The Spy Coast, Tess Gerritsen’s latest venture into the thrilling adrenaline-filled world of espionage, is a quiet adventure centred in an equally quiet town of Purity, Maine. Maggie Bird is an elderly chicken farmer who lives contentedly with her flock. That remains true until a young lady knocks for help. Hours later, she is found brutally murdered at Maggie’s doorstep. Intrigue establishes itself as one wonders how an older woman gets embroiled in the world of crime.
True to the likes of all of Tess Gerritsen’s works, this novel also is a guaranteed page-turner. Yet it lacks the presence of nerve-racking danger, skilled forensics analysis and deductive reasoning to solve a crime scene that Tess is famous for.
Maggie is not the usual young and charming femme fatale that a so-called “spy” novel always features. In contrast, she is an experienced and retired field agent of the CIA with ordinary, undistinguishable features – sort of those who melt in the crowd. She finds comfort in her co-retired professionals, and together, they all lead a quiet existence.
One might wonder how tranquillity and thrill go together. That is where the flashback arrives, and we see a glimpse of the femme fatale Maggie had been over a lifetime ago. This forms the pulse that powers the novel. One would feel adrenaline, emotions, and the incessant need to turn the page; one would want to skim through the current timeline to travel to the past and revel in the backstory.
“I’m sleeping with the enemy. If I’m to survive, that is how I must think of my new husband.”
And that is where the novel presents its exciting tone. Instead of danger and grotesque crimes, the world of espionage is explored through the eyes of a seasoned expert. It is more of a reflection of a time gone by than anything else. As the story converges with the past and present elements, the connection is beautifully drawn. Emotions like trust, loyalty and patriotism intermingle to present a double-edged sword – wherein each side is a haunting alternative. You will always get hurt. You will always live with regrets. There are no two ways about it.
Maggie experiences the repercussions, and with her, the reader is also compelled to contemplate. With love and country in the mix, which side would you choose?
For those craving a light-hearted and fast-paced thriller novel to relish a cosy night read, this might be just the right pick!
