The Tightrope Walker: A Novel

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…

Another delightful Dorothy Gilman mystery, this time a stand-alone with a socially awkward heroine, Amelia Jones, slowly learning to take risks and function in the outside world. The purchase of an antique store leads to the discovery of a long-ago note hidden in an old hurdy-gurdy.It suggests the writer might have been murdered, and Amelia becomes determined to find out the truth of what happened. Along the way, she grows more confident and self-assured, finally becoming the person she never thought she could be.I enjoyed reading this book. These days "cozy" mysteries are a popular genre. Most of them are cliche-ridden, throwaway derivatives; hardly worth the time it takes to download an e-book. Ms. Gilman is so much more skilled than most current "cozy" writers. Her characters are distinct and detailed but without excessive verbiage. The stories fall into the "clean" category and are well worth exploring for new readers.

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!

Did not expect a former library book.

Love her books. Arrived early and in great shape. Very pleased. Thank you.

I like all of her books, but this one and "Girl in Buckskin" are my favorites. Drama, Comedy and Romance. Where is Hallmark to do the movie? Both Books.

Quintessential Dorothy Gilman, reminding us we have so much more ability and so many more gifts within ourselves...if we permit ourselves to grow

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.

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...

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

Interesting, well developed main character. Kept me guessing.

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