The Tightrope Walker

By: Dorothy Gilman

Narrated by: Ruth Ann Phimister

Length: 6 hrs and 49 mins

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

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.

Love Dorothy Gilman!

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

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.

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.

Delightful, deep and light at the same time.

Filled with quirky humanness, suspense and psychological insights. A very enjoyable, touching and heat-warming listen.

Entertaining book

An interesting story which kept me entertained without becoming boring. I enjoy Dorothy Gilmans’ books now onto a Mrs Polifax.

Wow! Where has this author been all my life?

A story full of suspense and wisdom, an unusual combination I couldn't put down. A pleasing romance, too. I've listened to about a hundred audible titles, and this is the first time I felt compelled to write a review. I tried this one after listening to Gilman's The Unexpected Mrs Pollifax and Thales Folly. Loved and impressed by them, too. The narrator was masterful, and I totally disagree with the review that said she didn't sound like the 22 year old protagonist.

Great book, bad performance

This is one of my favorite books, but I can't stand this performance. The names are mispronounced and the narrator doesn't sound at all like a 22-year-old. Her voice is raspy and she doesn't do character voices well at all, though I admit her Maine accent sounded pretty good.

Nancy Drew finds herself

If you loved Nancy Drew, you will love this book. A secret note, a mystery, a little romance, a bit tense at the end with a criminal determined to do in our heroine, and a cozy happy ending. Loved it!

One of my favorite books!

The Tightrope Walker is one of my all time favorite books. It has the perfect mix of mystery and romance with a little fun thrown in.

Excellent and unexpected storyline

Another of Dorothy Gilman's great reads. Beautifully narrated and a gripping tale - loved it - an ideal bed time story which I know I will listen to again.