This event takes place in the British Library Knowledge Centre Pigott Theatre and is also available to watch online. Tickets may be booked to attend in person, or to watch on our platform either live or during the next 7 days on catch up. Viewing links for the online version will be sent out in the confirmation email you receive after booking. 

“THE MARTINI CLUB ISN’T OPEN TO EVERYONE . . .”  

The British Library’s inaugural Deadly festival starts with a martini-infused bang as we launch into the next best-seller from Tess Gerritsen. The hugely influential and globally celebrated author is talking about her brand-new book The Summer Guests, come and join us to find out why her writing is described as ‘The Thursday Murder Club on steroids’ (SAGA Magazine).  

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? 

Tess Gerritsen began to write fiction whilst on maternity leave as a physician. She published her first novel in 1987 and has since sold over forty million copies of her books in forty countries. Her series featuring homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles inspired the television series Rizzoli and Isles, starring Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander. Now retired from medicine, she lives in Maine and writes full time. The Summer Guests is her brand-new release.  

The British Library’s catering team will be marking the launch by creating and serving the Spy Coast Martini: “best shaken and stirred.” Cheers!
  
Please note that this event is not included in day tickets for Deadly: the festival of women writing crime.

Reduced price tickets available for British Library Members, and half price tickets for students, under 26 and other concession groups. If you have specific access requirements please email customer@bl.uk

Doors and Bar open at 18:00.  Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start time of this event.
 
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