What do you think?
Rate this book
Mrs. Pollifax #13
Mrs. Pollifax, Innocent Tourist
Working with her retired CIA friend John Farrell, Mrs. Pollifax must smuggle a manuscript out of Jordan, a document that encodes the shocking truth of Saddam Hussein's reign.
Hardly are the two airborne when the coils of Middle Eastern intrigue begin to unwind. Mrs. Pollifax's seatmate is not the affable Arab businessman he pretends to be. It is not imagination that persuades Mrs. P. that wherever they go, she and Farrell are followed. To elude their pursuers in such a politically volatile country isn't easy. In fact, it can be downright deadly...
Hardly are the two airborne when the coils of Middle Eastern intrigue begin to unwind. Mrs. Pollifax's seatmate is not the affable Arab businessman he pretends to be. It is not imagination that persuades Mrs. P. that wherever they go, she and Farrell are followed. To elude their pursuers in such a politically volatile country isn't easy. In fact, it can be downright deadly...
215 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 1997
160 people are currently reading
1,244 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Gilman
119Ìýbooks719ÌýfollowersDorothy Edith Gilman started writing when she was 9 and knew early on she was to be a writer. At 11, she competed against 10 to 16-year-olds in a story contest and won first place. She attended Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and briefly the University of Pennsylvania. She planned to write and illustrate children's books. She married Edgar A. Butters Jr, in 1945, this ended in divorce in 1965. Dorothy worked as an art teacher & telephone operator before becoming an author. She wrote children’s stories for more than ten years under the name
Dorothy Gilman Butters
and then began writing adult novels about Mrs. Pollifax–a retired grandmother who becomes a CIA agent. The Mrs. Pollifax series made Dorothy famous. While her stories nourish people’s thirst for adventure and mystery, Dorothy knew about nourishing the body as well. On her farm in Nova Scotia, she grew medicinal herbs and used this knowledge of herbs in many of her stories, including A Nun in the Closet. She travelled extensively, and used these experiences in her novels as well. Many of Dorothy’s books, feature strong women having adventures around the world. In 2010 Gilman was awarded the annual Grand Master Award by the Mystery Writers of America. Dorothy spent much of her life in Connecticut, New Mexico, and Maine. She died at age 88 of complications of Alzheimer's disease. She is survived by two sons, Christopher Butters and Jonathan Butters; and two grandchildren.
Series:
*
Series:
*
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
August 26, 2010
Although you don't need to read these in order, you certainly get the best story that way. I read most of them over a period of time about a decade ago, and recently bought the whole set so I could reread them. The series could be called a bit dated, being set back quite awhile, but I learned some useful history about the politics of other countries while I read them.
Mrs. Pollifax is an interesting woman and a likeable character, and what I like best about each book is that she meets some great characters in each book, most of who are willing to have their own moments of bravery during.. There are at least a couple of laugh out loud moments in each one too.
What I love is that for her, working with the CIA seems to be like giving birth. No matter how painful each mission is, she forgets enough of the misery to be excited each time she is called to service again. Due to the nature of her work there is usually some violence in each one but nothing I wouldn't feel comfortable encouraging a 12 year old to read as I would rate them PG - no swearing, nothing gratuitous.
The books aren't long, or overly complicated, but they are enjoyable. I knew it passed the litmus test when I gave the first one to my husband to read, who reads only sci-fi for the most part, and he enjoyed them so much that he managed to close a 3 book gap to catch up. I think this series of books would appeal to almost anyone.
Mrs. Pollifax is an interesting woman and a likeable character, and what I like best about each book is that she meets some great characters in each book, most of who are willing to have their own moments of bravery during.. There are at least a couple of laugh out loud moments in each one too.
What I love is that for her, working with the CIA seems to be like giving birth. No matter how painful each mission is, she forgets enough of the misery to be excited each time she is called to service again. Due to the nature of her work there is usually some violence in each one but nothing I wouldn't feel comfortable encouraging a 12 year old to read as I would rate them PG - no swearing, nothing gratuitous.
The books aren't long, or overly complicated, but they are enjoyable. I knew it passed the litmus test when I gave the first one to my husband to read, who reads only sci-fi for the most part, and he enjoyed them so much that he managed to close a 3 book gap to catch up. I think this series of books would appeal to almost anyone.
August 22, 2022
One of the more mediocre entries in the series. Of course, I still enjoyed it quite a bit.
June 16, 2017
In Mrs. Pollifax, Innocent Tourist, Mrs. P teams up with old buddy/comrade John Sebastian Farrell as they head off to Jordan to rendezvous with a contact who was trying to smuggle some top secret information out of Iraq, written in code in the guise of a novel. It starts out as a simple courier assignment--which, when Mrs. P is involved, always ends up being anything but.
I really, really liked this one. Part of the reason is that it paid homage to its roots. There were so many references to previous adventures that it was a great way to look back on what is one of my most favorite series (especially since this is the second-to-last Mrs. Pollifax book that Dorothy Gilman wrote...so that's very fitting, in a bittersweet/nostalgic kind of way.) It really served to show just how far our beloved Mrs. P has come, from her moment of doubt on the roof of her old apartment building while watering her geraniums, so long ago. And how much her life has been enriched since then. One of the best part of these books is that I always feel like I was there with her, through it all, which is really cool.
True to Dorothy Gilman form, we learn some new words--Arabic, this time--and some information on a few of the "places to see" in Jordan. I was enchanted by the fact that the ancient city of Petra was worked into the storyline...just like Mrs. P, I've always been fascinated by that place and hope to see it someday. How cool that I got to see it vicariously, at least, through Mrs. P's eyes.
I also love the dynamic between Mrs. Pollifax and Farrell. They are such wonderful counterpoints and play off each other nicely--adventurous, curious, and witty Mrs. P, and somewhat-sarcastic, playboy-yet-gentleman Farrell. One of the scenes, where they sat reminiscing about old times and past adventures, was very poignant to read, again because it made me remember all of the places Mrs. P has seen and all of the adventures she has been on.
There's a lot of action...and they are on the move constantly, from one place to another (I like that)...some great secondary characters...and a few unexpected twists and turns, too. Very well done.
I really, really liked this one. Part of the reason is that it paid homage to its roots. There were so many references to previous adventures that it was a great way to look back on what is one of my most favorite series (especially since this is the second-to-last Mrs. Pollifax book that Dorothy Gilman wrote...so that's very fitting, in a bittersweet/nostalgic kind of way.) It really served to show just how far our beloved Mrs. P has come, from her moment of doubt on the roof of her old apartment building while watering her geraniums, so long ago. And how much her life has been enriched since then. One of the best part of these books is that I always feel like I was there with her, through it all, which is really cool.
True to Dorothy Gilman form, we learn some new words--Arabic, this time--and some information on a few of the "places to see" in Jordan. I was enchanted by the fact that the ancient city of Petra was worked into the storyline...just like Mrs. P, I've always been fascinated by that place and hope to see it someday. How cool that I got to see it vicariously, at least, through Mrs. P's eyes.
I also love the dynamic between Mrs. Pollifax and Farrell. They are such wonderful counterpoints and play off each other nicely--adventurous, curious, and witty Mrs. P, and somewhat-sarcastic, playboy-yet-gentleman Farrell. One of the scenes, where they sat reminiscing about old times and past adventures, was very poignant to read, again because it made me remember all of the places Mrs. P has seen and all of the adventures she has been on.
There's a lot of action...and they are on the move constantly, from one place to another (I like that)...some great secondary characters...and a few unexpected twists and turns, too. Very well done.
August 12, 2016
Mrs. Pollifax teams up with her old friend Farrell and heads to Jordan to smuggle out a manuscript about life in Iraq under Saddam Hussein. Their mission is complicated when someone - the wrong someone � seems interested in them. Might it have something to do with Mrs. Pollifax’s seatmate from the plane?
Welcome back to the late 90’s and the penultimate Mrs. Pollifax adventure. Things get off to a great start, but unfortunately Mrs. Pollifax isn’t a driving force in most of the climax. That’s only a minor complaint because any time spent with Mrs. Pollifax is plenty of fun, and that holds true again here. The characters, new and old, are a delight. And the book provides a good reminder of the political situation of 20 years ago.
Read my full review at .
Welcome back to the late 90’s and the penultimate Mrs. Pollifax adventure. Things get off to a great start, but unfortunately Mrs. Pollifax isn’t a driving force in most of the climax. That’s only a minor complaint because any time spent with Mrs. Pollifax is plenty of fun, and that holds true again here. The characters, new and old, are a delight. And the book provides a good reminder of the political situation of 20 years ago.
Read my full review at .
January 29, 2018
off to work;
will think tomorrow
will think tomorrow
May 18, 2024
Not as good as other books in the series, but still very good.
November 6, 2022
I love how authors can totally bend the rules of time and space even if they don't write sci-fi. I don't think the books are ever specific about Mrs. Pollifax's age, but she starts out the series as a senior citizen. Can we say that makes her at least 60 in the first book? So by this one, published 31 years later, she'd be in her 90s, still karate chopping her way around the globe. But of course she's still a youngish senior citizen, well preserved through literary magic. In books 11 and 12, Gilman creates a fictional small African nation, but in 13 she's current-eventsing with Saddam Hussein lurking in the background behind the bad guys. Which is perfectly fine. It'd've given a guy like Tolkien heartburn, but I can take my light fiction with a dose of levity where facts and coherency are concerned. But...it reminds me of the biggest absolutely stupid gut-punch I got after Elizabeth died. Somebody mentioned that, after 69 years, James Bond would no longer be on her majesty's secret service. Can we make a rule that any new Bond stories be set in an alternate timeline where Elizabeth, like Emily and James, simply sticks around in her prime for all eternity? It's not like I'm a huge 007 fan, I just believe that some things ought to be the way they ought to be!
Anyway, this one was pretty average for the series. And there's just one more to go.
Anyway, this one was pretty average for the series. And there's just one more to go.
January 14, 2019
Just realized I read this one out of order... ooops!
Another off-the-books trip with Farrell. This time to Jordan, to meet someone who might have a manuscript left by an Iraqi author who was murdered by his government.
Another off-the-books trip with Farrell. This time to Jordan, to meet someone who might have a manuscript left by an Iraqi author who was murdered by his government.
April 16, 2025
I have tended to think of these delightful bits of relaxation as something somehow older and not connected so much to the time I have been an adult. So to hear Saddam Hussein mentioned (heaven only knows if I spelled that right), it is an adjustment…but one I am happy to make as I am so happy to have spent some pleasant, albeit predictable, time with these friends.
February 12, 2022
One of my favorites, and as with all but one, I listen to this via Barbara Rosenblat's narration of it on audio. I have them all on paper and hardback but I prefer to listen to Barbara read them. This one is particularly winsome thanks to the charming Hanan. Well, and we always love John Sebastian Farrell!
March 28, 2018
I love the Mrs. Pollifax mysteries. They offer such escape after the hard-boiled mysteries I often read. In this one, she and Farrell are on another mission in the Middle East.
December 3, 2023
John Farrell, retired spy, pays a visit to his old boss while preparing to set off on a mission of his own in Jordan to recover a manuscript by a recently deceased friend and critic of Saddam Hussein. He has a request: that CIA asset Mrs. Pollifax accompanies him as cover so he can appear to be an innocent tourist. Mr. Carstairs agrees and soon Farrell and Mrs. Pollifax are reunited for another adventure. However, as usual, things go awry quite quickly -- from an odd encounter on the airplane to mysterious people who seem to be following them.
I loved this book. Mrs. Pollifax is as feisty as ever and reading about her friendship with Farrell is always such a delight. They are an odd but endearing duo. And one of my favorite things is toward the end when fledging agent Rawlings tries to track down Mrs. Pollifax. He never really does much, but I love when the books include these poor agents in the background trying and sometimes succeeding in aiding Mrs. Pollifax whether she knows it or not.
Verdict
Such a great addition to the series! It definitely starts to wrap things up though and probably could have served as the final book, but we have one more left! I can't wait to reread it.
Others in series
Book 1: The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax ★★★★�
Book 2: The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax ★★★★�
Book 3: The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax ★★★★�
Book 4: A Palm for Mrs. Pollifax ★★★★�
Book 5: Mrs. Pollifax on Safari ★★★★�
Book 6: Mrs. Pollifax on the China Station ★★★★�
Book 7: Mrs. Pollifax and the Hong Kong Buddha ★★★★�
Book 8: Mrs. Pollifax and the Golden Triangle ★★★★�
Book 9: Mrs. Pollifax and the Whirling Dervish ★★★★�
Book 10: Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief ★★★☆�
Book 11: Mrs. Pollifax Pursued ★★★★�
Book 12: Mrs. Pollifax and the Lion Killer ★★★☆�
I loved this book. Mrs. Pollifax is as feisty as ever and reading about her friendship with Farrell is always such a delight. They are an odd but endearing duo. And one of my favorite things is toward the end when fledging agent Rawlings tries to track down Mrs. Pollifax. He never really does much, but I love when the books include these poor agents in the background trying and sometimes succeeding in aiding Mrs. Pollifax whether she knows it or not.
Verdict
Such a great addition to the series! It definitely starts to wrap things up though and probably could have served as the final book, but we have one more left! I can't wait to reread it.
Others in series
Book 1: The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax ★★★★�
Book 2: The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax ★★★★�
Book 3: The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax ★★★★�
Book 4: A Palm for Mrs. Pollifax ★★★★�
Book 5: Mrs. Pollifax on Safari ★★★★�
Book 6: Mrs. Pollifax on the China Station ★★★★�
Book 7: Mrs. Pollifax and the Hong Kong Buddha ★★★★�
Book 8: Mrs. Pollifax and the Golden Triangle ★★★★�
Book 9: Mrs. Pollifax and the Whirling Dervish ★★★★�
Book 10: Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief ★★★☆�
Book 11: Mrs. Pollifax Pursued ★★★★�
Book 12: Mrs. Pollifax and the Lion Killer ★★★☆�
December 12, 2020
Delightful
Always a delight to read about Emily Pollifax's adventures! Also, getting to see Farrell again was so much fun. Joseph and Hanan were such a treat... And I admit to always enjoying Carstairs and Bishop having mini heart attacks over Emily.
Always a delight to read about Emily Pollifax's adventures! Also, getting to see Farrell again was so much fun. Joseph and Hanan were such a treat... And I admit to always enjoying Carstairs and Bishop having mini heart attacks over Emily.
May 20, 2023
I like reading Dorothy Gilman's books. This particular Mrs. Pollifax mystery was good. She and her travelling companion didn't even know the great danger they were in from two evil sources until the very end. Light reading. Page turner.
July 2, 2020
I listened to the audiobook at work so it was a nice background diversion. I’m not familiar with this series as I think I have read one book by Dorothy Gilman many years ago. This one is set in the Middle East and while the narrator was dreadful, the story seemed fun and fast paced. Mrs. Pollifax is a mix of Jessica Fletcher, Miss Marple and maybe Blanche of the Golden Girls .. overall enjoyable.
June 25, 2022
Have been enjoying re-reading the Mrs. Pollifax books, and this one was a delight - I had forgotten much of the plot.
September 4, 2022
Better than the previous one, by far, but not up to the earlier books in the series.
November 4, 2022
2.5 stars. I really like Mrs. Pollifax. I like her gumption and her attitude. However, for me, these books are just becoming too boring. I’m disappointed.
July 16, 2023
Kind of silly, but fun too.
October 25, 2023
Yet another wonderfully executed installment in this series! That Mrs. P is an absolute magnet for deception and intrigue!
September 3, 2024
Very enjoyable and no romance or insane antics.
October 27, 2024
Better than the previous two but not as good as the early books
February 26, 2019
A lot of fun. Lots of twists and turns I didn't see coming.
June 10, 2017
Horrified and excited to find there are two MRS Pollofax books I missed! Thoroughly enjoyed this book as expected of MRS P, as she is borrowed from the CIA by old friend Farrell to make his trip to Jordan look like it's simply a tourist trip. Of course everything goes a bit haywire and that is when the fun and adventure begin. Loved it!
May 7, 2021
I like Mrs. Pollifax! Not quite as much as I like Poirot or Miss Marple, but pretty darn close! Fun read!
January 28, 2020
I peeked up when I saw the name Saddam Hussein & thought “Dorothy Gilman really keeps up with international politics�. (I disliked the made-up African countries for previous books.) The danger to Mrs. P & her old friend Farrell in Jordan seems more real because of the 1993 terrorist attacks in this country. Because of that, I immediately distrusted her garrulous seatmate on the plane. There seemed to be lots of business-suited villains, who all stood out, as well as kind Jordanians. Gilman must have liked children, because several of her books have intelligent children who become central to the story. In this one, Hanan and her cowboy boots were a real treat. Alas, Mrs. P has become more of a set piece as the books progress. She is still using her karate skills, but more often others are responsible for her rescue. And she always needs to be rescued. I wonder why Gilman introduced a new husband for Emily, since Cyrus is hardly ever around. Oh well. One more book to go.
June 16, 2024
2024: 3.5 Stars. repeat listen.
2021: 3 Stars repeat late-night listen.
Mrs. Pollifax, posing as an innocent tourist, tags along on Farrell's trip to Jordan to smuggle out a manuscript. Some of the story is delightfully far-fetched - which makes for entertaining, lite, listening.
Extra: Farrell is captured and tortured.
2021: 3 Stars repeat late-night listen.
Mrs. Pollifax, posing as an innocent tourist, tags along on Farrell's trip to Jordan to smuggle out a manuscript. Some of the story is delightfully far-fetched - which makes for entertaining, lite, listening.
Extra: Farrell is captured and tortured.
January 22, 2011
I guess this story is proof you don't ever really retire from the CIA, because Farrell is supposed to be an ex-agent and here he is, travelling in Jordan with Mrs. Pollifax, smuggling things out and fighting terrorism.
November 11, 2018
I thoughly enjoyed the reread.
October 10, 2017
The series is back on the upswing. This was a reasonably-paced, fun book. Are there lots of ridiculous coincidences? Of course. But those are kind of the point of the Pollifax books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.