Mr. Monk Helps HimselfHy ConradJune 4, 20134 StarsThank goodness for the Monk books. I happen to adore Tony Shalhoub who played Monk but I simply couldn’t get in to the series. After delving into the books, I realized his multitude of phobias played out better in the written word for me. I was a bit worried when I discovered there was a new author for the books, but I can put that worry to rest. Mr. Conrad is every bit as enjoyable to read as the previous author and in fact, added a touch of humor that made me laugh out loud.There is a lot going on in Mr. Monk Helps Himself. Natalie is going for her P. I. license so she and Monk can start their own agency, Monk mysteriously “has his ways” for getting around when Natalie is not available, Natalie is investigating her own case while Monk has his hands both in her case and one that is setting his phobias into overdrive.Twists and turns in both cases keep the reader guessing on not only whodunit but why and there is plenty of character growth for both Monk and Natalie, which is always a treat. Characters should always be allowed to grow. Suspenseful, high-risk danger is the icing on the delectable Monk cake. Fiji water anyone?I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for review. I loved the tv series Monk and was so upset when they cancelled it. You can only imagine how happy I was to learn there was a Monk book series…even though the first book was in 2006, I just recently found out about the series.Anyway, I didn’t know what to expect from the book. I figured it’d be really good since Hy Conrad also wrote for the tv series, but I was really surprised at how much I loved this book. There are so many LOL moments, and all the characters come across just like they did in the show.The best part of the book is that there are two separate murders to investigate. In a twist that I really loved, Natalie saw things that Monk overlooked (obviously because he was in clown shock) in one of the cases, and since no one would take her serious, she decided to investigate that case by herself, and I loved that she wouldn’t back down until they would listen to her.I loved how assertive Natalie was in this book, she gets her P.I. license so she can be a full partner with Monk and not just his assistant. She’s really becoming a vital part of the team.Monk is his same old loveable OCD self, and my two favorite parts were his new toilet, and every place the clown was involved! Hilarious!!I plan on reading the rest of this series, and hope they keep coming. I couldn’t have enjoyed this book more.
What do You think about Mr. Monk Helps Himself (2013)?
Great Vacation Read. New Author but same continuity. I am a Monk fan and I was not disappointed.
—soleil
Monk and Natalie back in San Francisco helping the Captain solve murders. I enjoyed it alot!!
—Mztweetz001
Thank you Hy Conrad, for bringing the series back.
—boooks
