The Tightrope Walker

I have read other books by Dorothy Gilman and have enjoyed them, but this one gripped, and I couldn't put it down until I found out what happened to everyone in the story.

I've read all the Mrs. Pollifax books several times (except for the Hong Kong Buddha, which was too violent), but I'd never read this one. A few pages in, I thought, how did Gilman suddenly become this good a writer? I mean, I love Mrs. Pollifax, but I wouldn't call it great writing. Then, around page 30, I remembered Caravan, which I did consider great writing, and I got it. This book, and Caravan, are written in the first person. This narrator is brilliant and funny in a way Gilman couldn't pull off in the third person. And her most annoying trait as a writer--her overuse of adverbs--disappears in this narrative. I usually don't like violent books, but the violence in this one--because of the narrator's voice, and her willingness to fight back like a Model Mugging graduate--leaves me feeling inspired. And I didn't fit the clues together--I was surprised by the resolution, which is unusual for me in this kind of mystery. All in all, a wonderful use of an evening. Hurray for Kindle!

Good old fashioned story. No electronics. A hurdy Gurdie (music box) is a main device. Strong young woman character gets her life together while solving an old murder mystery, and making surprising friends. Similar to other Gilman stories. Last known Gilman book (she wrote Mrs Pollifax series) I hadn’t read; I’m sad…

This is a favorite book of mine - I used to have it in hardcover and gave it away- when I found myself wanting to read it again, I ordered the paperback - it's an interesting story with romance and suspense

I Love This Book! I read this book when I was in high school and have read it many times since. I have always checked it out from the library, but decided I just had to have a hard copy. It's just a wonderful mystery with lots of suspense, a little romance, and a main character that somehow I could really relate to. The funny thing is that it's the only book I have ever read from Dorothy Gilman. I'm sure her others are just as good, but I always go back to this one. If you love mysteries, I know you will love this one!

Excellent storytelling by Dorothy Gilman. After living a sheltered life, Amelia Jones finds a hidden note and what she reads intrigues her enough to embark upon a quest to find out about the author of the note. Along the way she meets all kinds of interesting people. She not only finds out about the author of the note but almost loses her life a few times as well!

This was a really good story. The narration was good. There were enough twists and turns for the most devoted Gilman fan.

This book has everything a great adventure mystery needs. Excitement, clues, twisting plots, a dollop of romance for good measure. A quick read, this book comes alive in my imagination.

I love this series. I found them very uplifting to someone getting on in life. A good read for any age though.

Bin ja schon lange ein Fan von Dorothy Gilman. War auch hier nicht enttäuscht.Schade nur, dass die Bücher so schnell gelesen sind.

Interesting, well developed main character. Kept me guessing.

An Lob für den Roman kann ich mich meinen Vorrednern nur wärmstens anschließen, allerdings mußte ich feststellen, daß in der Ausgabe von Fawcett im Showdown ein kompletter Absatz vergessen wurde (wahrscheinlich Fehler des Setzers). Also lieber auf die älteren Ausgaben ausweichen...