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The Tightrope Walker  By  cover art

The Tightrope Walker

By: Dorothy Gilman
Narrated by: Ruth Ann Phimister
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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

What listeners say about The Tightrope Walker

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  • Overall
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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.

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8 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Average

I love Dorothy Gilman's Mrs. Pollifax books. This book was not as fun or uplifting. It was too dark.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful Characters-Great Story

Wonderful book & a gripping story. I. Couldn’t stop listening! The characters were vivid & imaginative. The story had lots of twists. Plan to listen to another of her books soon.

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2 people found this helpful

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A delightful and suspenseful read.

Hands down one of the best mystery's, and best books, I have ever read! The love story is wonderful, while not overwhelming the mystery.

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2 people found this helpful

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Brilliant story

I have always longed for The Maze in the Heart of the Castle as an Audiobook and loved how I do the same as the heroine, by buying copies when found. Loved ❤️❤️❤️

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1 person found this helpful

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Love Dorothy Gilman!

There isnt one Dorothy Gilman book I have not enjoyed. I find them so relatable and touching

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    4 out of 5 stars
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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.

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  • Overall
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Great story

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

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  • BK
  • 01-14-24

Quirky and captivating story

Another great story by Dorothy Gilman, The plot was fun and unusual, with a variety of characters that came to life. I like the independence, intelligence and adventurous spirits of the women in her stories - this one and her Mrs. Pollifax series.

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A real page turner

The story and narrator kept me on the edge of my seat mentally. Loved the twists and turns cleverly interlaced in a compelling story.

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