Dorothy Gilman
Biography
Dorothy Gilman (1923-2012) was an American author best known for her popular Mrs. Pollifax series. Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Gilman found early success as a writer, receiving her first book contract at the age of 9. After graduating from Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Gilman worked as an art teacher and commercial artist before turning to writing full-time. She published her first novel, "The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax," in 1966, introducing readers to the charming and adventurous character of Emily Pollifax, a widowed grandmother who becomes a spy for the CIA. The Mrs. Pollifax series went on to include over a dozen books, captivating readers with its blend of mystery, humor, and heartwarming characters. Gilman's writing was praised for its clever plotting, authentic dialogue, and vivid descriptions of exotic locations. Throughout her career, Dorothy Gilman received numerous awards and honors for her work, including multiple Edgar Award nominations. She passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of beloved books that continue to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Standalone Novels
Individual novels by Dorothy Gilman not part of a series
- A New Kind of Country
- A Nun in the Closet
- A Palm for Mrs. Pollifax
- Amazing Mrs. Pollifax
- CLAIRVOYANT COUNTESS
- Caravan
- Elusive Mrs Pollifax
- Elusive Mrs. Pollifax
- Girl in Buckskin
- Incident at Badamya
- Kaleidoscope
- Kaleidoscope: A Countess Karitsk
- Maze in the Heart of the Castle
- Mrs Pollifax Innocent Tourist:
- Mrs Pollifax on Safari
- Mrs Pollifax: Three Complete Mysteries
- Mrs. Pollifax Pursued
- Mrs. Pollifax Pursued )
- Mrs. Pollifax Unveiled
- Mrs. Pollifax Unveiled )
- Mrs. Pollifax and the Golden Triangle
- Mrs. Pollifax and the Hong Kong Buddha
- Mrs. Pollifax and the Lion Killer
- Mrs. Pollifax and the Lion Killer )
- Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief
- Mrs. Pollifax and the Whirling Dervish
- Mrs. Pollifax on Safari
- Mrs. Pollifax on the China Station
- Mrs. Pollifax, Innocent Tourist
- Mrs. Pollifax, Innocent Tourist )
- Nun in the Closet
- Palm for Mrs Pollifax
- Palm for Mrs. Pollifax
- Thale's Folly
- Thales Folly
- The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax
- The Bells of Freedom
- The Clairvoyant Countess
- The Tightrope Walker
- The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax
- Tightrope Walker
- Uncertain Voyage
- Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax
Classic Series
The series that started it all
- The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax
- Mrs. Pollifax on Safari
- Mrs. Pollifax and the Lion Killer
- Mrs. Pollifax on the China Station
Recent Series
Latest works by the author
- Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Confession
- Mrs. Pollifax and the Golden Triangle
- Mrs. Pollifax and the West Coast
Reading Order
Complete reading order for Dorothy Gilman's books
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mrs. Pollifax series about?
The Mrs. Pollifax series follows the adventures of Emily Pollifax, a widow who becomes a CIA agent and travels the world on various missions.
How many books are in the Mrs. Pollifax series?
There are a total of 14 books in the Mrs. Pollifax series, starting with 'The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax' and ending with 'Mrs. Pollifax Unveiled'.
When was the first Mrs. Pollifax book published?
The first book in the Mrs. Pollifax series, 'The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax', was published in 1966.
Are the Mrs. Pollifax books standalone or do they need to be read in order?
While each book in the Mrs. Pollifax series can stand alone as a separate story, it is recommended to read them in order to fully appreciate the character development and overarching plot.
Was Dorothy Gilman the author's real name?
No, Dorothy Gilman was a pen name. The author's real name was Dorothy Edith Kinnicutt.