The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen

*** Review ***

Tess Gerritsen’s The Spy Coast is a refreshing take on the spy thriller, offering a blend of intrigue, mystery, and the bonds of friendship. Set against the backdrop of a small town in Maine, the story revolves around retired CIA operative Maggie Bird, who seeks a quiet life on her chicken farm after a mission gone awry. However, her past comes knocking when a body appears in her driveway, a clear message from enemies she thought she left behind. To uncover the truth, Maggie turns to her circle of old CIA friends, dubbed the “Martini Club,” who may be retirees but still possess the skills to unearth secrets. As they navigate the unfolding danger, they face obstacles in the form of Purity’s acting police chief, Jo Thibodeau, and a plot that weaves through time and place.

What makes The Spy Coast stand out is its combination of an engrossing storyline with a group of older, retired CIA agents, a refreshing twist in the espionage genre. The characters, led by the determined and resourceful Maggie, are a delightful mix of personalities, and their camaraderie adds depth to the narrative. The inclusion of a young police chief, Jo Thibodeau, offers an interesting contrast, and her interactions with the seasoned retirees provide humor and a fresh perspective.

The storytelling is structured with a series of well-executed flashbacks, which offer insight into the characters’ past and the historical events that haunt them. This narrative technique adds depth and complexity to the plot, providing a well-rounded understanding of the characters and the mission that binds them. Readers are taken on a journey from the serene Maine countryside to far-flung locations such as Bangkok, Istanbul, Malta, and Italy, all vividly brought to life.

What truly shines in this book is the premise—a group of retirees pulled back into the espionage world, ready to use their dormant skills. The notion of these former spies navigating the challenges of retirement, where naps become part of their daily routine, is not only humorous but also relatable to those who have embraced retired life.

The plot offers a satisfying blend of intrigue, suspense, and espionage, with the operation code-named “Cyrano” at its core. It takes a bit of time for the story to find its rhythm, with a somewhat convoluted start, but once it does, the narrative becomes engaging and the pace rises appropriately. The tension and suspense escalate as the story unfolds, with unexpected twists and betrayals, adding depth and intrigue to the plot.

While the characters of Maggie and Jo are well-developed, some of the other members of the Martini Club are not fully fleshed out, suggesting room for further exploration in future books in the series. The ending, while featuring surprises, does seem to lose a bit of momentum.

In summary, The Spy Coast is an entertaining dive into espionage, friendship, and the secrets that bind past and present. Despite a somewhat slow start and minor character development issues, the engaging plot, relatable characters, and the allure of a retired CIA group make it an intriguing and enjoyable read. It’s clear that Tess Gerritsen has set the stage for more adventures with the Martini Club, and I’m looking forward to what comes next in this promising series.