3.95
Part of "Mrs. Pollifax" series
"Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief" by Dorothy Gilman is a delightful and engaging spy novel that centers around the unexpected adventures of Emily Pollifax, a seemingly ordinary widow and gardening enthusiast. The story takes a thrilling turn when Mrs. Pollifax, who has grown bored with her quiet life, decides to join the CIA as a spy. In this second installment of the popular Mrs. Pollifax series, our heroine is sent on a mission to Istanbul to retrieve a valuable artifact that has been stolen from the CIA. However, things quickly go awry when Mrs. Pollifax is robbed by a second thief, who makes off with the precious artifact before she can deliver it to her contact. Undeterred, Mrs. Pollifax embarks on a wild chase through the bustling streets of Istanbul, determined to recover the stolen item and complete her mission. Along the way, she encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a charming Turkish rug dealer, a mysterious Russian spy, and a band of bumbling thieves. Gilman's writing is witty and engaging, with a lighthearted tone that belies the tension and excitement of the plot. The setting of Istanbul is vividly described, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and bustling markets adding to the sense of adventure and intrigue. At the heart of the story is the character of Mrs. Pollifax herself, who is both relatable and inspiring. Despite her age and lack of experience in the spy world, she is resourceful, brave, and fiercely determined to succeed in her mission. Her warmth, humor, and kindness shine through in every scene, making her a character that readers can't help but root for. Overall, "Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief" is a charming and entertaining read that will appeal to fans of spy novels and cozy mysteries alike. Its engaging plot, vivid setting, and unforgettable heroine make it a standout addition to any reader's bookshelf...
Dorothy Gilman
The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax
If you enjoyed Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief, you'll love going back to the beginning of the series and meeting our intrepid heroine for the first time. In The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax, Emily Pollifax, a recently widowed suburban housewife, decides to shake things up by becoming a CIA agent. When her first assignment goes awry, Mrs. Pollifax must rely on her wit and resilience to save the day.
Learn MoreNancy Atherton
Aunt Dimity's Death
Fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of the supernatural will enjoy this series, starting with Aunt Dimity's Death. Like Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief, this book features a middle-aged, unassuming protagonist who finds herself in the midst of a mystery. In this case, it's Lori Shepherd, an American newly arrived in an English village, who must solve the mystery of her aunt's death and legacy with the help of a ghostly presence.
Learn MoreAlexander McCall Smith
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Precious Ramotswe, the owner and operator of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency in Botswana, is a warm and wise protagonist who, like Mrs. Pollifax, uses her unique perspective and intelligence to solve mysteries. In this first book of the series, Precious investigates a series of cases, including the theft of a valuable elephant sculpture and the disappearance of a local man.
Learn MoreAgatha Christie
Murder at the Vicarage
If you're looking for a classic mystery with a memorable detective, you can't go wrong with Agatha Christie's Miss Marple series, starting with Murder at the Vicarage. Like Mrs. Pollifax, Miss Marple is an older woman who relies on her keen observations and understanding of human nature to solve crimes. In this book, Miss Marple investigates the murder of a local colonel in her small English village.
Learn MoreAlan Bradley
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Fans of precocious young detectives will enjoy this series, starting with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. Like Mrs. Pollifax, the protagonist of this book, Flavia de Luce, is a seemingly ordinary person who becomes an unlikely detective. In this case, Flavia is an 11-year-old chemistry prodigy who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation at her family's crumbling estate in 1950s England.
Learn MoreJosephine Tey
The Daughter of Time
If you're interested in historical mysteries, try Josephine Tey's The Daughter of Time. Like Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief, this book features an intelligent and resourceful protagonist who must solve a mystery. In this case, it's Detective Alan Grant, who becomes fascinated by the historical mystery of Richard III and the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower while recovering from an injury in the hospital.
Learn MoreDashiell Hammett
The Thin Man
If you're looking for a fast-paced and witty mystery, try Dashiell Hammett's The Thin Man. Like Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief, this book features a husband-and-wife detective team - retired detective Nick Charles and his wealthy socialite wife Nora. When a former client of Nick's turns up dead, the couple becomes embroiled in a complex and dangerous investigation.
Learn MoreDorothy L. Sayers
The Nine Tailors
If you're looking for a classic mystery with a strong sense of place, try Dorothy L. Sayers' The Nine Tailors. Like Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief, this book features an intelligent and resourceful detective - Lord Peter Wimsey - who must solve a mystery. In this case, the mystery revolves around the theft of a priceless emerald and the death of a local farmer in the fen country of England.
Learn MoreLilian Jackson Braun
The Cat Who Could Read Backwards
If you're looking for a cozy mystery with a feline twist, try Lilian Jackson Braun's The Cat Who Could Read Backwards. Like Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief, this book features an unlikely detective - a down-on-his-luck journalist named Jim Qwilleran who is aided in his investigations by his telepathic Siamese cat, Koko. In this first book of the series, Qwilleran investigates a series of murders in a small Midwestern town.
Learn MoreJohn le Carré
The Spy Who Came In from the Cold
If you're interested in espionage novels with a more serious tone than Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief, try John le Carré's The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. Like Mrs. Pollifax, the protagonist of this book, Alec Leamas, is a seasoned spy who must navigate a complex web of deceit and danger. But while Mrs. Pollifax's adventures are lighthearted and humorous, Leamas's story is dark, gritty, and suspenseful.
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