This was a fun read with a different take on a spy novel. These aren't the debonair and beautiful people sipping champagne but a bunch of 60 somethings retired in a small town on the Maine coast, Purity. Maggie is perfectly happy living a life raising chickens when a dead body is dropped on her property and they are pulled back into all the intrigue but now with creaky bones.

I thought the characters could be a little more developed but since this is #1 in a series I am hoping this is just a foundation and we learn more about Maggie, Declan and the rest of the gang in coming books. Jo Thibodeaux is the town's police chief. Not much was said about her either but hopefully in the next book.

The story had just enough intrigue to keep me interested without overwhelming me with a convoluted plot line.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for providing me with a digital copy.

I enjoyed reading this one and there are no hot James Bond spooks, but retired experienced friends that live in a little place where they live their boring lives until someone leaves a dead body on the driveway of one "gang" ... the search and solving the puzzle kept me well past my bedtime and I am not sorry for that. I can't wait to read the next case that Martini Club will solve.

I have to admit, stories featuring retirees living their best lives have become my favorite genre. Reads like The Thursday Murder Club or Killers of a Certain Age, where being older and retired doesn't mean you're old and boring, are fantastic! And The Spy Coast definitely takes it's place here, featuring Maggie, a former CIA agent living in Maine and tending her chickens until her former life breaks (literally) into her quiet retirement. She discovers someone from her past is looking for revenge and she needs to resolve things before it ruins her new life in Maine.
I loved this premise, and how the story is told with two timelines. The first is the present-day where Maggie discovers that someone is looking for her and possibly more. The second starts several years in the past as Maggie works on various intelligence assignments for the Agency.
Because this was a spy thriller with shady characters and lots of mistrust, I was constantly analyzing the characters in Maggie's life, both past and present. I suspected everyone because to a large extent, so did Maggie. I loved that because it kept me hooked and turning pages as fast as I could.
I also love the so-called Martini Club! A collection of retired spies who gather for amazing potluck dinners, top shelf whiskey, and book club? Yes. I'm in! These characters were great and I absolutely wanted more of them on the pages. This looks like the start of a series, so I'm definitely hoping each book features the POV of another Martini Club member.
Fast-paced, great characters, a compelling mystery, and good writing really work to make this a quick but enjoyable read!

OK, I may be making a mountain out of a molehill here, but you know who else did? The author (or her first-person POV from Maggie Bird) when she kept reminding the reader how fat and unattractive and a bad dresser that Bella is. A TEENAGER. Is this all adults see when they look at a CHILD - if she's good looking or not? Her visual flaws?

I came across this book while I was checking out the latest offerings on Net Galley. I will be honest upfront.....I had never read a book by Ms. Tess Gerritsen and when I read the summary of this book, I thought that I would give it a chance and all I can say is that I am glad that I did. My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.

The novel is centered around a former retired CIA agent, Maggie, who has decided to retire to the quiet community of Purity, ME where she has decided to purchase an isolated farm in rural Maine. This is not an isolated occurrence as a number of her former colleagues have done the same and apparently, this is the beginning of a new series where she and her former comrades share a series of their adventures.

This adventure begins when a dead body is dumped in her driveway and Maggie comes to the conclusion that her past has come back to haunt her as ties to her final mission (Operation: Cyrano) come back after sixteen years.

The plot goes back and forth in time as the story switches POVs, and tends to be a bit choppy as a whole but everything moves along at a quick pace. I am glad to see that this is the first book in a new series (and I can follow a new group of characters from the beginning).

On a five-star scale, I would give this book a solid five stars as this is a well-plotted espionage suspense/thriller with plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments, action, tears, and humor. I highly recommend this first Martini Club book and I cannot wait to get the next book in the series!.

As with most of my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.

I loved this riveting new book from Tess Gerritsen. 'The Spy Coast (Book 1 in The Martini Club series) is actually the first novel I’ve read from the renowned author. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Thomas & Mercer for the advanced reader copy.
The story takes us to the quaint seaside village of Purity, Maine, where former spy Maggie Bird is trying to live a quiet life on her chicken farm. But the author doesn't let her – or us – off the hook that easily. When a body shows up in Maggie's driveway, her past as a CIA operative comes roaring back, and the peaceful small-town setting is turned on its head.
The premise is what made me pick up this book. Last year I watched a gritty ex-spy film called Lou starring Allison Janey and I got those vibes. If the Spy Coast were ever turned into a film I’d cast Allison Janie as the protagonist, Maggie.
Maggie Bird is a character with layers. She's left the high-stakes world of international espionage, seeking solace after a mission gone tragically wrong, but her past refuses to stay buried. Gerritsen brilliantly portrays Maggie's strength and savvy, making her someone you can't help but root for.
I thought the The Martini Club, added a wonderful dimension to this story, a group of friends all retired CIA spies who haven’t forgotten their skills. Watching them team up to uncover who’s after Maggie, using their old spy tricks in the tranquility of Purity, Maine, adds warmth to the narrative.
The local acting police chief, Jo Thibodeau, is another character who stands out. Jo's puzzlement over Maggie’s secretive nature and her suspicions that there’s more than meets the eye in the local book club of retirees calling themselves The Martini Club.. The dynamic between the Martini Club and Jo, as they navigate the complex situation of investigating the same crime separately is palpable, We feel Jo’s frustrations.
Throughout the novel, Gerritsen takes us on a journey through Maggie's past – from Bangkok to Istanbul, London to Malta. Each flashback is a piece of the puzzle, adding to the depth and intrigue of the story. The writing is sharp, clear, and immersive, with a pacing that keeps the adrenaline pumping without sacrificing the story’s depth.
Although part of a series this book concludes the main story and simply leaves open the idea that there will be more adventures for the members of the Martini Club and their local acting police chief.
The Spy Coast' is thrilling, entertaining, thought-provoking and beautifully written. It's a must-read for fans of thrillers, espionage, or anyone who loves great storytelling. I can't wait to see what's next for The Martini Club.

Maggie, former CIA operative, is living out her retirement on the coast of Maine. She is actually raising chickens. But, when a dead body shows up in her driveway, she knows it is time for her to come out of retirement.

I love all of Maggie’s “friends”. They sure do get Jo, the local police chief, all worked up on more than one occasion. Not only are the “friends” creative and sarcastic…they have Maggie’s back, even when she does not want them to….sounds like good friends to me!

I love how this story seems complex but it really isn’t…clear as mud. Well, you will have to read it to find out. It is more about revenge but there are a lot secrets which keep coming unveiled and you slowly become aware of what is actually occurring. Very thrilling and smart plot!

It has been a while since I have read a Tess Gerritsen novel. And WHY? No idea, but I can not wait for the next one! I will say, this is a pretty dang good start to a good series!

Need an outstanding spy novel with great characters…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I recently read an interview with Tess Gerritsen about this new series. She said that there really are a lot of retired spies living in Maine, where she also lives, and when she met a few that was the inspiration for this new Series. I never really thought about where old spies go to rusticate. I guess Maine is as good a place as any other. Maggie and her fellow retired spies make for an intelligent, well-paced spy thriller. I was drawn in with the depiction of Maggie's bucolic Maine farm. But even the picture-perfect existence has its' predators and Maggie must dig into her past to find the answer to her present threat. But she is not alone. She has friends to help, if she would let them.

In Paris former CIA operative Diana knows she is being stalked and she runs. In Purity, Maine former CIA agent Maggie gets a visit about an operation from 16 years ago. A breach in the CIA database has unleashed secrets that are having deadly consequences.

Maggie Bird left the CIA after a mission that cost her more than she was willing to lose. The peace of the seaside village of Purity, Maine, her farm and her friends are a balm to her ravaged soul, at least until her past intrudes on her present. When a body is left in her driveway, Maggie knows whoever is behind the torture and murder means business. Maggie and her friends, all retired CIA, know the local law enforcement won't be able to solve the murder and that it was a message to Maggie. She and her friends and their still considerable resources will be needed to keep Maggie safe and find the person behind this.

Acting Police Chief, Jo Thibodeau, has a lot of questions and is getting no answers from Maggie or her friends, the "Martini Club". Jo knows there is more this group of retirees, but no one is giving her any answers to the many questions she has. But they all seem to have information Jo desperately needs.

After an attempt on her life Maggie receives a cryptic massage that sends her to Bangkok and eventually to the answers Maggie needs to save an innocent life. Along the way She also relives the most tragic period of her life and finally comes to term with what happened 16 years ago in Malta.

My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐆𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐧
4.5 ⭐️
Publication date: November 1, 2023

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
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.

𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
"The Spy Coast" is the first book in Gerritsen's "The Martini Club" series, and I cannot wait to read more about Maggie and her retired spy friends. With its idyllic setting, unique plot, and charming characters, there was a lot to love about this book. The story is told from multiple points of view with flashbacks to Maggie's days in the CIA, creating a fast-paced plot and well-developed main characters. It took a few chapters before I really got hooked, but once I did, I could not put this book down. A very fun and entertaining spy thriller with surprising twists that I highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for the Digital Review Copy.

“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.”

I’m excited this is the first in a series. As I reach a “certain age,” I love reading about the over-60 set still using their faculties and running circles around the younguns. I loved this group of retired spies in the middle of nowhere, Maine. Gerritsen establishes their rapport and connections well here, and I look forward to more of their story.

I LOVED the character of the acting police chief, Jo Thibodeau. Her no-nonsense, people-smart approach had me 100% in her camp. I could read a whole book just about her.

This story has a lot going on. It has been a minute since I have read anything from Tess Gerritsen, and this was a great way to get back into her books. I really love the premise for this story. The retired agents are an interesting group that keep you guessing. I thought the two intertwined stories keep the story moving and interesting. I look forward to the next one.

I have never read a Tess Gerritsen book but was really impressed. She's a great writer who is able to balance suspense, character development and world-building.

I am not a big spy novel fan but this was the perfect level of spy intrigue for me. I think it would make a great pick for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, (which also features some retired spies) or Killers of a Certain Age.

Will definitely be checking out more of her books!

Smart, self-deprecating and pacy, this novel could easily be the love child of Slow Horses and The Thursday Murder Club. When a dead body shows up in Maggie Bird’s New England driveway, the former CIA operative (now in her 60s) gets drawn back into her past life of espionage and must recruit a few retired spy neighbours to help out. Gerritsen, a former physician whose bestselling Rizzoli & Isles procedurals spawned the popular cable TV show starring Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander, was inspired by Maine’s real-life community of retired intelligence operatives and hopes The Spy Coast will be the first in a long series. So do I.

Delighted to include this title in the November edition of Novel Encounters, my column highlighting the month’s most anticipated fiction for the Books section of Zoomer, Canada’s national culture magazine. (see column and mini-review at link)

Tess Gerritsen is one author that has been on my favourites list for many, many years. She really is a top-notch storyteller with writing that draws you in. I like this latest one for its cast of spies in my age range! I also enjoyed the sprinklings of humor and romance.

I’m already looking forward to the next instalment and hope that this will become a long series.

One disappointment that made me deduct a star is the frequent swearing. Is it not possible for people to write books without those words that grate on my nerves?

4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.

This was an OK international thriller. I didn't find it especially exciting. I didn't connect with the characters and disagree with comparisons to Thursday Murder Club, given that the lead character is only 60. It's also lacking humor and fun, which is in abundance with TMC.

This doesn't feel like a new release, especially with how negatively it dealt with overweight characters. Heavy characters "waddle," and the teen "friend" is described negatively repeatedly. Also the very helpful main character suggests to the same teenager that she stop wearing pink because it's unflattering.

What happens when the past catches up with old spies who are trying to put it behind them? As a fan of the Rizzoli series I had no idea what to expect from this and I wasn't disappointed!

Maggie has settled into what she believes is a non descript peaceful town when odd things start happening around her. It is quickly evident that someone from her past has a score to settle, and anyone around her will be collateral damage. The threat to her new life is enough to make Maggie revisit the past for some much needed answers and closure.

As the local law enforcement tries to figure out what is going on in the sleepy little town, Maggie's comrades close ranks to protect one of their own, bound by a history of missions that cannot be discussed, but clearly with abilities that have not diminished.

Maggie was interesting to me, someone who was stuck in the past while existing in the present. I would have liked a little more action that would have allowed all of the characters to showcase their skills, but I am hoping this is not the last adventure with this group, whom each surely have enough secrets to fill another book or two!

The ending was not unexpected although the way you arrive at that point was a little surprising. Oddly the jumping from past to present didn't bother me that much in this book as it does in others. It also left a few loose ends that can be explored. I enjoyed this new character.
** I was given a copy by NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review

I really enjoyed this fast paced thriller. The characters were well written and the back story gave an extra depth to the novel. Great read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me access to a review copy of this book. Would completely recommend.

When a dead body interrupts her quiet retirement on the Maine coast, Maggie Bird is dragged back into a life she thought she left behind decades ago. Alternating between past & present, this book jumps right in and keeps your attention the whole time!

I was hesitant to read this one because I absolutely hate spy novels.....but I LOVE Tess Gerritsen. I've read all of her books and they're always amazing. I started this book and immediately the writing was enthralling. I read a lot of crime fiction but something about the voice Tess Gerritsen with is distinctive and I love it. I blew right through the book. My favorite thing about this book was how she managed to ground all the characters so well that even though it's a book with a lot of spy elements and crazy things going down, it doesn't feel like an out-of-control James Bond situation.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good spy story, but also to anyone who enjoys a well written quick read, even if spies aren't their thing!

Loved this as I love anything by Tess Gerritsen. Love the camaraderie/ found family of her book club drinking club of CIA retirees and the romance subplot. Have been looking for a spy thriller like this with a tough female lead

This is my first Tess Gerritsen novel and I was very impressed. When I added it to good reads to review and saw it was Martini Club #1 and I just knew with all the character development this had to be turned into a series. The author gives us a fun and exciting story of a crew of ex-spies (now in their 60s and 70s) all of whom have retired to a town called Purity, in Maine.

This book follows a woman named Maggie Bird as she is forced to relive her last case.. one we learn that was very personal and painful.

The Spy Coast opens when she’s visited by a stranger asking after someone from her past. She’s worried her identity and location have been discovered though things get worse when the stranger is murdered and dumped in her driveway.

Gerritsen sets this in two timeframes and both are really engaging. I loved the story of Maggie’s younger years. She falls in love but then forced to combine work and pleasure and things go badly. She feels very betrayed and happily walks away from it all, but of course now sixteen years later, someone from that time seems to have re-emerged.

In the present we meet her former colleagues of course, as well as a neighbour and his delightful (slightly wayward) 14 year old daughter. And then there’s Jo, the Acting Chief of Police who’s investigating the body dumped in Maggie’s driveway, and later an attempt on Maggie’s life.

I loved the strong backstory and offers a really good foundation for the events in the present and Gerritsen times the telling of the past beautifully with the perfect amount of foreshadowing.