Another exciting installment in the Monk book series, the second since Hy Conrad has taken over the series from Lee Goldberg. This mystery involves a cruise, and Mr. Monk gets on board - though not without wearing a life vest, and having a slew of problems adjusting to being at sea.The mystery is very interesting, and I like the way it wrapped up. Great personal development for the characters (this is Natalie's first time as Monk's boss, now that she has her PI license). Without being spoiler-y, I am anxious to read the next book to see what happens between Monk and his girlfriend Ellen. Conrad really needs to step up his game if he wants to maintain the creativity and humor the previous books in this series. This book was good, but it could have been so much better. Reading the preface helps me understand that this was supposed to be a script for a episode, so he has presented us with recycled material. Novelists need to be so much better than script writers and he fails in this effort.
Although I thought the book was a bit complex (three cases at once, in a sense), I enjoyed it!
—lucikins
Not as good as the previous ones, but still enjoyable.
—DebbieDoo
Just started this book today, love my Mr. Monk!
—ohhblackjack
Definitely NOT one of my favorite Monk books!
—lstiffle