Mr. Monk and the Blue Flu

Mr. Monk and the Blue Flu, by Lee Goldberg
 
Every once in a while, I like to do some recreational reading instead of educational or biographical. Since I was a big fan of the television show "Monk", I was very pleased when my wife, Linda, brought home Mr. Monk and the Blue Flu by Lee Goldberg. The compulsive-obsessive detective takes over as police captain when the regular cops call in sick with the "Blue Flu" during contract negotiations. He is left with a motley crew of characters who have to help him solve a series of murders. One woman is paranoid, and thinks everything is a government conspiracy. One man is extremely violent in his arrests. Another can't remember what happened two seconds ago! Meanwhile, he incurs the wrath of union members who consider him a "scab" for assuming the position. Someone has gone on a murder spree, and has the odd habit of only taking the left running shoe. Goldberg captures Monk's character and crime solving ability perfectly. This is an easy, quick and entertaining read. Although the TV series is over, you can still enjoy reading the Monk series. Check them out from the paperback section.
-Carl