A Palm for Mrs. Pollifax

By: Dorothy Gilman

Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat

Emily “vacations” at an opulent Swiss resort in the hope of locating nine pounds of hijacked plutonium intended for an atom bomb.

©1973 Dorothy Gilman (P)1991 Recorded Books, LLC

Delightful, As Usual

A Palm for Mrs. Pollifax provides another delightful adventure for that most unlikely of spies, Mrs. Emily Pollifax. In her fourth mission for Carstairs of the CIA, the middle-aged widow from suburban New Jersey goes to a Swiss luxury clinic/resort in search of stolen plutonium believed to be in the area. At the spa, she encounters a large cast of widely varied characters, some good and some bad.

Not surprisingly in a Mrs. Pollifax story, a number of things go wrong with Mrs. P's mission. She must overcome adversity with the help of several of her new acquaintances in order to complete the mission and she triumphs in the end. While the skeleton of the plot may seem to be rather bland and dull, Dorothy Gilman peoples her books with such wonderful characters that the stories are interesting and charming.

As usual, Barbara Rosenblat gives an excellent performance as narrator.

Mrs Pollifax is extraordinary!

Emily Pollifax is a woman who inspires all women. She is a brave soul who travels the world to right wrongs and carry out tasks to make the world better. She is spunky with her karate classes, she is well read and familiar with current events. She makes friends easily and inspires others to do better.

Emily Pollifax even has a ton of adventure in her life, even though her neighbor thinks Emily doesn't know adventure at all.

Very few swear words, no sex and a very fun read. Some creative writing and suitable for the entire family.

We giggle along with Emily's actions and comments. She is a doll!

Enjoyable and suspenseful

I love these books! the author does a wonderful job I'll bring the reader into the book. the reader does a great job with voices.

Very well done!

Another entry in my "Read over and over" library of books. Dorothy Gilman has entertained me for years, and it's great to have her stories in audio format. Good story, great narration, totally enjoyable!

Lovely supporting cast in this episode

Though not my favorite thus far in the series, it was a diverting and well-written episode in Mrs. Pollifax's career as a spy...or spy assistant. I especially liked the plot development with Robin, the jewel thief, and also enjoyed her burgeoning friendship with the young boy. I love the all too brief interludes with the CIA staff who clearly care about her a great deal. Most of all, I admire Mrs. Pollifax. Great reading to lose oneself in. Wonderfully delivered by Barbara Rosenblatt. Oh, is she good!