by Lorie Lewis Ham

Lee will be signing copies of Mr. Monk Gets Even at Mysterious Galaxy’s Redondo Beach store-2810 Artesia Blvd., Redondo Beach, California, on January 5 at 2:30 p.m. This will be the launch party for this book. At the end of this post is a link to purchase a copy of the book from Mysterious Galaxy if you can’t be at the signing. If you order before the event you can ask for a signed copy. There are also instructions at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Mr. Monk Gets Even.

I have loved Monk ever since I first discovered the TV show early on, and have enjoyed being able to continue experiencing his adventures through Lee Goldberg’s books. While I have enjoyed every book, I think Mr. Monk Gets Even may be my favorite.

In this Monk adventure, things are a bit different as Natalie’s daughter Julie is temporarily working as his assistant (I won’t say anymore on that so I won’t give something away if you are behind on the series). Natalie is still narrating, but gets her info from Julie and so the book has a different feel–but one I really liked. I have always enjoyed Julie’s character so it was nice to get to see her as an adult, and get to know her a little better.

The book opens with a bit of an update on Natalie’s life, and then goes on to take us to the scene of an accidental death that Monk is certain is instead a murder. Monk goes on to state why, much to Lt. Devlin’s dismay–though she is starting to handle Monk a bit better than she used to. As the book goes along we see that there are in total three “accidental” deaths that Monk is certain are connected and actually murder. His top suspect is Cleve Dobbs, who created the big computer company Peach (his character sounds very much like someone you will definitely recognize), but he has no proof. When that case takes an ugly unexpected turn, Monk starts to doubt himself.

While dealing with the murders, Monk also has to deal with his archenemy Dale Biederback, aka Dale the Whale, who is having surgery to remove his excess weight that has kept him bedridden for years. He is then to be returned to prison. Even though he is constantly being watched by the police, Monk and Stottlemeyer are concerned he will find a way to escape.

On the more personal side, Monk’s brother Ambrose is getting married and Natalie is returning to town for the wedding. Monk is disturbed by all of the change in his life, and begins to question whether it has affected his detecting abilities. Monk himself is now involved in a relationship with a woman named Helen.

The two mystery plots in this book were excellent as always, but what really made it a favorite of mine were all of the personal side stories and seeing Monk gradually become a healthier, happier person; while continuing to be the quirky, genius detective we’ve all come to love. As always, Lee does a perfect job of bringing these characters to life on the page for Monk fans. It’s like watching a Monk episode in your head.

The only downside to this book is that it is the last Monk book for Lee Goldberg. Thankfully, a new writer will be taking the series over and I will definitely read the next one to see how the new writer does, but I have a hard time believing anyone could do as well with these characters as Lee.

Check out KRL’s review of Mr. Monk Is A Mess and an interview with Lee.

To enter to win a copy of Mr. Monk Gets Even, simply email KRL at life@kingsriverlife[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, with the subject line “Monk”, or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen January 12, 2013. U.S. residents only.

Use this link to purchase a copy of Lee’s book and you help support an indie bookstores & KRL:

Mr. Monk Gets Even

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and an enthusiastic contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.