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Mr. Monk #18
Mr. Monk Is Open For Business
An all-new story starring Adrian Monk by
Edgar® Award?nominated Monk screenwriter and coexecutive producer Hy Conrad.
It’s compulsive, page-turning fun.
Obsessive. Compulsive. Detective.
An all-new original mystery starring Adrian Monk, the brilliant investigator who always knows when something’s out of place...
After failing to win back his girlfriend Ellen in Summit, New Jersey, Monk returns to San Francisco where he is surprised to find another relationship has taken a new turn. Natalie decided to make things official by setting up an office for Monk and Teeger, Consulting Detectives. With Monk’s typical response to change of any kind, they have more than a few wrinkles to iron out of their new routine. But when Lieutenant Amy Devlin comes to them for help, it’s time to stop bickering and get to work.
A disgruntled employee of a small import business, Wyatt Noone came into work one day and started shooting, killing three coworkers and leaving one female hostage severely wounded. Spotting Wyatt through the office windows, the police surrounded the building, but he still managed to disappear?leaving Lieutenant Devlin with a messy and baffling mystery on her hands.
Visiting the bed-ridden survivor, Sarabeth Winslow, Monk finds her to be helpful, cooperative and?now that he’s on the rebound from Ellen?quite charming as well. But as he and Natalie try to track down Sarabeth’s assailant, they discover that Wyatt has left barely a trace of his past behind, almost as if he managed to disappear from existence all together?
Edgar® Award?nominated Monk screenwriter and coexecutive producer Hy Conrad.
It’s compulsive, page-turning fun.
Obsessive. Compulsive. Detective.
An all-new original mystery starring Adrian Monk, the brilliant investigator who always knows when something’s out of place...
After failing to win back his girlfriend Ellen in Summit, New Jersey, Monk returns to San Francisco where he is surprised to find another relationship has taken a new turn. Natalie decided to make things official by setting up an office for Monk and Teeger, Consulting Detectives. With Monk’s typical response to change of any kind, they have more than a few wrinkles to iron out of their new routine. But when Lieutenant Amy Devlin comes to them for help, it’s time to stop bickering and get to work.
A disgruntled employee of a small import business, Wyatt Noone came into work one day and started shooting, killing three coworkers and leaving one female hostage severely wounded. Spotting Wyatt through the office windows, the police surrounded the building, but he still managed to disappear?leaving Lieutenant Devlin with a messy and baffling mystery on her hands.
Visiting the bed-ridden survivor, Sarabeth Winslow, Monk finds her to be helpful, cooperative and?now that he’s on the rebound from Ellen?quite charming as well. But as he and Natalie try to track down Sarabeth’s assailant, they discover that Wyatt has left barely a trace of his past behind, almost as if he managed to disappear from existence all together?
273 pages, Hardcover
First published June 3, 2014
30 people are currently reading
640 people want to read
About the author
Hy Conrad
46 books165 followersHY CONRAD has made a career out of murder, earning the 2022 Independent Press Award for Best Mystery (“The Fixer’s Daughter”) and 2022 NYC Big Book Awards for Best Mystery Series (“The Fixer’s Daughter,” “Sins of the Family”), a Scribe Award for Best Novel (“Mr. Monk Helps Himself”) and garnering three Edgar nominations from the Mystery Writers of America (for the “Monk” TV series). Along the way, he developed a horde of popular games and interactive films, hundreds of short stories and a dozen books of solvable mysteries, published in over 15 languages. Hy is best known for his eight seasons as writer/co-executive producer for the ground-breaking TV series, “Monk.” Other shows include “White Collar” and “The Good Cop.”
As a novelist, Hy authored the final four books in the Monk series, the Amy Travel Mysteries (“Toured to Death,” “Dearly Departed” and “Death on the Patagonian Express”) and the Callie McFee Mysteries (“The Fixer’s Daughter,” a Barnes & Noble bestseller and “Sins of the Family”).
In the world of theatre, his produced works consist of “Home Exchange” (a mystery), “Ta-Dah!” (a musical), and “Quarantine for Two” (a socially distanced dark comedy about the pandemic).
When he looks up from his keyboard, Hy sees either the hills of Vermont or the palm trees of Key West, depending on the time of year. He also sees Jeff Johnson, his partner of 43 years, now his husband, plus Nelson and Stella, the latest in a dynasty of mini-schnauzers.
www.hyconrad.com
Facebook: hyconrad
Instagram: hyconrad1
As a novelist, Hy authored the final four books in the Monk series, the Amy Travel Mysteries (“Toured to Death,” “Dearly Departed” and “Death on the Patagonian Express”) and the Callie McFee Mysteries (“The Fixer’s Daughter,” a Barnes & Noble bestseller and “Sins of the Family”).
In the world of theatre, his produced works consist of “Home Exchange” (a mystery), “Ta-Dah!” (a musical), and “Quarantine for Two” (a socially distanced dark comedy about the pandemic).
When he looks up from his keyboard, Hy sees either the hills of Vermont or the palm trees of Key West, depending on the time of year. He also sees Jeff Johnson, his partner of 43 years, now his husband, plus Nelson and Stella, the latest in a dynasty of mini-schnauzers.
www.hyconrad.com
Facebook: hyconrad
Instagram: hyconrad1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 20, 2014
So disappointed in this book. This is the first Monk book I haven't been comfortable giving more than three stars to. It starts off with a summation of the breakup between Monk and his girlfriend Ellen that was so Let's Tell A STory that it made me wonder if I had missed a whole book somewhere (I hadn't).
Then there was Monk's 'rebound', which was just ridiculous considering how long it took him to even consider women after his wife's death. And the mystery set up was so ridiculously easy, I figured it out as soon as it was presented - Monk being blinded by 'attraction' is a poor excuse.
And some naggingly out of character moments, like Monk inviting a third person to a dinner party, making for five people total FIVE? Monk would never- if he invited one person to join them, he'd say they had to bring someone along to keep the numbers even.
The only good part of the book was the progression of Monk and Natalie's new detective office, and the relationship between Natalie and her daughter Julie. I think it would be an interesting direction (and in character!) if Julie becomes their intern.
I will keep reading the series because I love Monk so much, but I really hope the next offering in the series returns to the usual quality writing I have enjoyed from previous volumes.
Then there was Monk's 'rebound', which was just ridiculous considering how long it took him to even consider women after his wife's death. And the mystery set up was so ridiculously easy, I figured it out as soon as it was presented - Monk being blinded by 'attraction' is a poor excuse.
And some naggingly out of character moments, like Monk inviting a third person to a dinner party, making for five people total FIVE? Monk would never- if he invited one person to join them, he'd say they had to bring someone along to keep the numbers even.
The only good part of the book was the progression of Monk and Natalie's new detective office, and the relationship between Natalie and her daughter Julie. I think it would be an interesting direction (and in character!) if Julie becomes their intern.
I will keep reading the series because I love Monk so much, but I really hope the next offering in the series returns to the usual quality writing I have enjoyed from previous volumes.
December 15, 2014
Not my normal rating for a Monk novel but it was still a fun ride. Monk seems a little different in this book, not his normal self. That is what threw me off for a bit.
Monk and Teeger open their own agency and takes on a big case the very first day they open their doors. A lawyer's client, Henry Pickler is in jail on suspicion of killing a man in his field but Pickler is not talking, not even to his lawyer. Another case they take on at the same time is a case that Amy Devlin has brought to them. A man named Wyatt Noone kills his coworkers leaving one badly shot but manages to escape under the noses of the police force, including Amy Devlin. With her reputation and career on the line she gets help from none other than Monk and Teeger. Monk is on the rebound after his girlfriend dumped him for getting her brother arrested. Now, he is in love with Sarabeth, the lone survivor of the shooting spree. As Monk and Teeger investigates, a lot of things don't add up and with Monk's attention else where, Teeger has to a lot of leg work. But she manages to get Monk's head back in the game before it is too late and they catch the real killers in both cases.
Monk and Teeger open their own agency and takes on a big case the very first day they open their doors. A lawyer's client, Henry Pickler is in jail on suspicion of killing a man in his field but Pickler is not talking, not even to his lawyer. Another case they take on at the same time is a case that Amy Devlin has brought to them. A man named Wyatt Noone kills his coworkers leaving one badly shot but manages to escape under the noses of the police force, including Amy Devlin. With her reputation and career on the line she gets help from none other than Monk and Teeger. Monk is on the rebound after his girlfriend dumped him for getting her brother arrested. Now, he is in love with Sarabeth, the lone survivor of the shooting spree. As Monk and Teeger investigates, a lot of things don't add up and with Monk's attention else where, Teeger has to a lot of leg work. But she manages to get Monk's head back in the game before it is too late and they catch the real killers in both cases.
September 15, 2014
What a difference a different writer makes! This latest in the Mr. Monk franchise finds the obsessive-compulsive detective guilted by his long-time assistant Natalie into opening an office in a strip mall. Newly broken up with the woman he had fallen for, Monk and Natalie are investigating a murder for an attorney (her client was found in a compromising situation with a corpse, but refuses to explain why), when they are called to a shooting at an office which left three dead and one wounded. The shooter, however, somehow escapes the police barricades, giving the policewoman in charge a publicity disaster. Less emphasis on the various quirks of Mr. Monk in this one.
July 12, 2022
I love this show. Maybe it's the writing or maybe it's Tony Shaloub's great acting, but Monk on screen is more endearing than Monk on the page. I'll still continue reading these books though because it's like getting together again with old friends.
February 3, 2024
Read it in one sitting. It very much had the energy of the show, which made me not want to put the book down. My only complaint is that I feel as though the women characters were described very different from the men. There was a lot more emphasis placed on their appearance, whereas the men were not described in that way.
December 17, 2014
It was good to see another Monk mystery but I have to say I found Lee Goldberg's more laugh-out-loud funny. I'll try another of Mr. Conrad's though.
April 20, 2024
this book was noticeable different to the others and clearly written by someone else.
and for someone who worked directly in and either through show from start to finished… the author didn’t do a good job with having the characters be actually in character. or for in with the overall plot the book series itself has build so far.
it wasn’t necessarily a bad book, it just wasn’t good either.
the mysteries were okay but felt to easy and there was too many moments directly pointing out things to the reader (for example a moment where at the end of a chapter early in the book there would be a sentence like “looking back i could point to this moment and knew something wasn’t right”) in a way that felt almost childish and purposely easy for the readers -as if the reader is supposed to solve it all before even Monk gets to the right solution so that the reader can have the whole “i know how it happened” moments before Monk.
but that’s not the purpose of this series or how it’s been done so far.
it’s not targeted towards making the reader feel like they are the great detective but it’s a series about following along with a detective that despite or because of his overly obvious flaws is the best and nobody can top him.
a bit strange then when it’s all laid out to make the reader be “smarter” than Monk.
also the whole Monk being interested in a relationship soon after ending another one after the entire tv series and book series were basically all about Monk not being able to move on (and not feeling the desire or need to do so either because why would he if he felt like Trudy was the one and he’s happy with his life as it is. not everyone needs a partner! and especially someone like monk would have an incredibly hard time really letting anyone into his space in any realistic and or romantic way!) so have this entire side thing here about him looking for a rebound and being not fully focused on the cases because of it? eh that felt weak and unfitting.
also there are why to many mistakes about Monks OCD behavior in this -how could a person that professionally worked on the tv show make SO MANY mistakes about the biggest characteristics of the main character?!
just to name a few things: Monk not minding uneven things -placements, people in groups or gatherings, not straightening up things in rooms he comes in to simply because he can’t help himself…. - to him walking around a field without complains?!
as i said it’s not a bad book and it’s not a bad mystery read either but it’s not really fitting to this particular series or the complete out of character behavior.
so for what this book was supposed to be? i am disappointed.
i will read the last one too but if this book is any indication? this series should have been finished off by Goldberg and left at that!
and for someone who worked directly in and either through show from start to finished… the author didn’t do a good job with having the characters be actually in character. or for in with the overall plot the book series itself has build so far.
it wasn’t necessarily a bad book, it just wasn’t good either.
the mysteries were okay but felt to easy and there was too many moments directly pointing out things to the reader (for example a moment where at the end of a chapter early in the book there would be a sentence like “looking back i could point to this moment and knew something wasn’t right”) in a way that felt almost childish and purposely easy for the readers -as if the reader is supposed to solve it all before even Monk gets to the right solution so that the reader can have the whole “i know how it happened” moments before Monk.
but that’s not the purpose of this series or how it’s been done so far.
it’s not targeted towards making the reader feel like they are the great detective but it’s a series about following along with a detective that despite or because of his overly obvious flaws is the best and nobody can top him.
a bit strange then when it’s all laid out to make the reader be “smarter” than Monk.
also the whole Monk being interested in a relationship soon after ending another one after the entire tv series and book series were basically all about Monk not being able to move on (and not feeling the desire or need to do so either because why would he if he felt like Trudy was the one and he’s happy with his life as it is. not everyone needs a partner! and especially someone like monk would have an incredibly hard time really letting anyone into his space in any realistic and or romantic way!) so have this entire side thing here about him looking for a rebound and being not fully focused on the cases because of it? eh that felt weak and unfitting.
also there are why to many mistakes about Monks OCD behavior in this -how could a person that professionally worked on the tv show make SO MANY mistakes about the biggest characteristics of the main character?!
just to name a few things: Monk not minding uneven things -placements, people in groups or gatherings, not straightening up things in rooms he comes in to simply because he can’t help himself…. - to him walking around a field without complains?!
as i said it’s not a bad book and it’s not a bad mystery read either but it’s not really fitting to this particular series or the complete out of character behavior.
so for what this book was supposed to be? i am disappointed.
i will read the last one too but if this book is any indication? this series should have been finished off by Goldberg and left at that!
April 3, 2019
While this installment of the Defective Detective was enjoyable and entertaining, it lacked some of the whimsy and careful detail to clever plotting that we have seen in installments written by Lee Goldberg. This time, Monk and Natalie are back in San Francisco, though Randy Disher remains police chief on the other side of the country in New Jersey with former Monk caregiver, Sharona. Back in familiar territory, Natalie springs a surprise on Monk-- she opens a detective agency since she has recently obtained her Private Investigator's license. How she met the stringent requirements for a California Private Investigator's license is ignored for the sake of fiction. Monk is at first resistant to the idea-- thinking he will be permitted to simply spend his time cleaning the office. But soon, there are a number of cases that the team is hired to solve.
Conrad creates a clever plot and intriguing mystery, but sadly, telegraphs its solution so early in the story that it loses steam long before the conclusion. It really disturbed me to figure out both mysteries long before Monk did, and Monk is supposed to be a genius. The author doesn't showcase Monk's genius well enough to suit me. I won't give up on Hy Conrad, but I miss Lee Goldberg's handling of this series. It is fun to watch Monk work, but this time I felt that Monk was flat out missing all of the obvious clues. His obsessive compulsive disorder was comical and Conrad handled the humor fairly well. In one scene, an arrest is made immediately after a suspect leaves the restroom while still zipping up. The arrest is announced, but Monk insists that the suspect wash his hands before being cuffed-- SAFETY FIRST, he says. Classic Monk humor.
Don't get me wrong-- I still enjoyed the book, but not as much as I had hoped.
July 5, 2024
Another great Monk mystery in the books! I don’t think I’ll ever not enjoy reading a lighthearted mystery from Natalie Teeger and Mr Adrian Monk.
I haven’t been reading the series in order, but this is the most recent one in the series I’ve read so far. I must say, there were several small things that the Mr Monk in the tv show would’ve never done back then. With that being said, I love the growth you see in him throughout these books. He definitely was more empathetic in this book and I am all for it (but don’t get me wrong, he’s still very much unaware of many social cues).
I read some reviews before reading and several were complaints that his character would never do this or that. People grow, people change. His character isn’t going to be exactly the same as the show when it’s been many years in the future. I’m enjoying his character development! He still has so many of his same quirks and phobias, but there are still little growths.
I haven’t been reading the series in order, but this is the most recent one in the series I’ve read so far. I must say, there were several small things that the Mr Monk in the tv show would’ve never done back then. With that being said, I love the growth you see in him throughout these books. He definitely was more empathetic in this book and I am all for it (but don’t get me wrong, he’s still very much unaware of many social cues).
I read some reviews before reading and several were complaints that his character would never do this or that. People grow, people change. His character isn’t going to be exactly the same as the show when it’s been many years in the future. I’m enjoying his character development! He still has so many of his same quirks and phobias, but there are still little growths.
October 31, 2017
MR, MONK IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS by HY CONRAD
Now that Natalie has her P.I. license, her and Monk have become partners. This story opens with Natalie showing Monk their new office space, no more operating out of Monk's home. Monk wants to celebrate by vacuuming the new office. Then the phone rings and Monk and Teeger have their first job. Daniella Grace the lawyer they met while on the cruise wants to hire them. From here it begins to get very interesting. Monk and Teeger are on her case when suddenly Captain Stottelmeyer calls them. I cannot tell you anymore without spoiling what I consider to be one of the best monk books to date.
Now that Natalie has her P.I. license, her and Monk have become partners. This story opens with Natalie showing Monk their new office space, no more operating out of Monk's home. Monk wants to celebrate by vacuuming the new office. Then the phone rings and Monk and Teeger have their first job. Daniella Grace the lawyer they met while on the cruise wants to hire them. From here it begins to get very interesting. Monk and Teeger are on her case when suddenly Captain Stottelmeyer calls them. I cannot tell you anymore without spoiling what I consider to be one of the best monk books to date.
September 2, 2022
Monk and Teeger, Consulting Detectives has their own office space and not one, but two cases to solve. Between the two investigations, I was happily turning pages to find out whodunit. I am a huge fan of the Monk series and these books are such a delightful substitute for the lack of any new episodes. (Actually I love the reruns, too.) With a murder suspect who has gone mum and a mass murder suspect on the lam, the detectives are sure to catch some people up to no good. And if they need a little help, Natalie's daughter Julie is a ready and willing assistant. Hope we get to see more Julie in the next book!
March 1, 2020
If you're looking for a challenging read, this book certainly isn't it. However, if you're looking for a good escape for a little while, then this book can provide that. It was a quick read. I finished it in a few hours.
This book reads just like an episode of the TV series, which isn't surprising since the author also wrote for the show during all eight seasons. All the usual characters, humor and twists are there, even Sharona somewhat makes an appearance. All in all, this book is a good read when you just need to escape the world for a while.
This book reads just like an episode of the TV series, which isn't surprising since the author also wrote for the show during all eight seasons. All the usual characters, humor and twists are there, even Sharona somewhat makes an appearance. All in all, this book is a good read when you just need to escape the world for a while.
August 21, 2023
I love the Monk books. They feel like the show and it’s nice to see the characters continue to grow. I only docked a star for this one since it was really painfully obvious what went down with the main mystery. I feel like something similar actually happened in an episode of the show. But it was still fun to read.
March 15, 2022
Is Monk somebody else? I didn’t recognise him at all in this book. The things he says, the clapbacks at Natalie…they all don’t sound like anything Adrian would say at all. This is someone with OCD who happens to be a detective, not Adrian Monk.
That really destroyed my experience of this book.
That really destroyed my experience of this book.
June 19, 2017
Very easy read, just was I was looking for. Prety average writing. A good mystery though, as you'd expect from Monk.
December 18, 2017
Held my interest, but not one of the stronger novels in this series. Not that funny, and Monk acts weirdly in inconsistent ways.
March 29, 2018
A good pool-side read. I don't watch the shows but I enjoy these cozy mysteries. This one had a few twists and turns to keep you guessing. I enjoyed it.
June 9, 2018
Liked how Natalie's daughter in this sequel played a perfect part in the plot. Congrats to Natalie on her achievements too. Liked getting better acquainted with some new characters.
June 9, 2018
Another fun Monk book!
November 27, 2018
Love the TV series. Love the books.
November 30, 2020
Wow, interesting. This is one of the better Monk books. Didn't expect the twist ending of who Wyatt S Noone was, even though it's quite blindingly obvious.
.
.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2022
This was probably one of my least favourite Monk books I have read. It was fine, just not that engaging.
February 19, 2023
Another excellent story that reads just like a Monk episode but even more so if that makes sense. Kudos to the author!
October 26, 2024
Not bad.
October 10, 2025
greatly changed dynamics from original show. ending was strong but internal character dynamics were less captivating
January 14, 2018
Monk, Monk, Monk. I miss this show and glad I can keep up with the characters with the novels.
June 3, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/mr...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
*Beware of Possible Spoilers*
Now that the new Monk and Teeger Consulting Detectives office is open for business, Mr. Monk has a new place to obsessively clean and Natalie feels they can reflect the professional image that will attract more clients than their long-term affiliation with the San Francisco Police Department. If Mr. Monk doesn’t antagonize all of the other business owners in the strip mall where their office is located, that is.
Our Obsessive Compulsive Detective has let go of some of his neuroses over the years, at least enough to have had a lady friend (emphasis on “friend”) to have rejected him just because he found her brother guilty of murder. He now has his own chauffeur who is available when Natalie isn’t. And he even packs a lunch each day for himself and Natalie to eat at the office – very neatly prepared Spam sandwiches. This reader must be slightly OCD as well, as it is so hard to imagine Monk out with any female other than Natalie!
M & T’s first official case is from an attorney whose client, Henry Pickler, is accidentally discovered in his back yard with a completely clean, new shovel and the still-warm, yet very dead body of a mobster’s henchman. He refuses to speak, either to his high-dollar attorney or his new PI team of Monk and Teeger. Before the body has even cooled off or Mr. Pickler could be broken down by Monk’s questions, Captain Leland Stottlemeyer of SFPD calls with an emergency.
Their priority case is at a nearby company where one employee was shooting other employees. Police were aware of one known survivor, a young woman who had been shot but not fatally. SWAT and negotiators were in place. In short order, they get into the warehouse with EMT’s to rescue the lone survivor and find the gunman. Only the gunman is long gone, leaving only a little pile of clothing and shoes. Wyatt Noone, the reclusive accountant, is the accused gunman, and he seems to have disappeared into thin air. The victim, Sarabeth Willow, is at the hospital when the team of Monk and Teeger follow up with her. Not only is her story of the mysterious Wyatt surprising, but Adrian’s reaction to Sarabeth is even more stunning. He is gentle, kind, and caring, as if Sarabeth were his very own treasure. Monk, blinded in the blush of a rebound romance, can’t see beyond Sarabeth, leaving Natalie and Lieutenant Amy Devlin on their own to find Wyatt Noone. And when it is learned by the owner of the company, just arrived from Japan, that Noone had also embezzled from the company, Natalie and Amy know there is more to the story than what meets Adrian’s caring hands.
It doesn’t matter how many Monk reruns I watch, or how many books I read, each one is like opening a new gift. With Natalie’s skillful narration, this book can stand alone easily or be read with the rest of the series. Adrian Monk is still an enigma, more than capable of solving crimes that others find impossible while still being one of the most neurotic individuals ever. Some of his traits are endearing, others annoying, and still others are wildly funny (such as the method he uses to cut his own hair). Natalie has become quite the professional businesswoman and PI. Her daughter Julie is now an adult and wants to be an unpaid intern for Natalie and Adrian. Adrian’s agoraphobic brother Ambrose, who still lives in the old family home, is now married to Yuki, a tattooed Harley-riding Japanese cooking expert. It is so hard for me to select just one favorite character, as they are like one large family unit – if you love one, you love ‘em all!
Each character grows without losing a bit of their charm. That he took a risk on a lady friend rather than continuously mourn for his late, murdered wife, Trudy, is huge progress from the Adrian Monk we saw when the wildly popular television show ended its eighth year. He has not yet, however, given up using wipes after he comes in contact with anything he has not already sanitized, including the hands of those who aren’t aware that he doesn’t shake. He is still the same Monk, just a little less … different.
I highly recommend this to every Monk fan! Adults of all ages will enjoy the latest offering in the Mr. Monk series, especially those who enjoy humorous cozies with mysteries that are not easily solved before Mr. Monk dissociates until his only focus is the crime. He still doesn’t need the internet, cell phones, or a GPS. The Obsessive Compulsive Detective is still “in”. And now he is Open for Business, thanks to Hy Conrad.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
*Beware of Possible Spoilers*
Now that the new Monk and Teeger Consulting Detectives office is open for business, Mr. Monk has a new place to obsessively clean and Natalie feels they can reflect the professional image that will attract more clients than their long-term affiliation with the San Francisco Police Department. If Mr. Monk doesn’t antagonize all of the other business owners in the strip mall where their office is located, that is.
Our Obsessive Compulsive Detective has let go of some of his neuroses over the years, at least enough to have had a lady friend (emphasis on “friend”) to have rejected him just because he found her brother guilty of murder. He now has his own chauffeur who is available when Natalie isn’t. And he even packs a lunch each day for himself and Natalie to eat at the office – very neatly prepared Spam sandwiches. This reader must be slightly OCD as well, as it is so hard to imagine Monk out with any female other than Natalie!
M & T’s first official case is from an attorney whose client, Henry Pickler, is accidentally discovered in his back yard with a completely clean, new shovel and the still-warm, yet very dead body of a mobster’s henchman. He refuses to speak, either to his high-dollar attorney or his new PI team of Monk and Teeger. Before the body has even cooled off or Mr. Pickler could be broken down by Monk’s questions, Captain Leland Stottlemeyer of SFPD calls with an emergency.
Their priority case is at a nearby company where one employee was shooting other employees. Police were aware of one known survivor, a young woman who had been shot but not fatally. SWAT and negotiators were in place. In short order, they get into the warehouse with EMT’s to rescue the lone survivor and find the gunman. Only the gunman is long gone, leaving only a little pile of clothing and shoes. Wyatt Noone, the reclusive accountant, is the accused gunman, and he seems to have disappeared into thin air. The victim, Sarabeth Willow, is at the hospital when the team of Monk and Teeger follow up with her. Not only is her story of the mysterious Wyatt surprising, but Adrian’s reaction to Sarabeth is even more stunning. He is gentle, kind, and caring, as if Sarabeth were his very own treasure. Monk, blinded in the blush of a rebound romance, can’t see beyond Sarabeth, leaving Natalie and Lieutenant Amy Devlin on their own to find Wyatt Noone. And when it is learned by the owner of the company, just arrived from Japan, that Noone had also embezzled from the company, Natalie and Amy know there is more to the story than what meets Adrian’s caring hands.
It doesn’t matter how many Monk reruns I watch, or how many books I read, each one is like opening a new gift. With Natalie’s skillful narration, this book can stand alone easily or be read with the rest of the series. Adrian Monk is still an enigma, more than capable of solving crimes that others find impossible while still being one of the most neurotic individuals ever. Some of his traits are endearing, others annoying, and still others are wildly funny (such as the method he uses to cut his own hair). Natalie has become quite the professional businesswoman and PI. Her daughter Julie is now an adult and wants to be an unpaid intern for Natalie and Adrian. Adrian’s agoraphobic brother Ambrose, who still lives in the old family home, is now married to Yuki, a tattooed Harley-riding Japanese cooking expert. It is so hard for me to select just one favorite character, as they are like one large family unit – if you love one, you love ‘em all!
Each character grows without losing a bit of their charm. That he took a risk on a lady friend rather than continuously mourn for his late, murdered wife, Trudy, is huge progress from the Adrian Monk we saw when the wildly popular television show ended its eighth year. He has not yet, however, given up using wipes after he comes in contact with anything he has not already sanitized, including the hands of those who aren’t aware that he doesn’t shake. He is still the same Monk, just a little less … different.
I highly recommend this to every Monk fan! Adults of all ages will enjoy the latest offering in the Mr. Monk series, especially those who enjoy humorous cozies with mysteries that are not easily solved before Mr. Monk dissociates until his only focus is the crime. He still doesn’t need the internet, cell phones, or a GPS. The Obsessive Compulsive Detective is still “in”. And now he is Open for Business, thanks to Hy Conrad.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
April 5, 2023
-- Library Book --
I loved the Monk series growing up, (a bit obsessed with it). So when I saw that my library has the last three Monk book, I was thrilled. The books are not great. This one was predictable and I was able to guess the main story line within the first few chapters of it being introduced. I thought the first few chapters were pointless and added nothing to the storyline. I also did not like the two storylines at once, it felt messy and not necessary.
I think its nice that they continued the series, but it feels like some of the character development is progressing backwards and not the lovable character from the series (Natalie). That being said, I will continue to read this series as I was a huge Monk fan.
I loved the Monk series growing up, (a bit obsessed with it). So when I saw that my library has the last three Monk book, I was thrilled. The books are not great. This one was predictable and I was able to guess the main story line within the first few chapters of it being introduced. I thought the first few chapters were pointless and added nothing to the storyline. I also did not like the two storylines at once, it felt messy and not necessary.
I think its nice that they continued the series, but it feels like some of the character development is progressing backwards and not the lovable character from the series (Natalie). That being said, I will continue to read this series as I was a huge Monk fan.
June 29, 2014
Adrian Monk struggles daily with OCD, but when it comes to solving crimes, nobody is a better detective. Many people fear change, but Monk’s aversion to any type of variation in his life goes far beyond most people’s. Unfortunately for Monk, his life is currently full of changes. The biggest one is that his former assistant Natalie Teeger is now his partner in their new detective agency, Monk and Teeger Consulting Detectives. Their first case is a tough one. A seemingly average guy comes into work, goes on a shooting spree, and then disappears. Monk strongly believes in an important witness’s innocence, but Natalie thinks the woman is hiding something. It’s up to Monk to find a way to deal with all the changes in his life, remain objective, and focus on this difficult case.
"Mr. Monk is Open for Business" is a win for all Monk fans. If you were a fan of the television show, the books written by Lee Goldberg, or the newer books in the series by current author Hy Conrad, you will enjoy this book. This is the third book in the series written by Conrad and if you are worried he won’t handle the beloved characters properly, Mr. Conrad is a former writer and co-producer of the show, so Natalie, Monk, Julie, and the Captain are in good hands. Natalie and Monk have their usual rapport and make an even better team as partners than when Natalie was Monk’s assistant. Just as Goldberg’s books didn’t completely follow the ending of the show, neither does Conrad’s, but he is true to the characters and in many ways seems to be getting back to the basics of the series. I’m actually glad one of the characters and storylines introduced by Goldberg that was never a favorite of mine (Monk’s friend Ellen and her “Poop” stores), seems to be wrapping up.
I really enjoyed this installment of the series. The plot of a workplace shooting is scary, but interesting and in the hands of Conrad had plenty of twists. The book is a fun read with Natalie as the narrator and her wry sense of humor when telling the story. I’m not sure I agree that Monk would have had such a blind spot regarding one of the suspects, but it does add a bit of a twist to the investigation.
There is less slapstick and silliness in this novel compared to some of the earlier installments and more emphasis on the characters and the investigation, which I appreciate. Julie plays an important role in the book and it looks like she could become even more important going forward, which would be great for fans of that character. I’m not a detective like Monk or Natalie, but clues at the end of the book were pointing toward the strong possibility of another old favorite character returning to a larger role in future books.
This is a great mystery that fans of Monk will really enjoy. Although it’s a well-written book, if you’ve never seen the show, I don’t know if you would have the same enjoyment of the book as someone who has grown to love these characters by watching the television series.
This review was originally written for The Season EZine. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
"Mr. Monk is Open for Business" is a win for all Monk fans. If you were a fan of the television show, the books written by Lee Goldberg, or the newer books in the series by current author Hy Conrad, you will enjoy this book. This is the third book in the series written by Conrad and if you are worried he won’t handle the beloved characters properly, Mr. Conrad is a former writer and co-producer of the show, so Natalie, Monk, Julie, and the Captain are in good hands. Natalie and Monk have their usual rapport and make an even better team as partners than when Natalie was Monk’s assistant. Just as Goldberg’s books didn’t completely follow the ending of the show, neither does Conrad’s, but he is true to the characters and in many ways seems to be getting back to the basics of the series. I’m actually glad one of the characters and storylines introduced by Goldberg that was never a favorite of mine (Monk’s friend Ellen and her “Poop” stores), seems to be wrapping up.
I really enjoyed this installment of the series. The plot of a workplace shooting is scary, but interesting and in the hands of Conrad had plenty of twists. The book is a fun read with Natalie as the narrator and her wry sense of humor when telling the story. I’m not sure I agree that Monk would have had such a blind spot regarding one of the suspects, but it does add a bit of a twist to the investigation.
There is less slapstick and silliness in this novel compared to some of the earlier installments and more emphasis on the characters and the investigation, which I appreciate. Julie plays an important role in the book and it looks like she could become even more important going forward, which would be great for fans of that character. I’m not a detective like Monk or Natalie, but clues at the end of the book were pointing toward the strong possibility of another old favorite character returning to a larger role in future books.
This is a great mystery that fans of Monk will really enjoy. Although it’s a well-written book, if you’ve never seen the show, I don’t know if you would have the same enjoyment of the book as someone who has grown to love these characters by watching the television series.
This review was originally written for The Season EZine. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
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