I had my expectations set really high, considering the last three novellas in this series delivered high marks. I gave it some thought, and if I were adapting the books into a tv series, the first 3 books would deserve 2 episodes each. However, the fourth one - Exit Strategy, feels like one episode at best.
The story picks up where the third book left off. Murderbot has sufficient evidence to implicate Graycris. However, upon scanning the news feeds, it learns that Dr. Mensah (his former client) is in trouble and needs rescuing.
The Plot (spoilers)
The trademark fast-paced action follows - Murderbot infiltrates the station, makes contact with Dr. Mensah's colleagues (also his former clients), and then devises a rescue plan. The hostage release is botched, a firefight ensues, and everyone makes it off the station onto the gunship (with Murderbot severely injured). The excitement doesn't end there; however, the Gunship's AI is compromised, and it's up to Murderbot to save the ship.
(Possibly I was overthinking this. I do that; it’s the anxiety that comes with being a part-organic murderbot. The upside was paranoid attention to detail. The downside was also paranoid attention to detail.)
Thoughts
I let a few days pass before passing judgment on this book, and I am still inclined to rate it at 4 out of 5. This is because the ending of this book does set up an "Exit Strategy" for Murderbot. If anything, the fast-paced action and the usually sarcastic, self-deprecating humor made it an entertaining read.
It was very dramatic, like something out of a historical adventure serial. Also correct in every aspect except for all the facts, like something out of a historical adventure serial.
As far as whether anything in the book is relevant for future books in this series, I'll have to wait and see.