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Mr. Monk #11
Mr. Monk on the Road
Monk's out on the open highway--but crime is a hitchhiker that won't be ignored.
With his job secure and his wife's murder finally solved, Adrian Monk is feeling strangely...satisfied. He'd like his agoraphobic brother Ambrose to feel the same way, so Monk puts a secret ingredient in Ambrose's birthday sleeping pills. When Ambrose wakes up, he's in a motor home on the open road with Monk determined to show him the outside world.
But Ambrose isn't the only one struggling to let go. As little crimes pop up along the highway, Monk can't resist getting involved. Now it's up to Monk to stop a murderer from turning their road trip into a highway to hell.
With his job secure and his wife's murder finally solved, Adrian Monk is feeling strangely...satisfied. He'd like his agoraphobic brother Ambrose to feel the same way, so Monk puts a secret ingredient in Ambrose's birthday sleeping pills. When Ambrose wakes up, he's in a motor home on the open road with Monk determined to show him the outside world.
But Ambrose isn't the only one struggling to let go. As little crimes pop up along the highway, Monk can't resist getting involved. Now it's up to Monk to stop a murderer from turning their road trip into a highway to hell.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 23, 2010
52 people are currently reading
845 people want to read
About the author
Lee Goldberg
154 books2,089 followersLee Goldberg is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over forty novels, including Malibu Burning, Calico, Lost Hills (the first novel in his acclaimed "Eve Ronin" series), 15 "Monk" mysteries, five "Fox & O'Hare" adventures (co-written with Janet Evanovich), and the new thriller Ashes Never Lie, the second in his "Sharpe & Walker" series.. He's written and/or produced many TV shows, including Diagnosis Murder, SeaQuest, and Monk and he co-created the Hallmark movie series Mystery 101.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
December 26, 2019
Adrian Monk thinks change is fine as long as everything stays the same. That may sound like a contradiction to you, but it's not one in the parallel universe that Monk lives in. Welcome to the world of the obsessive, compulsive detective.
New partners
"If Mr. Monk wasn't here today, would you have realized that Aaron killed his sister?"
"Probably not," she said.
"Definitely not. Nobody would have. It was the perfect murder. But he saw right through it and you didn't. That's what really pisses you off."
She nodded. "You're right, I don't like it."
"Join the club," I said, gesturing to Captain Stottlemeyer as he approached us. "How do you think he's felt about it all of these years? But he's made peace with it."
"The hell he has," she said.
Stottlemeyer stopped in front of us. "I heard you had some excitement today. How are you girls holding up?"
"Girls?" I said.
"I meant ladies," Stottlemeyer said.
"Ladies?" Devlin said.
"Women," Stottlemeyer said.
"Women?" Devlin and I said in unison.
"Okay, fine," he said. "Forget I asked."
Stottlemeyer turned and walked away.
Devlin waited until the captain was out of sight and then grinned at me.
"We're gonna get along fine," she said.
Road Trip yay or maybe not so yay
“We’re taking you on a road trip.”
“I’d rather be killed,” Ambrose said.
“It’s a vacation,” Monk said. “You need one.”
“Is that what the sociopath told you?”
“You’ll thank me later.”
“Like his sister thanked him,” Ambrose said, then shifted his angry gaze to me. “I can’t believe you went along with this insidious plan. I trusted you, Natalie. I thought you were a true friend.”
“I am, Ambrose.”
He shook his head. “No, you’re a black widow, wooing men to their doom with your feminine wiles.”
“You wooed? With your wiles?” Monk said. “What are you doing waving your wiles around?”
“I didn’t woo, with wiles or anything else,” I said to Monk and then turned to his brother. “I helped Mr. Monk because he loves you and wants to make you happy.”
“Do I look happy to you?”
“Not yet, but give it some time. This is going to be a lot of fun,” I said, trying to convince him as much as myself. “It will be an experience that you will treasure.”
“That’s what they told the passengers on the Titanic,” he said. “And look what happened to them.”
Another murder? Natalie is on vacation, but solving murders is Mr Monk's way of relaxing
No matter where Monk went, he inevitably discovered a murder.
Statistically, it just didn’t seem possible that one person could stumble across so many dead bodies. Any reasonable person would, if she knew how often this happened, keep herself and her loved ones as far away from him as possible.
I guess I wasn’t as reasonable as I thought I was. I was still with him. But I wasn’t happy that another corpse threatened to ruin our trip. And, irrationally, I blamed Monk for it.
“You’re just desperate to find a murder to investigate. You weren’t close to that homeless guy. How can you be sure he’s dead? Maybe he’s sleeping.”
“It’s the eternal rest, Natalie. And he’s not homeless, either.”
This is a beautifully described view of California for all the armchair readers who don't want to leave home - including Ambrose Monk, who has never left his home - until now!
Enjoy!
New partners
"If Mr. Monk wasn't here today, would you have realized that Aaron killed his sister?"
"Probably not," she said.
"Definitely not. Nobody would have. It was the perfect murder. But he saw right through it and you didn't. That's what really pisses you off."
She nodded. "You're right, I don't like it."
"Join the club," I said, gesturing to Captain Stottlemeyer as he approached us. "How do you think he's felt about it all of these years? But he's made peace with it."
"The hell he has," she said.
Stottlemeyer stopped in front of us. "I heard you had some excitement today. How are you girls holding up?"
"Girls?" I said.
"I meant ladies," Stottlemeyer said.
"Ladies?" Devlin said.
"Women," Stottlemeyer said.
"Women?" Devlin and I said in unison.
"Okay, fine," he said. "Forget I asked."
Stottlemeyer turned and walked away.
Devlin waited until the captain was out of sight and then grinned at me.
"We're gonna get along fine," she said.
Road Trip yay or maybe not so yay
“We’re taking you on a road trip.”
“I’d rather be killed,” Ambrose said.
“It’s a vacation,” Monk said. “You need one.”
“Is that what the sociopath told you?”
“You’ll thank me later.”
“Like his sister thanked him,” Ambrose said, then shifted his angry gaze to me. “I can’t believe you went along with this insidious plan. I trusted you, Natalie. I thought you were a true friend.”
“I am, Ambrose.”
He shook his head. “No, you’re a black widow, wooing men to their doom with your feminine wiles.”
“You wooed? With your wiles?” Monk said. “What are you doing waving your wiles around?”
“I didn’t woo, with wiles or anything else,” I said to Monk and then turned to his brother. “I helped Mr. Monk because he loves you and wants to make you happy.”
“Do I look happy to you?”
“Not yet, but give it some time. This is going to be a lot of fun,” I said, trying to convince him as much as myself. “It will be an experience that you will treasure.”
“That’s what they told the passengers on the Titanic,” he said. “And look what happened to them.”
Another murder? Natalie is on vacation, but solving murders is Mr Monk's way of relaxing
No matter where Monk went, he inevitably discovered a murder.
Statistically, it just didn’t seem possible that one person could stumble across so many dead bodies. Any reasonable person would, if she knew how often this happened, keep herself and her loved ones as far away from him as possible.
I guess I wasn’t as reasonable as I thought I was. I was still with him. But I wasn’t happy that another corpse threatened to ruin our trip. And, irrationally, I blamed Monk for it.
“You’re just desperate to find a murder to investigate. You weren’t close to that homeless guy. How can you be sure he’s dead? Maybe he’s sleeping.”
“It’s the eternal rest, Natalie. And he’s not homeless, either.”
This is a beautifully described view of California for all the armchair readers who don't want to leave home - including Ambrose Monk, who has never left his home - until now!
Enjoy!
January 18, 2018
When I need to relax or I want light and funny read, I'm always choosing Mr. Monk. I know it's not something extraordinary but it comforts me.
May 8, 2011
This one was pretty good, however, I must admit that it is my least favorite monk book so far... The writer focused so much on the whereabouts and tourist spots, I got a little bored, especially since I have been to all those places he was describing in such detail. The ending kind of made it all better, though.
April 23, 2011
As always, an excellent Monk story! I have to say though, that the premise behind the murders seemed a bit far-fetched this time around, and it definitely wrapped up way too quickly and neatly in the end.
July 4, 2011
Love these books. They are always good for a laugh.
September 12, 2023
Mr. Monk on the Road was a fun read! I especially liked how this book is the start of the books that take place after the series finale. It felt like a continuation of the series and that was so fun! I enjoyed the mystery and seeing his brother get a little adventurous. All in all, a good read.
April 15, 2018
Even though I still have a lot of "Monk" books to read, I have to say that this is probably going to be the best one ever. Why? Simply because I love the characters and I'm invested in them. If you do too, then pick up this book.
Imagine a post-series Monk episode in which Adrian wants to give his brother Ambrose a very special birthday present. Imagine him enlisting Natalie, Julie, and Molly's help. Imagine Ambrose waking up in an RV thinking there was an earthquake only to learn that he isn't home anymore. He's outside, but he's still inside!
Agoraphobes, nature, satanists, Oh my!
It's a story not to be missed for every Monk fan!
Pick up the book.
I promise it's a wild road trip!
Imagine a post-series Monk episode in which Adrian wants to give his brother Ambrose a very special birthday present. Imagine him enlisting Natalie, Julie, and Molly's help. Imagine Ambrose waking up in an RV thinking there was an earthquake only to learn that he isn't home anymore. He's outside, but he's still inside!
Agoraphobes, nature, satanists, Oh my!
It's a story not to be missed for every Monk fan!
Pick up the book.
I promise it's a wild road trip!
November 20, 2018
A lot of sightseeing, meeting RV campsite neighbors, and driving around. Story...but not plot. It’s always fun spending time with the characters, but it was pretty day-in-the-life until the last couple chapters.
August 14, 2013
It may not break the mold, but it is a humorous, light read for anyone who wondered what happened after the TV series ended. The focus on expanding Monk's agoraphobic brother's horizons is sweet.
May 1, 2018
Też bym chciała wyruszyć w taką podróż. Ale bez morderstw po drodze 😁
January 1, 2024
One of the better plots for Mr. Monk
October 6, 2021
After finally achieving a relaxed clarity he hasn't known since the death of his wife, Mr. Monk decides it is time for his brother to address his agoraphobia. After putting sleeping pills in his birthday cake, Mr. Monk and his assistant, Natalie, move Ambrose into an RV and set out on a tour of California. Of course, it wouldn't be a vacation if Mr. Monk doesn't assist in a few homicides along the way. But will his brother appreciate his efforts or is it too much for him to handle?
Having been raised by someone who owns more Lysol wipes than Mr. Monk, I have always been a fan of the television show and was thrilled to learn about this book series. The first chapter of this book is mostly background information, which I didn't mind too much because it reminded me of all the major characters, since I haven't seen the show in over a decade. (Actually, it made me question whether I even watched the final season. I may need to go binge-watch the entire series now.)
While I enjoyed the story, I was a little disappointed in the actual mystery in this book. I liked watching Monk solve the little murders he encountered, but there wasn't much room for me to guess the whodunit. That said, I did have a few suspicions and, while my suspect was ultimately innocent, I was pleased to see I was on the right track.
I liked that the author was one of the writers on the show (along with several other shows I love), so he was familiar with the characters. The story felt like I was watching an episode of the show. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Having been raised by someone who owns more Lysol wipes than Mr. Monk, I have always been a fan of the television show and was thrilled to learn about this book series. The first chapter of this book is mostly background information, which I didn't mind too much because it reminded me of all the major characters, since I haven't seen the show in over a decade. (Actually, it made me question whether I even watched the final season. I may need to go binge-watch the entire series now.)
While I enjoyed the story, I was a little disappointed in the actual mystery in this book. I liked watching Monk solve the little murders he encountered, but there wasn't much room for me to guess the whodunit. That said, I did have a few suspicions and, while my suspect was ultimately innocent, I was pleased to see I was on the right track.
I liked that the author was one of the writers on the show (along with several other shows I love), so he was familiar with the characters. The story felt like I was watching an episode of the show. I look forward to reading more in this series.
July 28, 2014
“Monk's out on the open highway--but crime is a hitchhiker that won't be ignored.
With his job secure and his wife's murder finally solved, Adrian Monk is feeling strangely...satisfied. He'd like his agoraphobic brother Ambrose to feel the same way, so Monk puts a secret ingredient in Ambrose's birthday cake: sleeping pills. When Ambrose wakes up, he's in a motor home on the open road with Monk determined to show him the outside world.
But Ambrose isn't the only one struggling to let go. As little crimes pop up along the highway, Monk can't resist getting involved. Now it's up to Monk to stop a murderer from turning their road trip into a highway to hell.”
This was another delightful read of a Monk book! This one is as good as all the other ones I’ve read and, it made me especially happy as Monk has found a bit of balance and yet still is a great, unusual detective and a lovely character! I read the book in one sitting and would recommend it to anyone enjoying detective books --- I would recommend reading in order but you don’t have to! GREAT relaxing mystery! I didn’t even realize that I had already read the book, and it was just as good the second time around!
With his job secure and his wife's murder finally solved, Adrian Monk is feeling strangely...satisfied. He'd like his agoraphobic brother Ambrose to feel the same way, so Monk puts a secret ingredient in Ambrose's birthday cake: sleeping pills. When Ambrose wakes up, he's in a motor home on the open road with Monk determined to show him the outside world.
But Ambrose isn't the only one struggling to let go. As little crimes pop up along the highway, Monk can't resist getting involved. Now it's up to Monk to stop a murderer from turning their road trip into a highway to hell.”
This was another delightful read of a Monk book! This one is as good as all the other ones I’ve read and, it made me especially happy as Monk has found a bit of balance and yet still is a great, unusual detective and a lovely character! I read the book in one sitting and would recommend it to anyone enjoying detective books --- I would recommend reading in order but you don’t have to! GREAT relaxing mystery! I didn’t even realize that I had already read the book, and it was just as good the second time around!
November 19, 2012
This is the first book after the series finale. Monk was noticeably more relaxed and fun in here. This condition however, would not stay long because I had read the following books after this one and he seemed much much worse that pre-finale.
Getting on with the story, I really liked it! Monk decided to surprise Ambrose for his birthday by taking him out of his house against his will for a road trip. He enlisted the help of Julie, Molly and Natalie (who end up tagging along with the two brothers).
The adventure those three had was funny, witty and quirky. Although, knowing Monk, he immediately stumbled upon a series of seemingly unconnected murders. The mystery were tied up neatly in the end although it was creepy and made me think twice about planning a road trip.
Getting on with the story, I really liked it! Monk decided to surprise Ambrose for his birthday by taking him out of his house against his will for a road trip. He enlisted the help of Julie, Molly and Natalie (who end up tagging along with the two brothers).
The adventure those three had was funny, witty and quirky. Although, knowing Monk, he immediately stumbled upon a series of seemingly unconnected murders. The mystery were tied up neatly in the end although it was creepy and made me think twice about planning a road trip.
January 21, 2012
This is the absolute best Monk book ever. I don't think this is a spoiler because the jacket flap tells you this book takes place after the show has ended and Monk has solved his beloved wife Trudy's murder.
So the question is, where does Monk go from here! Lee Goldberg has been doing an excellent job keeping the book into the TV show canon, now Mr. Goldberg really gets to cut loose and show what an entertaining writer he is. No plots points to pick over, no 'constructive criticism' of what could have been, with a million directions Monk could have gone in, the author paved a super highway of gold, with hundreds on possible story lines to evolve. Just go buy it and love it.
So the question is, where does Monk go from here! Lee Goldberg has been doing an excellent job keeping the book into the TV show canon, now Mr. Goldberg really gets to cut loose and show what an entertaining writer he is. No plots points to pick over, no 'constructive criticism' of what could have been, with a million directions Monk could have gone in, the author paved a super highway of gold, with hundreds on possible story lines to evolve. Just go buy it and love it.
April 12, 2011
I think this one is my favorite Monk book so far (but then again, I've only read three of them). It takes place after the show ended and as a surprise birthday present to his agoraphobic brother, Monk takes him on a road trip in an rv... with Natalie as their driver of course! Natalie's surprising fear of a certain something was surprising and Monk's rationalization of it was funny. The best part? The road trip took them to Santa Cruz's infamous Mystery Spot where... guess what? Monk solved the mystery - he says it should now be called the Solved Spot... lol. There were surprises and turns, but plenty of comedic scenes and some awww moments. A good continuation of the series.
December 11, 2011
I continue to love these wonderful Mr. Monk books by Lee Goldberg. This one takes place after the part of Mr. Monk's life captured in the TV series. He and Natalie are still out there solving murders, but this time Monk's brother Ambrose gets a unique opportunity to see them in action. Adrian Monk gives his agoraphobic brother the "perfect" birthday gift, a road trip where Ambrose doesn't have to leave home, well motor home. There is the usual blend of humor, detecting, and tenderness that have made Monk stories so excellent, but I won't spoil it for you. Just buy it and read it.
December 14, 2011
The best of the Monk series! I've loved all the Monk books, but this one is so touching. Monk and Natalie kidnap Monk's agoraphobic brother Ambrose for his birthday to take him on a road trip in an RV. Along the way they see the sights, and of course, some murders. Monk can't help but want to investigate, but Natalie wants the vacation to stay on track. Even when he's on the road, Monk is still a brilliant detective. Ambrose is a great character, and I love that this book revolved around him. I'm sad to think there's only a few more Monk books left to go.
August 1, 2023
Adrian Monk wants to do something special for his brother, Ambrose, for his birthday. Since Ambrose won't leave the house, Mr Monk decides to take the house on the road to broaden Ambrose's world. He rents an RV, with assistant Natalie Teeger as the driver, and they kidnap Ambrose to get him on board. As always happens with Mr Monk, they run into several murders, but Natalie makes them stay on their trip rather than staying around to solve them. I really enjoyed going along on the road trip with these three, and Monk finds a way to figure out the unsolved crimes as well.
February 20, 2011
Hilarious. Not only do I love most Monk books, but as an RVer, I could really relate. I could relate to the slide outs making the interior much larger, salivating over the neighboring RVs that seem to have all the gear and gadgets one could want, the friendliness of other RVers, and the freedom of being on the road. But it was funny to read camping from the Monk perspective.
June 8, 2011
I really enjoyed reading this book since the t.v. series ended. It is like it never ended. Mr. Monk on the Road is truly hilarious. The journey he takes is similar to every other time he goes on vacation. There is always a murder. In this case there are several. This book is interesting and fun to read from beginning to end.
January 21, 2013
Mr. Monk is feeling free of his problems and wants his agoraphobic brother to feel the same sense of freedom so he decides to take Ambrose on a road trip but first he has to drug him to get him on the motor home. Natalie has her own fears to conquer driving a motor home, too.
And Monk.....he's solving murders along the way.
A really fun book.
And Monk.....he's solving murders along the way.
A really fun book.
May 10, 2015
Mr. monk is as amazing as always. This adventure shows him in an unusually compassionate role -- he, of all people, conceives a plan to take his paranoid, reclusive brother on a very unexpected road trip of self-discovery. Of course, he solves murders along the way. He can't help it. It's just what he does.
March 2, 2016
Oh, wow! I LOVED this one. I love this series by Goldberg and this was a favorite. Even though you know that Monk will end up solving the murders, I just did not see this ending coming. Loved it. The whole crazy idea of Monk and his brother on a road trip in an RV is enough to make you want to read this story. Really wonderful read.
August 25, 2019
Mr. Monk is one of my favorite characters. I loved watching the television show and when I read the books, I envision Tony Shalhoub (Mr. Monk), Traylor (Natalie Teeger) and Ted Levine (Captain Stottlemeyer. I never get tired of Monks OCD or the manner in which he solves murders. The Monk books are a great way to spend a day reading.
September 9, 2011
I am always sad at the end of a Monk book. I never want to stop reading about Monk and Natalie. I want it to go on forever!
This book kept me guessing where things were going, which kept me interested (as if I wasn't already immersed into the Monk world!)
This book kept me guessing where things were going, which kept me interested (as if I wasn't already immersed into the Monk world!)
May 30, 2011
Yet again, Lee Goldberg has written a compassionate and funny portrait of OCD and anxiety disorder not to mention an awesome mystery. I hate that I can only give each one 5 stars. The newest one comes out June 7...looks like I'll be rolling pennies, but I'm getting it somehow.
July 25, 2011
Finally Ambrose and Adrian have a real relationship, and a relationship. Three thumbs up...
June 26, 2012
This book is full of likeable characters on an adventure of self discovery. I loved their quirky repertoires, solving a murder mystery doesn't hurt either.
May 22, 2018
Great and very unexpected ending. Loved it! Looking forward to reading the next book of the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews