Review

Adrian Monk struggles daily with OCD, but when it comes to solving crimes, nobody is a better detective. Many people fear change, but Monk’s aversion to any type of variation in his life goes far beyond most people’s. Unfortunately for Monk, his life is currently full of changes. The biggest one is that his former assistant Natalie Teeger is now his partner in their new detective agency, Monk and Teeger Consulting Detectives. Their first case is a tough one. A seemingly average guy comes into work, goes on a shooting spree, and then disappears. Monk strongly believes in an important witness’s innocence, but Natalie thinks the woman is hiding something. It’s up to Monk to find a way to deal with all the changes in his life, remain objective, and focus on this difficult case.

Mr. Monk is Open for Business is a win for all Monk fans. If you were a fan of the television show, the books written by Lee Goldberg, or the newer books in the series by current author Hy Conrad, you will enjoy this book. This is the third book in the series written by Conrad and if you are worried he won’t handle the beloved characters properly, Mr. Conrad is a former writer and co-producer of the show, so Natalie, Monk, Julie, and the Captain are in good hands. Natalie and Monk have their usual rapport and make an even better team as partners than when Natalie was Monk’s assistant. Just as Goldberg’s books didn’t completely follow the ending of the show, neither does Conrad’s, but he is true to the characters and in many ways seems to be getting back to the basics of the series. I’m actually glad one of the characters and storylines introduced by Goldberg that was never a favorite of mine (Monk’s friend Ellen and her “Poop” stores), seems to be wrapping up.

I really enjoyed this installment of the series. The plot of a workplace shooting is scary, but interesting and in the hands of Conrad had plenty of twists. The book is a fun read with Natalie as the narrator and her wry sense of humor when telling the story. I’m not sure I agree that Monk would have had such a blind spot regarding one of the suspects, but it does add a bit of a twist to the investigation.

There is less slapstick and silliness in this novel compared to some of the earlier installments and more emphasis on the characters and the investigation, which I appreciate. Julie plays an important role in the book and it looks like she could become even more important going forward, which would be great for fans of that character. I’m not a detective like Monk or Natalie, but clues at the end of the book were pointing toward the strong possibility of another old favorite character returning to a larger role in future books.

This is a great mystery that fans of Monk will really enjoy. Although it’s a well-written book, if you’ve never seen the show, I don’t know if you would have the same enjoyment of the book as someone who has grown to love these characters by watching the television series.

Reviewed by Christine