Another journey with Emily Pollifax (thank you, Interlibrary Loans!). And I learned a LOT. Like for instance did you even know about the Moroccan-Western Sahara war? Me either, but it's a doozy. Still a problem, too.

But as always, Mrs. Pollifax is an immersion into world events, history, and exotic, meticulously rendered locales. Always well off the beaten path, but geopolitically significant, too.

Thanks again, Ms. Gilman, for a much needed escape, and another novel I could barely put down! ( )

North Africa, Western Sahara, espionage, betrayal, thriller, suspense, reread, friendship*****

Written in 1990. The publisher's blurb is a good hook for those of us who are addicted to enjoying Mrs Pollifax's adventures as a CIA courier. She is sent to accompany a boorish local agent in Morocco to verify seven agents because something has gone very wrong. Then it gets worse. But she does meet a Holy man who reassures her with The Whirling Dervish Dance: A Sacred Ritual to Touch the Divine.
Reread via Recorded Books audiobook narrated by Barbara Rosenblat
Award winning voice actor Barbara Rosenblatt always does a wonderful job with all the voices and really acts out the story and not just read it. Her voice brings the characters to life with her inflections entirely suited the situations and characters. ( )

2019 reread via Recorded Books audiobook narrated by Barbara Rosenblat ( )

This was another fun Emily Pollifax adventure. Of course, I disliked the original Jacko and enjoyed the real Jacko (though I thought he was a bit of a gloomy Gus, but that made a change from Emily's usual cheeriness), loved the mystic, and the young acolyte. I missed Cyrus's good sense and why humor. I experienced this book on audio and though the reader was very good I was at first unhappy with her voice for the real Jacko, because she did it in an Indian accent. Later it was revealed that he'd spent his formative years in India, so then it made sense, but I still found it strange on occasion when he was speaking and translating one of the Arabic languages. All around a nice way to spend a boring day doing chores. ( )

This 9th book in the series lives up to all expectations. Mrs. Pollifax is a great role model for seniors! ( )