Mr. Monk Is a Mess by Lee Goldberg

We like Monk.

It's as simple as that.  We used to watch the first run of all of the Monk TV programs starting about the second or third year.  Then we watched the program until it's sad demise after eight seasons.  Things got "wrapped up" in the TV program but the books by Lee Goldberg continued until this fourteenth installment published a few weeks ago.

The last few books continue the story of Monk where the TV program left off and, unfortunately, this fourteenth installment reads as if it is the end of the series.  I understand that it may well be unless the "powers that be" decide to hire another writer.  I don't want to give away the plot of the book but suffice it to say that many loose ends are "wrapped up" to coin a phrase I used in my previous paragraph.

Strangely enough, I've never really thought of the Monk books as being terribly funny but there are times when you find yourself laughing out loud (Is that what LOL stands for on texts and tweets?).  This book has one such page/incident that almost brings tears to your eyes.  I also never really thought of the Monk books as really focusing on the various murders.  They, like the TV program, are more on character development than anything.  Oh, there are a few memorable criminals but Monk and his "family" (Natalie, Stottlemeyer, Julie, Randy, etc.) are really the "stars" of the series and in some ways you just want to know what's going on in their lives.

The TV program was probably a bit more realistic at times concerning Monk's quirks because the books seem to suggest some very outlandish habits.  However, obsessive compulsive people can be, what can I say?...obsessive and compulsive.

Monk is a mess because of the possibility of seeing Natalie move to the East coast with Monk deciding not to go.  Coupled with this is a new friend from the East coast that Monk really doesn't want to give up and also the fact that Monk's brother, Ambrose, is slowly coming out of his shell.

Well, to say much more would mean to give the plot of the book away.  Take time to read the book...but you may prefer to read them in order and save this fourteenth book for last.

We like Monk and hope that there will be something to read or see in the future about this unique character.