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The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax  By  cover art

The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax

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

Emily Pollifax is one of a precious few gray-haired female sleuths who solve their cases through unflagging determination, moral courage and wisdom that comes with age. In The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax, Emily answers the call of that “nice Mr. Carstairs” to go to Istanbul as a courier and search for a missing agent.

Investigate another case with Mrs. Pollifax.
©1971 Dorothy Gilman (P)1989 Recorded Books, LLC

What listeners say about The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax

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Wonderful story, perfect narration!

I have read and reread all of the Mrs. Pollifax books in hard copy and was thrilled to discover that not only had they come to Audible but that my favorite narrator of all time, Barbara Rosenblat, is reading them. As a senior myself, I can promise that my voice is not as young and resonant as it once was and I have no problem with Ms. Rosenblat's portrayal of the character. The listener needs to keep in mind that Mrs. Pollifax IS a senior and that is what makes her so "amazing". After all, the reason the CIA wanted her was because she is the perfect grandmotherly type. constantly caught up in everyone's troubles and heartaches and thus the most unlikely "spy" ever. This series is fun, exciting and well worth a listen. Try it - you'll like it!

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56 people found this helpful

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A Delightful Series!!

I was really unsure about selecting the 1st book in this series - The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax! But, I was truly impressed with the story line and the narration. I just love Barbara Rosenblat! She is amazing to listen too, she takes you into the story with her! I have just finished listening to the Amazing Mrs. Pollifax and it was wonderful. I really cannot say enough about it. I was laughing, smiling and even a small tear. Each book is a seperate story, with only the main charaters reappearing and new ones introduced. Thank you Dorothy Gilman and Barbara Rosenblat. I have downloaded all the books except 2 as they are not offered on Audible. And Thank you Audible for sharing these great stories with me!

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35 people found this helpful

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Delightful!

The widowed Mrs. Pollifax , bored with retirement, becomes a courier for the FBI. In "The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax" she is sent to Istanbul to meet with a defecting Russian double agent, carrying a passport and money to give her so she can fly to the the US for sanction.

If you have read or heard any of Mrs. Pollifax books you know nothing is that simple, nothing ever goes as planned. She can get into and out of situations that have you laughing out loud. In "The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax", Mrs. Polifax keeps losing the agent she came to help and finding her again. The ruthless kidnappers are relentless in their pursuit, and just when Mrs. Polifax believes they have escaped, they are caught again.

The bodyguard sent with her for protection is killed, and she does not return to the Hotel, so no-one knows where she is, as she sets out to accomplish the job she was hired to do. Only Mrs. Polifax would hold a room of people at bay with a wooden gun, as she and her new friend rescue the "Agent" from the kidnappers.

I highly recommend Mrs. Pollifax books if you are in the mood for a little intrigue and humor.
I suggest reading the first book "The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax" before reading any others.

Barbara Rosenblat is a very talented narrator.I enjoyed her performance very much.

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17 people found this helpful

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Another exotic locale

Where does The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was as good as the other Mrs Pollifax stories I've listened to, which means it was fabulous.

What did you like best about this story?

This series is like comfort food - you go back to them because you know you're going to enjoy them and although there is a familiarity to them, they are never boring. I also love the exotic and unusual places Mrs Pollifax travels to, and the way those cities and countries are described.

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17 people found this helpful

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The delightful Mrs. Pollifax, the accidental spy

For those unfortunate enough never to have read or listened to the novels in the Mrs. Pollifax series, you are missing some wonderful books. THE AMAZING MRS. POLLIFAX, released in 1970, is the second of many books in the series. Mrs. Pollifax is an elderly widow who is repeatedly called on by the CIA to help them with cases. Against all odds she repeatedly helps the CIA protect our country as she travels the cold war era world from one hot spot to another. The incomparable British voice specialist Barbara Rosenblat narrates most of the series audio novels using an American accent. Her voice range is incredible (only Katherine Kellgren was better).

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10 people found this helpful

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Hilarious!

I love Mrs. Pollifax! I've been a fan since these books were first written in the 60s and 70s, and find the audio versions also excellent. Barbara Rosenblat is one of my all-time favorite narrators. In this, the second in the series, Mrs. Pollifax is given a simple courier assignment - but nothing is ever simple when Mrs. Pollifax is involved! She makes friends everywhere she goes, and shows that people who are 'older' are still valuable and useful. I find that a new and interesting thought as I approach Mrs. Pollifax's age!

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Only one problem

I first met Mrs Polifax in a movie with the lead role played by Rosalind Russell. It was a fun romp of a movie so I decided to listen to one of Ms Gilmans books. Well let me say all the good things before I critisize. The story is still a fun romp , the reader is an excellent actress and reader. Each character is well defined and on target EXCEPT Mrs Polifax. The reader has made her sound like a Ninety year old creaky lady. I am a senior, my friends are seniors. We have nice mellow voices. Even the ones with naturally high pitched voices sound younger than Mrs Polifax. She sounds creaky and very old.. I'm not sure how else a reader could express her as older but maybe that is not necessary as it is explained so often in the story. Anyway it is a very fine story and as I said the reader is truly excellent and maybe if I didn't have Rosalind Russell as my model I would think she sounded just fine.

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Hooked on Mrs. Pollifax

What did you love best about The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax?

Dorothy Gilman creates likeable characters and keeps the adventure story going without a dull moment.

Any additional comments?

Amazing Mrs. Pollifax was well read by B. Rosenblatt. The spy story line is fun to listen to, the characters were interesting and likeable and there is no unnecessary violence or strong language.

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8 people found this helpful

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Mrs. Pollifax books are awesome!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax to be better than the print version?

Yes! Barbara Rosenblat is such an excellent narrator! She brings so many characters to life.

What other book might you compare The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax to and why?

Any of the Pollifax series is worth buying.

Have you listened to any of Barbara Rosenblat’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes and she is always excellent!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It is such a joy commuting while listening to these wonderful Mrs. Pollifax books!

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7 people found this helpful

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Gypsy Caravans, Double Agents and Intrique

Who doesn't love Mrs .Polifax? Gentle soul, courageous senior citizen, traveling the world at the drop of a hat and scurrying around with a dead body in the back of a van. Will she have to miss her sewing circle this week and be off to another adventure? Absolutely delightful fare!!!

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