Exit Strategy by Martha Wells [Review]

Exit Strategy (The Murderbot Diaries #4) by Martha Wells
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May 30, 2025

The Murderbot Diaries
1. All Systems Red
2. Artificial Condition
2.5. Rapport: Friendship, Solidarity, Communion, Empathy
3. Rogue Protocol
4. Exit Strategy - Paperback | Kindle
4.5. Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory
5. Network Effect
6. Fugitive Telemetry
7. System Collapse

Martha Wells
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Murderbot wasn’t programmed to care. So, its decision to help the only human who ever showed it respect must be a system glitch, right?

Having traveled the width of the galaxy to unearth details of its own murderous transgressions, as well as those of the GrayCris Corporation, Murderbot is heading home to help Dr. Mensah—its former owner (protector? friend?)—submit evidence that could prevent GrayCris from destroying more colonists in its never-ending quest for profit.

But who’s going to believe a SecUnit gone rogue?

And what will become of it when it’s caught?

Thoughts on Exit Strategy: Still dealing from the events to nab evidence linking GrayCris to more illegal activities, Murderbot is...well, it's always kind of a anxiety-riddled mess (thanks, organic parts), but it's even more of a mess now. On the plus side, its processing ability is pretty darn high after everything it's dealt with in its travels. On the downside, that just gives it more time to stress.

Anywho. Murderbot has some concerns about the wellbeing of Dr. Mensah and some of its other former humans. Piecing things together, it calculates a high probability that its recent incursion to gather data against GrayCris has led to Dr. Mensah being involuntarily detained. You know, since GrayCris thinks Mensah specifically sent it out to gather said data. And not, you know, that Murderbot is acting on its own in this endeavor.

Let's just say that Murderbot is dealing with A LOT this time around. When isn't it, amirite?!? Its reconnecting with members of Mensah's survey team, planning contingencies for when everything goes south, planning more contingencies for when they turn even worse, and making sure its humans somehow remain unharmed during any dangerous situations that are sure to arise. Oh, and it also has to make sure Dr. Mensah gets back to her colleagues without any grievous injury.

Easy right? For a construct who doesn't like interacting with anyone or anything, it sure gets itself into a lot of situations where it has to do exactly that. MAN, I like this series.