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The Old Girl Network
Why didn’t anyone warn her that that path to true love would be filled with potholes?
Dreamy, scatty and impossibly romantic, Polly McLaren is a secretary in an advertising agency, but the day a stranger on a train catches her eye, her life changes for ever. This American Romeo, who's recognised her old school scarf, begs Polly to help him find his missing Juliet. Over an intoxicating dinner at the Savoy, Polly agrees to play Cupid -- St Gertrude's girls must, after all, stick together -- and her investigations begin. The last thing she needs now is trouble from the men in her life...
...like Harry Lloyd Roberts -- Polly's madly attractive but infuriatingly elusive boyfriend. It's he who goads her into turning detective -- on the grounds that it might give her something to do for a change. Not to mention distract her from his own lustful pursuits...
…and Nick Penhalligan -- Polly's rude, arrogant and ridiculously demanding boss, who's not best pleased that her mind is everywhere but on her job. But even he gets entangled when the old-girl network turns into a spider's web of complications, deceit and finally, love.
Dreamy, scatty and impossibly romantic, Polly McLaren is a secretary in an advertising agency, but the day a stranger on a train catches her eye, her life changes for ever. This American Romeo, who's recognised her old school scarf, begs Polly to help him find his missing Juliet. Over an intoxicating dinner at the Savoy, Polly agrees to play Cupid -- St Gertrude's girls must, after all, stick together -- and her investigations begin. The last thing she needs now is trouble from the men in her life...
...like Harry Lloyd Roberts -- Polly's madly attractive but infuriatingly elusive boyfriend. It's he who goads her into turning detective -- on the grounds that it might give her something to do for a change. Not to mention distract her from his own lustful pursuits...
…and Nick Penhalligan -- Polly's rude, arrogant and ridiculously demanding boss, who's not best pleased that her mind is everywhere but on her job. But even he gets entangled when the old-girl network turns into a spider's web of complications, deceit and finally, love.
512 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
197 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Alliott
46 books547 followersCatherine has sold over 3 million bestselling novels worldwide and is translated into eighteen languages.
The first of these novels Catherine started under the desk when she worked as an advertising copywriter. She was duly fired. With time on her hands, she persevered with the novels, which happily flourished.
In the early days she produced a baby with each book - but after three - stuck to the writing as it was less painful.
She writes with her favorite pen in note books, either in the garden or on a sofa.
Home is a rural spot on the Hertfordshire border, which she shares with her family and a menagerie of horses, cows, chickens, and dogs, which at the last count totaled eighty-seven beating hearts, including her husband. Some of her household have walk-on parts in her novels, but only the chickens would probably recognize themselves.
All her novels are published by Penguin Random House internationally, and by No Shooz Publishing in America and will be available in the US in the Fall of 2017.
The first of these novels Catherine started under the desk when she worked as an advertising copywriter. She was duly fired. With time on her hands, she persevered with the novels, which happily flourished.
In the early days she produced a baby with each book - but after three - stuck to the writing as it was less painful.
She writes with her favorite pen in note books, either in the garden or on a sofa.
Home is a rural spot on the Hertfordshire border, which she shares with her family and a menagerie of horses, cows, chickens, and dogs, which at the last count totaled eighty-seven beating hearts, including her husband. Some of her household have walk-on parts in her novels, but only the chickens would probably recognize themselves.
All her novels are published by Penguin Random House internationally, and by No Shooz Publishing in America and will be available in the US in the Fall of 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 23, 2014
This is a book that's been on my shelf for years. I periodically read and re-read it just to experience the wonderful glow it gives from laughing out loud. I can't understand why readers download and then slag a book off. Why don't they 'Look Inside' before downloading? Alliott's humour and style is obvious from page 1. She is entertaining, damn witty, and writes a clever and enjoyable read each and every time. Yes, her books are lightweight, but isn't that the point of reading this genre? It's escapism! If a reader wants something that isn't 'banal' - download War and Peace for God's sake! This is one author whose paperbacks grace my reading shelves - and believe me that's a rarity because the rest are on my Kindle.
February 13, 2015
Blonde, SERIOUSLY dumb secretary. Tall, dark, handsome rich boss. Mills & Boon.
DUMB. DUMB. DUMB. SO DUMB IT HURTS.
JUST SHUT UP. YOU'RE STUPID.
NO MORE PLEASE! YOU DUMB
If it wasn't my job to review this sh*it I would read em
This book is about a bimbo who tries to convince us that she doesn't like tall, dark handsome rich men but prefers her selfish horrible blond boyfriend. In the end she does fall for the clichéd tall, dark handsome rich boss (as do most of Catherine Alliott's heroine's).
The books is good if you're looking for a REALLY LIGHT trite, fluff read. Its so chick lit that you'll need a bucket beside you. Its funny in a cringe worthy "Oh My God that girl is so stupid and am I watching the x factor"
I read this when I was 17 and didn't know much about chick lit. Thankfully I know many more authors now who have a brain.
DUMB. DUMB. DUMB. SO DUMB IT HURTS.
JUST SHUT UP. YOU'RE STUPID.
NO MORE PLEASE! YOU DUMB
If it wasn't my job to review this sh*it I would read em
This book is about a bimbo who tries to convince us that she doesn't like tall, dark handsome rich men but prefers her selfish horrible blond boyfriend. In the end she does fall for the clichéd tall, dark handsome rich boss (as do most of Catherine Alliott's heroine's).
The books is good if you're looking for a REALLY LIGHT trite, fluff read. Its so chick lit that you'll need a bucket beside you. Its funny in a cringe worthy "Oh My God that girl is so stupid and am I watching the x factor"
I read this when I was 17 and didn't know much about chick lit. Thankfully I know many more authors now who have a brain.
June 20, 2011
I want to meet Catherine Alliot and hug her and be friends with her because this woman is truly amazing. This book was extremely funny and just makes you view life in positive funny way even when all is gloom.
September 12, 2023
Pollija ir ļoti frivola jaunkundze, kurai patīk bāzt degunu citu lietās un iedomāties dažādas nereālistiskas situācijas, kuras dažkārt kādam tiek izklāstītas arī skaļi. Pirmā grāmatas trešdaļa tika kārtīgi nomocīta, pēc tam jau stāsts šķetinājās raitāk, bet šī bija vilšanās Eliotas darbā.
August 6, 2012
This was one of the funniest books I've ever read! I couldn't put it down until late at night, and I was often laughing out loud as I read it. However, some parts of the book are really sad and poignant, so it's not just a laugh-fest.
The heroine of the book is totally loveable and funny. The plot is fantastic and you keep wondering what's gonna happen next. A really great book, and I can't wait to read more books by Ms Alliot. 5 stars!
The heroine of the book is totally loveable and funny. The plot is fantastic and you keep wondering what's gonna happen next. A really great book, and I can't wait to read more books by Ms Alliot. 5 stars!
October 27, 2016
Smagi ir lengva knyga. Ne kažkas atimantis žadą, sujakiantis protą ir jausmus, bet galintis prajuokinti ir netgi įtraukti kūrinys. Manau, kada nors imsiuosi ir tęsinių
November 28, 2012
The book have potential but it was too long winded for me.
Dont really like the characters especialy the heroine, Polly, who is potrayed as pretty empty headed girl. Gosh...she must have been sex starved or something to imagine her fellow commuter are potential lovers.
Not only that, she also gone gaga over a guy who treats her like dirt.
The other heroine, Rachel, was a selfish *ahem ahem*.
everything in this book just does not sound "real" enough for me eventhough it's just a story.
Dont really like the characters especialy the heroine, Polly, who is potrayed as pretty empty headed girl. Gosh...she must have been sex starved or something to imagine her fellow commuter are potential lovers.
Not only that, she also gone gaga over a guy who treats her like dirt.
The other heroine, Rachel, was a selfish *ahem ahem*.
everything in this book just does not sound "real" enough for me eventhough it's just a story.
March 8, 2018
DNF
I read about 70 of the 500+ pages of this and decided that was enough of my time wasted. I found the main character “Polly” self-absorbed, superficial and just plain dumb! I knew exactly what was going to happen, including the hurdle as I read (and I checked if I was right by flicking through the book once I had decided not to read any further – and I was exactly right!) and I didn’t think the journey was worth the effort.
I read about 70 of the 500+ pages of this and decided that was enough of my time wasted. I found the main character “Polly” self-absorbed, superficial and just plain dumb! I knew exactly what was going to happen, including the hurdle as I read (and I checked if I was right by flicking through the book once I had decided not to read any further – and I was exactly right!) and I didn’t think the journey was worth the effort.
December 23, 2008
I was wondering if her writing would be anything like Marian Keyes or Jenny Colgan. And as much as I find Alliott is nothing like any of the other Brit writers, I enjoyed this one. One girl gets herself all wrapped up in a missing person's case (she isn't a PI either) and things get messed up tremendously from there.
November 8, 2013
I'm a fan of Catherine Alliott but this book is terrible. I love Alliott's sense of humor and comedy but there is very little to like in the book. Polly and most of the characters are pretty unlikeable; the story just leave a bad taste in my mouth. I would have given this one star except that Alliott's writing was good enough to keep me going til the end.
September 24, 2007
I bought this book at Changi Airport. At first, I just want to spend the rest of my money at some cheap english fiction, turned out that I had choosen the right book :D This book is so funny :D I think it's the beginning era of chicklit :D
June 26, 2013
I have the audio version of The Old Girl Network, and it is my "go-to" audiobook when driving or just needing something lighthearted and funny. I've listed to it at least 12 times through. Catherine Alliot is my type of author.
May 8, 2017
When I got to the grammatical mistake on page 7 or so - that was it. Into the paper bin it went. Up to that point it didn't look very good anyway.
Can't believe I saw 'loose' instead of 'lose' in a published book. Appalling.
Can't believe I saw 'loose' instead of 'lose' in a published book. Appalling.
April 15, 2009
This book was hilarious.!.
Had me in stitches all night LOL (that wasnt good cz it was a skl nite and i was spose 2 be sleeping.!.)
Fluffy chick lit but fantastically written and delivered.!.
Had me in stitches all night LOL (that wasnt good cz it was a skl nite and i was spose 2 be sleeping.!.)
Fluffy chick lit but fantastically written and delivered.!.
August 26, 2010
Was lent this book by my boss at work. Had lots of funny moments in it. A Chick lit worth reading.
January 5, 2023
This is actually a really funny book - thoroughly enjoyed it, ideal if you're looking for a light read to cheer you up or after having read something a bit darker!
April 5, 2012
loved her (Polly's) adventure.
June 23, 2012
It had been a really long time since I read such a funny book. The main character Polly and her fantasies are very realistic and hilarious. :)
September 12, 2012
Loved it. It was funny!!! The only reason it wasn't a 5 was a thought it was a little long and then finished abruptly.
January 24, 2013
Hilarious, found myself laughing at loud (not good when working at night and everyone on the ward asleep)!
June 28, 2009
I loved the twist in this book. Very good. Would re-read.
August 7, 2012
Very funny, got very distressed many times, I want to move to the country.
March 15, 2023
This is a light hearted easy read. Alliott's style is enjoyable and funny and flows very well. The main character is rather silly - it is abundantly clear that she takes a lot of liberties at work much to the stress of the over worked boss, and she's completely naive about her romantic situation; her boyfriend is the love of her life in her eyes but just using her as a casual hook up in everyone else's.
I thought from the title of the book they'd be more use of this 'Old girl network's but there isn't any such network in the book so I think it's a really random title choice and i don't understand the thinking behind it. I think perhaps if Alliott wanted the title to refer back to the school days, she should have mentioned the scarf in the title ('the trouble with scarves' or something).
I didn't realise the main story was going to be sorting out the life of Adam and his missing fiance. I thought the fiance acted absolutely terribly and that it was a little unrealistic that Polly would put up with it. I also thought it unrealistic that the men would not notice how rude she was to Polly in the scene where she recounted all these awful stories about Polly at school.
I actually thought the missing fiance acted so badly that there would be a twist and poor Adam would actually be the good guy and she the bad. I didn't feel great at the conclusion of their story which is rare in this genre of film. It wasn't the ending it should have been.
I also didn't get any crazy psycho vibes from Nick's actress girlfriend. This revelation seemed to come from no where and I think some hints should have been given. Caro was terrible for stealing her sister's flat mate's boyfriend and actually absolutely awfully in front of Polly and I think feelings here could have been more explored.
I was also shocked that the missing fiance had an affair with Nick's brother. This seemed most unlikely, the consequences were never mentioned in the book, but more vitally Nick's girlfriend told Polly that Nick had said Polly had been sniffing around him and trying to get him into bed and I was sure Alliott would reveal that Nick had actually been talking about the missing fiance and not Polly. So it was a little disappointing that it was all just a lie.
But I did enjoy it. Grammar was perfect, a very good proof reader was used. Just more character development needed
I thought from the title of the book they'd be more use of this 'Old girl network's but there isn't any such network in the book so I think it's a really random title choice and i don't understand the thinking behind it. I think perhaps if Alliott wanted the title to refer back to the school days, she should have mentioned the scarf in the title ('the trouble with scarves' or something).
I didn't realise the main story was going to be sorting out the life of Adam and his missing fiance. I thought the fiance acted absolutely terribly and that it was a little unrealistic that Polly would put up with it. I also thought it unrealistic that the men would not notice how rude she was to Polly in the scene where she recounted all these awful stories about Polly at school.
I actually thought the missing fiance acted so badly that there would be a twist and poor Adam would actually be the good guy and she the bad. I didn't feel great at the conclusion of their story which is rare in this genre of film. It wasn't the ending it should have been.
I also didn't get any crazy psycho vibes from Nick's actress girlfriend. This revelation seemed to come from no where and I think some hints should have been given. Caro was terrible for stealing her sister's flat mate's boyfriend and actually absolutely awfully in front of Polly and I think feelings here could have been more explored.
I was also shocked that the missing fiance had an affair with Nick's brother. This seemed most unlikely, the consequences were never mentioned in the book, but more vitally Nick's girlfriend told Polly that Nick had said Polly had been sniffing around him and trying to get him into bed and I was sure Alliott would reveal that Nick had actually been talking about the missing fiance and not Polly. So it was a little disappointing that it was all just a lie.
But I did enjoy it. Grammar was perfect, a very good proof reader was used. Just more character development needed
June 21, 2017
I go to a little thrift store with a "buy four books, get one free" promotion and absentmindedly picked up The Old Girl Network to meet the quota. Wow, am I ever glad I did. This book was heartwarming, hilarious, exciting, and full of unexpected twists and turns. Alliot brings her characters to life with such perfection. The protagonist, Polly, was such a goofball at times and I saw some bits of myself in her. But I digress. If you're looking for a romantic comedy type novel with a little mystery thrown in, look no further! Easily one of my favourite light-hearted reads.
July 15, 2019
I go to a little thrift store with a "buy four books, get one free" promotion and absentmindedly picked up The Old Girl Network to meet the quota. Wow, am I ever glad I did. This book was heartwarming, hilarious, exciting, and full of unexpected twists and turns. Alliot brings her characters to life with such perfection. The protagonist, Polly, was such a goofball at times and I saw some bits of myself in her. But I digress. If you're looking for a romantic comedy type novel with a little mystery thrown in, look no further! Easily one of my favourite light-hearted reads.
March 18, 2025
Ive really enjoyed this book. Catherine Alliott has created a marvellously chaotic character in Polly.
Polly gets mixed up in a situation that has her reconnecting with her past at st Gertrude's school with Rachel. However all is not-as it seems. Helping rachel to escape is the only option at the time as she runs from her ex Adam. With polly's boss nick's help they end up in Cornwall at his family home.
Nick and polly grow closer but nick's ex Serena puts obstacles in their way as she suddenly turns up at nick's home.
Polly gets mixed up in a situation that has her reconnecting with her past at st Gertrude's school with Rachel. However all is not-as it seems. Helping rachel to escape is the only option at the time as she runs from her ex Adam. With polly's boss nick's help they end up in Cornwall at his family home.
Nick and polly grow closer but nick's ex Serena puts obstacles in their way as she suddenly turns up at nick's home.
October 28, 2023
**SPOILER WARNING**
Been delayed to read this book but finally started reading recently. While some characters have been good, there are characters that really gets you. That makes you want to think things like “You’re so stupid for not realising this”, “This evil 🤬🤬”, “Why would they do that?!” For this reason, I gave three stars.
Been delayed to read this book but finally started reading recently. While some characters have been good, there are characters that really gets you. That makes you want to think things like “You’re so stupid for not realising this”, “This evil 🤬🤬”, “Why would they do that?!” For this reason, I gave three stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2019
What a disappointment.
The book started so well with so much promise and then... it went downhill.
The main girl is a pathological liar, the evil guy was the true victim, the hero had mood swings...
I do not recommend this book.
The book started so well with so much promise and then... it went downhill.
The main girl is a pathological liar, the evil guy was the true victim, the hero had mood swings...
I do not recommend this book.
January 13, 2024
Loved this book
Brilliant will actually read it again had me in stitches very clever written but also had a good story going as well didnt wont it to end I would strongly recommend this book you won't be sorry brilliant
Brilliant will actually read it again had me in stitches very clever written but also had a good story going as well didnt wont it to end I would strongly recommend this book you won't be sorry brilliant
July 28, 2025
I’d say that finding a good ,,chick-lit” novel is like looking for a needle in a haystack. No, make it a hundred haystacks. You have to wade through a lot of rubbish to hit upon just one worthy of your time. This one had tons of laugh-out-loud moments and I really liked the style of writing. If only I could express myself with such crisp wit and side-splitting humor. I admit that it is a tad lengthy, but you can easily whizz through it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews