4.5 very strong stars! The Spy Coast was the first book that I had ever read by Tess Gerristen and boy was it a good one! It was the first book in a new series titled The Martini Club. Tess Gerritsen proved to me that she should be considered as a masterful and talented storyteller. She was able to incorporate just the right amount of suspense and mystery into her writing of The Spy Coast. It was fast paced and I enjoyed her character development throughout the book.

Maggie Bird was a sixty year old retired woman who had recently moved to Purity, Maine on the recommendation of a very old and dear friend. When Maggie first learned about Purity from her friend Declan Rose, Maggie had thought that she had finally found a place where she could live out the rest of her life. Maggie had been a CIA spy but everything changed for her after Operation Cyrano. Reluctantly, Maggie became involved in that operation but something went terribly wrong with it. Maggie did not hesitate to submit her resignation after that operation. That was the last operation Maggie ever worked on for the CIA. She was now the proud and content owner of Blackberry Farm. Maggie loved everything about her chicken farm and living in this quaint and quiet little town in Maine. She even participated in a book club whose members were also part of The Martini Club. All was good for Maggie until a dead woman was discovered on her driveway. Soon Maggie’s own life was threatened. Maggie had also became a target. Who wanted her dead and why? Operation Cyrano had been classified but the word was that it had been compromised and someone was seeking revenge. Will the members of The Martini Club be able to help Maggie figure out who was trying to kill her? Can they keep her safe?

The chapters in The Spy Coast alternated between Maggie’s past and present day life. It kept me at the edge of my seat. I am so glad that this is going to be a series and that there is going to be another book. Hopefully, most of the characters will return in the second book. In her author’s note, Tess Gerritsen explained where she got the inspiration to write this book. I found that very interesting. Overall, I really enjoyed reading The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen and highly recommend it.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! At first it felt like Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn, but it soon became edgier, and a little darker. More like the Bruce Willis movie Red. I think the author did a great job of giving each character time develop, and she cast enough attention on each antagonist to make you suspect them in turn. I’ve been a longtime reader of Gerriten’s and I look forward to more books in this new series.

This was an interesting book, the first in a series, I have read many books by this author, mainly from the Rizzoli and Isles series, this one is, as the title suggests, about a spy (one or more). Maggie Bird, 60, lives a quiet life on a rural Maine farm, she raises chickens and makes a modest income by selling the eggs they produce. She is friends with her neighbor and his granddaughter. Life is good, that is until she gets a visit from a woman asking if she remembers Diana, Maggie does, but doesn't let on. Not long after, this woman is dumped dead on Maggie's driveway, and not long after that someone takes a few shots at her, trying to scare her or silence her. Maggie is a former CIA agent, she last did a case some 16 years ago, Diana was the lead on that case. Several other former CIA agents live in a small town not far from Maggie, they all get together to discuss what they should do with the events from the past coming back to life. The story flashes back to the events from 16 years ago and what had happened. All very interesting I found and I would recommend. Thanks to #Netgalley and #Thomas and Mercer for the ARC.

This was so much fun.

You know when you read a book and just know it would be a fantastic movie? The Spy Coast is that for me. I could practically see the scenes play out in my head and I loved it.

This was so brilliantly paced and I didn’t want to put it down. I devoured this book.

I loved that the story jumped between the two storylines of the past and the present.

I loved all of these characters. I loved that underneath all the action-packed moments, this book was truly about friendship and I loved the found family aspect of the book.

I am so excited to read more about the Martini Club.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

EXCERPT: . . . she stopped and looked back at the farmhouse. The bedroom windows were now dark and the curtains were closed, but Jo wouldn't be surprised if the woman was watching them at this moment because, judging by all her security cameras, Maggie Bord was a watchful woman. An odd woman, whom Jo could not get a handle on. She thought of how unruffled she'd seemed about the body in her driveway, and wondered if that was simply due to the shock of the moment, and her true reaction was simply delayed. Perhaps the trauma would hit her tomorrow, and that's when she'd feel the terror that most people would feel when there's a murder victim on their premises.
Or maybe the woman really was as unflappable as she seemed. She glanced at Alfond and Dr. Wass, who were still crouched over the body, conferring over the wounds. Let them focus on the dead woman, Jo thought. She was going to focus on the one who was still very much alive.

ABOUT 'THE SPY COAST': 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 a great read. I loved the characters, especially Maggie. The plot is brilliantly paced, moving back and forth through time as Maggie's backstory is slowly revealed and what has happened in her past ties into the current events.

I have never been a great fan of spy stories - John Le Carre excepted - but The Spy Coast quickly reeled me in, probably because it's not your average spy story. It is extraordinary. I loved the retiree spy community, although it definitely isn't The Thursday Murder Club, which I loved. The Martini Club is on a whole nother level with no civilians involved.

This is a thriller that focuses heavily on friendship.

I am excited by the beginning of this series and loved Tess Gerritsen's explanation of how this novel came about, so make sure you read the author's note at the end. I will definitely be putting up my hand to read The Martini Club #2.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

#TheSpyCoast #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: Internationally bestselling author Tess Gerritsen took an unusual route to a writing career. A graduate of Stanford University, Tess went on to medical school at the University of California, San Francisco, where she was awarded her M.D.

While on maternity leave from her work as a physician, she began to write fiction. In 1987, her first novel was published.

Now retired from medicine, she writes full time. She lives in Maine.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

This is the first of Tess Gerritsen's books that I have read and it certainly will not be the last.

Fast paced, exciting, well plotted ad tense with a series of excellently drawn characters who all have fascinating back stories that are gradually teased out as the story develops.

This has all the hallmarks of a series and I look forward to future additions.

Entertaining and engaging story about retired spies who now face an unknown threat. Living in an unknown location in relative obscurity, Maggie Bird had hoped to live her retirement in peace until danger came knocking on her door at her farm. She enlists the help of some fellow retired spies along with the help of the local woman police chief to solve this and keep everyone, including her, safe. Some surprises, this reminded me a bit of RED (the movie) and the book, Killers of a Certain Age. And I loved it. I enjoy seeing older characters featured that are strong and smart, don't underestimate them. Some twists and turns, it kept me entertained. You can't go wrong reading this one. I was not familiar with Tess Gerritsen, but I look forward to discovering more books by her. Many thanks to #netgalley, #thespycoast #tessgerritsen for the opportunity to read and review this book. 4.5 / 5 stars.

Tess Gerritsen's new book is a real thriller - action packed from beginning to end. I couldn't put this book down. Her characters are all retired spies living in Maine - this would be a great new series featuring “the spies” for her to write. I always enjoy her books and this one is fantastic!

The very first book I ready by Tess Gerritsen was Vanish, a Rizzoli and Isles book. This led me to dive into the world of Rizzoli and Isles, the TV series. Picking up this latest book by the author was a given. I love the author's style of writing and the way suspense is built into her plots.

The Spy Coast is the first in a new series by the author and introduces us to a variety of characters. The beauty of these characters lies in that they are retired from the CIA, and happy in their quiet lives away from the bustle of cities. Maggie Bird, the main protagonist, is surprised by an unexpected visit that leads her down paths that were put away and well hidden in her past.

This story brings out events from sixteen years ago and the future, switching seamlessly in a way that only Tess Gerritsen can write. I love how she focuses on each character, giving each of them the importance that they deserve and explaining their relationship with Maggie. Each character has a role to play and as they learn to trust one another, the truth behind what happened sixteen years ago and how it impacts Maggie today is revealed. Imagine what happens when you bring 4 or 5 retired CIA agents back into the fold to solve a mystery surrounding one of their own. I guess once an agent, always an agent is a good way to describe the characters and the way they come together to solve the murders and save one of their own.

I loved the way the story developed and progressed. The pace is steady and the mystery well developed. I was hooked by the second page and didn't stop until the end. I have always been a fan of the books written by this author and even with this latest book, the feeling continues! I highly recommend this book for fans of a good mystery thriller and am looking forward to the next book in the series. I am sure that Maggie and her friends are just getting started!

I enjoyed this book. It was a little unbelievable at times but overall had a catchy storyline and some good twists.

4.5⭐This story is sure to surprise you. I have apparently been living under a rock because this is my first Tess Gerritsen book, and I am hooked. A gripping psychological thriller with compelling characters that captivated me from the very first page.

The story follows the life of Maggie Bird, a former spy who now resides in the seaside village of Purity, Maine. After a mission that went tragically wrong, she moved to Purity with the hope of leaving her past behind. Maggie now lives a quiet life on her chicken farm, but she still fears the repercussions of her past actions. But when a body turns up in Maggie’s driveway, she knows it’s a message from former foes who haven’t forgotten her. The acting police chief of Purity, Jo Thibodeau, is puzzled by Maggie's reluctance to share information with her. Jo is more accustomed to dealing with rowdy tourists than homicide and finds it difficult to understand Maggie's odd circle of friends, who always seem to be a step ahead of her.

The author skillfully portrays the relationships between characters in a realistic manner, which adds emotional depth to the reading experience. Additionally, the pacing of the novel is well-balanced. Gerritsen expertly blends action-packed scenes with quieter moments of character development, allowing readers to take a break while eagerly anticipating the next plot twist.

I adored Maggie and her retired spy crew, who were eager to utilize their useful skills once again. I wish I had a crew like that.

The book is a must-read for anyone who loves winter thrillers. The only criticism is that the repetitive dialogue about the characters' age, specifically their grey hair, is mentioned too frequently.

This was soooo good and I looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Content: closed-door/language

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Maggie Bird is a retired member of the CIA and thought she had put that life behind her after she moved to a chicken farm in Maine. As it turns out, she's been tracked down by former enemies who leave a dead body in her driveway. Not a neighbourly thing to do.

She asks her local circle of friends (all also retired CIA spooks) for help and things get complicated as the town's acting police chief, Jo Thibodeau, starts investigating the murder.

I enjoyed this Tess Gerritsen novel. The plotting was complex enough to keep me guessing and turning the pages. I do hope this is the start of a series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in return for an honest review.

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for a gifted digital copy of the book for my honest opinion.

I loved the retired spy theme and the remote retirement location of Maine. This book is great for fans of the Thursday Murder Club and Killers of a Certain Age. I look forward to another installment in this new series!

How long can you keep running for? Maggie has settled in Purity, Maine she has put down roots for the first time but someone is about to shatter it all. But why now after all this time? Jo knows that she will always have to prove to everyone that she has what it takes to be in Chief in Purity. She knows that there is something more to the story to the body that has been found in Maggie’s drive away. Firstly the person had been tortured and she is getting the impression that Maggie knows more than she is saying. But what is she hiding?
Maggie thought that her old life was behind her after she lost her husband Danny everything changed for her she has always blamed herself for that day as she couldn’t stop the plane crash. But someone wants her to pay for the past.
Can she & her friends find the killer? Will Jo beat them to it?
A great read. Jo is a strong woman that doesn’t give up easily and she will find the truth. Maggie & her friends are a good bunch they always look out for each other & even after all these years they still have what it takes to solve the crime.
Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the copy. This is my voluntary review.

I absolutely loved everything about this book. The intrigue. The mystery. The danger. The friendships. Jumping back and forth in time from young spies to retirees just wanting to be left alone. I will make read every book that comes out in this series.

An unusual spy thriller that was fun and just the right group of eccentric characters and dangerous missions.

Maggie Bird left her life as a spy and found a quiet little village outside of Maine along with other former spies to enjoy their early retirement. All is going well until a body turns up on Maggie’s driveway and the message is clear, her old enemies haven’t forgotten about her. These retired spies may not be on the clock anymore, but they still have some tricks they can use to help save each other when danger looms ahead. The group must also work around local police chief Jo Thibodeau as she tries to investigate the dead body and what else Maggie and her group are up to. The more they investigate, the more danger they all find themselves in and it’s up to Maggie to try and save the life she has built.

I didn’t realize when I started this book that Gerritsen is the author of the Rizzolli and Isles series, which I love. As I read more, I realized the writing was familiar as I continued to fly through the pages. Maggie was a fun and different character, the way she was trying to enjoy a quiet retirement and yet it was not meant to be, made the story that much more enjoyable. There were lots of moments throughout that were enjoyable and the ending twists were very nice. This is the start of a new series by Gerritsen and I can’t wait to see what else the series brings about. This will be a fun read for anyone that enjoys espionage thrillers.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC copy.
I was so excited when I saw a new Gerritsen novel was coming out. I flew through so many Rizzoli & Isles books years ago and remember being unable to put them down.
My hope for this new series was that it would be another one that would hook me from the start. Unfortunately, this first in the Martini Club series did not live up to my expectations or it just wasn't what I was hoping it would be. I was excited to see a story about older people who have since moved on from being spies but get pulled back in.

The many mentions of how 'old' these people are (they are in the early to mid-60s) seemed a bit much. The characters were not written with a lot of depth. I was taken out of the story more than several times by the repeated physical descriptions of characters and body shaming based on their size. One of the characters was a young teen girl who was described in many different ways that were insulting and unnecessary to the story.
In this world, larger bodies = bad, eat a lot, ugly, unattractive and small bodies = beautiful, rich, smart, successful. It got to me so badly that each time I came to another mention, it made me focus on it even more.
Maybe I just wasn't mindful of these things when I was reading the older books, I just don't remember. But there are so many other ways to build a character in a book. So disappointing.

That's my main beef, but the story itself was just fine for me too. It didn't feel realistic, or overly mysterious. The supposed 'romantic' storyline felt super contrived as well.

Five golden stars!! I’m going to start this by saying I adore this author but the title gave me pause as I’m not really into spy novels. If you feel the same …. Do not let this title fool you. Yes they’re a “spyish” element but really this is a fantastic Tess novel in the style we have come to love. The characters are down to earth and so well written. The setting is amazing. And the suspense oozes throughout. I loved the main character and I loved the storyline. It had twists and turns. I really felt for the main character as this story was woven. This was a read in one sitting, can’t put it down book for me. I was that captured by the characters lives. Twists turns and suspense with one heck of an explosive ending.
A must read.

I loved this spy thriller from Tess Gerritsen! It is a fresh take starring a cast of characters that sort of reminds me of the movie "Reds" about retired spies. But this is not dark humor and is deadly serious. The characters really make this series stand out, especially Maggie, whose past is catching up with her. Give this book a read and thanks for the ARC! I will definitely recommend this to my readers and book club members at the library.

Tess Gerritsen knocked it out of the park with her first foray into the spy thriller genre. I’m not usually a fan of the spy novel due to the lack of focus on character development. In the last one I read, you could have replaced the lead with a cardboard cutout, and no one would have noticed. “The Spy Coast” is of course full of suspense and intrigue but most importantly, interesting characters. I loved the quirky retired superheroes that make up the Martini Club as well as the unflappable small-town cop, Jo. I didn’t realize starting this book that it is going to be a series, but I am so excited to return to this group and see what happens next!

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.