2008-07-01 Mr. Monk and the Crimes Around the World

Things have been going well for Mr. Monk recently. He's finding a groove and solving cases faster than ever. But then a cannibal moves into Monk's building. While he's in the middle of dealing with that, Dr. Kroger announces that he is taking a week's vacation to attend a conference in Germany. Despite a half hearted attempt at staying, Monk falls apart and decides he needs to follow Dr. Kroger to Germany. After all, he hasn't missed an appointment yet.

Dragging Natalie along, he arrives in Lohr, Germany, only to realize just how foreign it is. His biggest concern seems to be a very angry Dr. Kroger who doesn't like having his vacation interrupted.

But things that an unexpected turn when Monk spots a sight across the town square that stops him cold. Suddenly, this vacation has turned into a very personal mystery for Monk. Can he contend with the difference and still find the truth?

As always, Mr. Goldberg has captured the characters perfectly. These could be the Monk, Natalie, and Dr. Kroger we know and love from the show. And that's what makes the second half of the book so moving. The book seems to have a bit too much set up getting Monk to Germany, and that part drags a little. Once he arrives, things take off and the story moves forward quickly. And there are plenty of laugh out loud moments scattered throughout the book. Do make sure you catch the author's note as it does mention how this book fits into series continuity.

For fans who are willing to forgive the difference between book and TV production schedules, this is another treat. So buy your tickets today and enjoy a trip to Europe.