The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen ★★★★

[John]

The small and isolated community of Purity, Maine, nestled in the woods near the Canadian border, is ideal for those seeking anonymity in their retirement, especially the five former CIA spies who have found sanctuary there. The five become the Martini Club when one of its members, Maggie Bird, is approached by a contemporary spy seeking help to locate a former colleague, Diana. Since the two separated on less than the best of terms after their final case, Maggie has no intention on helping the Agency. However, Maggie is drawn out of retirement when the young woman's body is later dropped in her driveway and someone fires on her. The rest of the Martini Club and their respective skill set will assist Maggie in determining which of her former enemies might be seeking revenge. However, their efforts will irritate Jo, the acting police chief.

The Spy Coast is the initial novel in Martini Club series by Tess Gerritsen. The plot alternates between the present dilemma and the back story, Maggie's last case which occurred a couple decades ago. Of course, Maggie is the best developed character. Hopefully, future novels in this series will revewal the back stories of the other retired spies. The plot moves quickly and never drags. The reader discovers that Maggie has been married, which is risky proposition when one works in espionage. What the reader doesn't know is what happened to him. There is a bit of humor as the local police is often frustrated and out maneuvered by the Martini Club. Overall, a new series that I will continue.

[Charlie]

I also just read this book and really liked it. My first Gerritsen book, but not my last FOR SURE!