Mrs. Pollifax and the Lion Killer

Emily Pollifax, the elderly and polite part-time CIA agent, needs all her skills in this swift adventure when she takes a busman's holiday to the emerging and troubled African nation of Ubangiba. Emily accompanies 19-year-old Kadi Hopkirk (whom she found in her closet in Mrs. Pollifax Pursued), who's been summoned by her old friend Sammat, the young heir to the throne. Kadi grew up in Ubangiba, where she witnessed the murder of her missionary parents by a trio of assassins. The killers, who were never caught, may now be part of a plot to overthrow Sammat, who is to be crowned in a few weeks and offers much-needed reform after years of official corruption. But insidious rumors are circulating that Sammat is a sorcerer and is responsible for five gruesome deaths that resemble maulings by a lion. But there are no lions in Ubangiba. The pace never flags, bolstered by the shrewd Mrs. P. and a host of well-defined characters (soothsayers, wise men, archeologists) who all work their surprising wiles. Mrs. Pollifax may be recovering from the flu, but her story is strong and vigorous. Mystery Guild selection; Reader's Digest condensed book. (Jan.)