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This new Tess Gerritsen thriller is based on Maine's 'best-kept secret'

"The Spy Coast" was inspired by real-life spies that settled along Maine's jagged coastline, according to the author.

PORTLAND, Maine — A new book set in Maine dives into a fictional, coastal town's best-kept secret: real-life spies.

It's called "The Spy Coast."

However, The New York Times best-selling author, Tess Gerritsen, said the thriller's plotline came to through personal experience.

"Decades ago, when I moved to Maine, I discovered a quirky secret about my village: a surprising number of former intelligence officers live there in retirement. I've heard some theories: Is it because the Agency once used Maine for its safe houses? Is it because Mainers respect privacy, and our state is far from any nuclear targets? None of the CIA retirees has given me an answer, nor has any talked to me about their previous work. When I'd see them at the grocery store or the post office, going about their seemingly ordinary lives, I couldn't help wondering about the tales they could tell. That's how 'The Spy Coast' and 'The Martini Club' were born," Gerritson said.

Watch the full 207 segment above to hear from Gerritson about her new book.

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