A cosy mystery compilation perfect for fans of Sally Smith, Steve Higgs, LJ Ross, Robert Thorogood, and Richard Osman.

When she relocates to Spain’s Costa del Sol, Karen McLaren turns her back on an unfaithful husband and a long teaching career. She arrives at the Club Britannia complex for the over-60s carrying many plans for her future…

…finding herself investigating crimes along with an eccentric group of Spanish and expat friends isn’t one of them.

But Karen discovers she has a real talent as an amateur sleuth. She’s aided by her sharp intellect, the expert lip-reading skills a progressive hearing loss has forced her to develop, and a stubborn determination to uncover the truth. And when it comes to chasing down clues, she proves herself to be relentless. Indeed, she’s so successful that the local police soon come calling on her for assistance. The first 5 books of the series are collected here.

Author promise: this cosy mystery series does not contain any gore, violence, or profanity. Nor does it contain any scenes of an explicit nature.

A TOPAZ TRAP is set when Karen first moves into her new home in the sun. An evening of entertainment on the retirement complex takes a tragic twist, and the new arrival finds herself investigating the untimely demise of a popular local magician. Though local police declare the case closed, Karen is unconvinced. She realises that what appears to be an unfortunate accident is actually something far more complex.

AN EMERALD ENIGMA begins with Karen having established herself as a pillar of the community at Club Britannia; she’s opened The Sylvia Beach - a second-hand bookshop. Soon, she’s caught up in trying to work out whether what looks like a random occurrence is actually something more sinister. Though she has the confidence of her convictions, the amateur sleuth finds herself at loggerheads with local police as she pursues her inquiries.

A SAPPHIRE SECRET opens on The National Day of Spain - one of the biggest events in the Club Britannia calendar. A partygoer is found murdered. The cause of death is clear, but the victim is found in a locked room; nobody can work out who could have entered or why anyone would want the woman dead. Karen and her friends know there must be a logical explanation. It’s just finding it that’s the problem!

CHRISTMAS IN CASTILLO kicks off with what Karen believes will be the perfect Yuletide celebration: a murder mystery evening based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. It’s being held at Club Britannia; attendees are attired in period costume, and traditional food is on the menu. Everything has been planned to perfection. But things take a turn when the fictional murder mystery transforms into a real one, and Karen and her friends find themselves trying to determine the truth.

EASTER IN CASTILLO is a time of celebration, and Karen has planned an extended weekend of delicious food, good company, and a well-earned rest. But then Bishop Ramos is gunned down in broad daylight. When a young, mild-mannered priest admits to the crime, Comisario Hernandez is satisfied he’s the culprit. Karen, though, isn’t so sure - something about the way the clergyman confesses feels wrong. It’s too obvious. And, in Karen’s experience, having such doubts means it’s time to start digging…