The Tightrope Walker

By: Dorothy Gilman

Narrated by: Ruth Ann Phimister

Length: 6 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

“They’re going to kill me soon,” begins the note Amelia discovers in an antique hurdy-gurdy. From that moment on, the shy young woman finds herself doing all kinds of things she never thought possible. Between newfound intimacies and a risky journey into the past, Amelia comes to see herself in a whole new light. The scrawled note drives Amelia to find out what happened to the person who wrote it, identified only as “Hannah.” Who was Hannah? Was she really murdered? Amelia’s investigation leads her to dizzying new heights of romance and danger. Like a tightrope walker, she must not look down—especially when she finds herself in situations uncannily similar to those Hannah faced just before her murder. Like the Mrs. Pollifax mysteries for which Dorothy Gilman is famous, The Tightrope Walker features a spirited and unpretentious heroine and an intriguing mystery, enhanced by colorful settings and characters. Ruth Ann Phimister’s skillful narration adds a personal dimension, making you care about Amelia and the fascinating and dangerous people she meets.

©1979 Dorothy Gilman Butters (P)1999 Recorded Books

Delightful, deep and light at the same time.

Filled with quirky humanness, suspense and psychological insights. A very enjoyable, touching and heat-warming listen.

Complex and Delightful

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I love how the characters develop throughout the story and all the pieces twist into an intricate pattern. The ending was absolutely delightful!

So fun to listen to

I read Tightrope Walker many years ago and don’t remember liking it much. There is a touch of “seeing” and “hearing” things that aren’t there, and maybe that’s why. I was never much for clairvoyance or paranormal. However, listening to it read by this fine narrator minimized the memory I had of it. I connected with Amelia Jones and love how she became a strong woman through the things she endured. It is an exciting murder mystery, and every time I thought we were at the climax, there was another plot shift. Dorothy Gillman tidies up everything at the end, which I appreciated. So often mystery writers seem to rush to the end as if to say, “Ok, all done!” This time around, I wholeheartedly recommend Tightrope Walker to mystery lovers.

Love Mrs Pollifax so tried this book by Dorothy Gilman!

This was a good listen - a little more drama than a cozy mystery. (Not as relaxing as a cozy usually is). Some charming characters, well written & narrated overall.

Nancy Drew finds herself

If you loved Nancy Drew, you will love this book. A secret note, a mystery, a little romance, a bit tense at the end with a criminal determined to do in our heroine, and a cozy happy ending. Loved it!

Not newly written, but very fine writing!

Some years back, I'd read this in print. It's a story that stays with you. It's remarkably good so when Audible offered it, I chose it. So very good! An excellent audiobook. Give yourself the pleasure of listening to it now!

I love Dorothy Gilman.

This book is clean without detailed sex scenes or bad language suspense filled light and fun. I would define recommend any of Ms Gilmans books

amazing book!

I loved it! and adore how it tied in My favorite book.. The Maze in the heart of the castle.... which now I think I understand why it is still out of print! and hope Dorothy Gilman Butters family will reprint the Maze.. and I'm hoping another unpublished sequel...

Great story

What an adventure and mystery! Loved the characters and the story. Another wonderful book by Dorothy

A+ Mystery with Engaging Characters and Plot

Where does The Tightrope Walker rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the top ten for sure. Because I am a huge fan of Gilman's Mrs. Pollifax series, ao I decided to give her stand alone books a try. The characters were well developed and the mystery kept me riveted right until the end.

What did you like best about this story?

I really like Gilman's writing style, the way that she creates believable characters and draws you into the story so that you care about what happens to them. The mystery was well done and very interesting.

Have you listened to any of Ruth Ann Phimister’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I have not. Ruth Ann Phimister's narration was quite nicely done and I began to believe she truly was the voice of the main character, Amelia.