Mrs. Pollifax on the China Station (Mrs. Pollifax Series Book 6)

Dorothy Gilman has been one of my favorite authors for over 25 years, my favorites being her Mrs Pollifax books, but all of them are excellent!Her writing captures the imagination - it is easy to become immersed in the story and environment. The locales are described in detail and are clearly extensively researched. But my favorite element is the characters. It is easy to become invested in them - for them to become flesh and blood in your mind - and to feel like the good ones are cherished friends by the end of the story.The series is best enjoyed in order (at least the first time you read them), and while each book can stand alone, I do strongly suggest reading them in their intended order so as not to miss anything.1. The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax (this is a foundational book - it is important to read this first)2. The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax3. The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax4. A Palm for Mrs. Pollifax5. Mrs. Pollifax on Safari6. Mrs. Pollifax on the China Station *this book7. Mrs. Pollifax and the Hong Kong Buddha8. Mrs. Pollifax and the Golden Triangle9. Mrs. Pollifax and the Whirling Dervish10. Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief11. Mrs. Pollifax Pursued12. Mrs. Pollifax and the Lion Killer13. Mrs. Pollifax, Innocent Tourist14. Mrs. Pollifax UnveiledIt is important to note that the first book was written in 1966 and the last in 2000. Geopolitics having changed significantly since then, do not be surprised that some of the stories may seem out of step with the current political climate. Rest assured it does not impact the quality or enjoyment of the story.The other small series (2 books) that I enjoy are the Madame Karitska Books - The Clairvoyant Countess, and Kaleidoscope. I have read a few of her standalone novels (A Nun in the Closet, The Tightrope Walker, The Maze in the Heart of the Castle, Incident at Badamya, Caravan, and Thale’s Folly) but not all so I can’t comment on those.To summarize, I have enjoyed all of her books, but Mrs. Pollifax will always be dear to my heart. I am sad that Ms. Gilman passed away in 2012 so there will be no new novels from her to brighten my day. I hope you receive as much pleasure reading her novels as I do!

The Mrs. Pollifax series was a favorite of my Grandma, and I read this out of nostalgia. I could see why she liked the series - an inventive, wise and courageous old lady as the main character. I liked Mrs. Pollifax' observation. "There are no happy endings, Jenny, there are only happy people."A critic described this book as a page-turner, but I disagree, especially about the beginning of the book. There was a little too much emphasis on scenic descriptions - the color brown was mentioned too often and sometimes the book sounded like a travel brochure. But the subject of culture shock and communication obstacles was handled well. The trip put a lot of pressure on the little group of travellers, and, as one character put it: "Pressure can go either way... it creates diamonds, it also creates explosions." All in all a fun read.

This time out, the story divides between Mrs. Pollifax and her co-spy, with several twists to keep us on our toes. What I especially like about the character is her ability to see the good in her fellows, and the calm demeanor that hides the anxiety under the surface.Also, in this book, Emily finds that her life is no longer a throwaway, as she has fallen in love and wants to part of that world again.

I am a long-time fan and enjoy nearly all of the Mrs. Pollifax books, but this one is definitely one of the best. Great characters, excellent plotting, and even a few surprises! Don’t miss it.

I've just recently discovered Mrs Pollifax and have sailed through the first 8 books of the series. I've thoroughly enjoyed every one of them although the Thailand-based one was a tad weaker than the others. Mrs Pollifax is a delightful character and I can't imagine anyone not being enchanted by her and her adventures.

Love Mrs Pollifax books...who can resist a woman in her sixties dropping in to the CIA headquarters to offer herself as a spy...AND due to special immediate need..SHE’S Hired as a courier...and more! She’s perceptive, disarming, yhinks on her feet and just delightful. Great break reading for joy!!!

I've been reading and loving Mrs. Policies books since I was a child in 1966 and now I'm a senior citizen reading the series once again but this time on my Kindle. I will never get tired of these books and the determination, fortitude and hope she brings to everyone she encounters.

Clever and interesting series. Mrs. Pollifax is an unlikely golden-aged hero who is a CIA undercover operative with many unexpected talents. Perhaps her most useful talent is her ability to appear harmless. Mrs. Pollifax wanders continents conquering bad operators and winning new friends and fans in unexpected places.

Fabulous read. Have read the whole lot now and enjoyed them so much will read them all again next year!

or her best - a typical Mrs. Pollifax story, easy reading (also for non native speakers) - enough suspense and always with a twinkle - loved it, as all the others I've read, and read and read and reread again ;-)

a fun book to read

Slow to begin but totally worth it! It definitely picks up pace. It's a really exhilarating ending with tons of surprises.

very good book.