Palm for Mrs. Pollifax
My grandmother is a big fan of the MRS. POLLIFAX mysteries by Dorothy Gilman.  I was at first hesitantto try the books, because I wasn't sure if I'd be able to relate to mysteries featuring a suburban grandmotherworking for the CIA.  But because my grandmother's taste in literature has always been impeccable,I decided to delve into Mrs. Pollifax's adventures.  I began with THE UNEXPECTED MRS. POLLIFAX, the firstin the series, and immediately found them delightful.  Mrs. Pollifax is just the kind of grandmother I'dlove to have:  resourceful, intelligent, somewhat sly, and, of course, a secret CIA operative.  Heradventures take her to all corners of the globe: from an authentically described communist China(MRS. POLLIFAX ON THE CHINA STATION) to an exhilarating safari across Africa (MRS. POLLIFAX ONSAFARI). I've thoroughly enjoyed joining her on her adventures, and intend to read them all.  I recommend themto everyone who's interested in learning about different countries and cultures--and, obviously, espionage!--Malinda Lo, Editorial Assistant