Mrs Emily Pollifax is a 60-ish widow wanting more from life than teas and garden club meetings. In search of adventure, she decides to offer her services to the CIA - who, after all, would spot a suburban grandmother as a cold war secret agent? - and adventure she finds.

Her first assignment, in Mexico City, doesn't sound dangerous - until something goes wrong. She suddenly finds herself abducted across the world, embroiled in quite a hot Cold War... and her abductors find themselves entangled with one unbelievably feisty lady.

Armed with only an open mind and a little karate, Mrs Pollifax is the most lovable and unlikely of international spies.

"Love, love, love Mrs Pollifax. Ms Gilman has an extraordinary way of keeping you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages of her books."

"How can a sweet little old lady get into so much trouble? Mrs Pollifax is a gem and a hoot!"

"A book that gives you a big smile on every page. I'm looking forward to my next Mrs Pollifax adventure."

"Who wouldn't fall in love with a senior citizen who wears absurd hats, pushes the book cart at the hospital, and knows karate?"

"I first read the Mrs Pollifax books when I was a little girl and I keep coming back to read the books again and again."

"Read it, it's the best thing you can do for yourself. It's like a reminder of the zest for life."

"Mrs Pollifax is an enchantress." New York Times

"Mrs Pollifax gives Agatha Christie's Miss Marple a rival to reckon with." Toronto Star

"Filled with adventures-and misadventures-but through it all Mrs Pollifax is triumphant." Booklist

"Absorbing and worthwhile ... You won't want to put the book down." Portland Telegram

"The pace never flags, bolstered by the shrewd Mrs P. and a host of well-defined characters who all work their surprising wiles." Publishers Weekly

"Should delight you whether you're looking for smiles or thrills." New York Times Book Review

"All's right with the world as long as Mrs Pollifax is part of it." Mobile Register