Mr. Monk is Miserable by Lee Goldberg Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Mr. Monk is Miserable
Book Review: Don't need the show to like the books
Summary: 4 Stars
So one afternoon I found myself choosing between Mr. Monk is Miserable and Slumdog Millionaire. I was already 4 or 5 chapters into Slumdog when I noticed my copy of Monk as I was running out the door to my daughter's softball game. The dilemma that gave me pause was whether a paperback (Slumdog) or hardcover (Monk) would survive the excitement of a girls' softball game.
Thus it was that I found myself stifling laughs during a softball game rather than jumping out of my chair, fist pumping to encourage my daughter's team.
Yes, I started this series out of order. I'm a smart girl; I can handle it. I often do that with series. I've found that books later in a series have a maturity that contribute to my enjoyment. If I like the book I go back and start at the beginning of the series.
I am now working my way through Mr. Goldberg's Monks in order.
I should also point out I've never seen one episode of Monk. I've seen the commercials on USA and it looks interesting but I don't have time to devote to another tv show but I can always use another good book.
Check out other reviews that spoil details if you need that. My purpose here is to reassure someone who's never seen the series that they will enjoy this book and the others in the series.
As I began Mr. Monk is Miserable I was caught off guard. I wasn't expecting the story to be told from the POV of Monk's assistant, Natalie. But I adjusted. It was infinitely amusing. (Monk's shock that they have to share a room!) I laughed often. (The hazmat suit!) I also came to appreciate the insight into her character and thoughts separate from her position as Monk's employee.
This book stands on its own. I've read many tv tie-in books and I found this one didn't overly rely on the series to make it fun. I'm sure show fans may glean more from the book but it captures a unique character that's funny, never boring and provides descriptions of locations and culture that make it a good read. I could like this book without relying on having the show's actors in my head.
Book Review: Good Book
Summary: 5 Stars
The book was a gift to my wife and she loves it and all the Monk booksBook Review: Monk May be Miserable but the Book's Great
Summary: 4 Stars
This is my first Monk book, though I do like the tv show a lot. Monk is definitely the Man. He got a little whiny in the book, but it's all part of his OCD charm. I can definitely empathize with his need for order, though not so much on the cleaning obsessively part.
The book's about Natalie's desperate search for a vacation and utter failure in that regard. Wherever she goes with Monk, murder tends to follow. This makes Monk exceedingly happy but poor Natalie just gets her vacation ruined. Once she surrenders to the inevitable casework though, she's good to go.
The first person narration actually works in this book. The tone comes across as suitably annoyed when it needs to be.
Book Review: Monk Maybe Miserable But His Fans are Happy
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a very good book. Once again long-suffering Natalie Teeger forced Monk to take her to Paris.After ruining their trip to Germany by solving yet another crime. But this time Monk discover a skeleton in the catacombs of Paris. Which leaves to another investigation Poor Natalie. But this novel has a plenty of laughs and intrigue. If you are a Monk Fan you will truly enjoy this book.Book Review: Monsieur Monk in Paris
Summary: 4 Stars
If there's one advantage the "Monk" books have over the TV show, it's that the San Francisco-based detective can travel the globe without having to worry about budgetary considerations -- pretending L.A. is San Francisco is bad enough, but recreating Paris in Southern California? C'est impossible! Lee Goldberg sends Monk and Natalie to the City of Lights in his latest tie-in novel, and while the obsessive-compulsive sleuth usually hates being out of his comfort zone, he finds a bit of a respite from his misery when he's able to help keep the streets of Paris clean. The best part of this book, though, which had me laughing out loud, was a subplot about Randy Disher's cult stardom in France; fans of the TV show will love the callback to the episode "Mr. Monk Goes to the Dentist."
Even though it's been announced that "Monk" the TV series will only be on the air for one more season, it is hoped that Monk, Natalie, Stottlemeyer and Disher will continue to have new adventures in Goldberg's books, which capture these beloved characters so well.