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The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax  By  cover art

The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax

By: Dorothy Gilman
Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat
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Publisher's summary

Mrs. Virgil (Emily) Pollifax of New Brunswick, New Jersey, was a widow with grown children. She was tired of attending her Garden Club meetings. She wanted to do something good for her country. This first in the series sends Emily on her first case after she successfully persuades a skeptical CIA recruitment officer that she is the best person for the job.

©1970 Dorothy Gilman (P)1989 Recorded Books, LLC

Editor's Pick

Smart, snappy, cozy series with sublime narration
"Barbara Rosenblat is one of my favorite narrators. Nowhere does she elevate a story more than with The Unexpected Mrs. Polifax. Dorothy Gilman started the series in 1970—the story of a garden-club wife from New Brunswick, NJ, who joins the CIA in a madcap series of events—and Barbara Rosenblat narrates a dozen titles, all available at Audible. If you love John D. Macdonald or Rhys Bowen, may I suggest your next audio binge?"
Christina H., Audible Editor

What listeners say about The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax

Average customer ratings
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    4,854
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Story
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
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I feel in love with Mrs. Polifax!

Such great characters were revealed in this book! Barbara rosenblat does it again with her expert narration. I will continue with this fund series!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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I've re-read this too many times to count.

I've re-read this so many times. It's funny and exciting and just a joy to read. I love the entire series.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A Charming Adventure

I cannot tell you how many times I have either read the physical book or listened to this audio version. It is one of my favorites!!!
Dorothy Gilman’s writing is well-paced, charming, and utterly hilarious. Mrs. Pollifax is a unique and lovable character. Barbara Rosenblat really brings the characters alive with her reading.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A fun time piece

How funny to hear things like the “red Chinese” and all the funny phrases of the Cold War. When do you ever get to hear about a little old lady in Albania? A very fun story.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Never Discount One’s Value Because of Age orGender

Only a woman, retired but exceedingly resourceful, supposedly beyond her prime,
and one who fulfilled her dreams
beyond all expectations. Mrs. Pollifax also exceeded my delight
as a leading character who delighted, educated, and entertained me for a positive
romp through the “retiring” years
of one’s life, career, and relation-
ships. Don’t count us out!

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Light listening

Hope to see more on audible!!!
For free of course.

Light listening
3 more words

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Great Characters along with suspense and humor

Very intriguing story with diverse characters, good suspenseful story and some humor throughout. I would recommend this book for a fun book to listen to as the narration was quite good!

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Delightful

The story was engaging, the characters charming, and the narration was excellent. I can’t wait to read the next one.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it

It was a fun read. Very much about an older woman’s ability to problem solve.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Surprisingly good

This was a surprise but a good one. Originally written in the 60’s,these Cody mysteries are short and fast paced.

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