Mr. Monk on Patrol
Adrian Monk Mystery, No 13
Lee Goldberg

Signet
January 3, 2012 / ISBN: 978-0451235619
Mystery
Amazon

Reviewed by Jan Fields

Tie-in novels are tremendously fun to read -- a chance to visit with imaginary friends in between seasons on television or even long after a show no longer airs. The Monk novels definitely bring that element to the reader and more. Lee Goldberg continues to unfold and mature the character of Adrian Monk. He's healing, though he's not healed -- but the reader definitely senses there is hope. In this latest installment, Mr. Monk and Natalie are reunited with old friends: Randy Disher and Sharona. Disher has his hands full as the chief of police and acting mayor of Sharona. In desperation, he calls on Captain Stottlemeyer to send him the amazing Mr. Monk. But transplanting Monk to an unfamiliar location is not to be undertaken lightly and nearly as much mayhem ensues from that as from the mystery. The mystery element of the book is interesting -- maybe not totally perplexing, but it's fun watching Monk turn his obsession to the problem at hand yet again. The characterization is charming -- the characters keep us laughing and manage to touch our hearts just a bit. The book is short and a lightning fast read but for a cozy bit of afternoon reading, it's a delight.

Other reviews in this series

Mr. Monk Goes to Hawaii, No1 [review]
Mr. Monk and the Blue Flu, No 3 [review]
Mr. Monk Goes To Germany, No 6 [review]