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Diagnosis Murder #1
The Silent Partner
Dr. Mark Sloan is assigned to LAPD's "unsolved homicide" files. As he reopens one case on the murder of a woman whose killer currently sits on Death Row, Sloan learns that the wrong man was charged. And that the real killer is still at large...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
7 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Lee Goldberg
158 books2,112 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 36 reviews
April 4, 2020
This was very well written. Excellent, in fact.
The content is a little harsh for my taste. A couple of the hospital scenes were gruesome and, of course, dealing with a serial killer was a little icky inside my head. (Luckily the visuals were not bad. It was being inside the serial killer's head - not a place I want to visit!)
I loved the characters, even if a couple of them seemed a little off to me, but people do change and I could be remembering some things wrong (as it's been a while since I've been lucky enough to see the show).
There were two murder mysteries, and I'm happy to say I figured the one out right away (the serial killer one). The other mystery I wasn't so sure. Two suspects were in the forefront of my mind, and the one I picked for first place, I was wrong.
It was thoroughly enjoyable to read - well, except the gruesome and icky parts! But that's me.
I'm starting the next book right away!!
The content is a little harsh for my taste. A couple of the hospital scenes were gruesome and, of course, dealing with a serial killer was a little icky inside my head. (Luckily the visuals were not bad. It was being inside the serial killer's head - not a place I want to visit!)
I loved the characters, even if a couple of them seemed a little off to me, but people do change and I could be remembering some things wrong (as it's been a while since I've been lucky enough to see the show).
There were two murder mysteries, and I'm happy to say I figured the one out right away (the serial killer one). The other mystery I wasn't so sure. Two suspects were in the forefront of my mind, and the one I picked for first place, I was wrong.
It was thoroughly enjoyable to read - well, except the gruesome and icky parts! But that's me.
I'm starting the next book right away!!
August 19, 2018
As a fan of the show Diagnosis Murder, I was really excited to try out the books, and I wasn’t disappointed. The plot was good and all my favorite characters were there to entertain as they did in the show. The brilliant yet somewhat crazy Dr. Mark Sloan can be found solving crimes while also rolling through the halls of Community General on his famous, or perhaps infamous roller sneakers. There were just enough red herrings to keep me guessing throughout the book. References to plots from the show were an added bonus. I would highly recommend this book for fans of the show and lovers of cozy mysteries.
April 7, 2023
This was a great beginning to a good series. I greatly enjoyed the plot of a copycat serial killer that goes undetected until Mark discovers a similarity between the cases. I was surprised and fairly happy that Jack made an appearance. I always liked Jack in the first two seasons of the show and was a little sad when he left although his replacement Jesse was a sweetheart. It was nice we got to see Mark, Amanda, Steve, and Jack get closure in their relationships and I hope Jack makes another appearance later in the series. I can't wait to read another one!
January 1, 2017
Great story! I'm a huge fan of the tv show and it was great to get into the heads of my favorite characters! Also loved how jack and Jesse finally met!
January 2, 2020
This was just as funny and suspenseful as I remember the tv show being.
October 15, 2020
Excellent read! I love the show, which I just recently discovered on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel, then I saw these books on Amazon and had to have them. This is the first of the series and it was a wonderful read. Dr. Mark Sloan along with his son Steve and several fellow friends and medical staff are at it again. Mark stumbles on to the fact there is a serial killer on the loose who imitates other killers so his crimes go unnoticed abs credited to whom he emulates. A kidney transplant patient dies before he gets off the table from an allergic reaction as well, this involves two of Mark’s closest dr friends and a few close nursing staff members. At first it looks like negligence but Mark has time for his friends even with his obsession with the serial killer he knows is still out there. He discovers the patient was murdered as well and sets out to prove that his friends had nothing to do with it. Lots of action, never a dull moment. The shows are excellent and the book is even better! Can’t wait for the next one!
April 24, 2023
What could be more soothing than reading Diagnosis Murder with a cup of hot tea or a bowl of butter pecan ice cream? Nothing. I could just picture Dick Van Dyke and lose myself in the plot.
Some things in this book were definitely dated (heelies, beepers, fax machines), and I wish authors didn't try to stay hip and trendy bc nothing dates a book faster. Also, the sheer amount of characters named was preposterous. Was I supposed to be taking notes?
I felt like although this was the first of the series, I should've already known some back story that was alluded to but not really explained. But I absolutely love a nice whodunnit mystery where the reader is capable of and expected to put the clues together. It reminds me of a good old fashioned Nancy Drew mystery.
Some things in this book were definitely dated (heelies, beepers, fax machines), and I wish authors didn't try to stay hip and trendy bc nothing dates a book faster. Also, the sheer amount of characters named was preposterous. Was I supposed to be taking notes?
I felt like although this was the first of the series, I should've already known some back story that was alluded to but not really explained. But I absolutely love a nice whodunnit mystery where the reader is capable of and expected to put the clues together. It reminds me of a good old fashioned Nancy Drew mystery.
January 20, 2021
This was a lot of fun and a trip down memory lane. Haven't thought about the series in years but used to watch it with my parents when I was in my teens. This book captures the TV show perfectly. Also it has quite a few storylines, but unlike most books that also uses multiple story lines, it never seems bloated. All the stories seem to have the right amount of time and space which just doesnt happen very often. Even figuring out basically at once the conclusions, it didnt damper my reading experience, and a couple of the red herrings did make me think a bit.
Highly recommend the book, even if you know nothing or care about the TV show, it still is a very solid mystery novel.
Highly recommend the book, even if you know nothing or care about the TV show, it still is a very solid mystery novel.
May 15, 2020
Dr Sloan is working in special task force investing cold cases when he begins to realise that there's a secret serial killer on the loose hiding his crimes amongst recognised serial killers. Can they find his identity. Mark is also dealing with the return of an old friend and a medical malpractice.
Oh I loved this TV show and had to have the books. They follow on from the show loosely and are so in style. You can easily hear each word from the characters. I enjoyed the story and the typical twist at the end plus the return of a much loved character. A brilliant read.
Oh I loved this TV show and had to have the books. They follow on from the show loosely and are so in style. You can easily hear each word from the characters. I enjoyed the story and the typical twist at the end plus the return of a much loved character. A brilliant read.
November 11, 2025
This book is absolutely brilliant, just like the TV show! From the tense prologue to the familiar characters and settings, it feels like I have stepped back into the world of Diagnosis Murder. I was so relieved that the tone, humour, and even locations like the diner remain consistent with the show. It's definitely written for fans who know the deeper details of the series, as it picks up on storylines that don't appear in the earlier seasons. The references to scenes or aspect of episodes makes a strong connection between this series and the show, which I love.
I really enjoyed the multiple side plots throughout like the character's backstories being mentioned, such as Jesse's father and Mark and Steve's living situation, which gives the plot warmth and realism.
The crossover between Jack and Jesse was such an AMAZING surprised, which I still can't get over. I loved reading the characters' point of view and seeing how others appeared through each other's eyes.
The level of detail mentioned throughout is amazing, particularly in the surgical scenes and Mark's investigative thought process, even down to describing something as simple as potatoes in a way that adds realism.
I also appreciated Steve's perspective, his previous resentment toward his dad's natural talent for solving crimes, and how he learned to use his own street skills alongside Mark's analytical mind. It feels like this aspect explores the early dynamic of the father/son partnership before what we see in the TV show.
Honestly, I want to stay in this world forever. I wish this was adapted into an episode, or had an episode with similarities as it would have been brilliant, even Just from what I could visually depict whilst reading and how it could be converted to an audiovisual version.
I haven't been this gripped to a story in ages. When I say I couldn't put this book down, I genuinely mean it. I absolutely loved this book, it definitely will be my favourite book of the year or in my top 3. It captures everything that makes the TV show special while adding so much more depth.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
I really enjoyed the multiple side plots throughout like the character's backstories being mentioned, such as Jesse's father and Mark and Steve's living situation, which gives the plot warmth and realism.
The crossover between Jack and Jesse was such an AMAZING surprised, which I still can't get over. I loved reading the characters' point of view and seeing how others appeared through each other's eyes.
The level of detail mentioned throughout is amazing, particularly in the surgical scenes and Mark's investigative thought process, even down to describing something as simple as potatoes in a way that adds realism.
I also appreciated Steve's perspective, his previous resentment toward his dad's natural talent for solving crimes, and how he learned to use his own street skills alongside Mark's analytical mind. It feels like this aspect explores the early dynamic of the father/son partnership before what we see in the TV show.
Honestly, I want to stay in this world forever. I wish this was adapted into an episode, or had an episode with similarities as it would have been brilliant, even Just from what I could visually depict whilst reading and how it could be converted to an audiovisual version.
I haven't been this gripped to a story in ages. When I say I couldn't put this book down, I genuinely mean it. I absolutely loved this book, it definitely will be my favourite book of the year or in my top 3. It captures everything that makes the TV show special while adding so much more depth.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
June 16, 2018
If you watch the series, you may recognize the story, but there is nothing like looking at mystery in a book. When Sloan has to reopen a case that involves the murder of a woman, he learns the accused, sitting on Death Row, is the wrong man. The story will grab readers as the twists and turns take them into mystery and thrills.
July 15, 2024
I'm a fan of the TV series, and I really enjoyed this - the characters come across well, and it felt like reading an episode. There was a bit of slowdown at the two-thirds point as the book approached the wrap-up, but it finished well. I think other fans of the TV series will probably enjoy this as well.
July 12, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! It’s just as good as the TV-series and did not disappoint even thought I figured out fairly early on who the killers were. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
January 16, 2018
This is a light read - if you are a fan of the TV Series you will enjoy it. Not great literature but a bit of detective escapism.
May 25, 2020
An absolutely fantastic read!
February 24, 2021
I was right 😏 great book just like the show.
October 10, 2021
I found this book to be a fun read. I guessed both murderers correctly!
February 21, 2022
I enjoyed this book almost as much as the TV series.
June 17, 2024
This was a fun quick read! Look forward to reading more in the series
March 17, 2021
Superb, i literally could not put it down. yet I have at least one criticism. The solution, I guessed correctly the murderer because the explanation of the would be killer, the whole motives made absolutely no sense at all. And even as the real murderer "confessed" the explanations do not quite flow from the beginning to the end. Moreover, DR. Sloan had implied the killer was a cop, and he was not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2012
"Diagnosis Murder: The Silent Partner by Lee Goldberg.
"The serial killer who's hidden his kills on the scorecards of other psychopaths, like he was their silent partner in crime..."
Lee Goldberg was the perfect choice to write the first in what now appears to be a successful series of whodunnits inspired by the long running television show Diagnosis Murder, which starred Dick Van Dyke as Dr. Mark Sloan. Goldberg served as both writer and producer of the show for several years, so his ear for dialogue and the visual rhythm of the series is spot on. The Silent Partner offers the reader two mysteries, one involving a serial killer (and which provides the book's title), the other a patient death at Community General. Fans of the show will enjoy it and hopefully it will become a mystery section standard, like Murder, She Wrote.
"The serial killer who's hidden his kills on the scorecards of other psychopaths, like he was their silent partner in crime..."
Lee Goldberg was the perfect choice to write the first in what now appears to be a successful series of whodunnits inspired by the long running television show Diagnosis Murder, which starred Dick Van Dyke as Dr. Mark Sloan. Goldberg served as both writer and producer of the show for several years, so his ear for dialogue and the visual rhythm of the series is spot on. The Silent Partner offers the reader two mysteries, one involving a serial killer (and which provides the book's title), the other a patient death at Community General. Fans of the show will enjoy it and hopefully it will become a mystery section standard, like Murder, She Wrote.
April 24, 2016
Dick Van Dyke is the best. Obviously.
I loved the mystery and humor in the TV show Diagnosis Murder, and I missed it. So I looked into getting my hands on the book series. It was not at my library and all of the books were out of print. Eeps! So I had a choice: buy used copies via the internet or interlibrary loan them.
Because I am such a big fan, I decided to buy them.
And I’m having a blast.
The mysteries (there were two) were interesting and Mark Sloan seemed true to his TV character. In my opinion, however, Jack and Amanda and the descriptions of their thoughts, feelings and actions felt cheesy and not necessarily true to the show. That might have been because I was too young to notice how they interacted and didn’t remember Jack well enough.
Over all, I had so much fun reading it that I immediately ordered the second one. I can’t wait to read it!
I loved the mystery and humor in the TV show Diagnosis Murder, and I missed it. So I looked into getting my hands on the book series. It was not at my library and all of the books were out of print. Eeps! So I had a choice: buy used copies via the internet or interlibrary loan them.
Because I am such a big fan, I decided to buy them.
And I’m having a blast.
The mysteries (there were two) were interesting and Mark Sloan seemed true to his TV character. In my opinion, however, Jack and Amanda and the descriptions of their thoughts, feelings and actions felt cheesy and not necessarily true to the show. That might have been because I was too young to notice how they interacted and didn’t remember Jack well enough.
Over all, I had so much fun reading it that I immediately ordered the second one. I can’t wait to read it!
March 13, 2014
A trip through the cold case files leads Dr. Mark Sloan to think that a copy cat serial killer is out there. Is he right, or is he going to get himself and son Steve in big trouble? Any fan of the show will love this book. The mystery is great and all the main characters (including Jack) are in top form.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 16, 2013
Can I just say, that while I have watched a few of the D. M. TV episodes, I had NO IDEA that these characters' inner monologues were that deep... Seriously, its like all this murk was under the surface never before seen on the show. That said, Mr Goldberg did really well at it (well, I love his Monk series as well). Please continue and I shall read on, Mr Goldberg!
October 24, 2015
This book took a couple of chapters before I could really get into it. I feel it had too many characters, I constantly had to keep going back in chapters to review the characters. The plot was good, however the storyline felt weak. Overall, I enjoyed it, just took longer for me to get through the whole book.
March 6, 2013
This was a fairly entertaining read. I always enjoyed watching the show when I caught an episode. I haven't read very many novels drawn from tv shows so I'm not sure how this one compares to others. It seemed a little but like fan fiction to me but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
July 5, 2008
This was written by the same author as the Monk series of books. This was just as good, but I still like Monk more.
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April 23, 2012I love Goldberg's Monk books, but this one lacks both the humor and the engaging characters.
August 7, 2012
This is a book that you can't put down. This is a good series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews