Mr. Monk and the Blue Flu

by Lee Goldberg Narrated by Angela Brazil

Overview

Adrian Monk is horrified when he learns there is 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 that 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 will have to pull together to catch an astrologer's killer, solve a series of mysterious fatal assaults, and, most importantly, clean up their desks.

Editorial Reviews

AUGUST 2010 - AudioFile

This tie-in to the popular TV series has the San Francisco police force out with the "blue flu" because of a labor dispute and Monk called in to serve as interim police captain. Monk's obsessive-compulsive behavior, as usual, gets in the way of his effectiveness. His female assistant tells the story, and while her voice is persuasive, it’s odd that Angela Brazil chose not to give Mr. Monk a unique and male voice. Often it’s difficult to tell whether it’s he speaking or his assistant. Further, the writing is weak, with some insipid dialogue. These weaknesses combined with a narration that is of mixed quality result in a disappointing listening experience. S.S.R. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

The Barnes & Noble Review
Everyone's favorite obsessive-compulsive detective is back in the third novel written by Lee Goldberg based on the popular USA Network television series (following Mr. Monk Goes to the Firehouse and Mr. Monk Goes to Hawaii).

As a consultant working with the San Francisco P.D.'s Captain Leland Stottlemeyer, Adrian Monk -- whose numerous phobias include germs, milk, needles, crowds, children, driving, and public speaking -- is busy trying to solve a string of brutal strangulations involving female joggers who have all been found with their left sneakers inexplicably missing. But just as Monk begins his investigation, the SFPD -- who have been working without a labor contract for more than a year -- make a unified statement by all calling in sick with the "blue flu" until they can get a better agreement. The labor dispute reaps unexpected rewards for Monk, who is reinstated and named acting captain. But with only a misfit team of scab officers to back him up -- a violent sociopath, a paranoid schizophrenic, and a senile old man -- Monk's psychological stability is put to the test like never before…

While the obvious audience for the Monk novels are fans of the multiple Emmy Award–winning television series, Mr. Monk and the Blue Flu will appeal to anyone who enjoys lighthearted, comedic whodunits, regardless of whether they've even seen the show. Goldberg's succinct writing style -- with an emphasis on witty dialogue, laugh-out-loud hijinks, and nonstop action -- will make a devoted Monk fan of anyone who picks up this surprisingly entertaining read. Rubber gloves and moist towelettes not included. Paul Goat Allen

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169631432
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	03/01/2010
Edition description:	Unabridged

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