I know I'm not the only one who reads the Monk books series. I've read all seven books (there are only seven, right?) and hope to see more books being published. I absolutely loved them, and noticed how some of the Monk books have scenes simalair to those in the show. Like in Mr. Monk and the Firehouse.
But I really think anyone who likes the Monk series will like the books, and I reccomend them. There have been alot of things from the book I wanted to discuss, like my favorite scenes, in addition to the usual chat about the show. I've seen others mentioning the series here but don't think there has been a thread about them, or regarding to them subtly or otherwise. I actually read Mr. Monk and the Two Assistants first, my sister buying it for me, and got hooked and immediately went out to buy the rest that I could find. My favorite was Mr. Monk and the Two Assistants.
One of the reasons I like the books are because there are alot of things I have hoped to see in the show that were in the book, like Sharona coming back, Monk taking the medicine that made him really annoying and stuff again, more drama between Monk and his brother.
I have to say the books are really something I'll depend on when the series ends, especaily since it's something you can read over and over. I spent all day locked away in my room reading each book as soon as I got them. I seriously spent all day in my room from start to finish reading and reading and reading a few times. That is what these books do to you. They're dangerous. They can make you abandon your friends and your family and go stalk Goldberg for weeks at a time, going to Monk conventions dressed up as Natilie, even if you're a dude. LOL.

I was at a book shop and thought to myself: I wonder if there's a Monk book out. Heck, every other show seems to have been turned into a book these days. I asked and was handed three books. I bought the first book -- it said it was the first which was convenient -- and went home and read it.

I loved it!

Telling the stories through Natalie was sheer genius. The stories read like ol' Sherlock Holmes mysteries as seen through the eyes of Dr. Watson, which was mentioned, by my memory, in the first book, along with other sidekick storyteller books. And that it's Natalie... Wonderful storyteller.

Would I think otherwise? ...

Anyway, I am in the depths of Mr. Monk and the Blue Flu and loving it. I, too, would recommend these books to Monk fans. Heck, I have! It seems every where I go I run into them.... So far from the two I have under my belt and the third on the way, I can't choose a favorite.

Let me get a couple more read.

so far there should only be 5 out (firehouse, goes to hawaii, blue flu, 2 asisstants, in outer space)
next 1 (goes to germnay) comes out in july

I want to add that I have found it interesting that in each book thus far there is a scene or murder that is remindful of an episode. I find it a nice touch. Something that links the books and series together.

I have all the Monk books, and I have Mr. Monk Goes to Germany on pre-order (Amazon has a discount if you pre-order it now), and I will probably get every Monk book they make during my lifetime. How's that for support?

I did, however, have some different reactions to the books. There were a couple, especially early on, when I was rather dissappointed with Natalie's voice in the book. She didn't sound like the Natalie I knew from television, and she didn't exactly sound like a woman to me. Male readers might not have noticed this. But it bothered me. Now, I know it must be hard for a man to step into a woman's shoes, much less into her mind, but really...do you think that Natalie would describe a certain neighborhood in SF as being known for a stripper with big h--ters? (I hope you know the word I mean, I don't use it myself.) It made my skin crawl -- not the heartiest recommendation.

On the other hand, I loved the plot line of Hawaii, and how he brought "the Monk" back.

I had such high expectations for Blue Flu. It sounded like such a fun book based on its premise. I was heartily disappointed.

I liked Two Assistants...and I loved Outer Space. Outer Space was the book I read, and I said, "I think he's got it. I think he's found his inner Natalie."

If the rest are as good, I'll be a Goldberg fan for life. If not, I'll be a reader for life simply because I love Monk.

I too love the books,

but am I the only one that thinks that Monk acts a little more "obssessed" than he does in the tv show, sometimes i think that the books get a little too carryed away with the phobias, but thats just me...

Anyone else think that too?

That's really hard to say. Monk in the books and Monk on the series are both up and down so much that it is really hard to tell.

Even on the series, there is a big difference. We see an almost catatonic Monk on suicide watch in Daredevil, but we see a strong Monk living independently in On the Run. It seems like we never know which Monk is going to show up.

Hi! I have to agree that Monk does swing back and forth in his ability to cope, usually with good explanations. His progress is two steps forward, one step back.

I have been reading the books fast and furiously, and rereading them, too. I try not to compare them too much to the series.

I think that when books (in general) try too hard to mimic TV they sound wooden. It is a very different media. I think your brain processes the information differently. So I assumed from the beginning that there would be "ireconcilable differences".

Looking at it that way, I was pleasantly surprised with the continuity. I enjoy the books! I agree with whoever said its a great way to get through the off season!

I think that the further Lee Goldberg gets into his series, the further apart they may become - just because he will develop a line of thinking that the tv show does not develop and vice versa. I am not sure that anything else is possible.

I love the way the books are told through Natalie's voice.

I haven't read Outer Space yet. Can't wait.

Here's one criticism: The books aren't numbered on the spine. That is so "UnMonk"! I think Adrian would tell the publishers to number the books on the outside so we could keep them in order! Hello!

Yesss! I wholeheartedly agree with that. While I love Lee Goldburg's writing style, I think he gets way too carried away with Monk sometimes. The TV Monk would simply ask someone politely if, say, they could tie their shoelaces, while Lee Goldburg would have Monk demand that they fix it, and that if they don't, the whole world is coming to anarchy.

I also agree that Natalie is a bit too "h--ter obsessed" in the first couple books. I liked the "Blue Flu" though. I'm still waiting for my Barnes and Noble to get Mr. Monk in Outer Space, so I haven't formed my opinion on that book just yet...

I bought "Blue Flu" for my husband a LONG time ago, and it's been pure torture waiting for him to read it! I did read "Fire Station", though and I loved it. I cannot wait to read the other ones as well!

Andrea

I have read the Monk books and found them to be a thoroughly enjoyable way to get my 'Monk fix' between seasons. I only wish there were more of them.. like a new one every week! (reeeeally wishful thinking. lol)

But seriously, if you havn't read them... do it.

I loved Blue Flu but 2 Assistants holds a special place in my heart for the Natalie/Sharona crossover and the fact that Randy was hysterically funny in it. I could totally see those scenes being on the show. LOL

Ok you guys have convinced me. I've been determinded not to read the books but then again I never thought I'd enjoy fanfic but I caved on that. Bad. So I'll give the books a try. Thanks for this thread and all the info.

I have been pleasantly surprised by the books. I really have enjoyed them. I think my fave is "Two Assistants". I have always wondered how Natalie and Sharona would interact should they meet and I thought the book did a good job with that issue. What are the odds that Sharona and Natalie would ever meet on the show? Hmmmm....

There are more--and they are wonderful, aren't they? I never noticed that, about how it's like Sherlock Holmes. Do you think that was the writer's intent? But Mr. Monk and The Blue Flu is great. I love his team of crazy detectives. Eccentric, like him. How far are you into it?

Oh, sweetnes! I had no idea of that one. I will SO buy it.

It's not exactly Natilie, but it's a more playful, outgoing version of her. And, plus, not everyone in the book is exactly like what they are in the show. Monk, for instance, has a much wider and more sophisticated vocabulary, is more neat-freak-ish, and is just gererally different. Randy sucks up more, Captain Stottlemeyer is a little more harsh, but Julie is very much Julie-ish.

Yes, I've noticed that considerably. But sometimes when it's a book, you need to emphasise certain character traits in order to make them noticable. Like the revolving door. I couldn't see Monk doing anything like that. And how he wept about the coffe stain. But I think it makes him much more amusing.

I think that was me about the books helping get off the series. And I too had trouble finding out the order they go in. It is very unMonkish indeed.
And you'll love Outer Space.

Yes. I was super excited when I realized who the nurse was. It was the first one I read, and my fav. That book is one of a very short list that made me laugh OUT LOUD.

I don't know whether Lee (if I may call him by first name) intended it to sound like Sherlock Holmes alone, considering his mention of Nero Wolfe and the like, but it works so well...

Yes, the crazy team of Detectives and their "Natalies" is so intriguing. A cool idea indeed.

How far? So as not to spoil the plot for those who haven't read it: I am at the point we learn Officer Milner is Officer Kent Milner.

Get it? Kent Milner. My first thought: Adam 12 starring Martin Milner and Kent McCord. I took it Lee (if I may call him by first name) was doing a tribute to them/their show. I wonder if I'm right...?

In making my way through Mr. Monk and the Blue Flu, I thought of another thing to highly recommend these books.

There are so many cases to be solved! And they keep you on your toes from page one to...well, the final page.

If I remember correctly, he also named one of the firemen 'Mantooth' like the actor who played the paramedic firefighter on Emergency.

Yes, I believe he did.

All right. I finished Mr. Monk and the Blue Flu. Great book. There was one technical thing, though. Mr. Monk said his tag line.

"It's a gift and a cure," Monk said.

That just didn't/doesn't read right. Monk always has a hesitation when he says it: "It's a gift...and a curse." So saying it right together... No.

"It's a gift," Monk said, "and a curse."

When I read it the above way I can even hear/see Monk say it in my head.

Well, it happened.

I went to the book shop, hoping to find my Michael Moorcock book was in, and ended up with Frank Frazetta Legacy instead. and Then I thought I'd pick up the next Monk book in line, Mr. Monk and the Two Assistants. I figured every time I visited the book shop I'd pick one up.

Well, after a talk with my Father, he dumped Mr. Monk in Outer Space and said let's go.

So now I have all the Monk books thus far. I will be reading the last two shortly -- and learning all that others have yacked about, spoilers I dodged.

Looks like fun is on the horizon.

I have read all five books and in general have enjoyed them for they have in many respects provideda more indepth characterization and developement of personality traits that are only hinted at in the TV series.

In saying this, however, I do have a slight problem with the structure of the novels in being in the first person narrative with Natalie as the narrator.

I am a real Natalie fan but due to the manner in which the novel is organized, she seems to have become the main character, replacing Monk and so we actually know more about her with the use of monologues, etc. than perhaps is necessary to the detriment of a similar fuller description of other characters, beginning most obviously with Monk.

This approach is due, of course, to the fact that because of the first person narrative technique, Monk can not appear without the presence of Natalie who plays the role of the observer so there is no scene of just Monk by himself, which if were possible could provide us with an opportunity to share with him his inner thoughts and emotions that the TV drama just hints at.

As to the relationship of the novels to the series, it is apparant that that they are beginning to diverge in some areas but I see this not as a drawback but as a way to provide us fans two venues to enjoy Monk, Natalie and the other characters.

Kawasakifan
i

I agree about the problems created with using Natalie's POV in writing the books. There are just so many things that you cannot do. You can't show a session with Dr. K (or even the new psych), you really can't delve into any personal friendship time with Stot, or any Monk flashbacks or dreams of Trudy. You can't show Adrian dealing with things on his own, and you can't show Disher and Stot working together, a fact that has sadly relegated them to being minor characters in the books. Nothing can happen unless Natalie is there to see it -- unless they tell her about it.

The fact that you cannot show Monk in a therapy session is particularly devastating to his characterization, because that's the way we see into his soul, and try to gage how he is doing. I think that has led to the dehumanizing of him -- tending to turn him into an absurd OCD machine. We see only his quirks, but we've lost his soul.

The option of writing Monk from Monk's point of view is also extremely awkward. Can you imagine the narrator describing the crime scene in incredible detail, missing nothing, followed by a four paragraph diatribe about how someone's socks don't match? Or the narrator describing how he felt compelled to touch a lamp, and struggled internally against the impulse?

I understand that the point of view we're used to seeing on television (which is really no point of view at all) is not technically valid in novel writing, especially in writing mysteries. But in the case of Monk, I think it would work better. I think Monk should be the exception to the writing rules. Maybe even start a new trend. Just my opinion. Innovation is the mother of many genres -- without which we wouldn't have the dramedy to begin with.

That being said, I have read them, and do, for the most part, find them enjoyable. All Monk fans should buy the books. Just don't get me started on the fireman. (Lee Goldberg -- on the minute chance that you ever read this -- Natalie's fireman friend would make an interesting murder victim, don't you think?)

Thanks for the support both in comments on the books and for suggesting to the writer's a new murder victum for a later episode. Perhaps we could collaborate and write a script!

Well, I finished Mr. Monk and the Two Assistants a while ago. It's a good story and gives Sharona the closer she didn't get on the show.

I'm now into Mr. Monk in Outer Space and am enjoying it a lot, but! I wish Lee would've done a little more research on the "collectable" craze that we suffer from these days. What I speak of is the Beyond Earth cerial boxes saved -- with the cerial still inside! That sort of lunacy didn't occur back in the 70's, especially the time when Beyond Earth was supposedly on. That lunacy is tagged 1980's.

The books are, in order:
MR. MONK GOES TO THE FIREHOUSE (which became the episode MR. MONK CAN'T SEE A THING)
MR. MONK GOES TO HAWAII
MR. MONK AND THE BLUE FLU
MR. MONK AND THE TWO ASSISTANTS
MR. MONK IN OUTER SPACE
MR. MONK GOES TO GERMANY (Coming in July)
MR. MONK IS MISERABLE (Coming in November)
MR. MONK AND THE DIRTY COP (Coming in July 2009)

No offense, but I have to disagree with you on that one. But even if you're right, and I'm wrong, it makes no difference...because the book is fiction!!

Sure it is...it's omniscient third person, which is how I wrote my DIAGNOSIS MURDER books. But I chose to do the MONK books from Natalie's point-of-view as a nod, as someone else noted, to Sherlock Holmes, Nero Wolfe, and other classic mysteries. Which, by the way, is what Andy intended when he gave Monk a nurse, his own "Dr. Watson." I also think it's better if Monk the man is a mystery to us...and if that means sacrificing his therapy sessions for the books, then so be it (though I have brought Natalie into a few of them when possible and Dr. Kroger plays a big role in MR. MONK GOES TO GERMANY). I believe that telling the stories from Natalie's POV also makes the books distinct from the TV series, allowing me to take a different approach to Monk's character. While I try to stay true to the series as much as possible, Andy has allowed me to let the books exist in their own, parallel universe.

You're right...I intentionally gave a nod to ADAM 12 and EMERGENCY in the MONK books...as I did in several episodes of DIAGNOSIS MURDER (I was lucky enough to be able to work with Martin Milner, Kent McCord and Randy Mantooth in several episodes). You will find many other little inside jokes in the books as well, more to amuse myself than anything else.

I see here a title for 8th book. MR. MONK AND THE DIRTY COP...
It's very interesting title. It's says much and someone might think that he knows what about will be this book...about DIRTY COP but the most mysterious question is: Who is that DIRTY COP?

Dear Mr. Goldberg,

We may have our differences about certain issues but I have bought everyone of your novels (the first three in Japan and the next two having them sent to me by friends in the States) and will continue to buy and enjoy them but I wonder if a planned 2009 edition means the series will continue into an 8th season??????????????

Kawasakifan

Welcome Mr. Goldberg! Thank you for putting the books in order. I made a note of it.

I really enjoy the books! How long does it take to write one book and do you organize with
index cards the way they do in writing the show? I'm very curious.

The continuation of the book series is unrelated to the continuation of the TV series. The eight DIAGNOSIS MURDER books I wrote were published years after the show was cancelled. And the MURDER SHE WROTE books are still going strong more than a decade since the cancellation of the series.

I outline my stories, but I don't use index cards. And, up until now, I've only had about 90 days to write each book (I wrote FIREHOUSE in eight weeks). But now that I have about five months to write.

(Okay, why didn’t anybody tell me Mr. Goldberg was on the Monk board?)

Mr. Goldberg,

Thank you for taking the time to comment on my posts. I’m a little embarrassed by it, to tell you the truth

I did want to clarify what I was getting at, though. By ‘no point of view’, I was referring to television which, while taking us everywhere like the omniscient point of view, never really takes us into anyone’s head, contrasting that with third-person omniscient, where the author can take us into anyone’s head he wants to.

I understood, and maybe erroneously, that the third person omniscient was not recommended (admittedly ‘technically invalid’ was a little strong) for a mystery because a narrator with an ability to see everything that happens and know everyone’s thoughts already knows who the killer is, and therefore may be perceived by the reader as manipulating or teasing them. That being said, I don’t personally ever recall feeling teased or manipulated by a mystery.

I hope I didn’t offend you. While there are still things from the television show (sessions with Dr. Kroger, Monk alone, and the Stottlemeyer-Disher dynamics) that I miss in your first person narration by Natalie, I will admit to being highly entertained, especially by her George Clooney dreams, in Mr. Monk in Outer Space. If you do that a few more times, you’ll not only make a convert of me in that POV decision, but you’ll have a fan for life.

In any regards, you have an avid reader. I’ve devoured each of the Monk books, usually in one sitting. I haven’t read the Diagnosis Murder books, but I have a strong feeling I will be picking some up on my next trip to the bookstore, and I’ve had Mr. Monk Goes to Germany on pre-order for about a month now, and am anxiously awaiting it.

BfloGal

As I meant no offense to you, none taken by me.

I only mentioned the inaccurcy of time period (in this case the 70's when I and friends collected such tv, film, etc., related things) and the cereal box saved with the cereal in it to point out when writing about specific times it's wise to be accurate to the period. Besides, a toy kept in its original package is one thing, but cereal...? Even to "collectors" back then would've frowned and wondered why keep the cereal, because back then it was collecting for yourself more than future profits.

Mind you, the book is written and the scene was greatly humorous. But it would've been funnier if not for the "Hey, what a minute..." factor. I'm sure I'm not the only one to notice either.

Inaccuracy doesn't matter because it's fiction? Hm. I guess I can go ahead and write that true to the Western era fiction book about Billy the Kid's life with him armed with an AK-47 and Missile Launchers after all.

By that as it may, I never thought you read this board and am honored to see you do, and more honored you responded to my post. And I want to thank you for the Monk book series. In my opinion, by telling the story through Natalie, you have made the books masterful naratives that keep you turning the page as she lays the details out, filled with the personal touch of all the characters involved only Natalie could have done.

I look forward to books forthcoming.

Hey, if it's entertaining, why not? I will sacrifice "accuracy" for entertainment, humor or drama every time...in my books or in my TV shows. Monk, the TV series and the books, are ridiculously unrealistic, particularly when it comes to evidence collection, investigative techniques, forensics, legal procedure, etc. But most of the episodes (and, I like to think, the books too) remain true and "accurate" to the rules of the world Andy Breckman has created for the show. A good series creates its own universe...and when it strays from those established assumptions and rules, that's when it "jumps the shark," so to speak. (I get a big kick out of the series '24' -- in one episode, Jack Bauer got from the San Fernando Valley to Ontario Airport by car in 25 minutes... a feat that probably wouldn't even be possible by helicopter, but you accept it because it's "24.").

I write as well--BTW Mr Goldberg, you write those in three months?? Impressive. I struggle to finish a chapter a month. Guess that's the green in me. I'm unpublished so I'm just a wannabe at this point. That's why I said that I write and not that I'm a writer. Anyway, POV is something I have had trouble with from time to time. I look at POV on TV as "the fly on the wall" point of view, whether they seem to take the viewer into a character's head or not. As I said, I don't have a real good bead on it just yet. I understand POV in theory, but in practice it seems to become an abstract element for me. I can't always tell when I've switched POV or how I did it. It doesn't happen often, thankfully, and I belong to two writers' groups--they catch my errors so I can rewrite.

I saw your post about Barnes and Noble, and I will get a Monk book there. Thanx for the info.

TV shows evolve over time and the writers like to try new things, experiment with the characters, the tone, the style of storytelling, to keep the series fresh and their writing sharp. Not everything we try works...and we learn from our mistakes as well as our successes.

If you compare MONK today with the first few episodes of the series, you will see how the show and the characters have changed in many ways...while staying, essentially, the same. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but it's not. We have a saying in the TV business about series, and I think it applies as well to series novels (like Kinsey Millhone, Travis McGee, Harry Bosch, Stephanie Plum, Jack Reacher, etc.)... "we're doing the same show every week, only different."

Why would Natalie going on a date with Joe make you feel like your "sister had been violated"?! Natalie wasn't raped. She and Joe care about each other and they made love. In fact, she more or less initiated it.

Natalie is an adult woman and she as a sex life (you may recall that, when Monk was first introduced to her, her embarrassed her in front of her daughter by finding her birth control pills).

Lee

I need to chime in and say, I liked Joe (sorry Bflogal and Kawasakifan). I thought he was really cute in his approach to her, and just very likeable. I was glad Natalie liked him back. Monk has a huge number of problems as we all know. I don't think that a woman like Natalie would just twiddle her thumbs waiting for the big romantic moment between her and Adrian. I think that is years away - so why wouldn't she date/have a relationship?

I don't think she would wait around either, which is probably why I despise the fireman so much. And I guess he is rather likeable, which is precisely why I don't like him (Bless my little shipper heart)

I don't know. I kind of fancy the idea that Natalie would keep trying to have relationships with men, and that her work with Adrian would always interfere, leaving her frustrated...very frustrated. Which is an idea I think the show supports (she's missed a few dates because of it) and is something that could actually be played for its comedic value. I was hoping that Mr. Goldberg was taking us in that direction with his "too needy" story in "Outer Space."

Meaning no disrespect to Mr. Goldberg, (I've read all his Monk books, and will try a Diagnosis Murder next time I'm at the books store) it's a personal preference on my part. I'm a G-rated kind of 'gal. But I have a real problem handing a book to my teenage daughter (She watches Monk too) in which the narrator has casual sex with a man she's decided not to pursue a relationship with.

I agree with you here. Keeping it G rated keeps the appeal open to all ages.

At worst, Lee Goldberg's books are what? PG? PG-13. I have a lot less trouble with the mildly sensual images in Monk than I do with anything in the movies or on TV today. The only thing in the Monk books that ever made me cringe were when Natalie would compare herself - breastually - to other women around her. It was like she was obsessed. I'm gonna venture to guess that Lee is not a leg man.

The books are great and I cannot wait for Germany, Miserable and (Squee) Dirty Cop....Need a Beta reader, Lee?

I didn't say that Goldberg was writing porn or anything. I just said I felt uncomfortable handing them to my kid because of Natalie's fling with the fireman.

Now the breast thing, I've noted that before. It's what made me doubt Natalie's voice in the first few books. She didn't sound like a woman. Most women, especially those over 12, have adjusted to the idea of breasts, and wouldn't describe every female character by first describing that aspect of her... character.

Since then, I've been watching for it, and had to laugh in "Outer Space" when it seemed like he got it right, and only described breasts when there was something truly unusual to notice -- like the aliens with four of them, and the woman with excessive plastic surgery.

But then again, didn't he poke a little fun at himself in "Two Assistants" on the same issue? Yes, he did. (Sorry for answering my own question -- I had to look it up -- we still need the Monk books in a searchable format)



Now that made me LOL out loud.