Book Review: Mrs. Pollifax Unveiled

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

[4 stars]

Mrs. Pollifax Unveiled Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Dorothy Gilman
Class/Genre: Mystery Cozy Government Agency Woman Main Character Senior Sleuths
Series: Mrs. Emily Pollifax # 14
Ballantine, Feb 2000, $23.00, 205 pp.

Emily Pollifax looks like everyone’s harmless maiden aunt, but in reality, she is one of the CIA’s top operatives. The resourceful Mrs. Pollifax has risked her life many times while on assignment for her country. Mrs. Pollifax teams up with freelancer John Farrell on an investigation into the disappearance of Amanda Pym in Syria. Ms. Pym was a fifteen-minute media superstar when she allegedly stopped an airplane hijacking from succeeding. Witnesses last saw Amanda enter a vehicle that waited for her at the Damascus Airport.

Farrell and Mrs. Pollifax land in Syria where the government places a tail on the duo. However, they quickly elude their shadow in order to obtain information that provides them with the first clue in their hunt. They soon enter the Syrian Desert where they meet American archeologist Joe Fleming. Joining the two operatives on their quest, Joe and the two spies seek an elusive individual who seems to be undergoing a rigorous training for a mission that has world implications.

Mrs. Pollifax is the international equivalent of Jessica Fletcher. Her latest adventure, MRS. POLLIFAX UNVEILED is filled with warmth and wit that will send readers to seek previous novels in the series. The lead protagonist thrives on adventure and action yet retains calmness during the dangerous storms she encounters. Farrell retains his enigmatic personality that keeps fans wondering about him. The story line flows smoother than silk while keeping the audience’s attention from start to finish. Although this is a long running series, Dorothy Gillman keeps her tale and its characters as fresh as if they are making their debut. This ability is why readers will want another novel starring Mrs. Pollifax and Farrell.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner