ISBN: 0-449-18336-X Order from: Amazon.com
A humorous spy adventure with an unusual heroine, this novel has some likable characters, exotic locales and implausible coincidences.
Reviewed by David on January 30, 2000
Genre: Mystery (Cloak and Dagger)
Synopsis: The grandmotherly Mrs. Pollifax, who has occasionally performed small tasks for the CIA, is asked to accompany John Sabastian Farrel, her friend and former colleague, to Jordan as an innocent cover for his dangerous mission: to pick up the last book of the murdered Iraqui dissedent. As expected, things start to go wrong soon after the mission starts. Two sets of enemies seem intent on stopping Farrell and Pollifax. When their young guide takes the two Americans to see his relatives in the desert, the scene is set for a dangerous confrontation between ruthless spies, deadly terrorists, Jordanian police and inexperienced local CIA agents.
Full Review: Another pleasant, fast-paced and superficial entry to the Pollifax saga, this novel, as usual, provides a mixture of humor, tension, interesting characters and exotic locations.
There are a number of likable secondary characters in this episode, as well as truly villainous enemies. The Beduin life in the Jordanian desert is described with warmth and excitement, and the danger and ugliness of confrontations is relieved by the charm of new friendships. This is a pleasant and entertaining addition to the popular series.
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5; Characters: 5; Style: 5; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 5.5;
Copyright date 1997, Fawcett Books, November 1997, Mass market paperback
ISBN: 0-449-18336-X Order from: Amazon.com