Sometimes amusing, almost always intense, and just plain fun to read, The Spy Coast is an excellent and explosive start to a new series by Tess Gerritsen.
Maggie Bird is a former CIA spy who has retired to the tiny village of Purity, Maine and is living a simple life on her farm. Until her past catches up with her and she’s pulled back into a world she had hoped to leave behind. Especially given how her last mission ended in disaster. But now she has no choice but to engage the threat against her in hopes of reclaiming the peace and safety she desperately desires. Aided by a group of retired spies all living in the same town, the “Martini Club” as they call themselves will use their still sharp minds and skills to find who’s behind the plot to harm Maggie and help her thwart those who would do her harm. And in doing so – beyond feeling useful again – they may just save the quiet life they’ve built in this little corner of the country.
What’s not to love about retired senior citizens fighting off assassins, traveling the globe and outmaneuvering local law enforcement? Seriously, The Spy Coast is a refreshing and entertaining departure from spy thrillers featuring young, toned and gorgeous operators out for blood. And while there is plenty of suspenseful action to keep readers engaged and on the edge of their seats, this book focuses more on the themes of experience, loyalty, cunning, intellect, and a feeling everyone wants as they age – the desire to be useful. It also explores how past trauma shapes individuals and never truly leaves them, sometimes coming back in harmful ways. And while for most of us those harmful ways don’t involve assassination attempts on our lives, it’s still relatable and makes Maggie a sympathetic character worth rooting for. Because anyone who’s been through what she has deserves a calm and enjoyable retirement.
The Spy Coast contains great storytelling combined with fast pacing, memorable characters and an air of anticipation for the big reveal. A satisfying thriller that whets the appetite for further installments to this budding series.
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