The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen comes another suspenseful thriller: a gripping follow-up to The Spy Coast. Set in the seemingly peaceful seaside town of Purity, Maine, The Martini Club Mystery plunges readers into a world of secrets, spies, and suspense. This story brings back the unforgettable characters of the Martini Club—a group of former CIA operatives who now enjoy a quieter life but remain as sharp and strategic as ever.
Maggie Bird’s New Life Takes a Dangerous Turn
Maggie Bird, once a skilled and resourceful spy, had hoped for peace when she retired to Purity. With the ocean as her backdrop and a book club for social comfort, she imagined the rest of her life would be quiet and serene. However, her past had other plans. Not long after settling into her new home, Maggie was forced to face threats from enemies who had not forgotten her. Thankfully, she wasn’t alone.
With help from her loyal friends in the Martini Club—fellow retirees who also once served as intelligence agents—Maggie managed to protect her new life. These smart and seasoned allies are more than just bookworms with a taste for martinis. They’re thinkers, strategists, and defenders. Together, they make a formidable team.
A Young Police Chief Joins the Scene
Their actions, however, didn’t go unnoticed. Jo Thibodeau, the town’s young and determined police chief, began to take interest in the group’s activities. Suspicious at first, Jo soon recognized that the Martini Club’s unusual skills could be useful. Although their relationship began with tension, Jo and the club gradually formed an uneasy but necessary alliance.
A Teen Goes Missing—and the Town Reacts
Just as things start to settle down again, the town is rocked by the disappearance of a local teenager. The sudden mystery sends waves of fear through the community. Even worse, suspicion quickly falls on Maggie’s neighbor—a quiet man who has long kept to himself.
While the police begin their official investigation, Maggie is compelled to step in. She is convinced that her neighbor is innocent and is determined to help prove it. Despite being retired, her instincts as a spy haven’t dulled, and she can’t ignore the feeling that something about the case doesn’t add up.
The Pressure Builds
As the investigation unfolds, the girl’s wealthy and influential family begins to exert pressure on law enforcement. They demand answers, arrests, and results. This adds to the urgency of the situation and places Jo in a difficult position. Torn between following proper procedure and responding to public demand, Jo must carefully navigate the rising tension.
Meanwhile, Maggie and the Martini Club begin their own inquiry. They follow the clues, uncover inconsistencies, and work in the shadows, determined to find out the truth. What starts as a search for a missing teen soon turns into something much more complex.
A Shocking Discovery
Then, something unexpected happens: a long-dead body is discovered in a pond not far from town. Suddenly, the investigation is no longer just about a missing girl. Now, Jo and her team must face the fact that Purity holds older, darker secrets than anyone imagined.
This second mystery adds layers of complexity to the case. Are the two incidents connected? Who is the dead person from the past? And why are these events unfolding now?
Secrets from the Past Resurface
As the Martini Club digs deeper, they begin to uncover links between the current mystery and buried secrets from their own pasts. Long-forgotten missions, shadowy contacts, and unresolved tensions begin to resurface. The line between their old lives and their new reality begins to blur.
For Maggie, this case becomes personal. Her efforts to protect her neighbor and solve the crime are no longer just about justice—they’re about redemption. She knows that the past always finds a way to come back, and this time, it may cost them everything.
Jo’s Dilemma
At the same time, Jo finds herself caught in the middle. She respects the Martini Club’s abilities, but she also has a duty to uphold the law. Balancing trust, suspicion, and responsibility, Jo must decide how far she’s willing to go—and who she’s willing to trust—to get to the truth.
With the town watching closely and the stakes growing higher, Jo and the Martini Club must join forces once again. Only by working together can they hope to untangle the web of lies, protect the innocent, and uncover the truth before more lives are lost.
Racing Against Time
As the story races toward its climax, time becomes their greatest enemy. Every clue leads to another question. Every lead opens a new door. With each passing day, the danger increases. Maggie, Jo, and the Martini Club must use every skill, every connection, and every ounce of courage they have left.
From secret meetings to clever disguises, from encrypted messages to unexpected betrayals, the plot twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Just when it seems like the case is about to be solved, another surprise sends them back into the unknown.
A Thrilling Conclusion
In the final chapters, the pieces finally begin to fall into place. Long-held secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and justice—though hard-earned—is finally within reach. But not without loss, not without sacrifice, and not without change.
The Martini Club, once again, proves that even in retirement, they’re a force to be reckoned with. And Jo, though still young, learns the value of intuition, experience, and trust.
Final Thoughts
Tess Gerritsen’s latest thriller masterfully blends character-driven storytelling with fast-paced suspense. Through rich dialogue, intricate plot twists, and emotional depth, she creates a world where danger hides beneath the surface of daily life.
The Martini Club Mystery is not just about solving crimes. It’s about friendship, loyalty, courage, and facing the past. It’s about ordinary people with extraordinary histories stepping up when the world needs them most.
Whether you’re a fan of espionage, small-town mysteries, or strong female leads, this book delivers on every level. With its unforgettable characters and powerful story, it reminds us that secrets can lie quiet for years—but when they resurface, they can shake everything we thought we knew.
The Summer Guest Details:
ASIN : B0CJW8GC47
Publication date : March 18, 2025
Language : English
Print length : 328 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-1662515156
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