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Mr. Monk #4
Mr. Monk and The Two Assistants
Fourth in the all-new series of original mysteries starring Adrian Monk, the brilliant investigator who always knows when something's out of place.
Now that her ne'er-do-well husband has been arrested for murder, Monk's former assistant, Sharona, is ready to reclaim her place in Monk's extremely well-ordered life. But his current assistant, Natalie, is not pleased with this turn of events.
While Monk tries to maintain a delicate balance between the two women, he discovers a few snags in the case against Sharona's husband. And with other murders to investigate, Monk realizes he may be up against a killer who not only understands him, but is one step ahead.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
78 people are currently reading
915 people want to read
About the author
Lee Goldberg
159 books2,122 followersLee Goldberg is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over forty novels, including Malibu Burning, Calico, Lost Hills (the first novel in his acclaimed "Eve Ronin" series), 15 "Monk" mysteries, five "Fox & O'Hare" adventures (co-written with Janet Evanovich), and the new thriller Ashes Never Lie, the second in his "Sharpe & Walker" series.. He's written and/or produced many TV shows, including Diagnosis Murder, SeaQuest, and Monk and he co-created the Hallmark movie series Mystery 101.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
June 4, 2022
Death by alligator - in San Francisco?
Monk’s basic problem is that he’s obsessed with imposing order on a world that is, by nature, disordered. It’s a problem he’s never going to solve. But he’s not alone in his futile pursuit. We’ve all got the same problem, only not to his degree.
Sharona returns and now Mr Monk has two assistants
How to win the war of terrorists
He nagged me to help him write letters to members of Congress urging them to pass a law that all the M&Ms in a package must be the same color.
“If we want to win the war on terror,” he said, “we have to start at home.”
“Multicolored M and Ms aren’t an act of terrorism,” I said.
“They’ve got you fooled, too. It’s sugarcoated anarchy,” he said. “It’s insidiously ingenious. It makes the idea of anarchy acceptable, even tasty. Left unchecked, it could eventually topple our society and our entire system of government.”
Somehow, I just couldn’t picture terrorists plotting to destroy America by hooking the populace on multicolored candies.
Safety first
“Why are you wearing a gas mask?” Dr. Bayliss asked.
“Why isn’t everyone?” Monk said.
“I don’t see any smoke,” Dr. Bayliss said. “And as far as I know, the air in this room is safe to breathe.”
Monk stared at him in shock. Or at least I think he did. It wasn’t too easy to see his face through that mask.
“Have you looked outside lately?” Monk said. “There’s a toxic cloud hanging over the city.”
. . . .
Los Angelenos are a jaded bunch, but even they were distracted by the sight of a man strolling down the street in a gas mask. When we pulled up in my car, Monk was attracting the kind of stares usually reserved for movie stars and half-naked women.
So many murders, crimes and suspects we need Mr Monk to solve them all.
Enjoy!
Monk’s basic problem is that he’s obsessed with imposing order on a world that is, by nature, disordered. It’s a problem he’s never going to solve. But he’s not alone in his futile pursuit. We’ve all got the same problem, only not to his degree.
Sharona returns and now Mr Monk has two assistants
How to win the war of terrorists
He nagged me to help him write letters to members of Congress urging them to pass a law that all the M&Ms in a package must be the same color.
“If we want to win the war on terror,” he said, “we have to start at home.”
“Multicolored M and Ms aren’t an act of terrorism,” I said.
“They’ve got you fooled, too. It’s sugarcoated anarchy,” he said. “It’s insidiously ingenious. It makes the idea of anarchy acceptable, even tasty. Left unchecked, it could eventually topple our society and our entire system of government.”
Somehow, I just couldn’t picture terrorists plotting to destroy America by hooking the populace on multicolored candies.
Safety first
“Why are you wearing a gas mask?” Dr. Bayliss asked.
“Why isn’t everyone?” Monk said.
“I don’t see any smoke,” Dr. Bayliss said. “And as far as I know, the air in this room is safe to breathe.”
Monk stared at him in shock. Or at least I think he did. It wasn’t too easy to see his face through that mask.
“Have you looked outside lately?” Monk said. “There’s a toxic cloud hanging over the city.”
. . . .
Los Angelenos are a jaded bunch, but even they were distracted by the sight of a man strolling down the street in a gas mask. When we pulled up in my car, Monk was attracting the kind of stares usually reserved for movie stars and half-naked women.
So many murders, crimes and suspects we need Mr Monk to solve them all.
Enjoy!
October 30, 2016
a few years ago, I read Mr. Monk Goes to Hawaii and enjoyed it quite a bit, which is rare for me with adaptations. So when I heard there was a Monk book that featured both Natalie and Sharona, I was intrigued.
I was also quite disappointed.
Goldberg, a veteran TV and book writer, allows himself too many cloying references to the fact that the actress who played Sharona left the show abruptly. They litter the first fifty pages so often that I almost stopped reading entirely, except that they tone down through the middle only to revive with a vengeance. My feelings on this book are almost entirely based on getting through over 250 pages to find, on the page, this passage. Sharona has just finished asking Natalie why she thinks she got the job.
"You're me," Sharona said.
"You just got done telling me all the ways I'm not you."
"But you are in the ways that count," she said. "You're a single mother with a twelve-year-old kid. So was I. He wasn't looking for a new assistant with nursing or even secretarial skills. He was looking for a new actress to play the same part."
Yeah. I'll wait for those of you who are fans of the show to stop slapping your foreheads.
Back? Okay, good. I might have forgiven even this had Natalie slapped her and said, "I'm nothing like you, I'd never do what you did to Monk" or something of that nature. But instead, Sharona points out that she's made the part her own.
Normally, I have no problem with self-referencing. I am big fan of Byrne's She-Hulk run, for instance. And on the show, I laughed when a character who hated a TV-theme show change begs Monk not to change his, if he ever gets one (after they did). I can take a passing shot all in fun, as long as it doesn't overwhelm the story. And in a book that spends most of the opening and closing letting Goldberg get in his licks on the actress who played Sharona, with a few more in-between, it's just too much. It becomes a parody, which this was not designed to be, and becomes a tragedy, when a plot point is just left danging because "Monk wasn't interested."
You just don't do that in a mystery, even if the character may not care.
All that being said, the parts with Monk were well done. As noted in the other book, Goldberg has a great handle on the characters--save Sharona, who just seems like a shrill harpy--and those sections of the pages shine, particularly when Disher opens his mouth. He also does the plot fairly faithfully to the TV show--Monk finds the one little detail that's been sitting there all along and uses it to solve the crime (in this case the framing of Sharona's on again, off again husband). Had the first fifty pages been reduced to ten and had the obvious venting about Sharona gone away, I'd have liked this well enough, though I'd have preferred a little less filler cases along the way (it seems like we have to stop for a Monk solution about every few chapters, a problem the other book I read had as well). As it stands, however, I can't recommend this one--the meta parts are just too out of place and jarring. A shame, because I definitely would like to read Monk fiction. (Library, 04/08)
I was also quite disappointed.
Goldberg, a veteran TV and book writer, allows himself too many cloying references to the fact that the actress who played Sharona left the show abruptly. They litter the first fifty pages so often that I almost stopped reading entirely, except that they tone down through the middle only to revive with a vengeance. My feelings on this book are almost entirely based on getting through over 250 pages to find, on the page, this passage. Sharona has just finished asking Natalie why she thinks she got the job.
"You're me," Sharona said.
"You just got done telling me all the ways I'm not you."
"But you are in the ways that count," she said. "You're a single mother with a twelve-year-old kid. So was I. He wasn't looking for a new assistant with nursing or even secretarial skills. He was looking for a new actress to play the same part."
Yeah. I'll wait for those of you who are fans of the show to stop slapping your foreheads.
Back? Okay, good. I might have forgiven even this had Natalie slapped her and said, "I'm nothing like you, I'd never do what you did to Monk" or something of that nature. But instead, Sharona points out that she's made the part her own.
Normally, I have no problem with self-referencing. I am big fan of Byrne's She-Hulk run, for instance. And on the show, I laughed when a character who hated a TV-theme show change begs Monk not to change his, if he ever gets one (after they did). I can take a passing shot all in fun, as long as it doesn't overwhelm the story. And in a book that spends most of the opening and closing letting Goldberg get in his licks on the actress who played Sharona, with a few more in-between, it's just too much. It becomes a parody, which this was not designed to be, and becomes a tragedy, when a plot point is just left danging because "Monk wasn't interested."
You just don't do that in a mystery, even if the character may not care.
All that being said, the parts with Monk were well done. As noted in the other book, Goldberg has a great handle on the characters--save Sharona, who just seems like a shrill harpy--and those sections of the pages shine, particularly when Disher opens his mouth. He also does the plot fairly faithfully to the TV show--Monk finds the one little detail that's been sitting there all along and uses it to solve the crime (in this case the framing of Sharona's on again, off again husband). Had the first fifty pages been reduced to ten and had the obvious venting about Sharona gone away, I'd have liked this well enough, though I'd have preferred a little less filler cases along the way (it seems like we have to stop for a Monk solution about every few chapters, a problem the other book I read had as well). As it stands, however, I can't recommend this one--the meta parts are just too out of place and jarring. A shame, because I definitely would like to read Monk fiction. (Library, 04/08)
September 18, 2023
I didn't expect that when I started reading this I'd finish it within 3 hours but here we are, haha! It truly felt like I was reading a 2-part season premiere of the show, and I loved it for that. Narrated by Natalie (very Hastings of her, I approve) with a mystery that's chaotic but I did, in fact, solve it just as Monk was, which made me happy. (personally I find it a good sign if the reader can solve a mystery, it means the clues were laid out well and we have all the information we need to figure it out. so. yay for that.) I have to go rewatch the actual episode where Sharona comes back now, haha! 4.5 stars from me!
June 16, 2023
Mr. Monk and the Two Assistants was a fun read. I felt like I was watching the show...and the characters definitely felt realistic to the show. It was interesting to have both Natalie and Sharona in the story. I did figure out the killer pretty much right after he/she was introduced in the story, but I liked that it was just a good guess and wasn't obvious. ;)
All in all, I enjoyed this book and plan on reading more "Mr. Monk" books.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and plan on reading more "Mr. Monk" books.
November 28, 2022
This was good. I really enjoyed seeing Sharon in the book. The mystery was pretty good.
January 1, 2020
I've always avoided these books because I had a feeling they wouldn't be as good as the show, but since I've been lacking enough HDMI ports to watch the show I figured that I might as well give it a shot.
I wish I had gotten up switched things around and just watched the show.
When Monk runs into his former assistant Sharona, a delicate balance needs to happen between Sharona and Natalie. They are all together as Monk tries to helps out Sharona's ex-husband who was accused on murder, but it's difficult as more murders pop up that he needs to investigate.
Despite Goldberg writing on the show, I didn't come away from the story feeling like he had the characters under his wing. Some of the things they said and did felt entirely out of character. Natalie especially. As the story was told in her POV, we really got to see what she was thinking at all times and while in the show that's not available, her thoughts didn't match up with the Natalie I see on the show.
The crimes had a fun Monk aspect to them, but I think that Monk and the characters are something to be enjoyed on screen instead of in print. It didn't have the same effect nor thrill and comfort that it often seems to bring me.
I wish I had gotten up switched things around and just watched the show.
When Monk runs into his former assistant Sharona, a delicate balance needs to happen between Sharona and Natalie. They are all together as Monk tries to helps out Sharona's ex-husband who was accused on murder, but it's difficult as more murders pop up that he needs to investigate.
Despite Goldberg writing on the show, I didn't come away from the story feeling like he had the characters under his wing. Some of the things they said and did felt entirely out of character. Natalie especially. As the story was told in her POV, we really got to see what she was thinking at all times and while in the show that's not available, her thoughts didn't match up with the Natalie I see on the show.
The crimes had a fun Monk aspect to them, but I think that Monk and the characters are something to be enjoyed on screen instead of in print. It didn't have the same effect nor thrill and comfort that it often seems to bring me.
March 6, 2013
I admit I haven't read many books based on TV shows. I do like the Richard Castle books, but other than that, I haven't gotten into the tie in type books. I love this show, and when I saw this book at a library sale I thought I would give it a try.
I remember an episode similar to the plot in this book, but it's been a long time since I watched any of the TV episodes and I don't remember if the book was exactly the same as the show or different. I think it was different though.
Sharona's husband has been accused of murder. She leaves him and comes back to San Francisco. In a chance meeting, Sharona realizes that Monk is no longer angry with her and that it's possible she could get her old job back as his assistant. This development leaves Natalie feeling jealous and defensive. So, Natalie decides they need to prove Sharona's husband is innocent so Sharona will go back to New Jersey and Natalie can keep her job.
All the beloved characters from the show are here in the books. In this case the books compliment the show very nicely. I read this one in one afternoon. The last 75 pages had me so hooked I couldn't put the book down. So, I've decided to keep my eyes out for more of these books. I think I might like to start a little collection of them.
I understand that the author recently wrote his last installment in this series, which is too bad. I really miss Monk.
Overall an A
I remember an episode similar to the plot in this book, but it's been a long time since I watched any of the TV episodes and I don't remember if the book was exactly the same as the show or different. I think it was different though.
Sharona's husband has been accused of murder. She leaves him and comes back to San Francisco. In a chance meeting, Sharona realizes that Monk is no longer angry with her and that it's possible she could get her old job back as his assistant. This development leaves Natalie feeling jealous and defensive. So, Natalie decides they need to prove Sharona's husband is innocent so Sharona will go back to New Jersey and Natalie can keep her job.
All the beloved characters from the show are here in the books. In this case the books compliment the show very nicely. I read this one in one afternoon. The last 75 pages had me so hooked I couldn't put the book down. So, I've decided to keep my eyes out for more of these books. I think I might like to start a little collection of them.
I understand that the author recently wrote his last installment in this series, which is too bad. I really miss Monk.
Overall an A
March 27, 2022
Andrew if you say one more word against mr monk you’re getting blocked fr
January 21, 2023
Mr. Monk and his antics are ridiculous, but I enjoy them as the books are fairly short and gives me a good laugh. In this book, some of Mr. Monk's OCD quirks actually made sense. Like during the holy communion, when is says "If you really want to purify people, dispense hand sanitizer"
This book is a cross-over with Lee Goldberg's other series Hero, the author, Ian Ludlow, appearing in a major role. Mr. Monk is upset when the famous mystery writer, Ian Ludlow is brought in as an expert in crime detection. Will Mr. Monk be able to work with Ian Ludlow to solve the murder mystery?
Most of the reviewers have referenced to the TV series, and seem to be disappointed with the book. I didn't even know the existence of the TV series till I read the first book and I don't intend to watch the series. From the reviews, i gather that Monk's first assistant Sharona was a major character from the beginning of the series, but in the books, she appears first in book 4.
I guess I enjoyed the books as I didn't have any reference point for comparison. I plan to read all the books in the series, they do offer a good break in between serious reading.
This book is a cross-over with Lee Goldberg's other series Hero, the author, Ian Ludlow, appearing in a major role. Mr. Monk is upset when the famous mystery writer, Ian Ludlow is brought in as an expert in crime detection. Will Mr. Monk be able to work with Ian Ludlow to solve the murder mystery?
Most of the reviewers have referenced to the TV series, and seem to be disappointed with the book. I didn't even know the existence of the TV series till I read the first book and I don't intend to watch the series. From the reviews, i gather that Monk's first assistant Sharona was a major character from the beginning of the series, but in the books, she appears first in book 4.
I guess I enjoyed the books as I didn't have any reference point for comparison. I plan to read all the books in the series, they do offer a good break in between serious reading.
May 2, 2021
3.5 Very enjoyable, silly, predictable yet entertaining series. Reading on audible in between heavier books.
July 21, 2009
I try not to curse in public and certainly not in print. But Oh. My. God. I hated this book.
Don't get me wrong, the first two, two and a half seasons of the show are top notch stuff. Back then, he was not totally loaded down with phobias due to the freak out of the week he needed to have to keep driving the show. I loved that initial sketch of the character. And I understand why Natalie narrates the books. It helps keep you out of Monk's head and makes you an observer of Monk, duplicating the viewing experience.
Let's look at story mechanics here. The feisty sidekick Sharona Fleming worked with Monk while watching him solve at least forty impossible cases if you just take the volume of cases solved in the episodes with her as the loyal nurse. But when her husband is charged with murder, she naturally assumes he is guilty. He claims to be innocent, but she assumes the worst without even a call to Monk. Why, you ask? So that she can accidentally run into Monk and tell him the story.
While on the story mechanic thing, can I ask that we give the in-jokes a rest? In a famous comic book series, the fact that every major structure is named after a famous comic creator is distracting. Imagine watching a movie where someone is confirming directions with a line of dialogue like this... "So I follow the Hitchcock Highway to the Frankenheimer Turn Around past the Eastwood Monument until I pass to the Spielberg Sanctuary and I arrive at the Preminger Octagon. Gotcha." I get the process of leaving Easter Eggs. Creators- leave that to the Easter Bunny!
Anyway, in the 27th Chapter of the book, the author reveals something that had been at the back of my mind for all of this time. In this scene, Sharona has had a revelation...
"I think I know why he hired you," she said.
"You mean it wasn't my vivacious personality and irrepressible charm?"
"You're me," Sharona said.
And with that I had to put the book down for a moment. When Sharona left the show, she was Monk's Helper, a single mom with an absent ex-husband who was raising a teenage kid while living paycheck to paycheck. She was replaced by Natalie, a single mom with a deceased husband who was raising a teenage kid while living paycheck to paycheck. Big stretch. I know everybody has a type, but come on. Any way, Sharona concludes the scene by telling Natalie how she has grown into the role of Monk's Helper. Its one thing to be a little lazy, but it is another to point it out to the audience.
The great philosopher and much better writer Matthew Sturges recently said that being in a writer's group makes you a better writer. That happens because you have to defend your work to your peers and not to your fans. This Monk book needed something like peer review.
The producers of the TV series recently announced that the coming Eighth season of the show would be the last. I hope that Monk gets an adequate send off. God help us, these books might go on forever. This one sure felt like it did.
Don't get me wrong, the first two, two and a half seasons of the show are top notch stuff. Back then, he was not totally loaded down with phobias due to the freak out of the week he needed to have to keep driving the show. I loved that initial sketch of the character. And I understand why Natalie narrates the books. It helps keep you out of Monk's head and makes you an observer of Monk, duplicating the viewing experience.
Let's look at story mechanics here. The feisty sidekick Sharona Fleming worked with Monk while watching him solve at least forty impossible cases if you just take the volume of cases solved in the episodes with her as the loyal nurse. But when her husband is charged with murder, she naturally assumes he is guilty. He claims to be innocent, but she assumes the worst without even a call to Monk. Why, you ask? So that she can accidentally run into Monk and tell him the story.
While on the story mechanic thing, can I ask that we give the in-jokes a rest? In a famous comic book series, the fact that every major structure is named after a famous comic creator is distracting. Imagine watching a movie where someone is confirming directions with a line of dialogue like this... "So I follow the Hitchcock Highway to the Frankenheimer Turn Around past the Eastwood Monument until I pass to the Spielberg Sanctuary and I arrive at the Preminger Octagon. Gotcha." I get the process of leaving Easter Eggs. Creators- leave that to the Easter Bunny!
Anyway, in the 27th Chapter of the book, the author reveals something that had been at the back of my mind for all of this time. In this scene, Sharona has had a revelation...
"I think I know why he hired you," she said.
"You mean it wasn't my vivacious personality and irrepressible charm?"
"You're me," Sharona said.
And with that I had to put the book down for a moment. When Sharona left the show, she was Monk's Helper, a single mom with an absent ex-husband who was raising a teenage kid while living paycheck to paycheck. She was replaced by Natalie, a single mom with a deceased husband who was raising a teenage kid while living paycheck to paycheck. Big stretch. I know everybody has a type, but come on. Any way, Sharona concludes the scene by telling Natalie how she has grown into the role of Monk's Helper. Its one thing to be a little lazy, but it is another to point it out to the audience.
The great philosopher and much better writer Matthew Sturges recently said that being in a writer's group makes you a better writer. That happens because you have to defend your work to your peers and not to your fans. This Monk book needed something like peer review.
The producers of the TV series recently announced that the coming Eighth season of the show would be the last. I hope that Monk gets an adequate send off. God help us, these books might go on forever. This one sure felt like it did.
April 23, 2009
I have become a fan of Monk (we even have all seasons of the series on DVD). When I discovered a Monk book series I couldn't wait to read it. It was well worth the wait and I am sure to buy the others in the series. The book moves quickly, is well written, and involves hilarious images of Monk being...well Monk.
This story involves the reemergence of Sharona, Monk's first assistant. Her husband has been accused of murder and she wants Monk to investigate. Natalie, his current assistant does not take this well, since solving the murder may mean Sharona returning to be Monk's assistant. Monk could not be happier at the prospects of having two assistants (such a balanced number). When he is not rearranging the fans in the bleachers to sit evenly, or complaining that a bag of M&Ms should be all the same color, he is also called into investigate a mysterious murder in San Francisco.
This involves a naked man that has washed up onto the beach and has mysterious teeth marks, which Monk determines to be alligator teeth marks. As the story goes on, both Sharona and Natalie are accused of murder and end up in jail, waiting for Monk to prove their innocence.
As I said before, the book was well written. It moved fast, allowing me to easily ready 50 pages a day.
This story involves the reemergence of Sharona, Monk's first assistant. Her husband has been accused of murder and she wants Monk to investigate. Natalie, his current assistant does not take this well, since solving the murder may mean Sharona returning to be Monk's assistant. Monk could not be happier at the prospects of having two assistants (such a balanced number). When he is not rearranging the fans in the bleachers to sit evenly, or complaining that a bag of M&Ms should be all the same color, he is also called into investigate a mysterious murder in San Francisco.
This involves a naked man that has washed up onto the beach and has mysterious teeth marks, which Monk determines to be alligator teeth marks. As the story goes on, both Sharona and Natalie are accused of murder and end up in jail, waiting for Monk to prove their innocence.
As I said before, the book was well written. It moved fast, allowing me to easily ready 50 pages a day.
May 17, 2010
My wife and I love the TV show. We’ve introduced several people to it and everyone loves it. One of my favorite things about the show (and the other shows I like on USA Network) is that the characters are so strong and you know what they’ll do and not do. You know them like you know your friends or co-workers.
In this book… many of the characters act out of character and they speak out of character. It isn’t too bad with Disher, Captain, and Sharona, but especially poor regarding Monk and Natalie. I was disappointed overall, although there were most definitely a few “laugh out loud” moments.
I understand that the author has written for the TV show… but it seems like maybe he took some of his rejected ideas for the show and put them in this book. If you aren’t familiar with the TV show, you might enjoy the book. But if you are a big fan of the characters in the show, you are likely to be very disappointed, too.
In this book… many of the characters act out of character and they speak out of character. It isn’t too bad with Disher, Captain, and Sharona, but especially poor regarding Monk and Natalie. I was disappointed overall, although there were most definitely a few “laugh out loud” moments.
I understand that the author has written for the TV show… but it seems like maybe he took some of his rejected ideas for the show and put them in this book. If you aren’t familiar with the TV show, you might enjoy the book. But if you are a big fan of the characters in the show, you are likely to be very disappointed, too.
January 13, 2011
I have mixed feelings about this one for a variety of reasons. I love the principal characters and enjoyed the interaction between Monk's assistants Natalie and Sharona. I loved how the book ended. But overall, the story was convoluted (purposefully, I suppose) and left me feeling yanked around too much. Although the scene in the church kept Monk true to his quirks and compulsions, it upset me. Thankfully, it did not end in outright sacrilege. Also, the depiction of a Catholic priest breaking the sacramental seal of confession bothered me a lot. In no way, even after the death of the person who made a confession, is this allowed. There are far more helpful and informational resources on the Web that can elucidate the matter for those interested so I won't get into it from here. Overall though, the story was a great quick Monk fix.
February 27, 2015
Mr. Monk and the Two Assistants by Lee Goldberg is book four in the Monk book series. In this book consulting detective Adrian Monk from the famed USA network show and his assistant Nattile Teeger solve a bunch of mysteries in the Monk way. The big novel driving mystery brings back Monk's first assistant Sharona back into his life. The book is very light fun while keeping the mystery engaging. It's a lot like visiting with old friends! The pacing of the show translates well into novel form. All the idiosyncrasies are present. This series feels like an extension of the show. And with the show no longer in production, this is a good way to get back into this world. A five star fun time.
July 13, 2008
I have probably watched about half to two-thirds of the Monk television episodes, and generally like the show, but generally disliked some of the editorial choices made.
This novel is told from the point of view of Natalie, his assistant, and what is inside her head is generally a lot whinier and less competent than what's displayed on television.
This is counterbalanced by several hilarious scenes with Monk, though they are only really funny if you've watched about ten or more shows.
Novelizations are tricky, but this one left me wanting to watch more and read less.
This novel is told from the point of view of Natalie, his assistant, and what is inside her head is generally a lot whinier and less competent than what's displayed on television.
This is counterbalanced by several hilarious scenes with Monk, though they are only really funny if you've watched about ten or more shows.
Novelizations are tricky, but this one left me wanting to watch more and read less.
September 10, 2008
It is cute. I like these books cause they are like candy you can read them fast. You can take them anywhere and it does not require too much concentration, so if you are watching the kids at the park or reading it on a plane you can keep up with the story line no matter how many times you have to stop
October 22, 2008
A Truly "Monk" Lovers book to read.
You can see Monk at work, at home and his sense of humor along w/seeing Sharona again working w/Natalie.
Has the ususal twist that you see on the Show.
Also Perils of wisdom by Lt. Discher, and "Humraphs" by Chief Stottlemeyer.
You can see Monk at work, at home and his sense of humor along w/seeing Sharona again working w/Natalie.
Has the ususal twist that you see on the Show.
Also Perils of wisdom by Lt. Discher, and "Humraphs" by Chief Stottlemeyer.
December 5, 2014
While this was a great story, I guessed the killer as soon as we were introduced to him. Just like Ludlow gave it away in the first few chapters, so does Goldberg.
June 22, 2015
This answered a question I had about the series, namely who was the better assistant to Monk and what would happen if Natalie and Sharon's met. One of my favorites in the series.
July 5, 2022
It often happens that the female lead in a TV series is replaced. I absolutely hate that this is a thing in Hollywood! It's just so wrong. She is usually treated very badly by the Powers-that-Be who think that women are interchangeable and that no one will even notice much.
I don't know what happened with Monk. Did Sharona want to leave the show? Or was she unceremoniously fired for some stupid reason??? Whatever the case, this book answers the question of what would the first female lead and the replacement say to each other if given the chance? Until now, I've only seen this question answered in fan fiction. But here, Goldberg does a nice job of bringing these two characters, who never met on the show, together.
When Julie breaks her arm during a baseball game, Monk and Natalie take her to the ER. Who is there to tend her? None other than Sharona, who left her job with Monk to return to New Jersey and re-marry her former husband. Monk is stunned to see her again and Natalie is very defensive - both because she abandoned Monk and also because Sharona is a threat to her job. Being a nurse, Sharona is far more qualified to be Monk's assistant than Natalie, who before working for Monk, was a bartender.
Sharona tells them that shortly after her re-marriage, she moved to Los Angeles. It was there that her husband was arrested for murder. That's when she left him for good. She then moved back to San Francisco to be near her sister. Why didn't she contact Monk? Because she thought he'd be mad at her for leaving so abruptly.
Surprisingly, Monk is not angry. He's happy to have Sharona back in San Francisco. It's not that he wants to fire Natalie, he just wants the two of them to be Tag-Team Assistants.
Natalie is not at all thrilled about this turn of events. She gets the idea that Monk should look into the case against Sharona's ex. If Monk can prove him innocent, Sharona will go back to him and Natalie will have her life and job back the way she likes it. So she takes it upon herself to go down to LA and talk to him in prison. She believes his story that he is a changed man and is devastated that Sharona doesn't believe that he is innocent.
Soon the trio of Monk, Natalie and Sharona are headed back to LA to investigate the case together. And it seems that Monk is not to fond of LA. He doesn't want to breathe the smog and therefore walks around with a gas mask on while there. They also meet some crazy LA characters that make him want to go screaming back to San Fran. This seemed a little bit strange to me because isn't San Fran known for it's crazy characters too??? But anyway...
The other great thing about this story is how it turns the whole detective show/story process on it's head. It shows how evidence can be read incorrectly. So much so that both Natalie and Sharona are arrested for murder! It's a little complicated and hard to summarize here, but when you are reading it, it really makes you think. I also love the conversations that Sharona and Natalie have while in prison, reaching an understanding with each other. They are very different women, but they also have a lot in common, which viewers can tell you is very true.
Reading this book feels like watching an important episode of the Monk series that we never got to see on screen, but most definitely should have!
I don't know what happened with Monk. Did Sharona want to leave the show? Or was she unceremoniously fired for some stupid reason??? Whatever the case, this book answers the question of what would the first female lead and the replacement say to each other if given the chance? Until now, I've only seen this question answered in fan fiction. But here, Goldberg does a nice job of bringing these two characters, who never met on the show, together.
When Julie breaks her arm during a baseball game, Monk and Natalie take her to the ER. Who is there to tend her? None other than Sharona, who left her job with Monk to return to New Jersey and re-marry her former husband. Monk is stunned to see her again and Natalie is very defensive - both because she abandoned Monk and also because Sharona is a threat to her job. Being a nurse, Sharona is far more qualified to be Monk's assistant than Natalie, who before working for Monk, was a bartender.
Sharona tells them that shortly after her re-marriage, she moved to Los Angeles. It was there that her husband was arrested for murder. That's when she left him for good. She then moved back to San Francisco to be near her sister. Why didn't she contact Monk? Because she thought he'd be mad at her for leaving so abruptly.
Surprisingly, Monk is not angry. He's happy to have Sharona back in San Francisco. It's not that he wants to fire Natalie, he just wants the two of them to be Tag-Team Assistants.
Natalie is not at all thrilled about this turn of events. She gets the idea that Monk should look into the case against Sharona's ex. If Monk can prove him innocent, Sharona will go back to him and Natalie will have her life and job back the way she likes it. So she takes it upon herself to go down to LA and talk to him in prison. She believes his story that he is a changed man and is devastated that Sharona doesn't believe that he is innocent.
Soon the trio of Monk, Natalie and Sharona are headed back to LA to investigate the case together. And it seems that Monk is not to fond of LA. He doesn't want to breathe the smog and therefore walks around with a gas mask on while there. They also meet some crazy LA characters that make him want to go screaming back to San Fran. This seemed a little bit strange to me because isn't San Fran known for it's crazy characters too??? But anyway...
The other great thing about this story is how it turns the whole detective show/story process on it's head. It shows how evidence can be read incorrectly. So much so that both Natalie and Sharona are arrested for murder! It's a little complicated and hard to summarize here, but when you are reading it, it really makes you think. I also love the conversations that Sharona and Natalie have while in prison, reaching an understanding with each other. They are very different women, but they also have a lot in common, which viewers can tell you is very true.
Reading this book feels like watching an important episode of the Monk series that we never got to see on screen, but most definitely should have!
November 8, 2021
I had really been looking forward to reading this but I had to stop before I reached page 40. It started out promising and more interesting than the first book in the series "Mr. Monk Goes To The Firehouse ") , but it was a huge disappointment. I hated the way Sharona waa written and it seemed that everyone else was so out of character.
I'll stick to the TV series.
I'll stick to the TV series.
March 14, 2025
The books are as good as the TV
Lee Goldberg is a great writer. He captures all the characters from monk spot on. I am now on my fourth book and each time I am laughing out loud at Monk and his exchanges with people. Hilarious. These books are easy to read and easy to get caught up in. This book in particular is good because Sharona returns and you get to see her again and the rare interactions with her, Natalie and Adrian. I'm loving it. This book series has brought me back to loving reading. Thanks.
Lee Goldberg is a great writer. He captures all the characters from monk spot on. I am now on my fourth book and each time I am laughing out loud at Monk and his exchanges with people. Hilarious. These books are easy to read and easy to get caught up in. This book in particular is good because Sharona returns and you get to see her again and the rare interactions with her, Natalie and Adrian. I'm loving it. This book series has brought me back to loving reading. Thanks.
January 14, 2019
I really am enjoying reading this series, just a fun book.
January 10, 2024
This was an easy and fast read for me. It was relaxing and entertaining. I am a fan of the show and these books are a fun addition.
April 4, 2024
Took it to the hospital with me for some light-hearted relief and loved it. Monk never disappoints.
April 9, 2008
It's so nice to be able to read these while the show is currently taking a break. (Season 7 starts in July, for anyone who's out of the loop! The newest book, Mr. Monk Goes To Germany is released in July, as well!)
I'm glad I happened upon these books because they're awesome & couldn't be more cannon! I'm not sure if the book was sticking to the show, or vice versa. I could barely tell the difference. (Note: I said 'barely'.)
Of course, it helps that Lee Goldberg has written several episodes of Monk & knows all of the details down to a perfect T, just as Mr. Monk would prefer it. It's a little difficult to tell where these books fall into the show's timeline, but at least it's better & more cannon than some other TV series I've read in the past. (*COUGH*smallville*COUGH*)
Where do I start with this book? Well, for one thing, I absolutely loved it. I've wondered what it would be like if Sharona & Natalie finally collided with one another. This book granted my wish. I can only hope that they'll turn it into an actual episode. It's not likely going to happen, I know, but wishful thinking never hurts.
One of the things I loved about this book is that it's being narrated from Natalie's perspective, as are the rest of the books. Goldberg embraces her persona & gives the reader a deep insight into her pshche in an awesome way that you can't get get from the show. I know that the show is called Monk & not Natalie but it's great that these books take a different approach, away from Monk's complex mind. I feel more connected to Natalie through this form of narration.
Because they're from Natalie's perspective, the book does have a few mature moments here & there, espcially in this book. There's a mention of a love-making scene that Natalie talks about, but not in a fully-fledged down-to-the-last-detail romance novel type of way. But I must note that I did love the fact that Goldberg didn't restrict Natalie's character to be as human as possible. And to be completely honest, I liked that particular scene! It comes in close with the remark about the identical potato chips.
As for the mysteries & murders that happen in this book, of course the ending is predictable. Mr. Monk solves the murder, gets his killer & brings justice to those who were murdered, setting the world back in balance with the universe. But if I gave any more of it away, I'd be transcribing the whole book from front to back. So I'll leave you to read it & find out for yourself. As Mr. Monk would say--You'll thank me later! ^__^
I'm glad I happened upon these books because they're awesome & couldn't be more cannon! I'm not sure if the book was sticking to the show, or vice versa. I could barely tell the difference. (Note: I said 'barely'.)
Of course, it helps that Lee Goldberg has written several episodes of Monk & knows all of the details down to a perfect T, just as Mr. Monk would prefer it. It's a little difficult to tell where these books fall into the show's timeline, but at least it's better & more cannon than some other TV series I've read in the past. (*COUGH*smallville*COUGH*)
Where do I start with this book? Well, for one thing, I absolutely loved it. I've wondered what it would be like if Sharona & Natalie finally collided with one another. This book granted my wish. I can only hope that they'll turn it into an actual episode. It's not likely going to happen, I know, but wishful thinking never hurts.
One of the things I loved about this book is that it's being narrated from Natalie's perspective, as are the rest of the books. Goldberg embraces her persona & gives the reader a deep insight into her pshche in an awesome way that you can't get get from the show. I know that the show is called Monk & not Natalie but it's great that these books take a different approach, away from Monk's complex mind. I feel more connected to Natalie through this form of narration.
Because they're from Natalie's perspective, the book does have a few mature moments here & there, espcially in this book. There's a mention of a love-making scene that Natalie talks about, but not in a fully-fledged down-to-the-last-detail romance novel type of way. But I must note that I did love the fact that Goldberg didn't restrict Natalie's character to be as human as possible. And to be completely honest, I liked that particular scene! It comes in close with the remark about the identical potato chips.
As for the mysteries & murders that happen in this book, of course the ending is predictable. Mr. Monk solves the murder, gets his killer & brings justice to those who were murdered, setting the world back in balance with the universe. But if I gave any more of it away, I'd be transcribing the whole book from front to back. So I'll leave you to read it & find out for yourself. As Mr. Monk would say--You'll thank me later! ^__^
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2011
I read this book very quickly, it's a good read and saw it at Barnes & Noble HAD to pick it up. This book is based on the show "Monk" by the same name. In the series, Monk who is a obsessive compulsive detective has OCD. He has to have things in a certain way or he just won't work. He often complains and bitches when things don't go his way, just like a child does.
I miss the series, if you ever watched the series on TV you will love this book since its pretty like watching an episode but BETTER!! I like how there isn't just one murder for him to solve, there are more which is always fun.
In this one, like the title refers to Monk has two assistants. When the series first started, they a woman called Sharona. She was his nurse that took care of him after his wife died. He lost his job as a cop/detective on the force due to him just not being able to handle it. He then becomes handy to the department as a consultant on cases. Since he's got this eye for details, and he catches a lot of things that others might not notice. Monk does a wonderful job and solves murders pretty easily.
They see Sharona at a hospital after Julie injures herself at a soccer game. Of course after Monk solves yet another crime. Sharona's a nurse again and is back in San Francisco, she left Monk w/out saying goodbye and that's how Natalie (the new assistant) got her job. I won't spoil the ending but I very much enjoyed it and like most mysteries, I figured out whom the killer was way before Monk told us. I wonder if you can figure it out!
I miss the series, if you ever watched the series on TV you will love this book since its pretty like watching an episode but BETTER!! I like how there isn't just one murder for him to solve, there are more which is always fun.
In this one, like the title refers to Monk has two assistants. When the series first started, they a woman called Sharona. She was his nurse that took care of him after his wife died. He lost his job as a cop/detective on the force due to him just not being able to handle it. He then becomes handy to the department as a consultant on cases. Since he's got this eye for details, and he catches a lot of things that others might not notice. Monk does a wonderful job and solves murders pretty easily.
They see Sharona at a hospital after Julie injures herself at a soccer game. Of course after Monk solves yet another crime. Sharona's a nurse again and is back in San Francisco, she left Monk w/out saying goodbye and that's how Natalie (the new assistant) got her job. I won't spoil the ending but I very much enjoyed it and like most mysteries, I figured out whom the killer was way before Monk told us. I wonder if you can figure it out!
June 16, 2012
I loved the TV series, Monk. I watched it religiously when it was on the air and I own the entire series on DVD. I know - kinda nerdy - but Monk was such a great character.
So when I saw this book while browsing through the library, I decided to give it a shot. The thing is, though, what made the show so funny and the character so endearing was due, in great part to the visual, watching Monk try to avoid a classroom full of laser pen-wielding students or wearing a white hazmat suit to avoid some minor problem.
And, unfortunately, that doesn't translate all that well to a book. It just isn't the same reading about Monk wandering the streets of Los Angeles wearing a gas-mask as it would be to see it. I mean, it's still funny, just not as funny.
The other thing about the book - I'm not sure that anyone who hasn't seen the show would appreciate all the different characters, Natalie, Sharona, Stottlemyer, Randy and especially Monk. Again, it's the visual, Stottlemyer's moustache, or the audio with Sharona's accent. If you have never seen the show (and if you haven't, you should really do yourself a favour and rent it), much of the book would probably seem incomprehensible.
Still, if you're a fan, any Monk is good Monk and, as much as I didn't think the book did real justice to the show, I enjoyed it. It's a quick, fun read and now I think I'll pull out my DVDs, pop a big bowl of pop corn and settle in to a night of the funniest (and smartest) OCD-afflicted detective to ever grace the small screen.
So when I saw this book while browsing through the library, I decided to give it a shot. The thing is, though, what made the show so funny and the character so endearing was due, in great part to the visual, watching Monk try to avoid a classroom full of laser pen-wielding students or wearing a white hazmat suit to avoid some minor problem.
And, unfortunately, that doesn't translate all that well to a book. It just isn't the same reading about Monk wandering the streets of Los Angeles wearing a gas-mask as it would be to see it. I mean, it's still funny, just not as funny.
The other thing about the book - I'm not sure that anyone who hasn't seen the show would appreciate all the different characters, Natalie, Sharona, Stottlemyer, Randy and especially Monk. Again, it's the visual, Stottlemyer's moustache, or the audio with Sharona's accent. If you have never seen the show (and if you haven't, you should really do yourself a favour and rent it), much of the book would probably seem incomprehensible.
Still, if you're a fan, any Monk is good Monk and, as much as I didn't think the book did real justice to the show, I enjoyed it. It's a quick, fun read and now I think I'll pull out my DVDs, pop a big bowl of pop corn and settle in to a night of the funniest (and smartest) OCD-afflicted detective to ever grace the small screen.
May 7, 2021
I’ve only read a couple books in this series. The others were okay, but this one just didn’t do it for me. First, the Monk in the book series isn’t as likable as the TV Monk (at least for me). Second, we have Sharona and Natalie pitted against each other and Monk loving the idea of possibly having two assistants. He thinks he’ll get 24/7 help this way. The ladies don’t like the idea at all. Third, Sharona’s husband has been charged with murder and while Monk feels that he is innocent he doesn’t want to help because he feels with the hubby in prison Sharona will come back to work for him. While I understand Monk can be very selfish I had a hard time believing that with his sense of order and justice he would allow a innocent man to rot in jail. Fourth, the author brings the fictional character Ian Ludlow from his other series in to this book and I didn’t like the character at all. I’ve read all the books in the other series (The Ian Ludlow Thriller series) and have liked them all. Since this book was written I believe in 2007 and the Ludlow books didn’t start until 2018 I’m guessing Lee Goldberg felt when he wrote the first Ludlow book we’d forget Ian’s character in this book. I didn’t and had a hard time getting along with this plot line as a result. If you’ve read both this book and the Ludlow series you’ll know what I mean.
I’ll continue to read more in this series because I did like the others I read. Just not this one.
I’ll continue to read more in this series because I did like the others I read. Just not this one.
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