The Summer Guests by Tess GerritsenSynopsis: “THE MARTINI CLUB ISN’T OPEN TO EVERYONE . . .
Maggie Bird’s ‘book group’ is an unusual one – a group of retired spies living an anonymous life in the seaside town of Purity. And this summer they plan little more than ‘reading’ (whilst sipping Martinis), and some gentle birdwatching. But trouble is just around the corner as the summer guests arrive. For acting Police Chief Jo Thibodeau, summer brings its own problems – packed streets, bar brawls, petty theft. And now, a missing teenager down by the lake. When their good friend becomes a prime suspect in the girl’s disappearance, Maggie and her Martini Club must put down their binoculars and roll up their sleeves. Leaving Jo to deal with not only a powerful family desperate for answers, but a meddlesome group of retirees. Can Jo and the Martini Club find a way to work together, as they uncover one of the deadliest scandals their small town has ever seen?

My Review

This was great, and even better than the first book!

I really enjoyed catching up with Maggie Bird and the rest of the Martini Club, retired CIA employees in small town Purity, Maine. I loved the way I learnt more about them and how their characters developed throughout the story.

The disappearance of girl was a really good mystery, which led to past events involving the locals and summer residents. There were so many suspects on my list, that when the big reveal came I wasn’t surprised whodunnit.

Definitely recommended it you enjoy small town mysteries. I’m already looking forward to the next book!

Book 7 of 20 Books of Summer 2025