Mr. Monk and the Blue Flu

By: Lee Goldberg

Narrated by: Angela Brazil

Adrian Monk is horrified when he learns there's going to be a blue flu in San Francisco. He doesn't understand what the blue flu is - but it sounds terrible. Captain Stottlemeyer explains that it's not really a virus: the police force plan to call in "sick" until they get a better contract. The good news is that the labor dispute will give Monk a chance to get back on the force. The bad news is, it means he'll be a "scab" - and he doesn't like the sound of that, either.

Before he knows it, Monk has his badge back - and his own squad to command. Unfortunately, some of the squad members make Monk look like a paragon of mental health. But despite the challenges, they'll have to pull together to catch an astrologer's killer, solve a series of mysterious fatal assaults, and, most importantly, clean up their desks.

Crack another case with Monk.©2007 Lee Goldberg (P)2007 BBC Audio

Classic Monk, but with some rehashes

First off, this book is really great in that it brought be back to the Monk world. Monk is one of my all time favourite TV serials. Indeed, it is the only one whose episodes I can recall mostly by name!

Having said that this book does carry its weight on its own. There is a lot of police politicking that seems to be a bit hackneyed, but nevertheless quite enjoyable. I found myself rooting for Monk's band of defective detectives! Sorry, but I never liked the whole idea of disdain shown for a "snitch" in the police force (or, for that matter, anywhere).

The story itself is reasonable and cleans up most things. However, there are too many disconnected cases here. While they are related in some way or the other, it seems unnecessarily expanded to fill the space. I wonder how long this would run if it were a single Monk episode on TV?

The narration is great. I liked it although it isn't Traylor Howard, but that's OK. Angela Brazil is quite a good narrator, with impressions of Stottlemeyer that are not great, but enjoyable!

Overall, I liked it, though it could avoid rehashes. The most obvious one was where the police officer uses another person to claim a tip reward, which is the same basic idea as in "Mr. Monk and the Badge". Although, come to think of it, it is possible that the TV episode was taken from this book considering the time order.

So I like the book and the narrator, but the store is reasonable but not great.

Enjoyable

Despite some foul language, I very much enjoyed the story and listening to this performance.

Enjoyable Read

I love the Monk Series. TV & Books. I can read/watch them again and again.

Intriguing study of an introvert offending all

A unique plot twist on Mr Monk to cross everyone who cares for him to follow a dream while the S.F. Police Force is in an unofficial work out.... while I doubted the way the twist & turns could work out Lee G. did the usual great job I've grown accustomed to.. well done!

Monk #3

Monk #3

Adrian Monk continues his inane OCD detecting while the police are on a wildcat strike. More fun!

Narration by Angela Brazil is well done.