Dorothy Gilman

Dorothy Edith Gilman was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the daughter of a minister. In 1940, she attended Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. In 1945, she married Edgar A. Butters, Jr., with whom she had two children. In 1963, she attended the University of Pennsylvania. She divorced in 1965. She wrote mystery and spy novels, and is best known for her Mrs. Pollifax series. In 2010 she was awarded the annual Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Mrs. Pollifax On Safari

    In this engaging mystery novel, the protagonist, an unassuming grandmother and part-time CIA agent, embarks on a thrilling safari adventure in Africa. Tasked with a covert mission to identify a missing agent, she navigates the complexities of espionage while blending in with a group of tourists. As she encounters a series of unexpected challenges and dangerous situations, her resourcefulness and intuition are put to the test. The story unfolds with a mix of suspense, humor, and vivid descriptions of the African landscape, ultimately showcasing her unique ability to solve mysteries and outwit adversaries.

  2. 2. The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax

    The novel follows the story of Mrs. Emily Pollifax, a widowed grandmother who seeks excitement beyond her garden club meetings and decides to offer her services to the CIA. Mistakenly recruited as a spy, she embarks on an unexpected adventure in Mexico, where she is tasked with a simple courier mission. However, things quickly spiral out of control, leading her into a dangerous world of espionage. Despite her lack of experience, Mrs. Pollifax's resourcefulness, charm, and unexpected bravery help her navigate the perilous situation, proving that even the most unlikely individuals can become heroes.

  3. 3. Mrs. Pollifax Pursued

    In this thrilling installment, the ever-resourceful Mrs. Pollifax finds herself embroiled in a dangerous adventure when she agrees to help a young woman named Kadi Hopkirk, who is being pursued by mysterious assailants. As Mrs. Pollifax delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a web of international intrigue involving a stolen manuscript and a secretive organization. With her trademark wit and ingenuity, Mrs. Pollifax navigates a series of perilous situations, relying on her intuition and the unexpected allies she encounters along the way, ultimately proving that age is no barrier to bravery and cunning.

  4. 4. Mrs. Pollifax, Innocent Tourist

    In this captivating tale, the ever-resourceful Mrs. Pollifax, a seemingly ordinary grandmother with a penchant for espionage, embarks on a thrilling adventure in Jordan. Tasked with a seemingly simple mission to deliver a package, she soon finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue and danger. As she navigates the complexities of international espionage, Mrs. Pollifax's wit, charm, and unexpected allies help her uncover a conspiracy that threatens to destabilize the region. Her journey is a testament to courage and the power of an indomitable spirit, proving that age is no barrier to adventure.

  5. 5. Mrs. Pollifax And The Lion Killer

    In this thrilling installment of the beloved series, the ever-resourceful Mrs. Pollifax is once again called upon by the CIA for an unexpected mission. This time, her adventure takes her to the heart of Africa, where she must navigate the dangerous world of political intrigue and espionage. Tasked with uncovering the truth behind a series of mysterious deaths linked to a powerful and elusive figure known as the "Lion Killer," Mrs. Pollifax relies on her wit, charm, and unyielding determination to unravel the secrets hidden within the lush and perilous landscape. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she encounters a colorful cast of characters, each with their own motives and secrets, leading to a suspenseful and captivating journey that tests her courage and ingenuity.

  6. 6. Mrs. Pollifax And The Whirling Dervish

    In this thrilling adventure, the ever-resourceful Mrs. Pollifax, a seemingly ordinary grandmother with a penchant for espionage, is dispatched to Morocco on a covert mission. Tasked with delivering a passport to a mysterious agent, she soon finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue involving a missing American, a group of enigmatic whirling dervishes, and a dangerous conspiracy. As Mrs. Pollifax navigates the vibrant and perilous landscape, her wit, charm, and unexpected skills are put to the test, proving once again that appearances can be deceiving and that courage knows no age.

  7. 7. Mrs. Pollifax And The Golden Triangle

    In this thrilling espionage adventure, the ever-resourceful Mrs. Pollifax embarks on a mission to Thailand with her husband, Cyrus, for what is supposed to be a relaxing vacation. However, their plans take a dramatic turn when they are unexpectedly drawn into a dangerous world of drug smuggling and political intrigue. As they navigate the perilous Golden Triangle, Mrs. Pollifax's wit, charm, and unyielding determination are put to the test as she unravels a complex web of deceit and betrayal, proving once again that even the most unlikely of spies can outwit the most cunning adversaries.

  8. 8. Mrs. Pollifax And The Hong Kong Buddha

    In this thrilling installment, the ever-resourceful Mrs. Pollifax is dispatched to Hong Kong on a seemingly simple mission to deliver a package. However, her task quickly spirals into a complex web of espionage and danger when she becomes entangled with a mysterious Buddha statue linked to a high-stakes smuggling operation. As Mrs. Pollifax navigates the bustling streets and shadowy underworld of Hong Kong, she must rely on her wit, charm, and unexpected allies to unravel the secrets surrounding the enigmatic artifact and ensure her own survival.

  9. 9. Mrs. Pollifax On The China Station

    In this thrilling espionage adventure, the ever-resourceful Mrs. Pollifax, a seemingly ordinary grandmother with a knack for international intrigue, is dispatched by the CIA to China on a delicate mission. Tasked with delivering a crucial message to a high-ranking Chinese official, she must navigate a web of political tensions and unexpected dangers. Alongside her partner, the enigmatic and charming Farrell, Mrs. Pollifax employs her wit, charm, and unyielding determination to outsmart adversaries and ensure the success of her mission, all while uncovering deeper conspiracies that threaten global stability.

  10. 10. A Palm For Mrs. Pollifax

    In this delightful espionage adventure, the ever-resourceful Mrs. Pollifax, a seemingly ordinary grandmother with a penchant for international intrigue, is dispatched on a mission to Morocco. Tasked with delivering a passport to a missing agent, she finds herself embroiled in a dangerous web of deceit and peril. With her characteristic charm, wit, and unexpected resourcefulness, Mrs. Pollifax navigates the exotic and treacherous landscape, outsmarting adversaries and uncovering secrets, all while maintaining her unassuming demeanor and indomitable spirit.

  11. 11. The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax

    In this thrilling espionage adventure, a seemingly ordinary grandmother, who doubles as a CIA operative, embarks on a mission to Morocco. Tasked with delivering a passport to a defecting agent, she finds herself entangled in a web of danger and intrigue. As she navigates the bustling streets and exotic landscapes, she must rely on her wit, charm, and unexpected resourcefulness to outsmart a network of spies and uncover a plot that threatens global stability. Her journey is a testament to courage and the surprising capabilities of an unassuming heroine.

  12. 12. The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax

    In this delightful espionage adventure, a seemingly ordinary grandmother, who moonlights as a CIA agent, embarks on a thrilling mission to rescue a fellow operative held captive in a foreign land. Her journey is filled with unexpected twists, charming encounters, and a blend of wit and courage that defies her unassuming appearance. As she navigates through danger and deception, her resourcefulness and indomitable spirit shine, proving that age is no barrier to bravery and intelligence in the world of international intrigue.

  13. 13. Mrs. Pollifax And The Second Thief

    In this thrilling installment, the ever-resourceful Mrs. Pollifax, a seemingly ordinary grandmother and part-time CIA operative, is called upon for a mission that takes her to Sicily. Tasked with retrieving a stolen manuscript, she finds herself entangled in a web of deception involving art thieves, secret codes, and dangerous adversaries. As she navigates the picturesque yet perilous landscape, Mrs. Pollifax must rely on her wit, charm, and unexpected allies to uncover the truth and ensure justice is served, all while maintaining her unassuming cover.

  14. 14. Mrs. Pollifax Unveiled

    In this thrilling adventure, the ever-resourceful Mrs. Pollifax, a grandmother and part-time CIA agent, is dispatched to the Middle East to rescue a young American woman who has been kidnapped by a dangerous terrorist group. As she navigates the perilous landscape of political intrigue and deception, Mrs. Pollifax must rely on her wit, charm, and unexpected allies to unravel the mystery and bring the victim to safety. With her trademark blend of courage and humor, she faces formidable challenges, proving once again that age is no barrier to bravery and ingenuity.