Mr. Monk and the Blue Flu

These days my attention span seems rather limited. This is why another Monk novel fit the bill. Lighthearted and entertaining. I have read one other that I have yet to review, perhaps at a later date. I found this particular Monk novel to be rather true to the TV character.

In Mr. Monk and the Blue Flu, the SFPD is renegotiating their union contract. While it is against the law to strike, a strain of the blue flu hits the department. The mayor calls in Monk and asks him to take over Stottlemeyer’s position to solve a sudden rash of homicides in the city. Monk gets his badge back but he is in charge of homicide detectives who are just as crazy as he is. Natalie is in the awkward position of supporting the strike while also supporting Monk as a scab.

Can Monk solve the murders? Win back his friends? Keep his badge? You can probably guess the answers to these questions if you have seen the tv show. Still, this novel will give you that Monk fix if you hate waiting for the show to come back on tv (which is in its last season, BTW)

Book Rating 3 1/2 stars

Asherwood Protegee

Asherwood Protegee is a novel of Regency England. The time period of the story makes it a contemporary of other Regency novels like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I believe this story is a sequel to the Duchess of Asherwood by Mary A. Garratt. I didn't read the first novel and probably won't.

The Asherwood Protegee is a well written modern story. Yes, it takes place during Regency England, but it has some modern interpretations. Perhaps this story is closer in mood to Elizabeth Gaskell than Austen. Gaskell, a true contemporary of Austen, had some rather modern views of women's roles. Austen's stories have a lot of depth and Gaskell's stories are sprinkled with dashes of humor. How does Garratt's story fit in? It would be hard for me to truly compare her story with the masters of Regency romance.

In this story, the Duke and Duchess of Asherwood decide to sponsor their vicar's daughter, Donna, during the social season of London. The social season is the time that many English upper middle class spend to find a husband. Donna is initially resistant. She is bookish and prefers to study and learn than waste time socializing. But with some arm twisting, she does go and intrigue and mystery ensues. Throw in the Duke of Wellington in disguise and a love interest for an interesting story.

Or not. I have to say I did get bored. I knew where the story was going, for the most part. Even though the story wraps up rather neat and tidy, there are some that may enjoy it. It is a more gentle read.

Book rating: 3