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Mr. Monk #5
Mr. Monk in Outer Space
At a convention for the cult science fiction show Beyond Earth, Adrian Monk meets fans as obsessive-compulsive as he is. Though he’s not preoccupied with the program, Monk can understand the phenomenon. Who wouldn’t want to live in an imaginary world? But there may be a killer in the Beyond Earth Someone in a starship uniform has gunned down the show’s legendary creator. Could a fan be that furious at him for selling out to Hollywood? Or is more going on behind the scenes? Luckily, Monk’s agoraphobic brother, Ambrose, is an expert on the TV series, and together they’ll search the earth and beyond for the murderer. That is, if Ambrose can bring himself to leave the house. A new story starring Adrian Monk by Edgar® Award-nominated screenwriter Lee Goldberg. It’s compulsive, page-turning fun. “Even if you aren’t familiar with the TV series Monk, this book is too funny to not be read.”—The Weekly Journal
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
99 people are currently reading
909 people want to read
About the author
Lee Goldberg
153 books2,064 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 215 reviews
December 5, 2019
Mr Monk at a Science Fiction convention! Now that's Outer Space for our obsessive, compulsive detective.
Righting the world's wrongs
Monk spent much of his life in a state of despair. That despair appeared to be caused by many things, but I believe that essentially it all came down to one thing.
Disorder
It was all around him and nothing he did seemed to change it.
Except when it came to murder.
The only time Monk conquered that despair, and all felt right in his world, was the moment when he solved a murder and told us how he did it.
It was during his summation, his explanation of how the homicide was committed and who did it, that he restored order, that he set right what was in disarray.
In that moment, Monk was a different man.
He was strong, confident, and secure.
Because he was right. And therefore, for a painfully short time, so was the world.
How a science fiction TV show can become a dangerous cult
“Yesterday, we visited a Beyond Earth convention where the fans dress up as characters from the show,” I said and sat down on the couch facing Dr. Kroger and Monk. “One of the characters is an inside-out alien being.”
“I see.” Dr. Kroger glanced at Monk. “And you find this behavior unnatural and distressing.”
“They need to be institutionalized,” Monk said. “You can commit them, can’t you?”
“Not unless they are my patients and I believe that they present an imminent danger to themselves or others.”
“What if we were talking about a member of my family?” Monk asked.
“Are we?”
“My brother, Ambrose, is one of them,” Monk said. “He’s a member of the cult.”
“It’s not a cult, Mr. Monk,” I said.
“You said yourself that the show has a cult following, ” Monk said.
“I didn’t mean that kind of cult,” I said. “I meant the good kind.”
“There’s no such thing as a good cult,” Monk said. “Before you know it, you’re sacrificing goats, dancing naked in the woods, and selling cookies door-to-door.”
“You think the Girl Scouts is a cult?”
“Haven’t you seen the vacant look in their eyes?”
“Everyone eventually gets that look around you, Mr. Monk.”
How organized are your thoughts? Are they indexed and color-coded?
I sighed. “Mr. Monk, the case is closed.”
“Not for me it isn’t,” he said. “It’s not done until the murderer has been caught.”
I thought about what Stottlemeyer had just told me. “Maybe you ought to take a time-out.”
“A time-out?”
“Step back from this for a day or two, relax a little, collect your thoughts. Afterwards you may see things differently.”
“My thoughts are already collected,” he said. “Indexed and color-coded.”
“Color-coded?”
“It’s an integral part of my thought filing system,” he said.
“You have a thought filing system?”
“You don’t?” Monk said.
Mr Monk is only really happy when he has a puzzling murder to solve. Even if we can't follow all the clues at least we can enjoy the scene when he tells us how it all happened.
Enjoy!
Righting the world's wrongs
Monk spent much of his life in a state of despair. That despair appeared to be caused by many things, but I believe that essentially it all came down to one thing.
Disorder
It was all around him and nothing he did seemed to change it.
Except when it came to murder.
The only time Monk conquered that despair, and all felt right in his world, was the moment when he solved a murder and told us how he did it.
It was during his summation, his explanation of how the homicide was committed and who did it, that he restored order, that he set right what was in disarray.
In that moment, Monk was a different man.
He was strong, confident, and secure.
Because he was right. And therefore, for a painfully short time, so was the world.
How a science fiction TV show can become a dangerous cult
“Yesterday, we visited a Beyond Earth convention where the fans dress up as characters from the show,” I said and sat down on the couch facing Dr. Kroger and Monk. “One of the characters is an inside-out alien being.”
“I see.” Dr. Kroger glanced at Monk. “And you find this behavior unnatural and distressing.”
“They need to be institutionalized,” Monk said. “You can commit them, can’t you?”
“Not unless they are my patients and I believe that they present an imminent danger to themselves or others.”
“What if we were talking about a member of my family?” Monk asked.
“Are we?”
“My brother, Ambrose, is one of them,” Monk said. “He’s a member of the cult.”
“It’s not a cult, Mr. Monk,” I said.
“You said yourself that the show has a cult following, ” Monk said.
“I didn’t mean that kind of cult,” I said. “I meant the good kind.”
“There’s no such thing as a good cult,” Monk said. “Before you know it, you’re sacrificing goats, dancing naked in the woods, and selling cookies door-to-door.”
“You think the Girl Scouts is a cult?”
“Haven’t you seen the vacant look in their eyes?”
“Everyone eventually gets that look around you, Mr. Monk.”
How organized are your thoughts? Are they indexed and color-coded?
I sighed. “Mr. Monk, the case is closed.”
“Not for me it isn’t,” he said. “It’s not done until the murderer has been caught.”
I thought about what Stottlemeyer had just told me. “Maybe you ought to take a time-out.”
“A time-out?”
“Step back from this for a day or two, relax a little, collect your thoughts. Afterwards you may see things differently.”
“My thoughts are already collected,” he said. “Indexed and color-coded.”
“Color-coded?”
“It’s an integral part of my thought filing system,” he said.
“You have a thought filing system?”
“You don’t?” Monk said.
Mr Monk is only really happy when he has a puzzling murder to solve. Even if we can't follow all the clues at least we can enjoy the scene when he tells us how it all happened.
Enjoy!
January 21, 2010
Purely for my entertainment. I believe I get much more out of these books and the Monk character than others. These are my versions of trashy CSI-type thrillers or best sellers.
I love the characters, the plots, the humor, and the OCD problems Monk has. I'm pretty sure some are overly magnified for comedy but some of them aren't and are very revealing as to real OCD fears and problems.
Since nobody ever reads these reviews I can admit that it took a while for me to get the nerve up to watch the final episodes and I cried for five or ten minutes when it was over. Not because of the episode but because the show would never be on again with new stories.
I'm hoping the books continue to be written by the same author so I'll have a way to visit Monk and Natalie and Stottlemeyer again. I know it sounds stupid and corny but this series really resonated with me at a time when I really needed it and it NEVER disappoints.
If for selfish pure entertainment and happiness I can truly say that I love these books... and I'm tearing up right now over them. They're that good... to me at least.
I love the characters, the plots, the humor, and the OCD problems Monk has. I'm pretty sure some are overly magnified for comedy but some of them aren't and are very revealing as to real OCD fears and problems.
Since nobody ever reads these reviews I can admit that it took a while for me to get the nerve up to watch the final episodes and I cried for five or ten minutes when it was over. Not because of the episode but because the show would never be on again with new stories.
I'm hoping the books continue to be written by the same author so I'll have a way to visit Monk and Natalie and Stottlemeyer again. I know it sounds stupid and corny but this series really resonated with me at a time when I really needed it and it NEVER disappoints.
If for selfish pure entertainment and happiness I can truly say that I love these books... and I'm tearing up right now over them. They're that good... to me at least.
March 26, 2022
I just listened to 3 Mr. Monk audiobooks within 48hrs and none of y’all wanted to check on me? This is clearly a cry for help.
August 27, 2013
Love Monk, but this story was a bit too out there for me. I got a little bored with all of the talk of the "Earthers"
June 21, 2010
Very funny and entertaining. I enjoy the Mr. Monk books even more than the TV series since they allow for more complicated plots, a greater number of cleverly solved murders, and more elaborate settings. This book is particularly amusing for fans of Star Trek and Battlestar Gallactica and the like. The parody of a sci fi tv show, characters, convention, and fans is hilarious. I loved the "Beyond Earth"-iverse.
January 30, 2023
Honestly, this was fine I’ll start with the things I liked. I just like being in the world of a monk because I really miss the TV show and I like seeing Ambrose that’s basically all I liked. What I didn’t like is it really like the characters they were really different from the TV show and I really don’t like the captain in this. Also I feel like Natalie’s political party changed so that was kind of annoying and felt like I don’t know not consistent with the other books. Also there’s a lot of fat phobia which is annoying.
November 17, 2022
This book is a stress buster, but in real life, if I had to be anywhere near someone like Monk for 5 minutes, it would be extremely stressful.
Monk displays more of his OCD and his uncanny detective skills, while investigating 3 murders (2 murders and 1 desecration)
Monk displays more of his OCD and his uncanny detective skills, while investigating 3 murders (2 murders and 1 desecration)
December 10, 2014
Actual rating: 3.5.
Not my favorite Mr. Monk book I've read so far, but a good read with a plot that keeps you guessing. I wasn't able to guess 'whodunit' until almost the very end, mostly because I watch a LOT of mystery shows and can pick up on clues easily enough... but definitely enough twists and turns in the story to keep you interested, with a little ironic humor - as is true to Monk's style - throughout. Reading this makes me miss the show. = )
I recommend this book for the Monk TV show lovers, and for all mystery lovers.
Not my favorite Mr. Monk book I've read so far, but a good read with a plot that keeps you guessing. I wasn't able to guess 'whodunit' until almost the very end, mostly because I watch a LOT of mystery shows and can pick up on clues easily enough... but definitely enough twists and turns in the story to keep you interested, with a little ironic humor - as is true to Monk's style - throughout. Reading this makes me miss the show. = )
I recommend this book for the Monk TV show lovers, and for all mystery lovers.
September 1, 2008
For any fan of the series, this is an awesome book. It bridges Sharona and Natalie quite well, and using Natalie as the narrator is quite interesting. My only regret is that Monks OCD may be a little too "Monkish" even for him. Can that really be? I may have to wipe the book of my fingerprints and try reading it again.
October 2, 2022
A few years ago tried reading a Monk book .Hated it,not funny just mind numbing boring and annoying characters.
So this week I said let's try one more time Wish I hadn't, gobsmacked how people find these books funny and witty .
Still hate it.
They're not. they're boring and drag on and on .Nothing amusing about Monk.Hes rude arrogant obnoxious and thinks society should tip toe around him and he bullies and insults people. And his dumb whiney assistant lets him do it and thinks the people he annoys should give in to Monk. Unbelievable how characters do what moron Monk wants. Yes I know his mum was deranged and left society with 2 damaged sons,but it could if been helped/taught to cope better if ijots like his assistants didnt humor him .
And never mind the fact this writer has stuk his liberal insults sprinkled through the book .Never found the show great the couple elisidea I watched were nkt funny : but the book is a hideous train wreck.
Only likeable characters are the captain and his silly right hand .
.The writing is hideous as jt drags on and on made worse with all the stupid useless rambles by the assustsnt about her life and relationships (she's quite dysfunctional herself)
So this week I said let's try one more time Wish I hadn't, gobsmacked how people find these books funny and witty .
Still hate it.
They're not. they're boring and drag on and on .Nothing amusing about Monk.Hes rude arrogant obnoxious and thinks society should tip toe around him and he bullies and insults people. And his dumb whiney assistant lets him do it and thinks the people he annoys should give in to Monk. Unbelievable how characters do what moron Monk wants. Yes I know his mum was deranged and left society with 2 damaged sons,but it could if been helped/taught to cope better if ijots like his assistants didnt humor him .
And never mind the fact this writer has stuk his liberal insults sprinkled through the book .Never found the show great the couple elisidea I watched were nkt funny : but the book is a hideous train wreck.
Only likeable characters are the captain and his silly right hand .
.The writing is hideous as jt drags on and on made worse with all the stupid useless rambles by the assustsnt about her life and relationships (she's quite dysfunctional herself)
July 13, 2012
When a fast food chain executive is shot three times in his office by a professional hit man, Captain Leland Stottlemeyer of the SFPD calls former partner turned private investigator Adrian Monk. Along with his lovely assistant, Natalie Teeger, Monk arrives on the scene (after outsmarting a revolving door) and reveals that the victim's death had been caused by a heart attack. In other words, the corpse had been desecreated.
This prompts Stottlemeyer's current partner, the quirky and sometimes ditzy Lt. Randy Disher, to form the Special Desecration Unit, placing himself in charge, of course.
The question is, who shot the dead man?
Meanwhile, when Adrian Monk's living room carpet is soiled by a coffee stain that can only be seen with a magnifying glass, the obsessive-compulsive detective orders a new carpet. Since he cannot live in his home until the new carpet is installed, he finds himself staying with his agoraphobic brother, Ambrose. As the two of them rarely speak, it makes for an awkward situation.
Monk is then called to the scene of another shooting murder, this time outside of a convention center. The creator of an long canceled sci-fi TV show called Beyond Earth had been shot in the head while exiting a cab. Security footage revealed the killer to be...Mr. Snork!
As Natalie explains, Snork is one of the lead characters in Beyond Earth. He is a crewmember of the USS Discovery, lost in space after Earth is destroyed. The ship's crew encounters other aliens and helps to form the Confederation of Planets. Snork has pointy ears, an elephant trunk for a nose, and speaks Dratch.
The costumed killer from the security footage is seen running into the nearby convention center. According to Monk, it should be easy to catch the "freak" until he learns that the convention center is hosting a Beyond Earth convention with scores of fans dressed like Mr. Snork and other aliens.
Monk is absolutely appalled at the idea of dressing up like a television character and upon visiting the Beyond Earth convention, is further shocked to learn that his tech writer brother, Ambrose, has penned three reference books about the show!
But how does the murder of a has-been TV executive connect with the desecration of a fast food franchise exec? Only Adrian Monk can answer that question, once he learns to get over his fear of odd numbers, quirky TV show fans, carpet stains, eye patches, revolving doors, and more. More importantly, will he listen to his brother, Ambrose, who might have vital information thanks to his knowledge about Beyond Earth?
Lee Goldberg delivers yet another amusing story of "defective detective" Adrian Monk paired with an hilarious spoof of hardcore pop sci-fi fandom.
Goldberg's brilliant approach of telling the Monk stories using the first person POV of Natalie serves to clarify the concept of Adrian Monk as a flawed, fearful, egotistical, hypocritical, and ultimately sympathetic character. In other words, a human being. More, readers become familiar with what drives Monk to be the "best detective on Earth"...and possibly Beyond!
This prompts Stottlemeyer's current partner, the quirky and sometimes ditzy Lt. Randy Disher, to form the Special Desecration Unit, placing himself in charge, of course.
The question is, who shot the dead man?
Meanwhile, when Adrian Monk's living room carpet is soiled by a coffee stain that can only be seen with a magnifying glass, the obsessive-compulsive detective orders a new carpet. Since he cannot live in his home until the new carpet is installed, he finds himself staying with his agoraphobic brother, Ambrose. As the two of them rarely speak, it makes for an awkward situation.
Monk is then called to the scene of another shooting murder, this time outside of a convention center. The creator of an long canceled sci-fi TV show called Beyond Earth had been shot in the head while exiting a cab. Security footage revealed the killer to be...Mr. Snork!
As Natalie explains, Snork is one of the lead characters in Beyond Earth. He is a crewmember of the USS Discovery, lost in space after Earth is destroyed. The ship's crew encounters other aliens and helps to form the Confederation of Planets. Snork has pointy ears, an elephant trunk for a nose, and speaks Dratch.
The costumed killer from the security footage is seen running into the nearby convention center. According to Monk, it should be easy to catch the "freak" until he learns that the convention center is hosting a Beyond Earth convention with scores of fans dressed like Mr. Snork and other aliens.
Monk is absolutely appalled at the idea of dressing up like a television character and upon visiting the Beyond Earth convention, is further shocked to learn that his tech writer brother, Ambrose, has penned three reference books about the show!
But how does the murder of a has-been TV executive connect with the desecration of a fast food franchise exec? Only Adrian Monk can answer that question, once he learns to get over his fear of odd numbers, quirky TV show fans, carpet stains, eye patches, revolving doors, and more. More importantly, will he listen to his brother, Ambrose, who might have vital information thanks to his knowledge about Beyond Earth?
Lee Goldberg delivers yet another amusing story of "defective detective" Adrian Monk paired with an hilarious spoof of hardcore pop sci-fi fandom.
Goldberg's brilliant approach of telling the Monk stories using the first person POV of Natalie serves to clarify the concept of Adrian Monk as a flawed, fearful, egotistical, hypocritical, and ultimately sympathetic character. In other words, a human being. More, readers become familiar with what drives Monk to be the "best detective on Earth"...and possibly Beyond!
September 18, 2009
The Monk novels never cease to entertain me and make me laugh out loud. This was one of the best in the series I've read yet. But maybe it's because I can empathize with the "fanboy/fangirl" obsessiveness of the "Beyond Earth" convention goers. (Well, hopefully I'm not THAT bad!) All in all, an entertaining story. I love when Ambrose and Monk are together!
July 30, 2009
My daughter recommended this book as I am a Monk fan. I really enjoyed it and perhaps even more than the show. It was a light fun read for our vacation. I may well read more by this author. Monk is a sad funny man.
March 13, 2010
The entire Mr. Monk series is good, clean fun. The books are relatively short and easy to read.
January 6, 2014
I would recommend this for any fans of the Monk TV show, I want to read the rest of the series now. Even if you haven't seen the show the books are worth reading.
March 5, 2017
I'm not a huge fan of the sci-fi theme in this book, but I still enjoyed it. I loved that Monk's brother, Ambrose, was part of the story.
April 18, 2019
Mr. Monk gets thrown into a mystery involving a TV show fandom. I enjoyed the dialog especially and the involvement of Monk's brother in the story.
May 28, 2022
Mr Monk has several murders to solve while attending a convention for a hit SciFi series. His obsessions make it almost impossible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2021
❖︎Setting❖︎ 👍︎
I absolutely loved Monk at the Beyond Earth conference. It was amazing to see him stress over something as radical as people dressing up in costumes and speaking a fictional language.
This really made me want to attend one of these conventions so that I can experience this myself. Having never been to anything like this, I have only heard about how obsessive some fans can be.
❖︎Characters❖︎ 👍︎
One such character is Ambrose Monk, Adrian's brother. I love their dynamic. Ambrose is so similar to Adrian in all his OCD ways, however, with a completely different direction. Rather than solve crimes, he uses his meticulous attention to detail to create the world's most thorough how-to guides. It was so great at the end to see them come together, despite Adrian still not really approving of his brother's interest -insanity, as he calls it- in this fictional world.
Another 'off the page' character was their mother, who I hadn't read anything about yet. It is explained that her actions caused the obsessive compulsive behaviors of both Monk brothers. She taught them how to function in a bubble, how to avoid situations that would not fit her structure, but not how to be in society. For example, she gave them a manual of how to dress. While it was humorous that Monk was distressed that Natalie didn't get one, it was sad that there are actually people who live like this. This was one of those times that my psychology education really just didn't let me enjoy the story, because I couldn't stop applying facts to the fiction.
❖︎Plot❖︎ 👍︎
I love that Ambrose catches on to the clues the way he does. His obsession with the show and detail-oriented nature came in just as handy as Monk's does on regular cases. That this story centers around this beloved cult show makes the story sort of niche but I loved it. A really fun mystery
❖︎Quotes❖︎
"That's interesting if you have no life and never leave your house and also you're an idiot."
Monk to Ambrose aka the other Monk
January 30, 2024
I am a huge fan of the Monk TV series so I was interested to read this book. I admit that at first I wasn't impressed, but the farther I read the more I enjoyed the story, not necessarily for the plot line or the mystery, but for the character interaction and growth. My favorite Monk TV episodes are the ones that let you empathize with Monk by giving a little glimpse of his deep-rooted fears (not the obvious ones, but the ones at the very core of his mind and heart) and triumphs. This story brought those elements in, especially in Monk's interaction with his brother Ambrose. By the end I was heart-warmed and satisfied.
July 24, 2023
Mr. Monk in Outer Space was a fun read. I could definitely picture the characters from the show. I liked how Monk's brother was in this book, as I remember him from certain episodes of the show.
The mystery was okay. I wasn't all that interested in it this time, but it was still a fun read. I liked how you could tell that Natalie cares about Monk and it isn't just a job.
The mystery was okay. I wasn't all that interested in it this time, but it was still a fun read. I liked how you could tell that Natalie cares about Monk and it isn't just a job.
September 28, 2018
This is my favorite entry in this series so far. It was funny, compassionate, and very insightful into human nature. I like how this author develops characters, showing instead of telling you about their flaws and strengths.
December 10, 2019
This was a fantastic installment in the Mr. Monk series. The mystery was great and I loved meeting Ambrose and his contributions to Monk's latest case. The humor was great and the ending was a bit of a surprise. Looking forward to my next adventure with Monk, Natalie and the rest of the crew.
December 29, 2024
If you like monk you will really like this book and I would say 5 stars! But overall pretty good book and easy read! This books is definitely meant for Monk fans. I love a good humor crime book. Which might make me a little twisted.
January 14, 2019
Liked this one as much as the others.. I will continue with the series.. These books are really putting a smile on my face
July 19, 2022
This author wrote episodes of the tv show. But this book made Monk look ridiculous and rude.
September 24, 2022
Mr. Monk is as neurotic and unrealistic as ever. I liked this one-- he showed some growth, and I enjoyed the addition of Ambrose.
December 13, 2024
Pure monk universe entertainment.
June 28, 2021
Enjoyable read for Cozy Mystery lovers. Monk's brother Ambrose played a large role which provided a lot of comic relief that is sometimes missing in the books. Unlike a few other characters, Ambrose is quite true to the show.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews