The Spy Coast (The Martini Club #1) by Tess Gerritsen
Publication Date: November 1st 2023 by Thomas & Mercer and Brilliance Audio
Pages: 341
Audio Book Length: 10hrs 23min
Narrators: Hillary Huber and Brittany Pressley
Source: Purchased Audio & e-copy (Kindle Unlimited)
Rating: ★★★★½
My
Thoughts:
Maggie Bird enjoys her quiet life in Purity, Maine, running
her farm, and meeting up with friends. From the life she leads now in her 60s,
you’d never know she hasn’t always led the sedate kind of existence, and her past
has come crashing into her present when a woman shows up at her door bearing
some disturbing news on a past mission.
I absolutely enjoyed The Spy Coast! This first
installment alternated between events in Maggie’s past and how it spilled into
her present. A murder investigation and some attacks have made the local police
chief and long-time resident, Jo Thibadeau suspicious about the new-ish residents
in town. I have to say, while I thought the events in the past were important
for setting up the story and series, I enjoyed the chapters in the present
more. I felt so bad for Maggie when all about her past was revealed. While
Maggie has settled in and seems contented, I have hopes for a romance in the
future! I really liked Jo, the police chief, too! She had a sharp mind, and I can
see her making connections and friends with Maggie and her friends! My first
read by Tess Gerritsen and now I want more! I can’t wait for the next installment!
Hillary Huber and Brittany Pressley narrate, two favorites,
which definitely added to my enjoyment!
4.5 Stars
Book Description:
A retired CIA operative in small-town Maine tackles the ghosts of her past in this fresh take on the spy thriller from New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen.
Former spy Maggie Bird came to the seaside village of Purity, Maine, eager to put the past behind her after a mission went tragically wrong. These days, she’s living quietly on her chicken farm, still wary of blowback from the events that forced her early retirement.
But when a body turns up in Maggie’s driveway, she knows it’s a message from former foes who haven’t forgotten her. Maggie turns to her local circle of old friends—all retirees from the CIA—to help uncover the truth about who is trying to kill her, and why. This “Martini Club” of former spies may be retired, but they still have a few useful skills that they’re eager to use again, if only to spice up their rather sedate new lives.
Complicating their efforts is Purity’s acting police chief, Jo Thibodeau. More accustomed to dealing with rowdy tourists than homicide, Jo is puzzled by Maggie’s reluctance to share information—and by her odd circle of friends, who seem to be a step ahead of her at every turn.
As Jo’s investigation collides with the Martini Club’s maneuvers, Maggie’s hunt for answers will force her to revisit a clandestine career that spanned the globe, from Bangkok to Istanbul, from London to Malta. The ghosts of her past have returned, but with the help of her friends—and the reluctant Jo Thibodeau—Maggie might just be able to save the life she’s built.
Sounds like a good start to this series. I always like that small town Maine setting. And being a retired CIA spy seems to be a popular trope these days. ;D
ReplyDeleteFun that she has that secret background that comes out.
ReplyDeleteI think it's rude that some woman came and turned her life upside down exposing her past.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds good, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see this was good for you. It's an author on my list to read. Hopefully sooner than later.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
The Spy Coast was a captivating read for you! The blend of past and present elements creates a compelling narrative, and it's great to hear that the characters, particularly Maggie and Jo, left a strong impression. The suspense, combined with the hope for future romance and the excellent narration by Hillary Huber and Brittany Pressley, seems to have made this book an engaging experience. I can see why you’re excited for the next installment!
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Ooh, this sounds fun! I'm getting the feeling it's a good winter read (for me, at least), so I'm adding this to my TBR for sure!
ReplyDeleteSounds fascinating. I have been meaning to read more of Gerritsen.
ReplyDeleteSounds good, and I like that cover too
ReplyDelete