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: 

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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                                              

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Library of  Clean Reads Sept 17 Interview   

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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.

Book Review of Don’t Let the Wind Catch You

Book Review of Don’t Let the Wind Catch You

Sponsored by Innovative 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.

Release 8/15

Aaron Paul Lazar  “Don’t Let the Wind Catch You” paranormal mystery for YA through adults (Sex rating about a 1 of 5)

BLURB: 

When young Gus LeGarde befriends a cranky old hermit in the woods who speaks to an Indian spirit, he wonders if the man is nuts. But when the ghostly Penni rattles tin cups, draws on dusty mirrors, and flips book pages, pestering him to find evidence to avenge her past, things change.

What Gus doesn’t understand is why his mother hates Tully, until his relentless investigation uncovers a hint of scandal about Tully and Gus’s grandfather, Marlowe Wright.

On horseback, Gus and his friends ride through woods overlooking Conesus Lake to Tully’s abandoned house, reportedly still infected with the Genesee Valley Fever from the 1700s. Unafraid, they enter and find shocking evidence that could rewrite history.

Can Gus convince his mother to forgive Tully? And will the proof he found free Penni’s spirit?

Gus summons courage beyond his years in this poignant and powerful telling of the summer of 1965.

• Bridges the gap between YA and adult ala Harry Potter
• “Suspenseful, satisfying, well-crafted, mood-capturing, for both adults and children.”
• Will appeal to readers who crave adventure, who love horses, the sea, or the outdoors, and who may be curious/nostalgic about children’s lives in 1965.
• Will appeal to teachers and parents who want to impart anti-bullying, anti-bigotry behavior; including compassion and acceptance in a thoughtful, sensitive manner.
• Will appeal to mystery buffs who loved the award-winning Tremolo: cry of the loon featuring Gus LeGarde in a prequel to the series in 1964.
• Showcases goodness, morality, understanding, acceptance, courage, persistence, and love.
• Readers can forget today’s furious Internet-driven scene and maybe evoke a few of their own comforting childhood memories and adventures

Author Information: 

Aaron Paul Lazar writes to soothe his soul. The author of three award-winning mystery series and more, Lazar enjoys the Genesee Valley countryside in upstate New York, where his characters embrace life, play with their dogs and grandkids, grow sumptuous gardens, and chase bad guys. Visit his website at lazarbooks.com and watch for his upcoming release from Twilight Times Books, SANCTUARY (2013).

Contacts:

·         Website     http://www.lazarbooks.com

·         Blog            http://www.aaronlazar.blogspot.com

·         Facebook Name:  AaronPaulLazar

·          Twitter Name   :  aplazar

·         Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/629566.Aaron_Paul_Lazar

·        Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Aaron-Paul-Lazar/e/B001JOZR2M/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

·        http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECNEOTE

 

Excerpts: 

Excerpts from Don’t Let the Wind Catch You

By Aaron Paul Lazar

***

I folded my napkin and looked first at my father, then my mother. "Mum? Dad? I have a question."

They both stopped in the middle of their pudding and looked at me with expectant smiles.

"Do you know who lives in the woods in that cabin behind the Ambuscade? He's an old hermit, lives by himself, I think."

My father took a zealous interest in his pudding.

My mother went white. She collected herself, exchanged a worried glance with my father, and lied to me for the first time in my life. "No, darling. We don't know who lives there. But that's private property. You shouldn't trespass in those woods."

***

I saw her in the distance. She lay huddled on her side near an abandoned old house with broken windows and scores of missing shingles. We hurried to her and jumped to the ground. I reached her first, but Siegfried pushed past me to inspect the damage.

He cradled her head and whispered to her with an urgency born of fear. "What happened?"

On her forehead, a bloody gash congealed in a nasty looking puddle. Her left ankle was swollen, all puffy and purple. She tried to sit up, but couldn't.

"I was scouting around this old house, when we flushed a turkey out of the brush over there." She pointed with a shaky finger toward the woods. "Golden Boy shied–really bad–and I fell. My leg got twisted."

I scooted beside her and laid a hand on her shoulder. "Can you get up? We could boost you onto Golden Boy and get you home. You'll probably need crutches, you know."

She shook her head. "I don't know if I can get up. I feel dizzy."

Something inside me took a step toward manhood. "You'll ride with me, then." I stooped over her, put one hand under her knees and the other around her back. With one swift lunge I picked her up and carried her toward Pancho. Siegfried ran ahead and held him while I managed to slide her onto his back.

I turned to Siegfried. "Give me a boost, will you?"

"Ja. Naturlich." He laced both hands together and offered me a step up. "Up you go."

With a swift upward thrust, he propelled me high in the air. I landed lightly on Pancho's back, snugging behind Elsbeth, and clucked to Pancho. "Okay, boy. Let's go. Walk on, now. Nice and easy."

The sensations I felt while pressed behind Elsbeth confused me. Although I'd always been protective of her, this was different. Sweeter, it coursed through my blood and made me want to lay my head on the soft curls on her shoulder. I didn't, of course. I didn't want them to think I was a nerd.

***

"Tully! He's coming this way." I pulled Siegfried to the window.

Elsbeth wasn't flustered. "So? He's nice"

Sig brought her back to reality. "Ja. But we're trespassing and he might tell. We could be in big trouble."

Her eyes darkened. Trouble at her house meant beatings. "Mein Gott. We should go, fast."

Tully cut across the field and was heading straight for us. He'd be there in ten minutes, easy. Just as I turned to head for the stairs, I noticed a movement in the mirror over the little girl's vanity. I froze and pointed.

"What's that?"

The twins joined me and watched as something drew in the dusty surface. The letters were cumbersome and crude. A "P" appeared first, followed by an "E." With dropped jaws we watched the last two letters form: "N" and "I." The aroma of fresh crushed peppermint leaves filled the air.

Elsbeth looked from Sig to me and back again, excitement unleashed in her eyes. "Penni!"

I didn't wait to investigate, but led them out of the house and back to our horses, fortunately tethered behind the house and out of view of Tully. We scrambled onto their backs and leaned low, squeezing their sides hard. In seconds, we'd streaked into the shelter of the woods.

***

It started with a soft moan. I sat straight up and threw back the covers. "Who's there?"

With trembling fingers, I turned on my bedside lamp. My mouth and nose filled with the scent of peppermint.

The sound came again, but this time it almost seemed to resonate from inside my skull.

Tully. Help Tully.

"What?"

Help Tully. Help Tully. Help Tully.

I stood up and looked in the closet, then poked my head out the window. No one stood on the roof or below my window. The words came again, but this time accompanied by a quick flashing vision of the abandoned house. It was as if someone had aimed a super-eight-movie projector on the inside of my eyes, but only for a second.

Blood roared in my ears, and I felt all tingly. "Penni?"

The curtains rose up and took the shape of a young woman, revealing the outline of her lips, nose, and forehead. The fabric moved in and out, as if she were breathing. Right there in my bedroom.

I rubbed my eyes to be sure I wasn't still dreaming, and approached the curtain. "Penni?"

A hand reached out from behind the gauze material, and almost touched mine. Help Tully. Now.

***

At the water's edge, I walked in four inches of water, avoiding children's colorful metal pails and shovels, sun-bleached curly heads with lobster red shoulders, and an array of mothers and fathers who chased after babies or swung them in the water. When we reached the wharf, we hurried up the sand onto the asphalt and once again I hopped around like a clown with a hotfoot.

Siegfried pushed me toward a shady section where drifts of sand covered the tar. "Stand here. We'll order, and you wait in the shade."

I nodded and handed over my wallet. "I want two hamburgers with the works, onion rings, a root beer float, and a pound of saltwater taffy, assorted flavors." I'd memorized the order all week, dying for the promised day when my mother said we could buy lunch out.

I handed him the wallet, then leaned against the side of the building and watched them stand in line, all tan and sandy and tousled. Siegfried's blond hair looked more like Paul McCartney's mop top every day, except in color, of course. Lanky, yet surprisingly poised, he towered over his sister. She stood petite and pretty, as if she were about to leap on stage in a tutu, flying into the air with unbridled energy. A surge of affection rushed through me for both of them. Siegfried had seen his sister reach for my hand several times, but instead of flipping out, he'd averted his eyes and smiled. I loved him for that.

Review: 

This was a great story about growing up, learning about “adult” problems, falling in love, and solving mysteries.  Three children, two boys and one girl, change the history of their town, feel a ghost, and fix a family feud… sort of.

The story is well written, the characters are flawed, confused, in some instances abused, but genuine friends who are trying to do what is right.

I give this story 4 out of 5 clouds.

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