Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Mr. Monk and the Dirty Cop -- Lee Goldberg

Lee Goldberg's books about Monk never let me down. They're always good for a some smiles and laughs, but that's the least of it. I've talked before about the themes of loyalty and friendship in books by other writers (here for example), and Robert B. Parker couldn't fill up ten pages without writing about them. People take the themes seriously in other books because, well, the books are serious. Goldberg has a lighter touch, but if you don't think those themes are treated just as seriously in his work, then you should read Mr. Monk and the Dirty Cop.

Can a man be too good at his job? It seems possible. Monk gets fired from his job as a consultant to the San Francisco police. Finances or jealousy? He's then hired by a big, successful detective firm, Intertect (no mention of Joe Mannix, though). He's solving cases almost faster than they can supply him with the files, but when his friend Captain Stottlemeyer is accused of murder, nobody's going to stop Monk from helping. In his own way, of course.

As for Natalie, she's more than just the narrator of Monk's adventures. She's a solid character in her own right, and the story's about her as much as it's about Monk, and it's nice to see her coming into her own more and more as the books progress.

I believe the TV series about Monk is supposed to come to an end after another season or so. I'm betting this won't affect the sales of Goldberg's books a bit. In fact, the sales might increase if fans of the show suffer from withdrawal and want more of Monk and Natalie's adventures. I'm looking forward to reading the books for a long time to come.

5 comments:

Gerard Saylor said...

I have note read any of these yet but after your recommendations have bought a few for work. The two of them check out real well so you may be right about continued demand after the show ends.

Paul D Brazill said...

haven't read any of the books but I love the TV series so will have gander.

Lee Goldberg said...

Thanks so much, Bill. I knew you'd catch the nod to Intertect.

Lee

Anonymous said...

If I may ask: How does Randy fare in Dirty Cop? I could check it out at the library if he's third wheel again.

Unknown said...

Randy has a good role. Bill Peschel doesn't fare so well.