Tess Gerritsen brings back The Martini Club in the second book in the series, The Summer Guests. Once again set in Purity, Maine, it features a small group of former CIA agents who dig into trouble in the small tourist town.
The book opens with a flashback to 1972 when a local man, Sam Tarkin, killed four people on a main street. Although it would be years until anyone discovered the truth, the incident affected everyone in town, especially Tarkin’s son.
Now, in the present time, the Conovers arrive back in Purity. They are summer residents who own one of the biggest houses, a cottage, on Maiden Pond. Although the town benefits from the Conovers’ money, there’s a great deal of resentment toward the powerful family, including the now deceased patriarch, George. The family has come from Boston and New York to scatter George’s ashes. But, Ethan’s wife, Susan and her teen daughter, Zoe, barely know the rest of the family.
Zoe’s delighted to be able to swim in Maiden Pond. She’s a mermaid who loves the water. But, just a couple days after arrival, Zoe disappears. And, it becomes an all-out search for the missing girl. Susan’s the only one convinced her daughter did not run away. When the police, under Acting Police Chief Jo Thibodeau, drag the pond, they find remains. But, the body is already a skeleton, not the missing girl.
It doesn’t take long for the Martini Club to work their way into the investigation. They have skills and knowledge that frustrate Jo. She can’t compete with them with her small police force. But, even their suggestions can take a wrong turn.
I’ve seen comments that say there should have been more Martini Club in this second book. However, as Jo comes into her own as an investigator, and the members of the Martini Club become aware of their own problems with aging, I felt the two elements, local police and former CIA, blended beautifully. Now, Gerritsen just needs to write the next book without a missing teen.
Tess Gerritsen’s website is https://www.tessgerritsen.com/
The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen. Thomas & Mercer, 2025. ISBN 9781662515149 (hardcover), 351p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
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This sounds excellent, Lesa. Now I have to read the first one so I’m ready for this one!
You really should read the first one, Kim. It’s The Spy Coast. Now, I know other readers liked that one better. I preferred The Summer Guests. Just my opinion.
This sounds so good, I am picking up the first book in the series (The Spy Coast) from the library today.
It’s cool, rainy and gloomy here in Virginia so I guess I’ll have to stay inside and read! With all our April showers I sure hope we have beautiful May flowers.
Well, darn, Susan. Why would a rainy day make you stay inside and read?
Oh, I hope you have gorgeous flowers!
I liked the first one – there was a Kindle sale at the time and it was very cheap – and I just got an email that this is waiting at the library.
RSN
I liked the first one, too. Mary preferred that one, but I liked this one better.
Good review, Lesa! Thanks for capturing some of the concerns that I had in your final paragraph. I do agree with your point that Jo needs to start coming into her own, so perhaps not so much Martini Club – but I love those characters! Just like the Thursday Morning Murder Club – they are a lot of fun!
I agree, Mary. I love the members of The Martini Club! They make the books. Even if they weren’t as prominent in this one, they still carry it.
I have read her books before and enjoyed them.
This new series is fun, Carol. Great characters.
This sounds good! I h ave so many series that I want to read!
I know, Melissa! I agree there are so many good-sounding series out there!
I missed this one when it was available on NetGalley. Nice review. Love the setting and plot.
Was it available on NetGalley, Harvee? Maybe I just didn’t get approved. I read a copy from the library. I loved the setting and plot, too.