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Off the Grid
Ryan and Diana Richie have a happy life in New York City, but their goal has always been to downsize and live off the grid in a tiny home.Their plans arrive sooner than expected after a brutal attack on the subway that leaves Diana desperate to leave big city life behind. Selling off all they own, the couple invests in a tiny house and set off on a cross country road trip to their new home in Oregon.Along the way, they stay in countless trailer parks, and highway rest stops, acclimating to life in their humble new abode. When they reach their last stop before home, they stop in at a remote community, where they plan to live for a week.The question now is whether they will make it out alive.
- GenresHorror
328 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2020
17 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
John Watson
16 books121 followersAs well as robots, clowns, and living statues, John Watson has an extensive list of things that terrify him. He is of the belief that writing about these horrors will make him immune to their evils, but it is still a work in progress. Mr. Watson spends most of his time hiding out in the closet space beneath the stairs, where he is currently working on a series of scary short stories. He resides in Atlanta with his chef wife Penny and a pair of equally skittish fur babies.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 26, 2022
Well, I think it’s safe to say that I have a new favorite John Watson novel. OFF THE GRID packs a serious combination of punches that consist of cults, forest creatures, and a married couple’s determination to survive. I was hooked from the first chapter, and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. The thing I loved most about this book were the twists. Just when you think the story’s going one way, is when it takes a hard turn to the opposite side and it’s pulverizes you.
February 9, 2020
Off the Grid is yet another outstanding read from Watson. Be prepared for a dark and engaging ride as you follow the lives of a couple seeking some peace and quiet. What they discover is anything but!
I enjoy Watson's descriptive way that allows the reader to feel as though they are on the inside. This book sinks its hooks in deep with its compelling narrative and characters. This was a page turner for me that had me tearing through to the very end. The build up was tense, and the ending left me stunned. If you haven't read any of Watson's work, you are missing out!
I enjoy Watson's descriptive way that allows the reader to feel as though they are on the inside. This book sinks its hooks in deep with its compelling narrative and characters. This was a page turner for me that had me tearing through to the very end. The build up was tense, and the ending left me stunned. If you haven't read any of Watson's work, you are missing out!
September 28, 2020
The prologue of this book was unique and intriguing. I was very eager to see how it would fit into the greater story about Ryan and Diana.
There were so many signs and warnings they should have heeded. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how things would play out.
I loved the work-up to the conclusion.
And that ending!
Just wow! Well done!
There were so many signs and warnings they should have heeded. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how things would play out.
I loved the work-up to the conclusion.
And that ending!
Just wow! Well done!
December 4, 2021
Watson immediately establishes what kind of story this will be in the prologue and the subway attack scene. He doesn't shy away from vicious imagery. Off the Grid was full of tension, horror, and twists that you won't see coming.
March 16, 2020
I hugged a book today!
Ahhh, a heart-thumping tale that I positively loved. This is a story for horror fans and readers across the globe. The storytelling is first-class.
This is the author to "watch." I look forward to reading his upcoming releases.
Ahhh, a heart-thumping tale that I positively loved. This is a story for horror fans and readers across the globe. The storytelling is first-class.
This is the author to "watch." I look forward to reading his upcoming releases.
March 21, 2020
Mind boggling good
I've heard rumors that this author writes from his dreams. If this was the work from a dream, I wonder if this author ever actually sleeps. This book boggles my mind yet was terrifyingly good. I did not expect that ending. Wow.
I've heard rumors that this author writes from his dreams. If this was the work from a dream, I wonder if this author ever actually sleeps. This book boggles my mind yet was terrifyingly good. I did not expect that ending. Wow.
April 12, 2020
On the edge, definitely creepy
John Watson once again blessed us with his writing skills. A couple headed to live out their dream in their tiny home get side tracked and the community is definitely up to something. When the creatures don't get what is promised, things turn bad real fast. An excellent edge of your seat read!
John Watson once again blessed us with his writing skills. A couple headed to live out their dream in their tiny home get side tracked and the community is definitely up to something. When the creatures don't get what is promised, things turn bad real fast. An excellent edge of your seat read!
March 21, 2020
A great story
If you like to be scared and like hybrid creatures that kill then this is the book for you.
The only problem with this book is that it wasn't longer. The little twist at the end was a great touch and the storyline was well rounded.
Another great book.
If you like to be scared and like hybrid creatures that kill then this is the book for you.
The only problem with this book is that it wasn't longer. The little twist at the end was a great touch and the storyline was well rounded.
Another great book.
October 13, 2025
Once upon a time, I used to dream about giving up the frantic and hectic urban lifestyle, throwing most of my things away, packing up only the necessities, and moving into a tiny house in the woods and well off the grid.
And then I read John Watson's Off the Grid.
Now I may never step foot near the woods again. But, thanks to Watson, city life feels more terrifying than ever as well.
In Off the Grid, readers are introduced to Ryan and Diana Richie. These urban New Yorkers have been talking about downsizing and moving out of the city for a while when we meet them. It feels like more of a "wouldn't it be nice" sort of thing rather than a "this is going to happen soon" plan when we first meet them. Sure, they've had conversations with a contractor about building them a tiny home, but it doesn't feel like Ryan is all that eager to take the leap. Then something horrific happens to Diana at a subway station and that accelerates their plans and makes them real. Watson's depiction of the subway station scene is anxiety inducing pure terror - believable and
Fast forward a few months and Diana and Ryan are on their way across country with their tiny home, heading to Oregon. Before reaching their final destination, they set up stakes for a week at a tiny, remote community of welcoming, but off-putting, off-the-gridders. And that's where things take an even darker turn.
• LIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD •
Things in the little welcoming, but off-putting, off-the-grid community aren't quite as they seem and the Richies soon find themselves embroiled in a whole mess of trouble and terrors including a cult, conspiracy, ritual human sacrifice, monstrous (and hungry) cryptids, and no cell phone signal or internet connection! How will they ever live? Well, you'll just have to read to find out, won't you?
• NO SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT •
Watson weaves a taut tale of terror in Off the Grid. He creates believable characters, warts and all, that you'll sometimes root for, sometimes root against, and will certainly form clear feelings and opinions about by the end of the tale. With its tight twists and turns, Watson keeps the reader guessing and on the edge of their seat. This was my first time reading a John Watson novel. It won't be my last.
And then I read John Watson's Off the Grid.
Now I may never step foot near the woods again. But, thanks to Watson, city life feels more terrifying than ever as well.
In Off the Grid, readers are introduced to Ryan and Diana Richie. These urban New Yorkers have been talking about downsizing and moving out of the city for a while when we meet them. It feels like more of a "wouldn't it be nice" sort of thing rather than a "this is going to happen soon" plan when we first meet them. Sure, they've had conversations with a contractor about building them a tiny home, but it doesn't feel like Ryan is all that eager to take the leap. Then something horrific happens to Diana at a subway station and that accelerates their plans and makes them real. Watson's depiction of the subway station scene is anxiety inducing pure terror - believable and
Fast forward a few months and Diana and Ryan are on their way across country with their tiny home, heading to Oregon. Before reaching their final destination, they set up stakes for a week at a tiny, remote community of welcoming, but off-putting, off-the-gridders. And that's where things take an even darker turn.
• LIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD •
Things in the little welcoming, but off-putting, off-the-grid community aren't quite as they seem and the Richies soon find themselves embroiled in a whole mess of trouble and terrors including a cult, conspiracy, ritual human sacrifice, monstrous (and hungry) cryptids, and no cell phone signal or internet connection! How will they ever live? Well, you'll just have to read to find out, won't you?
• NO SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT •
Watson weaves a taut tale of terror in Off the Grid. He creates believable characters, warts and all, that you'll sometimes root for, sometimes root against, and will certainly form clear feelings and opinions about by the end of the tale. With its tight twists and turns, Watson keeps the reader guessing and on the edge of their seat. This was my first time reading a John Watson novel. It won't be my last.
September 26, 2021
If you go down to the woods today.....
Diana and Ryan had plans to move to Oregon but after being attacked by 2 drunks, their dreams quickly became reality. They left NYC and stayed in an odd little community before driving to their home. With strange sounds and events taking place on their first night, Diana and Ryan were very uncomfortable and wanted to leave. That was easier said than done!
A dark and disturbing story, well written with a great twist at the end which was unexpected. Enjoyable.
Diana and Ryan had plans to move to Oregon but after being attacked by 2 drunks, their dreams quickly became reality. They left NYC and stayed in an odd little community before driving to their home. With strange sounds and events taking place on their first night, Diana and Ryan were very uncomfortable and wanted to leave. That was easier said than done!
A dark and disturbing story, well written with a great twist at the end which was unexpected. Enjoyable.
April 25, 2025
While I introduced to John Watson through a awesome horror group. I never that I would ever be able to talk to an awesome horror writer.
This book is a new take on the normal horror story of people going out into the country. I love the take of myth, cult like community, tiny homes, and more.
I love how the main characters seem more real then most books and go with there instincts. The ending really threw me for a loop and was a funny but great way to end the book.
Overall a awesome story and I hope to find more great books from John Watson
This book is a new take on the normal horror story of people going out into the country. I love the take of myth, cult like community, tiny homes, and more.
I love how the main characters seem more real then most books and go with there instincts. The ending really threw me for a loop and was a funny but great way to end the book.
Overall a awesome story and I hope to find more great books from John Watson
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2022
I have to give this book a high rating because the prologue and epilogue tie together so well and the epilogue is so clever. If you love horror and supernatural, but at the same time you want a book that will make you think, then you will LOVE John Watson's books. Many thanks to the author for my copy!
June 3, 2025
The book was interesting but then the ending was so rushed to be confusing and stilted. Till the end, pretty interesting and kept you reading but wow was he on a deadline or what. Totally disappointing.
October 8, 2025
There was a lot going on in this book. A hybrid Wendigo and cult sacrificing people to her. A couple moving from New York to Oregon and living in a tiny home. There was a lot of exciting action and sympathetic characters. I enjoyed reading it.
April 20, 2021
Review to follow...
September 30, 2023
I'm speechless
What did I just read?!? Wow!!!! No other words. This book took a twist I didn't expect and I have no clue as to whether I will have decent dreams tonight!
What did I just read?!? Wow!!!! No other words. This book took a twist I didn't expect and I have no clue as to whether I will have decent dreams tonight!
April 30, 2025
Such an amazing book! So different from other books I’ve read and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time!!! John is an amazing writer and I will be getting more of his books!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews