A story full of plots, twists and turns that I read at one go. Main characters are relatable, the description of the places in Hawaii are just so well made that you can picture them! Also the way the detective´s thinking is constructed helps you get immersed in the story. I did enjoy reading this book !
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Off The Grid, by Robert McCaw
BY MERRYCI@YAHOO.COM · PUBLISHED JULY 1, 2019 · UPDATED JUNE 27, 2019

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A Kao Kane Hawaiian Mystery

Police Chief Koa Kane faces a mystery that will endanger the lives of the entire police force.

First abandoned truck involved in a fiery accident—and explosion—that kills a woman. Before the Chief has finished with that, he is called to another gruesome scene, a dead man half buried in a lava flow. Terrible accidents or could they both be murders?

When he discovers a connection between the two deaths, the puzzle deepens. Living deep in the rain forest outside of Hilo, hidden from sight, who were the two? Staying off the grid is one thing, but do their deaths reflect a reason for their secrecy?

Investigating the lives of the two victims, he checks out those who had contact, person by person, beginning to get a glimmer of who they were. Until the CIA shows up. Shadowy pasts refer to Kosovo and China, but is there any connection?

The very lack of information makes this mystery even more entertaining. These days it is not easy to stay off the radar when so much is tracked. Fascinating to find answers when there is little online. It makes the mystery that much more intriguing.

Off The Grid is an intriguing read combining history and mystery. Lots of interesting details on Hawaii and the recent volcano still causing trouble today. If you like orchids you will wish photos were included.

The author is very thorough with descriptions. You will feel the desolation of the lava flow, picture the surroundings of beautiful Hawaii, and pick up some of the island’s history. While at times it was distracting from the mystery it nevertheless drew you into the locale.

It is a solid mystery with plenty of twists right up to the surprise ending. The author cleverly develops the story and the clues into a well crafted suspense.

You’ll enjoy this one.

Book Description:

A scrap of cloth fluttering in the wind leads Hilo police Chief Detective Koa Kāne to the tortured remains of an unfortunate soul left to burn in the path of an advancing lava flow. For Koa, it’s the second gruesome homicide of the day, and he soon discovers the murders are linked. These grisly crimes on Hawaiʻi’s Big Island could rewrite history―or cost Chief Detective Koa Kāne his career.

The dead, a reclusive couple living off the grid, turn out to be mysterious fugitives. The CIA, the Chinese government, and the Defense Intelligence Agency, attempt to thwart Koa’s investigation and obscure the victims’ true identities. Undeterred by mounting political pressure, Koa pursues the truth only to find himself drawn into a web of international intrigue.

While Koa investigates, the Big Island scrambles to prepare for the biggest and most explosive political rally in its history. Despite police resources stretched to the breaking point, Koa uncovers a government conspiracy so shocking its exposure topples senior officials far beyond Hawaiʻi’s shores.

New York Times best-selling author Linda Fairstein noted: “Off the Grid is a gripping thriller that grabs the reader by the throat in the opening scenes and doesn’t let go until the dramatic conclusion. If you don’t know McCaw, this crime novel is the place to start―grisly murders, smart cops and agents, and a unique sense of place on the island of Hawaii.”

About the Author:


Robert McCaw grew up in a military family traveling the world. After graduating from Georgetown University, he served as a lieutenant in the US Army before earning his law degree from the University of Virginia. Thereafter he practiced as a partner in a major international law firm in Washington, DC, and New York City—and maintained a home on the Big Island of Hawai’i.

McCaw brings a unique authenticity to his Koa Kāne Hawaiian mystery novels in both his law enforcement expertise and his ability to portray the richness of Hawai’i’s history, culture, and people. McCaw lives in New York City and La Jolla, California, with his wife, Calli.

Praise for Off the Grid:

“In Off the Grid, Robert McCaw has fashioned the year’s most original mystery-thriller set, appropriately enough, in the equally original setting of Hawai‘i. He crafts a relentlessly riveting tale that races out of the gate and never lets up for a single minute or page.
”―Jon Land, USA Today best-selling author

“This one sizzles with tension and twists that entertain and magnetize. Danger and drama abide, with a wonderful, devil-may-care hero. Robert McCaw has the touch.”
―Steve Berry, New York Times best-selling author

“Off the Grid is a gripping thriller that grabs the reader by the throat in the opening scenes and doesn’t let go until the dramatic conclusion. If you don’t know McCaw, this crime novel is the place to start―grisly murders, smart cops and agents, and a unique sense of place on the island of Hawaii.”
―Linda Fairstein, New York Times best-selling author

4.25/5

Off the Grid is the second book in Koa Kane Hawaiian Mystery series. With corruption, government secrets and some Hawaiian vibes (think orchids and pineapples!!), this book is an entertaining read.

There are many characters in this story, some good and some corrupt (includes cops and politicians). But the one character that stands out from the rest is the protagonist - Koa Kane. Koa is not perfect. His past haunts him every now and then. Flashbacks bring back horrific memories of the battle at Mogadishu but Koa is strong. And the man doesn't take a no for an answer. No corrupt politician or CIA can stop him from investigating the case he has set his eyes on.

There are a lot of twists and turns in this story. Initially, Koa feels that the case is going nowhere. But this ends when he discovers a closet full of skeletons. I did find the story to be a tad lengthy and descriptive but that didn't stop me from liking this story.

The ending was absolutely brilliant. The suspense is well-maintained throughout the story. The reader is in for a lot of surprises, especially in the second half of the book. If you like books of the genre mystery and thriller - especially a well-concocted police procedural then I recommend you to read Off the Grid.

This book felt like a puzzle that we need to put together with each twist and turn. I did enjoyed that it was set in Hawaii and it reflected the culture and history of the island. I read this book in one sitting and it was a good procedural. I love that the characters weren't perfect.

Off the Grid is the first Robert McCaw novel review in the blog, and it’s the author’s second thriller with the protagonist, Chief Detective Koa Kane whose beat is Hawaii, the big island. Kane has risen from poverty on the island where his father had labored in the sugar cane fields, only to be killed when he was pushed into a giant grinding machine. Kane escaped by joining the military, and then he retired to the local police force where he worked his way up to chief detective. But, all was not well in paradise. Kane discovered a body that had been tortured before being cast into the active lava field where the expectation was that his body would be burned to a cinder and never discovered. It was the second homicide on the same day, the first of a woman, a reclusive and unsuccessful artist. It turns out the two murdered people were linked. They were mysterious fugitives, but suddenly, Koa’s investigation was hampered by the CIA, the DIA, the Chinese, and his own police chief. As Koa went about his business as a detective, he reveled in his love for Nalani, a beautiful and gracious native Hawaiian who was working as a ranger and naturalist at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Koa revealed his own dark secrets.

This book checks all the boxes – a great venue in Hawaii’s back country which is artistically described, a strong protagonist in Koa Kane, a troubling crime that begs to be uncovered, obstacles to solving the case, bad police supervisors, and a love story. The plot is well told and the character development is excellent. This one gets my strong recommendation.