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The Clairvoyant Countess  By  cover art

The Clairvoyant Countess

By: Dorothy Gilman
Narrated by: Ruth Ann Phimister
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Publisher's summary

From the best-selling author of the famous Mrs. Pollifax series comes another delightfully eccentric and sage female sleuth - the exotic Madame Karitska. Although she is a genuine countess, Marina Elena Provovnitchek Gaylord Von Domm Karitska is foremost a psychic. When one of her clients turns up dead, Madame Karitska makes the acquaintance of Detective-Lieutenant Pruden, and an uncanny partnership is born. Madame Karitska forms images with the psychic vibrations she picks up from personal objects. Her shocking visions are at odds with outward appearances and Detective Pruden finds it difficult to believe in them. But as Madame Karitska uses her amazing powers to help him solve case after dangerous case, even the skeptic becomes convinced. With The Clairvoyant Countess, Dorothy Gilman has used her own amazing powers to create a character who is both awe-inspiring and lovable. Ruth Ann Phimister’s keen sense of timing and characterization let you too believe in the wonder that is Madame Karitska.

©1975 Dorothy Gilman Butters (P)1999 Recorded Books

What listeners say about The Clairvoyant Countess

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    3 out of 5 stars

Very very Cozy

First off: WHY exactly is there no "Cozy" subcategory for mysteries in Audible???? Makes me very cranky. I do go outside the genre but there are times that only an actual cozy will do. Have written Audible to suggest they correct this oversight but so far no go. Perhaps others could do the same (hint hint)?

Now, to the book: charming and light, not a real mystery but more like a string of stories with many of the same characters and a bit of an overall arc. Not brilliant or evocative or fabulous writing, but totally the mystery version of comfort food, sweet and soothing, without being too hard to digest. Exactly what you'd expect from Dorothy Gilman, bless her soul.

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52 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Sorry the sequel's not available

This one had been sitting on my Audible purchased shelf for a while so thought I'd tackle it. Interesting protagonist, and well-crafted stories, and one that might be better heard than read as the narrator does a good job with the voice of Madame Karitsa. Since the sequel isn't available as an audiobook, I've ordered a print copy. Written in the 60's, so folks call from pay phones with urgent messages, as well as mention of a guest bring a "portable television set" to a party for a special viewing (Madame doesn't own one herself).

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19 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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enjoyed this book!

What made the experience of listening to The Clairvoyant Countess the most enjoyable?

The main character Mme Karitska is a bit unusual, but very likeable. I enjoyed her method of approaching a problem and the humanness she exhibited in helping others resolve their problems.

Any additional comments?

Would like to see more books about Mme Karitska.

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12 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not as good as the Mrs. Pollifax series

What did you like best about The Clairvoyant Countess? What did you like least?

The Clairvoyant Countess is essentially a story that contains several smaller stories or mystery cases that get solved. The Countess is aided by a police officer, Pruden. The police officer figures heavily in the stories and I would consider him the main character, not the Countess. The Characters in this book are not well developed. I started to get bored until the last hour of the book. The last case in the book was well developed and interesting. I think I enjoyed it more because the Countess and the police officer were working alongside each other, the case was a longer story and the plot itself more interesting than any of the other cases in this book. Overall, an average read. If you are a fan of Dorothy Gilman, you will want to listen to it. I do not reqret using my credit on this book but I would not listen to it again.

Would you be willing to try another book from Dorothy Gilman? Why or why not?

I am a fan of Dorothy Gilman's Mrs. Pollifax series. I have also listened to other books by this author ( Tightrope Walker, Nuns in the Closet). Clairvoyant Countess was just an average audiobook.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

The narrator read the book well. It is just a matter of what type of voice one likes to listen to. Ruth Ann Phimister would not be one of my top choices to listen to.

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5 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Good, but not as good as Mrs. Polifax

I didn't enjoy this as much as Dorothy Gilman's Mrs Polifax novels, but it was good enough that I'm sure I will read others.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great story

I was not sure what to think when the story began, but was happily surprised as the story brought me along with the characters! Truly the story of several people discovering their true selves is delightful!

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Remarkable and captivating

As a Mrs. Pollifax fan I was afraid this book would be a disappointment. Instead, I found it captivating and profoundly thought provoking. This Countess is both charming and courageous

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Another Dorothy Gilman Delight

I fell in love with Gilman’s fresh and vibrant writing in the Mrs Pollifax books, and I am finding many of her other books are similarly delightful. This book is not heavy on character development or plot. It’s more of a series of vignettes that intertwine just enough and feel appropriate for the spontaneous nature of a sixth sense. The brilliant narrator brings you right into the moment and makes you feel the warmth and kindness of the countess and a lovely satisfaction when she helps people. Lovely book.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Dorothy Gilman AGAIN!!

I read this book years ago and loved it and I am so sorry that the second book was never put on audible. Not just an old friend but a good friend/book. Excellent reader!

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Entertaining

An enjoyable listen. But not a great performance by the reader. It was still a lovely Dorothy Gilman story.

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1 person found this helpful