The Deepest Cut

Monkeewrench #11

by P.J. Tracy

The Monkeewrench team is back in a brand-new nail-biting thriller from New York Times bestselling author P.J. Tracy.

Minneapolis homicide detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth arrest a sadistic pair of killers for the murder of several women with the help of Monkeewrench, their eccentric, cyber-sleuth friends and partners. One of the killers dies in custody and the other, Wolfgang Mauer, is sent to a maximum security mental hospital in a rural corner of Minnesota. 

There, Mauer plots his escape–and his vengeance. With the help of his mother, a former militia leader and assassin living an extravagant, reclusive life, he schemes to get out of the mental hospital and hunt down the detectives and the Monkeewrench crew that got him a life sentence.

When Mauer successfully escapes, an inexperienced county sheriff is thrown head-first into a massive manhunt for the murderer. When she finds three bodies and discovers that Mauer has kidnapped a young boy, she realizes that Mauer’s escape was just the beginning. With many lives on the line, Magozzi, Gino, and Monkeewrench join in the desperate search effort. The longer he’s at large, the more people will die, and Mauer is on a mission to find those who sentenced him, so they all have targets on their backs.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Adult Fiction, Procedural, Crime

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 9, 2025

About the author

PJ Tracy is the pseudonym of mother-daughter writing duo P.J. and Traci Lambrecht, winners of the Anthony, Barry, Gumshoe, and Minnesota Book Awards. Their ten novels in the Monkeewrench series, MONKEEWRENCH, LIVE BAIT, DEAD RUN, SNOW BLIND, SHOOT TO THRILL, OFF THE GRID, THE SIXTH IDEA, NOTHING STAYS BURIED, THE GUILTY DEAD, and ICE COLD HEART have become national and international bestsellers. PJ passed away in December 2016, and Traci started a new series set in Los Angeles, featuring Detective Margaret Nolan. DEEP INTO THE DARK, DESOLATION CANYON, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, and CITY OF SECRETS are available anywhere you buy your books!

THE DEEPEST CUT, the eleventh Monkeewrench novel will be released on September 9th, 2025.

Learn more about PJ Tracy at pjtracy.com

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PJTracyAuthor/

Look them up on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/pjtracy.com

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much to say, except barely okay.

[Amy Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

A decade or more ago the Monkeewrench series was one of my favorite mystery/thriller series. I recently re-read four or five of the first part of the series and they held up fairly well. This latest title though, oof. Most of it follows up on the events that took place in the previous title, Ice Cold Heart, which I read when it was first published six years ago. Hundreds of books later, I don't remember the events of that book and so what transpired in this book lacked punch. Because the two titles are so closely tied together, I do not recommend reading this one without having read the previous book.

The story in this new title is not a mystery, as much of the action is from the perspective of the antagonists. Two potential romantic pairings were hinted at, which was kind of weird, and the characters seemed less fleshed out than in other books in the series. I think it may be time to leave Monkeewrench alone. Recommended for series completionists only.

*Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read all of the of Monkeewrench series, it was great to be back with the whole crew again, they’ve been away far too long. Magozzi and Grace are doing great as a couple and have a young daughter. Roadrunner has found love with Petra. Maybe Harley and Annie will become a couple? This book was filled with a lot of fast action, and I hope P. J. will keep the series going again, it’s filled with great characters that we have all grown to love.
Thank you, P. J. for bringing back the Monkeewrench crew.

[Judy Odom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back to the Monkeewrench gang including Gino and Magozzi.

How I have missed you all.

The book draws you in slowly but surely then doesnt let go until the final chapter is over.

Wolfgang Mauer has escaped from maxium security and leaves a trail of bodies in his wake.

Revenge is high on Mauer's list and he must be stopped at all cost.

The tension mounts with every page and the gang is hard at work desperatley trying to find and capture Mauer.

P.J. Tracy once again takes the reader on a roller coaster of a ride and I really hated the book to end.

Highly recommend any book by P.J. Tracy and The Deepest Cut is no exception.

Cant wait to add The Deepest Cut hard copy to my collection.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the privilege of reading and reviewing one of my favourite series.

[Michelle Herzing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading a new Monkeewrench novel just makes me happy. In this latest installment, Wolfgang Maurer is serving his sentence in a maximum security mental hospital and plotting revenge on Leo Magozzi, Gino Rolseth, the Monkeewrench crew and the two women who testified as witnesses in his trial. When he escapes during a power outage, the detectives and Monkeewrench are highly motivated to track him down and keep themselves and those they love safe. One of the primary tensions in this novel is the imminent retirement of Magozzi, and the fear that something terrible will happen to him on his last day on the job.

The Deepest Cut is typical of the other novels in the series, and it has been a joy to see the characters develop over the years, fall in love and bring new people into their found family. I continue to enjoy the relationships that this group of quirky, highly intelligent computer wizards have created. This particular novel was not as exciting as some of the others, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.

Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the digital ARC of The Deepest Cut by P.J. Tracy. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up

I have loved this series since the very first book and have not-so-patiently waiting for this newest addition. It's been six years since book #10, but the author assured me several years ago that a new book was in the works, so I've tried very hard to be patient :)

This book picks up shortly after the previous book left off, and I was afraid I'd have to go back and reread that one to make sense of this one, but that was not the case. Our Minneapolis police friends are back, as is the entire Monkeewrench crew.

We knew from the first page who one of the bad guys was, and more names were added to that list as the story progressed. I have never been able to figure out exactly what was going on in these books, but it's been fun to follow along and try to piece it together from the clues that are uncovered. I had most of it worked out, but it wasn't until a surprising twist in the story near the end that it all came together.

There is no indication that this is the last book in the series, nor is there any indication that that series will continue, so I'll just have to wait and see if more books are coming. I only hope that, if there is one, it's not another six-year wait for the next book.

[MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recycling of an old case, but it’s nice to meet the gang again.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the all of the other books in the Monkeewrench series, I was looking forward to reading this one. Unfortunately, it didn't excite me quite as much as its predecessors.
Don't get me wrong, it's a great book in its own right, it's just that there's no mystery here. We know from the get-go who the bad guys are, what they've done, and what they plan to do. It's basically an account of the investigations by Minneapolis PD, Dundas County Sheriff's Office and Monkeewrench. An action packed account, but alas, no mystery. No suspense.
The Deepest Cut is a follow-on from book 10, Ice Cold Heart, and for context, I recommend reading Ice Cold Heart. Indeed, I would recommend reading the entire series, if only to get the back stories of the primary characters.

Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the digital ARC.

[Tex · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Deepest Cut” (TDC) is the sixteenth book by P J Tracy (the pseudonym used by the mother and daughter creative team PJ and Traci Lambrecht and now authored solely by Traci after PJ’s death in December 2016) and the eleventh in the “Monkeewrench” series.

After three novels focussing on a different series and characters Tracy once more returns to the world of Monkeewrench…and it clearly shows that she is returning to characters that she loves. TDC is an absolute adrenaline and tension filled ride and one that every fan of this series will enjoy.

That said, unlike other instalments of the Monkeewrench series TDC can’t really be read and fully enjoyed without reading at least the tenth book in the series “Ice Cold Heart” (ICH). TDC isn’t a sequel per se but rather a continuation of the story told in ICH. Additionally the on-going sub-plots that run in the background of the series are brought to the front to be a major part of the overall narrative. This makes reading TDC as a stand alone story all the more difficult. TDC is definitely one for the fans of the series but not one for people coming in cold with no background.

TDC is a tale with themes of revenge, loyalty, legacy, friendship and love, and dealing with change.

TDC is the most recent book in the Monkeewrench series, and has been left wide open for more books to come, but in many ways felt like a final goodbye by the end. If this is to be the last then it was a very good conclusion however I won’t be unhappy if Tracy brings us another book in this very enjoyable series.

TDC is fast paced thriller and continuation/conclusion to its predecessor and gets 4 dishes best served cold out of 5.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do agree with others that have mentioned the book was a little light on the Monkeewrench workings but at this point I am invested in the characters and enjoyed visiting with them again. It was an enjoyable visit and worth my time.

[CHRISTY COATY · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am SO happy that the Monkeewrench team is back! This was a total page-turner from start to finish. I couldn't put it down and was even happier to discover that the author plans to continue the series. An absolute must-read for fans of the series; and if you haven't read the series yet, I strongly suggest reading the first book, "Ice Cold heart" - you'll get hooked!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy that the gang is back, and that the series will continue.

[DeAnna Baratto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book to read for my first book of the new year! It was awesome to be back with the Monkeewrench Gang again!!
When I found out there would be a new Monkeewrench book I decided to re-read the previous 10 novels and I’m so glad I did - especially Ice Cold Heart. Traci continues on in The Deepest Cut from Ice Cold Heart so it was good to touch base with the characters again. She did a superb job of giving a nod to the past books and making this one seem like going home.
Just wonderful - you won’t be disappointed in this one!!

[Shelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean, it's not actually bad or anything, but dang, it wasn't really good either.

It was weird to continue the story from the previous book. Kinda lazy, even.

And all the characters getting paired up? It feels like the last episode of a long running TV sitcom - get everyone a happy ending, even if it doesn't make sense.

Speaking of characters..... Grace. How her character changed in the last several books, ugh. To go from so closed off and hyper focused to an almost stereotypical mommy type is a very very large disservice to the character and to readers!

I didn't enjoy all the introspection either, it was a big departure from previous books and felt forced.

I was going to give this book 3 ⭐, but I am knocking it down to 2. Gotta say I just didn't enjoy this book.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the flow was awkward until the end.

[Kris Kizer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to have the Monkeewrench gang return, but this was not my favorite book. For some reason, I just wasn't as captivated as I've been in the past. Felt like there just wasn't enough Monkeewrench, I guess.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

P.J. Tracy, the pseudonym of the award winning mother-daughter writing team of P.J. and Traci Lambrecht, returns with the wonderfully eclectic gang of cyber sleuths who comprise the Monkeewrench team in "The Deepest Cut".

This time the team must capture Wolfgang Mauer, a clever sadistic serial killer who escaped to kill the people who incarcerated him. After murdering a pre-teen boy's abusive parents, Mauer kidnaps the child and unaccountably brings him along for his revenge-seeking ride.

P.J. Tracy skillfully crafts a story that blends taut suspense and psychological intricacies into a thriller that chills and resonates. True to their hallmark style, Tracy's storytelling pulsates with an emotional depth that makes this novel as much a journey through human vulnerability as it is a gripping whodunit.

From the first page, the narrative plunges readers into a world where every shadow seems imbued with secrets. Tracy’s prose is as sharp as the title suggests—surgical, incisive, and deliberate. This novel maintains an unrelenting pace while affording introspective moments that allow the characters' complexities to unfold.

The interweaving of past traumas with present dangers is executed seamlessly, creating a layered narrative that keeps the reader engaged on multiple levels.

The characters in "The Deepest Cut" are the heart of the story. Each is meticulously developed, their motivations and vulnerabilities laid bare in a way that feels achingly real. Tracy excels at exploring the grey areas of human morality, crafting individuals as compelling in their flaws as they are in their strengths.

Tracy’s ability to evoke a sense of place is unparalleled—whether it’s a claustrophobic interrogation room, a desolate crime scene, or the fragile sanctuary of a character’s home. The atmosphere enhances the tension, making every revelation and twist feel like a visceral punch.

Beneath the surface of the thriller lies a poignant exploration of trauma, resilience, and redemption. Tracy doesn’t shy away from delving into the darker recesses of the human psyche, but they also offer glimpses of hope and the potential for healing. This thematic richness elevates "The Deepest Cut" beyond a conventional crime novel, making it a work of literary merit.

"The Deepest Cut" is a masterclass in storytelling that cuts to the core of human experience. P. J. Tracy has crafted a novel as emotionally resonant as it is unputdownable. For readers who crave psychological depth alongside their suspense, this book is an absolute must-read.

[Bruce Raterink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, fast paced thriller with endearing characters. Part police procedural and part high tech criminal analysis, it grabbed me from the first page and I read it straight through in one sitting. This is the eleventh book in the Monkeewrench series and it can easily be read as a stand alone but why would you? I strongly recommend starting with the first book, "Monkeewrench," and reading the entire series. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advanced reader copy.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so happy to have the Monkeewrench (and Gino and Magozzi) gang back!

Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth, along with their tech-savvy partners Monkeewrench, took down sadistic killer Wolfgang Mauer. Locked away in a maximum security mental hospital, Mauer quietly plots his escape. When he breaks free, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake and kidnapping a young boy (poor Travis!), small-town sheriff Iris Rikker is thrust into a deadly manhunt. With Travis's life hanging in the balance, Magozzi who was literally set to retire, Gino, Rikker and Monkeewrench race to stop Mauer before he exacts his revenge on the team that put him away.

This was slow and steady and whilst there weren't any twists and turns it was suspenseful with everything leading to a final showdown. Although I do which there had been more to the confrontation- it was more lacking than I'd hoped.

The characters in this series have always been outstanding - Annie, Gino, Roadrunner and Harley Davidson, as well as wider supporting characters - and this was no different. But my favourites have always been Grace and Leo and I loved seeing how they've progressed. And honestly, my heart was bleeding for poor little Travis.

There are so many returning characters and plot lines - and it's been a while since I read the previous books - I wish I'd done a re-read before picking this up. If you have time for a refresher before reading this, I'd definitely recommend it. I still thorough enjoyed it though so absolutely fine to read as a standalone/without.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue Street · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Monkeewrench story with characters in the past.

[Kelly Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Deepest Cut by P. J. Tracy is the tale of a police detective on the brink of retiring who is embroiled in a final case that has him rethinking his plans. I had never read a Monkeewrench novel, more's the pity, but found that not only does this newest one in the series stand alone brilliantly, it is a gripping thriller that sweeps the reader along to the very end.
Beautifully written, with excellent pacing and compelling characters, #TheDeepestCut is non-stop action full of twists and turns. The main villain of the story is surprisingly multi-dimensional; evil and vicious on one hand, and surprisingly protective and caring on the other. The camaraderie of the police forces pulled in to deal with his escape is a not often seen side of everyday crime fighters, and refreshing.
I am happy to have received an ARC of #TheDeepestCut from #CrookedLaneBooks through #NetGalley.

[TheLisaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

P.J. Tracy’s The Deepest Cut is a riveting addition to the murder mystery genre, one that perfectly balances relentless suspense with intelligent plotting. This is a story that wastes no time pulling the reader into its tangled web of secrets, lies, and dangerous revelations. While the novel juggles multiple threads and a wide array of characters, Tracy’s confident storytelling ensures that nothing feels muddled. Instead, every piece of the puzzle falls into place with remarkable precision, creating a narrative that is both sprawling in scope and razor-sharp in execution.

What makes The Deepest Cut stand out is its ability to maintain a breakneck pace without sacrificing depth. The story is packed with unexpected turns, red herrings, and clever misdirection, yet it never feels overwhelming. Tracy has a gift for layering tension, allowing the suspense to build organically while keeping readers constantly on edge. Just when you think you’ve pieced together what’s happening, the narrative pivots, revealing another layer of deception or another shocking twist that keeps you turning pages late into the night.

The characters are a cornerstone of the book’s success. Tracy populates the story with a cast that feels authentic, each one bringing their own complexities, flaws, and humanity to the forefront. Whether it’s the sharp, determined investigators or the morally ambiguous suspects, the characters are written with enough nuance to keep readers invested not only in the mystery itself but in the fates of the people entwined in it. Relationships between characters add an emotional undercurrent to the dark storyline, reminding us that behind every crime are lives forever altered.

Tracy’s prose is as sharp as the title suggests—crisp, cinematic, and full of atmosphere. The descriptive passages immerse the reader in each setting, while the dialogue maintains a natural rhythm that both reveals character and propels the plot forward. There’s an elegance in the way Tracy balances vivid detail with a fast-moving narrative, allowing the story to be both gripping and highly readable. This combination makes the book accessible to casual readers while still satisfying fans of complex, intricately plotted mysteries.

Beyond the twists and suspense, The Deepest Cut also explores deeper themes. Tracy touches on the lingering effects of trauma, the weight of secrets, and the moral complexities of justice. These layers give the book resonance beyond its central mystery, making it not just an entertaining thriller but also a thoughtful exploration of human behavior under pressure. By weaving these themes into the action, Tracy elevates the novel into something richer than a straightforward whodunit.

In the end, The Deepest Cut is a gripping, well-constructed mystery that demonstrates why P.J. Tracy’s work continues to attract devoted readers. With its intricate plotting, emotionally grounded characters, and writing that keeps the tension high from the first page to the last, it’s a standout entry in the series and in the crime fiction genre as a whole. For anyone who enjoys fast-paced murder mysteries with real heart and intelligence behind them, this is absolutely a must-read.

[Carole Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

An escaped murderer hunts those who imprisoned him

Minneapolis homicide detective Leo Magozzi is all set to retire in twenty four hours at the age of forty two. He enjoys his life with Grace, the woman he loves, and the young daughter they share, and he has decided he has seen enough of the worst of mankind and should leave the job before he ends up dead. But it turns out the job isn't done with him quite yet. He and his partner Gino Rolseth solved a brutal case a year earlier, the kidnapping, torture and killings of multiple women committed by a pair of men. One of them, a war criminal from the Balkan war, had died in police custody while the other, Wolfgang Mauer, was convicted and placed at a security hospital, i.e. a prison for the criminally insane. That second man has just escaped, and has a hit list of the eight people he blames for his mentor's death. On that list are, of course, Magozzi and Rolseth, but so are the four people who form the Monkeewrench software crew (one of whom is Magozzi's Grace) who had contributed their cyber skills to the case, as well as two young women who had been victims of the two criminals and had helped bring them down. The manhunt for Mauer is spearheaded by a relatively inexperienced county sheriff, who discovers the dead bodies Mauer has left in his wake as well as the fact that Mauer has kidnapped a young boy. Who is the hunter and who is the hunted in this scenario? Magozzi, Rolseth, the Monkeewrench crew and the two other women on the list know that they are up against a savage and merciless killer, and if they don't find and stop him one or more of them will be his next victim(s).
It has been six years since the last Monkeewrench novel was released, but this one was well worth the wait. It many ways it is a continuation of that last release, Ice Cold Heart, although it isn't necessary for readers to have read that or any previous Monkeewrench books in order to enjoy this one...author P. J. Tracy (really Traci Lambrecht, the surviving member of the mother/daughter team that was P. J. Tracy) provides sufficient backstory information to enable a new reader to catch on quickly to the quirky group of characters that populate the book and their histories without overdoing it. And what a group they are! Well-developed, flawed people who have come together to form connections that have helped heal their many wounds. As is the norm for this series, The Deepest Cut is a fast-paced read that grabs its audience from the very first pages and doesn't let go until the end. It has elements of a police procedural, plenty of tech elements given the Monkeewrench group's talents, and enough humor to occasionally lighten the mounting tension as Mauer seeks his revenge. Fans of the series should be well pleased with this latest (and long awaited) continuation, while readers of John Sandford, Michael Connelly and Isabella Maldonado should give it a try (and in so doing will likely want to go back and read the whole series). Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me access to this clever thriller in exchange for my honest review.

[Bettys Welt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leo Magozzi hat sich nach der letzten Schusswunde, die ihm Wolfgang Maurer verpasst hat, entschlossen seinen Job, den er zehn Jahre ausgeübt hat, an den Nagel zu hängen, damit seine kleine zweijährige Tochter Elizabeth nicht im Zweifel ohne Vater aufwachsen muss. Schon sein Großvater hat ihn jung vor so einem Schicksal gewarnt. An seinem letzten Arbeitstag im Frühling sieht der 42-Jährige freudig einem anderen Leben, einer anderen Identität und einer neuen Zukunft entgegen. Er wird die Rolle als Vollzeit Vater übernehmen. Die Geburt und die kleine Tochter haben Grace in gewissem Rahmen weicher gemacht, auch ein Lächeln umspielt schon mal ihre Lippen. Trotzdem traut sie Erwachsenen, aufgrund ihrer düsteren Vergangenheit, immer noch nicht über den Weg. Verletzlichkeit kann einen umbringen.

Nach einem nächtlichen Frühjahrssturm, von dem auch das Sicherheitskrankenhaus für psychisch auffällige Kriminelle betroffen war, erhalten Jogger im Park und anliegenden Wald übers Handy die Warnung, dass ein Insasse entkommen ist und man sich in Sicherheit bringen soll. Sie sind auf dem Weg zu ihren Autos, als sie einen Körper finden.

Dundas County Sheriff Iris Rikker ist zuständig, die Flucht des verrückten Killers zu untersuchen und ihn aufzuspüren. In der Nähe der Leiche wurde ein Gefangenenanzug gefunden. Iris hat in ihrem ruhigen County, in ihren zwei Jahren erst einen Mord mit bearbeiten müssen. Der Flüchtige hat sich wahrscheinlich vom Opfer Kleidung, Auto und Telefon genommen. Das Opfer ist noch nicht identifiziert. Seine Fingerabdrücke sind in keiner Datenbank.

Unterdessen soll am nächsten Tag bei Harley eine große Abschiedsparty für Leo stattfinden. Aber immerzu muss er dran denken, dass es machen Cop noch an seinem letzten Tag erwischt hat.
Kapitel für Kapitel führt die Autorin die Protagonisten der Monkeywrench Geschichten wieder ein. Sie nimmt sich Zeit für die vielen Beteiligten. Basis für die Ereignisse in diesem Roman bildet die Geschichte im vorangegangenen Serienteil. Auf besondere Art wird der Fall so vervollständigt.

Fazit: Ein schönes Wiedertreffen der ganzen Familie um die Monkeywrenchs, eingebettet in einem spannenden Rahmen.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Deepest Cut by P. J. Tracy is a highly recommended procedural featuring the Monkeewrench crew, cyber and software experts, who assist the Minneapolis PD and Dundas County Sheriff's Office. This is the eleventh book in the series. The plot continues the story started in the tenth novel, Ice Cold Heart from 2019. Readers new to the series will want to start with earlier novels or at least Ice Cold Heart before reading The Deepest Cut.

Wolfgang Mauer escaped from a maximum security mental hospital in a rural area and it set on revenge against those responsible for his incarceration, including Minneapolis homicide detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth along with the Monkeewrench gang. He leaves a trail of three dead bodies and kidnaps a ten-year-old boy, Travis. Sheriff Iris Rikker is a new, inexperienced sheriff and needs the help of Magozzi, Gino, and Monkeewrench in the search before more lives are lost.

This is an action-packed fast-paced manhunt for Mauer and young Travis. The action follows both Mauer's actions and those searching for him. During this same time Magozzi is getting ready to retire to stay home with Grace MacBride (a member of Monkeewrench) and their daughter, Elizabeth. These are all well known characters for those who have been following the series and fans will be pleased to see them again.

The Deepest Cut will be best appreciated by Monkeewrench fans and those who have read the previous book in the series, Ice Cold Heart. Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2025/0...

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monkeewrench is the name of a software firm with four offbeat partners - Grace, Annie, Roadrunner and Harley with an uncanny way of using technology to solve crime while Gino Rolseth and Leo Magozzi are Minneapolis PD detectives - with the two teaming up to close cases. Gino and Leo had arrested a pair of ruthless killers (with the help of Monkeewrench of course) - Wolfgang Mauer and his associate who died in custody. Mauer was sent to a maximum security facility where he plots his escape and his revenge on those who caught him. And when he does escape with the help of his mother, a former militia leader and assassin herself, he plots revenge on those who caught him. When Iris Rikker, the inexperienced sheriff of Dundas County, discovers three bodies as well as the fact that the killer has kidnapped a young boy, she joins forces with the detectives and Monkeewrench in a desperate chase to stop this maniac before he can wreak more havoc.

This is a fast-paced novel with multiple plot lines that grab you right away. The relationships between the familiar characters and the twists and turns of the plot upping the tension level make for a most enjoyable read.

This is the 11th book in the Monkeewrench series, originated by the mother/daughter writing team of Patricia/Traci Lambrecht known as P. J. Tracy (now carried forward by Traci as her mom passed away a few years back), but the first since 2019. In the interim, she wrote a number of books that were just ok for me - but this was a great return - probably the best in the series so far. My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel.

[Jen James · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been years since I have read any of the Monkeewrench books, until very recently when I read Ice Cold Heart. While The Deepest Cut is not a sequel to Ice Cold Heart, it is very closely linked, with so much detail overlapping. In the author’s words, it is a continuation.

Today is Leo Magozzi’s last day as a homicide detective, he is retiring at the grand old age of 42. Gino Rolseth, Magozzi’s partner in crime fighting and close friend, has a day of reminiscing planned, peppered with the usual police humour shenanigans. As we all understand, nothing in life goes to plan. A distressing case from 18 months earlier raises its ugly head again, when the perpetrator who was being held in a high security hospital, escapes. Very quickly the day takes on a very different feeling.

I was drawn in very quickly, the fast paced story keeping me gripped. The author increasing the tension as the chapters flew by.

I loved being back with the Monkeewrench crew again. I was pleasantly surprised to find how vividly they all lived in my memory. The reason Grace always wears boots, stays so clearly in my mind. It was somehow reassuring to know they are still as I remember. Still the loveliest quirky individuals, wearing their white hats, using their gifted minds for the greater good.

I’m sure that fans of the series will be very pleased to read a new book, after a six year hiatus. I really hope that the author will revisit Monkee World again in the future. I understand it can’t be easy for Traci to write these characters, after the loss of her mum, and writing partner PJ. But I think her mum would be proud, and happy to see the characters living on.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have almost always enjoyed the Monkeewrench gang set here in Minnesota. I loved the play on college and place names - There is no Dundas county in the state, but Dundas is a small town just south of Northfield. Because the only place to purchase anything except beer in Northfield was the municipal liquor store / tiny bar, Dundas had a REAL bar and if you could find wheels ( cars were not allowed for students when I attended St. Olaf College in the 1960's ) it was a great place to imbibe. Not that Oles ever drank alcohol..... There is discussion of the sadistic chracter escaping from Gustavus Adolophus institution. There is a college by that name in St. Peter, just north of Mankato. They were in our sports conference. Both colleges are Lutheran affiliated. ************* I had to check out whether Traci Lambrecht had any connection to my alma mater and at which I also taught for many years..... Sure enough!! She graduated with a Russian Studies major from St. Olaf, where she also studied voice. I knew I had a connection with this young woman... I wonder if she ever took a class in psychology from me...... This book was not my favorite in the series, and I sometimes found myself confused and lost... It was still fun to have the monkeewrench gang back. Kristi & Abby Tabby GO OLE!!! If Traci ever reads these reviews, I wonder if she knows this irreverent college song, The Belles of St. Olaf.... Just in case: The belles of St. Olaf they ring out and sing out - they ring out and sing out with um yah yah yah, we don't smoke, we don't drink, but that's just what they think... We roll up in our blankets and we um yah yah...

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

P. J. Tracy returns to the world of Monkeewrench in this thriller. Minneapolis homicide detective Leo Magozzi is getting ready to retire to spend more time with the woman he loves and the daughter he adores. Before that can happen, Magozzi and his partner Gino Rolseth get involved in the prison escape of a sadistic killer that they had put behind bars earlier.

The killer is Mauer and Mauer has a plan. Recover the money he secreted away before he was caught and imprisoned and then kill the eight people on his hit lit that he most blames for his capture and imprisonment. He is more than willing to murder anyone who gets in the way of his plans.

Since he escaped from a mental hospital/prison in a small, rural Minnesota county, the inexperienced sheriff and her deputies are drawn into the case. They are the ones who discover the first three bodies left in Mauer's wake and set law enforcement in action when Mauer kidnaps a ten-year-old boy.

The story is told from multiple viewpoints. The Monkeewrench gang all appear and have their plans interrupted whether the plan is proposing to the woman they love or adding to their kick-ass fashion collection. The inexperienced sheriff's viewpoint is included. As is Magozzi's who is thinking that it might not be time to retire after all. And Mauer's viewpoint and that of some his villainous counterparts add chills to the narrative.

This was an engaging story. I love the relationship between Leo and Gino. The story was filled with interesting characters in a nail-biting plot.

[Leane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dundas Country Sheriff Iris Rikker and Lt. Rich Sampson from Ice Cold Heart investigate in tandem with the Minneapolis homicide detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth with an assist from the Monkeewrench team when an old enemy seeks revenge. Definitely a narrative arc you will want to enjoy on your own, this is best read after the previous book, but could work as a stand alone due to Tracy’s inclusion of salient facts about the CHs. Humor, especially the dialogue between the police partners and the members of Monkeewrench, helps the reader get through the increasing suspense, violence, and harrowing danger to all of them as they search for a psychopath seeking revenge. Computer tech, police procedure, and great Pacing adds to the depth of the story, as Tracy gives us full CHs, even the bad guys, and agile Plotting with twists, turns, Red Herrings, and a satisfactory conclusion. The author uses quick changes to 3rd POVs from Leo to Iris to the psychopaths to a few other would-be victims that keep the Pace and guessing moving. As usual, Tracy paints a realistic picture of the Minnesota areas, both urban and rural, she describes, the food and drink, the clothing choices, and adds local cultural references to add to the Tone, Setting, and CH development. RED FLAGS: Child Endangerment and Abuse; Graphic Violence; Allusions to Sexual Abuse and wholescale murder. Readalikes may be Michael Connelly's Bosch, Lisa Gardner's DD Warren series, and Tone and Setting similar to Matt Goldman's Nils Shapiro series.