Oh, how wonderful it is to be back with The Martini Club! After thoroughly enjoying The Spy Coast, I was eager to dive into the second instalment of this thrilling series. Tess Gerritsen has once again delivered an engrossing mystery with her signature suspenseful storytelling and compelling characters.
Plot Summary
Set in the quiet town of Purity, Maine, The Summer Guests follows retired CIA agent Maggie Bird and her close-knit group of former operatives—The Martini Club—as they find themselves embroiled in yet another mystery. A well-to-do family, the Conovers, have gathered at their summer retreat, Moonview on Maiden Pond, to commemorate their late patriarch. However, their tranquil reunion is disrupted when teenager Zoe Conover suddenly vanishes without a trace.
While the Conovers attempt to conduct a discreet search, Maggie and her friends—ever unwilling to ignore a mystery—begin their own investigation. As they dig deeper, long-buried family secrets emerge, unexpected connections surface, and the tension in Purity escalates. Chief of police Jo Thibodeau, growing into her role, is thrust into the heart of the case alongside The Martini Club, and together, they work to uncover the truth.
Themes
At its core, The Summer Guests is a multi-layered mystery filled with intrigue and suspense. Gerritsen expertly weaves themes of:
- Found family & camaraderie – The Martini Club members share an undeniable bond, forged through years of experience in espionage. Their dynamic adds levity to the intense storyline.
- Buried secrets & deception – As Maggie and her friends unravel Zoe’s disappearance, they expose shocking truths about Purity’s past and the Conover family’s secrets.
- Power & privilege – The influence wielded by the Conovers is evident throughout the book, raising questions about wealth and justice.
- Identity & past lives – Many characters, particularly Maggie, continue to grapple with the remnants of their former careers, reinforcing the idea that the past never truly stays buried.
What Worked Well
- Pacing & suspense: Gerritsen masterfully keeps the tension high, ensuring that the mystery unfolds at a gripping pace.
- Character development: Jo Thibodeau’s growth as Purity’s police chief was particularly enjoyable to witness, and the deeper insight into Maggie’s past made her even more compelling.
- Witty dialogue & chemistry: The Martini Club’s banter remains a highlight, adding charm and humour amidst the intensity.
- Unpredictability: Just when I thought I had a firm grasp on the mystery, Gerritsen cleverly steered the plot in an unexpected direction.
Who Will Enjoy This Book?
If you’re a fan of tightly woven mysteries, well-developed characters, and witty dialogue, this book is perfect for you. Readers who enjoy police procedurals, espionage thrillers, and small-town settings will find The Summer Guests thoroughly engaging. While it’s an excellent standalone, I’d recommend reading The Spy Coast first to fully appreciate the relationships and backstory.
Conclusion
Tess Gerritsen has once again proven why she is a master of mystery and suspense. The Summer Guests is an expertly crafted thriller packed with tension, intrigue, and vibrant characters. With its fast-paced storyline and gripping twists, it kept me completely immersed. While it veers slightly away from the spy-centric themes of the first book, it makes up for it by delivering a well-executed murder mystery filled with red herrings and unexpected reveals.
I cannot wait to see where Maggie and The Martini Club go next. Here’s hoping the third instalment is already in the works! Highly recommended to anyone craving an addictive read full of twists and expertly drawn characters.
Thank you to Penguin Random House for the chance the read this book!
About the author: Tess Gerritsen – Internationally Bestselling Author
