A difficult book to review. On the one hand, Box's prose is, as usual, masterful at creating a sense of place (especially Wyoming's Red Desert) and in weaving narrative threads together in a compelling fashion. In other words, Off the Grid is a great read (or listen).
But at the same time, the focus on the demonized Other is not easily overlooked, especially as DT's presidency continues to unfold in real time. Do all terrorists always have to be Arabic? Do they always have to skulk into the US across the Mexican border? And do the Feds always have to be double-crossing power mongers and self-preservationists with no concerns whatsoever for the always-present "collateral damage" that their decisions inevitably create?
And although David Chandler does an admirable job in narrating a multi-level, complex character population, did no one think to mention that his Nate Romanowski voice sounds almost exactly like Christian Bale's Batman voice?

I am a big fan of CJ Box's Joe Picket series and _Off the Grid_ doesn't disapoint. We visit the lives of Joe's family, community and friends, as well as his foes. This story takes place in the southwest Wyoming Red Desert and he and his counter part and friend Nate, tackle some baddies. Great read for lovers of the modern American west.

SIXTEENTH BOOK IN THE JOE PICKETT SERIES