This post was most recently updated on September 30th, 2013
Publisher: Penguin USA (June 4, 2013)
Category: Cozy Mystery
Tour Date: August, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-451-24093-4
Available in: Print & eBook, 286 Pages
Mr. Monk Helps Himself is an all-new mystery, written by Hy Conrad, the Edgar Award-nominated screenwriter and co-executive producer of Monk and starring the characters from the wildly successful television series.
Now that Monk and Natalie are both in San Francisco again, life is almost back to normal, with one exception: Natalie is studying for her PI license, the last step to becoming Monk’s full partner.
Before taking the plunge, Natalie sneaks off to Half Moon Bay for a retreat run by Miranda Bigley, charismatic leader of the “Best Possible Me” self-help program, whose philosophy has helped Natalie deal with her recent life changes. Her plans for a relaxing weekend are disrupted when Monk tracks her down, determined to rescue her from the “cult.” Their argument is cut short when Miranda, in full view of everyone, calmly walks to the edge of a cliff and jumps off.
Even though Miranda’s death looks like suicide—especially when it’s discovered that she was on the brink of financial disaster—Natalie is sure it is murder. But Monk brushes her off to help the SFPD solve the murder of a clown, despite his fear of clowns—number ninety-nine on his list of one hundred phobias.
Natalie and Monk begin their separate investigations and are quickly caught up in situations neither one of them can handle. If they want to solve both crimes – and survive – they first need to learn how to be full partners. Can Monk handle the change?
Praise for Mr. Monk Helps Himself:
“An entertaining and ruefully funny diversion that stars one of television’s best-loved characters.”–Honolulu Star Bulletin
“[A] lighthearted, enjoyable whodunit.”–San Francisco Book Review
“Hilariously funny and devilishly clever…an impossible-crime lover’s delight.”–Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine
“Even though Mr. Conrad is replacing Lee Goldberg, the writing remains great. Monk and all other characters are well developed. Can’t wait for next one.”- Tyffani Monford, Amazon.com Reviewer
“Great Book! I’ m a huge Monk fan – rewatch episodes all the time and have read all the books. It is my favorite series of all time. I was worred that this book might not be as good because of the new author… but I was pleasantly surprised that I really enjoyed it. Worth buying!”– Andria, Amazon.com Reviewer
Praise for Hy Conrad’s Rally Round the Corpse:
Conrad has created well-developed characters that are realistic with just a touch of zaniness. He takes the story on a whirlwind adventure while placing the reader in the midst of the action with his vivid descriptions. As the story unfolds, Conrad incorporates red herrings keeping readers on their toes as to who the real killer is and what could possibly happen next.
RALLY ’ROUND THE CORPSE is well-written and flows smoothly. It’s a fast paced mystery featuring bits of humor and romance with suspense and intrigue always lurking nearby. This is a fun read mystery lovers will adore and eagerly await the next adventure Amy undertakes.”-Mason, Thought’s In Progress Website
“When I had the chance to read Hy Conrad’s book, I jumped on it. I had read another of his books and fell in love it. Well, Mr. Conrad did not disappoint me with Rally ‘Round the Corpse.
What is really good about this mystery is that it is not too fast nor too slow when it comes to the pace of the story. It is a perfect, steady pace that has you wanting to read more and more yet where you can put it down for the night while pondering the day’s read.
The story was artfully crafted and had me hooked. I love mysteries and try to figure out who did it. Well, this one kept me guessing as the plot would take a new turn every time a new clue was discovered or more secrets were revealed.
The characters are the highlight of the entire book. Each one is crafted to be extremely unique with personalities that have you hooked to them. They were more than believable. They were fun. I loved getting to know them. Amy and Fanny are amazing. Their relationship will one to go down in literary history.
Mr. Conrad’s writing is entertaining as well as mesmerizing. The flow of the story is smooth while taking you on a journey you’ll never see the likes of again aside from the sequel.
I cannot wait for the next book. I love Mr. Conrad’s work with the television shows ‘Monk’ and “White Collar”. In fact, my children and I watch them almost daily over and over. He carries his talent to the written page in a manner that only he could accomplish so well. He now as a fan that will be stalking him regularly. In fact, I’ll put a guard on his door to ensure that more and more of the Abel Adventures Mysteries get written. If you can’t guess, I give this book two thumbs up plus two big toes. I love it!”– Rebecca Graf, A Book Lover’s Library Website
“I just adored this book! It was perfect reading for me the month of December. A delicious cozy that kept me returning to it during the hectic holiday season when I didn’t have a lot of time for reading and I found myself joyously cuddling up for quick breaks with this book. An entertaining mystery with a unique plot. I absolutely love the concept of Amy Abel’s travel agency extraordinaire. The opportunity for imaginative plots for future books is bound only by the author’s imagination, which he seems to have no short supply of! The short blurb at the back describing book two already has me salivating for the next one.”– Nicola Mansfield, Back To Books Website
“This is a story that is filled with enough humor, suspense and quirky characters to keep the reader occupied. From an author who knows mystery this story will have you guessing as to who the murderer is. I loved it and will definitely read more of Mr. Conrad’s work.”– Kathleen Kelly, Celtic Lady’s Reviews Website
About Hy Conrad:
Hy Conrad was one of the original writers on the USA Network television series Monk and stayed with the series for all eight seasons, acting as co-executive producer for the last two seasons and garnering three Edgar® Award nominations. In addition, Hy was head writer of the webisode series Little Monk and served as consulting producer and writer on the USA series White Collar.
He is the author of hundreds of short stories, dozens of interactive mysteries, and ten books of solvable whodunits, sold around the world in fourteen languages. His first mystery novel series, Abel Adventures, premiered in 2012, with the publication of Rally ’Round the Corpse. On a more humorous note, Hy is also the author of Things Your Dog Doesn’t Want You to Know.
Author Website: http://www.hyconrad.com/
Hy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hyconrad
Hy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HyConrad?fref=ts
Buy Mr. Monk Helps Himself:
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