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Friday, August 16, 2013

Interview with Hy Conrad, author of Mr. Monk Helps Himself



Interview with Hy Conrad, author of 
     Mr. Monk Helps Himself 
Sponsored by Sponsored by  
       Virtual Author Book Tours

Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.

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

Blurb: 



Mr. Monk Helps Himself is an all-new mystery, written by Hy Conrad, the Edgar Award-nominated screenwriter and co-executive producer of Monkand 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?

Author Interview: 

INTERVIEW WITH BOOK, BOOKS, AND MORE BOOKS
By Hy Conrad
Author of “Mr. Monk Helps Himself”

 
I appreciate your taking the time to visit with us today.
MINDY
What inspired this particular novel/book?
HY
That’s an easy one.  It all started in early 2002 when a complete stranger called up and said, “I found your mystery books in a bookstore, and I think you would be a great person for my new TV series.”  That man was Andy Breckman and the series, of course, was “Monk”.  That led to eight wonderful years writing and producing for the show.  Now I’m the only one left, keeping the legacy of Adrian Monk alive with these books.  This is number sixteen in the line-up.  The first fifteen were written by my friend Lee Goldberg.  When you add the books together, you get the same number of stories as in a regular TV season.  It’s as if the TV show has gone on for another full year.  And that’s pretty gratifying. 
MINDY
What character was your favorite to write for in this story? Why?
HY
I’m sure everyone is expecting me to say Adrian Monk himself.  He was a blast to write for in the show.  It was always comedy gold, coming up with new ways for Tony Shalhoub to make you laugh -- and irritate all the other characters.  But the truth is that Monk is a rather static character.  Like Sherlock Holmes, he doesn’t change much or grow.  And when he does, it’s by mere inches. 
It was a lot more interesting to write for Natalie, to figure out how she, the voice of the book, develops and matures as a detective and a person.   
MINDY
Which was your favorite scene to write?
HY
I love writing dialogue.  I guess that comes from years of writing TV.  The back-and-forth between Monk and Natalie is always a joy.  I would write twenty pages of them discussing laundry if I thought I could get away with it.  They’ve been together so long and have this wonderful co-dependent relationship.  At times it’s almost like an Abbott and Costello routine.
MINDY
What was the hardest thing about writing this story?
HY
I dislike action scenes.  For one thing, the reader knows that Monk is going to survive and win.  So, as a writer I have to come up with new, interesting ways to keep the reader engaged.  Also, I have trouble with technical stuff, despite all the help of the internet.  If you watch the show, you’ll see that we rarely used anything technical.  Very little DNA or complex chemicals.  A lot of good old-fashioned deduction.
We had one writer, in fact, who loved to make up stuff and see if anyone would catch it.  He considered it a point of pride when wrong facts wound up getting through the whole process and landing on the air.
MINDY
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
HY
Nothing about writing is interesting.  My biggest quirk is that I hate being absolutely alone when I write.  That’s why I never had a dedicated studio, like some of my friends.  But I also can’t have anyone talking or moving around.  I find dogs to be the perfect solution.
MINDY
Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like?  If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
HY
I’ve been lucky enough never to have worked in the normal sense.  I was, since high school, a professional stage actor, then went rather fluidly to making a living from my writing.  As for other interests, I have very few, except travel and dogs.  If you check hyconrad.com, you’ll see that my other fiction includes a travel agent detective series and a humor book about dogs.
MINDY
Where do you find your Inspirations?
HY
Inspiration is all around, from newspaper headlines to casual conversation in line at the grocery store.  A year or so ago, an acquaintance mentioned taking part in a wake, where the deceased left instructions in his will to fly all the mourners to Paris to sprinkle his ashes from the top of the Eiffel Tower.  The result of this tidbit will be in “If I Die Before the Wake”, the second book in my Abel Adventures mystery series.
MINDY
What do you like to read? Who is your favorite author?
HY
I’m a very fickle reader and I rarely love a mystery author after the first two books in a series.  Then you start to recognize all the tricks up their sleeves.  I still read Carl Hiaasen, but more from habit than love.
MINDY
Please let readers know where they can connect with you and purchase your books...
HY
Readers can check me out on my Facebook fan page or at my website, hyconrad.com.  I love to get feedback, so don’t be shy.  As for the books, they’re for sale all over.  If not, please yell at the bookstore clerk.  They love it.  Keeps them on their toes.
MINDY
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
HY
Part of the reason for me taking on the Monk series was to help publicize my other work.  So if you like my style and my sense of humor, please check out my other stuff.  Thanks.


This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Book Review of Mr. Monk Helps Himself



Book Review of Mr. Monk Helps Himself 
Sponsored by Virtual Author Book Tours

Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.

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

Blurb: 

Mr. Monk Helps Himself is an all-new mystery, written by Hy Conrad, the Edgar Award-nominated screenwriter and co-executive producer of Monkand 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

Author Information: 

Hy Conrad was one of the original writers on the USA Network television seriesMonk 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 Monkand 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.

Contacts:

Author Website: http://www.hyconrad.com/

Other Tour Stops: 

So Many Precious Books Aug 1 Spotlight & Giveaway
Bookworm Aug 2 Review                                         
Cozie Corner Aug 5 Review                                      
Back To Books Aug 6 Review                                              
Rikki's Teleidoscope Aug 7 Review                                      
A Chick Who Reads Aug 8 Review                                      
A Chick Who Reads Aug 9 Guest Post
Butterfly-o-Meter Books Aug 12 Review                                         
Booksie's Blog            Aug 13            Review                                   
Quilted Reviews  & Cheryl's Book Nook Aug 14     Review                                  
Books, Books, & More Books Aug 15 Review                                 
Books, Books, & More Books Aug 16 Interview
Book Lover Stop Aug 19       Review                                   
Wolf Majick Reviews Aug 20 Review                                              
Wolf Majick Reviews Aug 21 Guest Post
Sammy the Bookworm Aug 22 Review                                            
 VW Stitcher Aug 23 Review                                    
Recent Reads Aug 26 Review                                               
Recent Reads Aug 27 Guest Post
The News in Books Aug 28 Review                                     
The News in Books
Aug 29 Guest Post
I'd Rather Be At the Beach Aug 29 Review                                     
I'd Rather Be At the Beach Aug 30 Guest Post  & Giveaway
WTF Are You Reading Aug 30 Review &    Giveaway
Romance & Inspiration  Aug 31 Review                   
Tabula Rasa Sept 3 Review                                       
Socrates Book Reviews          Sept 4 Review                                   
Over a Cuppa Coffee Sept 5 Review                        
Over a Cuppa Coffee Sept 6 Interview & Giveaway
Bloggin Bout Books Sept 9 Review                                      
Rainy Days & Mondays         Sept 10 Review                                              
Sweeps4Bloggers Sept 11 Review & Giveaway
The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia Sept 12 Review                          
Library of  Clean Reads          Sept 16 Review
Library of  Clean Reads Sept 17 Interview   
Networking Witches Sept 18 Review                                               
 Joy Story Sept 19 Review                            
Book Lover's Library Sept 23 Review                                              
Book Lover's Library Sept 24 Interview & Giveaway          
Green Mountain People          Sept 25 Review                                             
DWED Sept 26 Review                                
DWED Sept 27 Interview
Suko's Notebook Sept 30 Review

Review: 

I loved the television show Monk because I liked the totally dysfunctional and OCD behaviors Monk had and how he was still so kind and able to solve cases like Sherlock Holmes.  Luckily this book is by the screen writer for the show, so all the snarky, ocd’iness, and dysfunction is in there.  It is rare that a story goes from television or movies to a book rather than from the book to the show.  While this is the case here, the story is still fresh and innovative because the writer kept the characters but didn’t stay mired in the show.

Not only is the book a fun read for Monk fans, it is a great mystery/detective story on its own merit.  It is a definite must read.

I give this book 4 out of 5 clouds.


This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.