I absolutely loved this book! The second installment in the series did not disappoint—it was everything I hoped for and more. From the small-town setting to the nail-biting mysteries, I couldn’t put it down.

The story kicks off with Zoe’s disappearance, and just when I thought I had a handle on things, a decades-old corpse turns up and completely changes the game. The way the two mysteries were layered together was brilliant, and the twists kept me guessing until the very end.

What really made this book special for me were the characters. Maggie Bird and her Martini Club friends feel so real—like people I’d want to hang out with (if they weren’t ex-spies constantly in danger!). And Detective Jo adds such a great balance to the mix with her determination and sharp instincts. The alternating viewpoints, especially from Zoe’s mom and the mysterious neighbor Reuben, added so much depth and kept me totally hooked.

The writing is just incredible—Tess Gerritsen knows how to build a story that’s complex without ever being confusing. I was so impressed by how well the mystery around the Conovers was handled, with every twist feeling natural and earned.

This series has quickly become one of my favorites, and I’m already dying to read the next book. If you haven’t started it yet, you’re missing out—I’ll be recommending it to everyone I know!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

When former spy Maggie Bird retired to the seaside hamlet of Purity, Maine, she settled in for a quiet life with breathtaking views. But enemies from her past soon threatened to destroy everything.

Maggie survived, thanks to her wits and the collective intelligence of the Martini Club, the circle of ex-CIA friends in her cocktail-sipping book club. Their handiwork, however, caught the attention of young police chief Jo Thibodeau. Now Jo and her neighborhood ex-spies have an uneasy alliance.

After a teenager vanishes—and Maggie’s neighbor becomes the prime suspect—she joins the investigation, determined to prove her friend’s innocence. But the girl’s wealthy family pushes for an arrest. And when authorities discover a long-dead corpse in a nearby pond, the case becomes doubly complicated, with unthinkable ties to long-buried secrets.

As Jo grapples with two unexplained mysteries, the Martini Club races to uncover the truth behind shadowy secrets…before more lives are lost.

Loved it. Am a huge fan of the author. Will recommend to others.

Tess Gerritsen delivers again! Our intrepid Martini Club proves invaluable in solving mysteries aplenty. This had me following all the twist and turns and still not seeing what was coming around the next curve in the road. Read this!

I read and loved the first book in the series, The Spy Coast, so I was eager to get an early copy of The Summer Guests. I loved both books, but I think they felt different to me. You can definitely read the second one as stand alone. The first book spend a lot of time on the backstories of the retired spies who live in Purity, Maine, and indeed the mystery in the first book dredges up their pasts. The second book spends a lot less time focusing on the five former spies, and more on the characters who are local to Purity, and the disappearance of a girl from a fancy lake house in town. I have to say, I sort of missed my elderly spy friends as a lot of the book did not focus on them! With that said, it doesn't diminish from the plot in this second book. The first book felt a little more like a spy thriller, and this second one feels a bit more like a small town mystery. For me the book was not predictable -- there were so many threads to unravel and it wasn't a simple whodunit. Kept me on my toes! I really enjoyed it and will definitely be awaiting future books in the series.

Name of Book: The Summer Guests
Series: The Martini Club #2
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Pub Date: March 18, 2025
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Pages: 336


We were introduced to Maggie Bird in [book: The Spy Coast] Book #1 - ‘The Martini Club’ series”.
Maggie turned sixty and retired to Purity, Maine, ~ Several other retired CIA officers have already retired there and are busy doing retirement things- gardening, raising chickens, and reading books for their’ Martini Club’ book club gathering.
This group doesn’t tell anyone they're ex-Agency - once a secret agent, always a secret agent
In that story we also get acquainted with Purity’s acting police chief; Jo Thibodeau. She is tough and accustomed to rowdy tourists.

In this story a teenager vanishes—Maggie’s friend and neighbor is the prime suspect. Maggie is sure her friend is innocent. The girl’s wealthy family wants an arrest.
And when authorities discover a long-dead corpse in a nearby pond, the case becomes doubly complicated, with unthinkable ties to long-buried secrets.

This is my twenty-seventh Tess Gerritsen|novel.
I love her stories and call myself a fan!
I love reading the Author’s notes and/or Acknowledgements and understand this story in Maine as Dr. Gerritson and her husband Jacob more live in Maine.

Yes I enjoy anything she writes but have to admit I sooo wish she would write another
Rizzoli and Isles story!!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 18, 2025.

The Spy Coast, the first book in this series, is one of the best starts to a series that I have read so I was a little nervous to read this one, but thankfully it was a good read as well. Set only in Maine this time, the Martini Club is back and happy to insert themselves into the search for a missing girl. The resolution to the mystery is engaging and different, and I liked the way the pieces all came together. I hope to see the Martini Club again in future books.

I love Tess Gerritsen books and this did not disappoint. I came across this book on NetGalley and realized it was the 2nd in the Martini Club series so I had to read the first one first. I've been a fan of hers for a long time, but never had read this series. I am so glad I found it on NetGalley. The main characters are retired agents/spies and it's fun to see them figuring out cases along side the police at their age. Love this series!!

This was the second installment of the Martini Club, I enjoyed this as much if not more than the first one. I'm loving all the members , especially Maggie and Declan, There is something to be said about more mature characters putting their life experiences and training to good use in finding a missing girl. Liked the three main POV , Maggie, Jo and Susan, Can't wait for the next one!

The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen is the second book in the Martini Club series. I very much enjoyed the first, The Spy Coast and this was - as much, if not even more - enjoyable. From memory the investigation in the first book centred around the former CIA (et al) club members' old lives whereas this is more of a straight-forward whodunnit (and as importantly whydunnit). And I was rivetted. I adored catching up with the Martini Club members again though Maggie (again) was the standout and our lead character, along with Purity Police Chief Jo Thibodeau, who we met in the first outing.

We also spend a lot of time here with the likeable Susan, who's holidaying with her in-laws for the first time at their palatial holiday home in Purity when her very trustworthy and sensible 15 year old daughter, Zoe disappears.

Complicating matters here are long-held small-town grievances... not to mention bones discovered in the lake where Zoe was last seen.

But Jo's on the case and discouraging the Martini Club's involvement, at the same time knowing she can't stop them or discount the help they're providing as they're uniquely qualified and absurdly talented at digging up information not accessible to most.

I hadn't really remembered the club members and their respective strengths and Gerritsen doesn't really spend (or perhaps waste?) time reminding us who is who, or at least giving us much backstory. I appreciated that as it means the pacing of the novel is uninterrupted, but I did perhaps not feel as connected to them as I recall feeling first time out. Though I assume after a few books they'll stick in my mind - which is the case with other series I enjoy. (On that note) I noticed Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club series is being adapted for the small screen and this would also be an exceptionally good series with quirky characters who just don't take no for an answer, but who do so with guileless determination rather than arrogance.

Gerritsen throws us some red herrings here and goes down the conspiracy route again (long-buried government secrets to which the former CIA agents are privy) but, as I'm not a huge fan of white-collar-crime, I appreciated the direction this takes.

I really enjoyed this and found it hard to put down both evenings I picked it up. There's something warm and familiar about the characters, though it's not quite a 'comfort read'. Here for example the baddie's treatment of Zoe is astoundingly callous it morphs from a cosy(ish) read into something more evil and quite shocking even to this reader-of-books-regularly-featuring-sociopaths-and-psychopaths.

4.5 stars

Gerritsen is a great writer and this book is no exception. It's chilling and exciting and most of all an adventure to read. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the free eARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

This book was such a quick and fun read. The Summer Guests tells the story of the disappearance of Zoe Conover, the step granddaughter of a wealthy family at their summer home in Maine. There are a lot of moving parts, subplots and red herrings thrown into the plot, but they all add interesting elements to the story. I loved revisiting Police Chief Jo Thibodeau and The Martini Club members. I really enjoy a quick and smart police procedural and look forward to the next installment in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another entertaining mystery in Purity, ME. The Martini Club steps in, uninvited, to help the Purity police chief locate a missing girl. I am enjoying this series, and I look forward to reading more about the crimes and secrets of this small Maine community.

Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and Tess Gerritsen for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

This is book 2 in the Martini Club series and I read them back to back!

I really enjoyed this book, it was a lovely pace and I raced through the pages. I enjoyed catching up with Maggie and her friends and it was great to have some characters from the first book included too. It he story is told from several points of view so it’s good to see how the book ties together. It kept me on the edge of my seat and there were some great twists!

The Summer Guests picks up a couple of months after The Spy Coast. Everything seems to be back to normal for the retired spies in Purity, but then a teenage summer guest goes missing and the last people to see her alive are returning characters Callie and Luther Yount. Can Maggie and the Martini Club members and Police Chief Jo Thibodeau find Zoe Conover before it’s too late?

Another great Tess Gerritsen Martini Club adventure. Lots of twists and red herrings throughout to keep the reader wanting more. Can't wait for their next adventure 4.5 stars

I loved the Spy Coast and I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book. It was a great follow up and I loved it. Seventy year old ex CIA agents, what is not to love. I have long been a fan of Tess Gerritsen and will read and almost always recommend anything she writes. Please keep this series going!!

I LOVED The Spy Coast, and was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of the second installment in the series, The Summer Guests. This series follows a group of former (spy) coworkers, who retire in the small town of Purity, Maine, and retired or not, spies will always find something to investigate.

While The Summer Guests was still enjoyable, I will say I liked the first book significantly more. I wasn't able to put it down, whereas The Summer Guests I was more lazily reading through. This plotline just didn't grab me quite as much. I will still be continuing to read this series as I'm attached to the characters and want to see what they do next. I'd put my rating at about a 3.75.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tess Gerritsen and Thomas & Mercer for this advanced copy of The Summer Guests, publishing March 18, 2025.

🍸 The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen 🕵️‍♀️🌊

Get ready for secrets, suspense, and a healthy dose of espionage! In The Summer Guests, Tess Gerritsen spins a thrilling tale of mystery and friendship in the quiet seaside town of Purity, Maine. When ex-CIA agent Maggie Bird’s peaceful retirement is threatened by a string of dark events, she and her book club of fellow retired spies—the Martini Club—jump back into action. Alongside Police Chief Jo Thibodeau, they’re out to solve two gripping mysteries: a missing teenager and a long-buried body with secrets that refuse to stay hidden.

With a cast of sharp, intriguing characters and unexpected twists around every corner, this novel kept me hooked from start to finish. Gerritsen perfectly balances small-town charm with high-stakes tension, making it impossible to put down. If you love thrillers with a dash of spy intrigue and unforgettable friendships, The Summer Guests is a must-read! I found this sways to the cozy side, but just barely!

BTW, this is the second in the series, which I picked up on quickly, but kept struggling to figure out what the first book was. It took me a bit, but I did figure it out. I do recommend reading these in order. Otherwise it will give away some major spoilers.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 /5

Would you join a “spy” book club like the Martini Club? 🍸Personally, I say "Sign Me Up!'

Love this new series and can't wait to read more - a really clever twakeon small town inhabitants and mystery. I also love that the main character group is older. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Tess Gerritsen’s latest thriller, The Summer Guests, is a masterful blend of suspense, mystery, and character-driven storytelling. As the second installment in the Martini Club series, this novel plunges us back into the lives of four retired CIA operatives who have settled in a quaint town in Maine, only to find themselves embroiled in yet another gripping case.

The story begins with the disappearance of a local teenager, a case that quickly reveals unsettling connections to the Martini Club’s own pasts. Gerritsen expertly weaves together multiple plot threads, creating a tapestry of intrigue that spans decades. The narrative is fast-paced, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that compels you to keep reading.

One of Gerritsen’s strengths lies in her ability to create complex, relatable characters. The members of the Martini Club are no exception. Each character is meticulously developed, with their own backstories and motivations that add depth to the narrative. The dynamic between the club members is particularly engaging, as their camaraderie and shared history provide both tension and moments of levity.

The Summer Guests explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the long shadows cast by past actions. Gerritsen delves into the psychological impact of the characters’ former lives as spies, examining how their pasts continue to influence their present. This introspective element adds a layer of emotional resonance to the thriller, making it more than just a page-turner.

Gerritsen’s writing is crisp and evocative, with vivid descriptions that bring the setting to life. The small-town atmosphere is beautifully rendered, creating a stark contrast to the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface. Her dialogue is sharp and realistic, further immersing the reader in the story.

In The Summer Guests, Tess Gerritsen delivers a thrilling, emotionally charged narrative that will satisfy both long-time fans and newcomers to the series. With its well-crafted plot, richly drawn characters, and thought-provoking themes, this novel is a standout in the thriller genre. Whether you’re a fan of crime fiction or psychological thrillers, The Summer Guests is a must-read that promises to leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Martini Club series.

The Summer Guests is the second book in the Martini Club series and to really get a feel for the characters read the books in order. A teenage girl goes missing in one of the quiet neighborhoods of Purity, Maine. A search for the girl turns up bones at the bottom of the lake but not those of the teenager. The retired spies of the Martini Club led by Maggie Bird step up to help the young police chief Jo Thibodeau find the girl and solve a murder from the past. The girl’s rich family is hiding long buried secrets that Maggie and her friends must use their unique skills to uncover while keeping the innocent out of prison and finding and protecting the teenager. Unpredictable and intriguing, the story is a twisted mystery that I didn’t want to put down. The Martini Club members are spunky, intelligent, and interesting characters that just keep getting better the more you read them. I love this series so much that the next book in the series will automatically go on my to be read shelf. My voluntary, unbiased, and non-mandatory review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.