Mrs. Pollifax and the Whirling Dervish

By: Dorothy Gilman

Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat

Length: 7 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

All Mrs. Pollifax has to do is help a bumbling CIA agent confirm the identities of seven undercover informants in Morocco. A simple assignment. But right away, things go wrong. The first informant is murdered just after Mrs. P. identifies him in Fez. Worse, she has the frightening sensation that her associate is not who or what he says he is.

©1990 Dorothy Gilman Butters (P)1995 Recorded Books

Another homerun for Gilman, Pollifax and Rosenblat

What did you love best about Mrs. Pollifax and the Whirling Dervish?

The strong performance by Ms. Rosenblat breathing life into each of the wonderful characters brings to life another great adventure story of this dynamic spy lady. Lots of very interesting information along the way helps make the world of Mrs. Pollifax's travels fuller and most complete in the story backdrops.

What other book might you compare Mrs. Pollifax and the Whirling Dervish to and why?

I would also recommend the entire Amelia Peabody series written by Elizabeth Peters and performed by Barbara Rosenblat.

Which scene was your favorite?

Did anyone catch the reference to Emerson very early in the book? I do not recall anyone named Emerson in connection to Mrs. Pollifax but in the Amelia Peabody series Ms. Peabody's husband is named Emerson. Was this an error or is there another Pollifax character that I missed or was this done to see if we are really listening? I did like the opening scene with the visit from Bishop to brief Mrs. Pollifax on the mission.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Too many great moments in the story to pick just one for comment.

Any additional comments?

Is Emily Pollifax having a fling with Amelia Peabody's husband Emerson?

Enjoyable as expected

As always Mrs. Pollifax and her narrator Barbara Rosenblat delivers as always.

Recommend these books and this narrator in anything they do.

Delightful!, wholesome, uplifting, engaging

Most engaging tale. Loved location and visiting Morocco.
Dorothy and Emily delight me again. I love Emily and treasure her as my friend and companion.

Mrs. Pollifax in Morocco

Where does Mrs. Pollifax and the Whirling Dervish rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Ranks at about the 70% percentile overall of more than 200 audio books from various sources. Ranks number 2 in the cozy mystery category with only the Amelia Peabody series ranking higher - the latter are also read by Barbara Rosenblat.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The whole point of a cozy is be interesting, sometimes funny, and somewhat surprising. I first listened to the audible edition of this in 2012 and recently listened again. They are perfect for listening to late in the evening whereas my other favorite series are not conducive to good sleep if listening continues after 8 PM (ie Harry Bosch, Jack Reacher, and series by Daniel Silva and Louise Penny).

What does Barbara Rosenblat bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She is the perfect reader for these. AND she is amazing as her voice characters are almost all unique from one series to another.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Early on she befriends a young boy and he repays the friendship in surprising ways. She always sees something in individuals that makes you think about how you relate to others.

Any additional comments?

Definitely worth reading a second time especially because I needed some lighter fare to accompany yard work.

Mrs Pollifax is a great read

I love these books they never disappoint and the narrator does a fantastic job

good read

great story again really liked it can't get enough of mrs. p fer sure right

Silliness and spyness

Emily Pollifax is a mature heroine who steps into the world of the CIA. Her grandmotherly appearance and manner put many people at ease so that she can finish the job at hand. Emily Pollifax leaves no good guy behind.

This tale takes us to Morocco and gives a respectful history of the country and why it has been in turmoil. I'm actually shocked by the amount of real world in these novels. Dorothy Gilman has done an excellent job of research. I'm nearly certain that she must have traveled to the places she writes about. The story, people watching, references to who/what/why/how are very observant and true. I think the reality part of these books is what I really enjoy, except for the spunky grandma as the main character.

Mrs Pollifax stories are suited to the whole family listening. These are far better than TV. I would recommend two books to have handy: an atlas and a dictionary. Dorothy Gilman is quite exceptional at English and geography.

Do yourself a favor and get some books that can entertain all ages in the family.

I want to grow up to be just like Mrs. P

It’s been 3 decades
Or more since I first encountered Mrs. Polifax, and the stories still delight me. Dorothy Gilman perfectly balanced on the line between cozy and gritty, transporting readers to exotic locations and giving us wonderful swashbuckling adventures filled with memorable characters, and always a happy ending, no matter how dire things looked for our heroine. And Barbara Rosenblat is the perfect narrator. This particular book is tame by comparison to some, and I advise new readers to begin with the first book, lest they meet Mrs. P at less than her best, but as part of the series overall, it does not disappoint.

Morroco

I love her adventures to exotic places. The author makes the story very real and exciting.

Always fun

Go Mrs P. As always Barbara Rosenblat does an amazing job making the story come to life!