Mrs. Pollifax, Innocent Tourist

By: Dorothy Gilman

Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat

Length: 6 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's Summary

In Dorothy Gilman’s best-selling mystery series, loveable grandmother Emily Pollifax has captured the hearts of millions with her secret CIA missions.

Mrs. Pollifax, Innocent Tourist whisks the gray-haired agent into a perilous web of intrigue that spreads across the drifting sands of the volatile Middle East. An old CIA friend, Farrell, must collect an inflammatory manuscript smuggled out of Iraq into Jordan. Farrell has a simple request for Emily—provide cover during his trip to Jordan by posing as his fun-loving elderly cousin. But before the plane even lands, danger begins stalking the sprightly Mrs. Pollifax.

Outwitting her wily opponents with her keen eye for the truth and her impeccable karate, Mrs. Pollifax is the lively senior citizen everyone dreams of someday becoming. You’ll feel you know the aging spy and her colorful opponents personally with Barbara Rosenblat’s outstanding narration.

©1997 Dorothy Gilman Butters (P)1997 Recorded Books

Mrs. Pollifax is my heroine

I met Mrs. Pollifax when I was fourteen and spending the summer at my grandmother's. She had stacks of Reader's Digest Condensed Books collections. Mrs. Pollifax stayed in my memory, but I didn't pursue the relationship at the time. Years later I came across an audio recording at the library while I was looking for entertainment for an upcoming road trip. That's when I was introduced to Barbara Rosenblat, and my then thirteen-year-old daughter and I enjoyed the stories together. The Mrs. Pollifax audiobooks are among my very favorites. I used my audible subscription to collect them as they were added to the catalog, but only if they were narrated by Barbara Rosenblat.
Mrs Pollifax is just a wonderful character. She lived a sheltered, domesticated life, and when she had fulfilled her role as wife and mother, realized that what came next in the established order of things was just busy work to cover the emptiness. She had never been encouraged to pursue her own interests or dreams, but now, with nothing to lose, she takes a leap, and the result is amazing. With most series, I am thoroughly bored with the main character by the third or fourth book. Not only did I love every one of these, but I have listened to them mulitple times (exceptions: story wise, the Second Thief was not my favorite, and I have never purchased Unveiled, as it was not narrated by Barbara Rosenblat).
Mrs. Pollifax gives me hope for my own future now that my children are grown with children of their own. She demonstrates that there is always room for adventure, we just have to say "Yes!"
Barbara Rosenblat's narration is oustanding, she inerprets the characters beautifully and each one is identifiable. She doesn't just read the story, she tells it. I have been known to listen to books just because I'm not sure what I really want, but there is one narrated by Rosenblat.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Mrs. Pollifax at her best. Barbara Rosenblat, too

As usual, this is an excellent Mrs. Pollifax book and Barbara Rosenblat does an excellent job of bringing her to life. Farrell is back and the usual quick mission becomes something more. They succeed, of course, beyond their wildest dreams and foil another plot in the process.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Great series

What did you love best about Mrs. Pollifax, Innocent Tourist?

Absolutely loved this whole series. Narration was great except for the last book in the series. Loved the locations and the detailed description about the people, customs, and traditions. Mrs. Pollifax character was a delight and loved her. Listened to the series twice through I enjoyed it so much. The narrator was so good, I can't imagine that reading the books would have been nearly as enjoyable.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Like Chocolate

As always, a delightful little read that is entertaining and enjoyable. Not a masterpiece but a delicious way to distract oneself.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Cute

This addition to the Mrs. Pollifax adventures is more modern than the previous books. Since the Cold War has ended, she now goes to Jordan for Carstairs, on what is supposed to be a simple mission. But it is never simple when Mrs. Pollifax is involved, and she finds herself trying to outwit two groups of bad guys, making friends who help her accomplish her mission, and, best of all, making Saddam Hussein's life difficult! As usual, the narration by Barbara Rosenblat is excellent, though the story is pretty absurd. That is part of its charm, and I love a story that makes me laugh. This story can stand alone, but you will want to download and read her other adventures after reading this one!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

An enjoyable read

Emily Pollifax has gone to Jordan. A great twist and turn story with our favorite Farrell. Modern and still relevant considering the many changes in the Middle East.

Emily is still Emily. Farrell still calls her Duchess.

I love the narrator and she is really good at enunciation. I'm always amazed by the descriptions of locations and local life. Very well researched for these reasons. A light, yet energized, mystery with a positive attitude. Thank you, Dorothy Gilman. Thank you Barbara Rosenblat.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I Love Mrs Polifax

The idea of an older woman joining the CIA really tickles my fancy and so I set out to listen to all of the Mrs. Pollifax series in order. What fun it has been! I mostly prefer to listen to audio books while driving, and Mrs. Pollifax keeps me awake and alert.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good listen

great escapism and needed! because I need to add more words I am adding these...

excellent series

Read the books years ago and loved them. the audio versions add another dimension to one's imagination.

never disappoints

I'm nearing the end of the series. Not looking forward to having to find a new enjoyable series.