and others, and at the end all order is restored (Saricks, 2009, 16). This book is also a Gentle Read. Mrs. Pollifax is comfortable with her role as a CIA agent and makes quips to ease tense situations with affable characters (95). For example, when captured she plays with a deck of cards.

Comments: I thought that this book written in the 1960s would be outdated but I was wrong; these spy conflicts/uncertainties still exist today. It is a fast and cozy read. This series reminded me of the TV series Get Smart (any spoof off of the James Bond 007 series). Having an older woman as the female protagonist is realistic and respectable. Gilman’s description of the various geographical places are inviting to readers.

Resources

Saricks, J.G. (2009). The readers’ advisory guide to genre fiction. 2^nd ed. Chicago: American Library Association.

Appeals:

• Overseas spy adventure
• Fast paced plot and light-hearted humor
• Strong-willed female protagonist

Read-a-Likes:

Novelist:

• The Merchant’s House by Kate Ellis
• Not a Blessed Thing by Monica Quill
• Miss Melville Regrets by Evelyn E. Smith
• Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House by M.C. Beaton
• Picture Miss Seaton by Heron Carvic