This review is based on an uncorrected manuscript obtained from the publisher as part of Goodreads "First Reads" program.

Anyone who has enjoyed P.J. Tracy before will want to read Off the Grid. All of the old gang is back (though Grace McBride is a little less present than in the previous Monkeewrench tales) and the action, pace, and writing-style are just the same.

The story concerns a number of crimes, investigated by Leo Magozzi and his partner Gino Rolseth, which at first do not seem to be related, but as things fall together its clear that something big is going on. The Monkeewrench team is consulted and what they learn scares everyone involved.

Typical of Tracy, the suspense builds throughout the book, and you spend most of your reading time wondering what is going to happen next. And the dramatic climax pays everything off... mostly. Intentionally or otherwise, Tracy left a few big questions unanswered, even as some are explained in the epilogue.

This not my favorite Monkeewrench book, but its certainly satisfying and worth reading for fans of the series (and if you are not a fan of series, find a copy of Monkeewrench and become one).

The main disappointment I felt can't be adequately explained without spoilers, but I will say that the sense of danger was never there for me. Part of this might be because I know the author isn't going to let anything happen to the major characters, but I think the bigger part of it is that the villian(s) are nameless, faceless and otherwise a complete unknown. Even their villianous plans are never revealed. The book ends, everyone is safe, and the reader is left wondering what almost happened.

Though I enjoyed Off the Grid, I did find it to be flawed. For fans of PJ Tracy's other books, don't think twice... you'll enjoy this one, too. Everyone else: start with Monkeewrench and get on board.