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Mr. Monk #10
Mr. Monk is Cleaned Out
"Monk's been swindled out of his savings-but now it's payback time, in the latest original mystery featuring everyone's favorite OCD detective. In the midst of a financial crisis, the SFPD fires Adrian Monk as a consultant. Monk figures he can live off his savings for a while. Then Natalie learns that Monk invested his money some time ago with Bob Sebes, the charismatic leader of Reinier Investments, who's just been arrested on charges of orchestrating a massive $100 million fraud. All of Sebes' clients-including Monk-are completely wiped out. When the key witness in the government's case against Sebes is killed, Monk is convinced that Sebes did it, but the man has been under house arrest with a horde of paparazzi in front of his building 24/7. Monk may be broke, but he's got plenty of time on his hands to solve this latest mystery... "
288 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2010
29 people are currently reading
867 people want to read
About the author
Lee Goldberg
154 books2,090 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 127 reviews
December 25, 2019
The Sub-Prime property crisis struck directly at Mr Monk by cleaning out his bank account and causing him to lose his job at the police station. This real crisis affected many people and Mr Monk's situation made it very personal.
Mr Monk insists that everything should be clean or we are all going to descend into a drooling death
Monk picked something up and then turned to show it to Stottlemeyer. It was the toothpick that the captain had tossed earlier.
“That’s mine,” the captain said.
“I know,” Monk said, motioning to me. I took a Baggie out of my purse and held it open for him. “Littering is a crime. You are setting a very bad example for your men.”
“Sorry,” the captain said.
“Littering is just the beginning. Then the rot sets in. The next thing you know, you’re planting evidence, soliciting bribes, and drinking hard liquor.”
Monk dropped the toothpick in the Baggie, which I stuck back into my purse to throw out later. I have a very large purse to accommodate the disinfectant wipes, Baggies, antiseptic ointment, rubber gloves, bottled water, Windex, rattlesnake antivenin, and everything else that Monk has me carry around. If my purse was any larger, it would need wheels.
Not a locked room mystery, but a locked car mystery murder
Monk walked around to the driver’s side and peered inside. Clasker’s body was gone but the seat, dashboard, and windshield were still covered with his blood spatter. It was a gruesome sight.
“This is probably a stupid question,” I said. “But could it have been suicide?”
“He was practically decapitated by that piano wire,” Stottlemeyer said. “Even if you could do that to yourself, which I doubt, there are easier, far less painful ways to kill yourself.”
“So you’re saying that somebody garroted Clasker in a locked car on a busy street in broad daylight right in front of two police officers and got away unseen.”
“That about sums it up,” Stottlemeyer said.
“You know what you’re saying is impossible.”
“I do,” Stottlemeyer said. “That’s why I called Monk.”
From checkout cashier to crack whore in one easy step
Before Arthur left the floor on his break, he assigned Monk to the cash register next to mine. It seemed, at the time, like the safest place to put him.
The first thing Monk did was put on a pair of surgical gloves, the kind he often put on at crime scenes.
“Why are you doing that?” I asked.
“Because I don’t want to become a drug addict.”
“You can’t become a drug addict from handling money,” I said.
“I beg to differ. According to a 2009 study presented at the two hundred thirty-eighth National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, there are traces of cocaine on more than ninety percent of the paper money in circulation.”
“You’re kidding,” I said.
“I wish that I was, Natalie. All it takes is one sniff of your unprotected hands after handling the wrong ten-dollar bill, and bang, you’re a crack whore.”
“Okay, I can see the leap to junkie, but why would I become a prostitute?”
“How are you going to afford crack on what you make here?”
“Good point,” I said.
Even when Mr Monk is out of work and nearly broke he still keeps on discovering crimes -from littering to murder!
Enjoy!
Mr Monk insists that everything should be clean or we are all going to descend into a drooling death
Monk picked something up and then turned to show it to Stottlemeyer. It was the toothpick that the captain had tossed earlier.
“That’s mine,” the captain said.
“I know,” Monk said, motioning to me. I took a Baggie out of my purse and held it open for him. “Littering is a crime. You are setting a very bad example for your men.”
“Sorry,” the captain said.
“Littering is just the beginning. Then the rot sets in. The next thing you know, you’re planting evidence, soliciting bribes, and drinking hard liquor.”
Monk dropped the toothpick in the Baggie, which I stuck back into my purse to throw out later. I have a very large purse to accommodate the disinfectant wipes, Baggies, antiseptic ointment, rubber gloves, bottled water, Windex, rattlesnake antivenin, and everything else that Monk has me carry around. If my purse was any larger, it would need wheels.
Not a locked room mystery, but a locked car mystery murder
Monk walked around to the driver’s side and peered inside. Clasker’s body was gone but the seat, dashboard, and windshield were still covered with his blood spatter. It was a gruesome sight.
“This is probably a stupid question,” I said. “But could it have been suicide?”
“He was practically decapitated by that piano wire,” Stottlemeyer said. “Even if you could do that to yourself, which I doubt, there are easier, far less painful ways to kill yourself.”
“So you’re saying that somebody garroted Clasker in a locked car on a busy street in broad daylight right in front of two police officers and got away unseen.”
“That about sums it up,” Stottlemeyer said.
“You know what you’re saying is impossible.”
“I do,” Stottlemeyer said. “That’s why I called Monk.”
From checkout cashier to crack whore in one easy step
Before Arthur left the floor on his break, he assigned Monk to the cash register next to mine. It seemed, at the time, like the safest place to put him.
The first thing Monk did was put on a pair of surgical gloves, the kind he often put on at crime scenes.
“Why are you doing that?” I asked.
“Because I don’t want to become a drug addict.”
“You can’t become a drug addict from handling money,” I said.
“I beg to differ. According to a 2009 study presented at the two hundred thirty-eighth National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, there are traces of cocaine on more than ninety percent of the paper money in circulation.”
“You’re kidding,” I said.
“I wish that I was, Natalie. All it takes is one sniff of your unprotected hands after handling the wrong ten-dollar bill, and bang, you’re a crack whore.”
“Okay, I can see the leap to junkie, but why would I become a prostitute?”
“How are you going to afford crack on what you make here?”
“Good point,” I said.
Even when Mr Monk is out of work and nearly broke he still keeps on discovering crimes -from littering to murder!
Enjoy!
April 2, 2021
Mr. Monk is cleaned out:
I sped through this quick, cozy,
mystery, during the two days that my WiFi was out. It was an easy book to get through, following the familiar characters from the Monk TV show through Natalie's POV. I thought that the characters were written fairly accurately, which in these tv based books, is a fine line to tread. (The book itself was written by one of the writers that worked on the show. So that probably makes a lot of sense)... And aside from a couple of (slightly) awkward scenes- I enjoyed it, and felt that most of the comedy worked.
(I also kept waiting for the dog on the cover to come into play). 😂
3. 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐
I sped through this quick, cozy,
mystery, during the two days that my WiFi was out. It was an easy book to get through, following the familiar characters from the Monk TV show through Natalie's POV. I thought that the characters were written fairly accurately, which in these tv based books, is a fine line to tread. (The book itself was written by one of the writers that worked on the show. So that probably makes a lot of sense)... And aside from a couple of (slightly) awkward scenes- I enjoyed it, and felt that most of the comedy worked.
(I also kept waiting for the dog on the cover to come into play). 😂
3. 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐
December 13, 2010
What is there to say about Goldberg's Monk books? They're good. Period.
I laughed out loud a couple of times, spent some time with characters I love, read an entertaining mystery and had a smile on my face when it was all over. What more can you ask for?
I laughed out loud a couple of times, spent some time with characters I love, read an entertaining mystery and had a smile on my face when it was all over. What more can you ask for?
July 17, 2011
Man, did I have a great big smile when I stumbled into this book at the library. I love the Monk TV series and hadn't realized there were books too! This one didn't disappoint me. It was classic Monk funny!! I was totally picturing all the characters and enjoyed the read! This is the kind of mystery/detective stories I like ... clean language, funny, and clever. I get a big thrill at Mr. Monk's summations ... if you've watched the series, you know what I mean. :)
A definite treat for Monk fans because as I understand it, the books are stories between the TV episodes so they're new cases. How cool is that?!
Jinky is Reading
A definite treat for Monk fans because as I understand it, the books are stories between the TV episodes so they're new cases. How cool is that?!
Jinky is Reading
April 12, 2011
Oh Monk Monk Monk... reading from the perspective of Natalie makes Monk seem whinier than normal....and less lovable... but still hilarious! Reading the exploits of Natalie and Monk try to hold a job and of course solve some mysteries made for a good, quick day. Can you guess why Monk doesn't like dalmations? Because their spots are so random! Only Monk could prove that a person on house arrest with an ankle monitor was the murderer ... but finding out how he proves it is the adventure
November 4, 2011
This story involved Mr.Monk and his assistant Natilie trying to discover the murder. This story takes place in a big city where crime is abundent. Monk also dose not like change so while trying to cope with the fact that his favorite water botteling company went bankrupd and is not selling water anymore and trying to find the killer Monk has alot on his hands.
This story was very intreguing and tries to pull the reader in with it's crime and punishment style. Monk is a very compulsive person and is always distracted causing some very funny moments in the story line. Like when Monk gets fired and still wants to solve the murder.
I gave this a 5/5 because I enjoyed the story line and the charecters because with out them the story would be very dull.
This story was very intreguing and tries to pull the reader in with it's crime and punishment style. Monk is a very compulsive person and is always distracted causing some very funny moments in the story line. Like when Monk gets fired and still wants to solve the murder.
I gave this a 5/5 because I enjoyed the story line and the charecters because with out them the story would be very dull.
February 25, 2018
As a mega Monk fan, I absolutely love reading the books in this series by Lee Goldberg. My son gave me this novel for Christmas, since he knows how much I enjoy Monk mysteries.
In Mr. Monk Gets Cleaned Out, Adrian not only finds himself and his assistant in a financial bind as he tries to solve a murder case he's probably not going to get paid for, he also has to deal with the horror of learning the only brand of water he drinks has gone of out of business. Humor ensues when Monk and Natalie take on odd jobs to support themselves, and royally screw them up.
Will Monk be able to solve the case, or will his prime suspect's foot fungus keep him away from the clues? You'll have to read to find out.
In Mr. Monk Gets Cleaned Out, Adrian not only finds himself and his assistant in a financial bind as he tries to solve a murder case he's probably not going to get paid for, he also has to deal with the horror of learning the only brand of water he drinks has gone of out of business. Humor ensues when Monk and Natalie take on odd jobs to support themselves, and royally screw them up.
Will Monk be able to solve the case, or will his prime suspect's foot fungus keep him away from the clues? You'll have to read to find out.
August 26, 2023
Mr. Monk is Cleaned Out was a fun read! I found it super intriguing how the killer did it...although it did feel somewhat familiar and I'm not sure if I've read the book before or if something similar was in an episode? Still fun to read how he solved it! I loved how Natalie fought for Monk getting his job back in the end. A good read.
May 17, 2021
I thought this was a mediocre book in the Monk series. My only complaint is that I feel like the author showed too many of Mr. Monk's bad qualities in one book. So much so, that I was half-cheering against Mr. Monk by the end.
January 30, 2011
This is a very enjoyable book to read. It's funny and entertaining throughout.
June 27, 2019
I have fun reading these books. It takes me back to watching the series which I liked. I usually don't like books based on tv shows, this is the exception.
April 29, 2018
4.5 🌟
świetna ☺
świetna ☺
January 13, 2013
Originally posted at Novel Reveries
A very entertaining read that combined wit, mystery, politics and economical woes in a little box with a polished... Monk polished... bow.
I liked this book mainly because of it's easy going nature and how fun it was to read through. Told in the perspective of Natalie, Monk's assistant and friend, we are guided through the complications of Monk's life as he loses several things that are most important to him; his job, his life savings, his house and his water. His spastic and depressive responses to his losses add both a heartfelt and comical tone to the book. Caught in the crosshairs, Natalie too must face hard times as her employer loses his job (thus she loses hers) and through dedication and persistence, she must struggle to uphold her family and Monk. Monk, with the help of Natalie, must learn to either adapt and move on or right everything that has wronged him and solve the mysterious murders and find out who is really behind the big Ponzi scheme.
"This was more than just a homicide investigation now. It was my house, food on the table, my daughter's college education, and Monk's financial future that were at stake here.
Our salvation depended on Monk proving the impossible was possible, and on the chief, the mayor, and the captain being desperate and frightened enough to believe that he could.
I hoped that wasn't asking too much." (266)
I really love the television series, and although there are nuances that deviate this book from the series, I still found this book very enjoyable. The book, after a while of reading, tends to over exaggerate Monk's lifestyle and attitude, sort of like an OCD Eeyore, but perhaps that is used to compensate on behalf of our imagination as opposed to what we can actually see and infer from plopping down in front of the television.
"Charlie Brown was a happy-go-lucky guy compared to Adrian Monk." (47)
In all, I found this book delightful and would love to delve deeper into this book series. The author seems to have fun with Monk and all his zany antics!
First Line: "Some guys showed up the other day at the house next door, mowed the dead lawn, and spray-painted it green." (1)
Last Line: "I smiled at him. 'What do you think I'm doing right now?'" (289)
-------------
Quotes:
"'There is nothing left over,' I said.
'You obviously don't know how to handle money,' Monk said. 'Maybe if you ironed your cash, you'd learn to appreciate it more.'" (16)
"'My fears are available to anybody who is interested. They are detailed in ten volumes, no including the index. I give all my friends copies.'" (258)
A very entertaining read that combined wit, mystery, politics and economical woes in a little box with a polished... Monk polished... bow.
I liked this book mainly because of it's easy going nature and how fun it was to read through. Told in the perspective of Natalie, Monk's assistant and friend, we are guided through the complications of Monk's life as he loses several things that are most important to him; his job, his life savings, his house and his water. His spastic and depressive responses to his losses add both a heartfelt and comical tone to the book. Caught in the crosshairs, Natalie too must face hard times as her employer loses his job (thus she loses hers) and through dedication and persistence, she must struggle to uphold her family and Monk. Monk, with the help of Natalie, must learn to either adapt and move on or right everything that has wronged him and solve the mysterious murders and find out who is really behind the big Ponzi scheme.
"This was more than just a homicide investigation now. It was my house, food on the table, my daughter's college education, and Monk's financial future that were at stake here.
Our salvation depended on Monk proving the impossible was possible, and on the chief, the mayor, and the captain being desperate and frightened enough to believe that he could.
I hoped that wasn't asking too much." (266)
I really love the television series, and although there are nuances that deviate this book from the series, I still found this book very enjoyable. The book, after a while of reading, tends to over exaggerate Monk's lifestyle and attitude, sort of like an OCD Eeyore, but perhaps that is used to compensate on behalf of our imagination as opposed to what we can actually see and infer from plopping down in front of the television.
"Charlie Brown was a happy-go-lucky guy compared to Adrian Monk." (47)
In all, I found this book delightful and would love to delve deeper into this book series. The author seems to have fun with Monk and all his zany antics!
First Line: "Some guys showed up the other day at the house next door, mowed the dead lawn, and spray-painted it green." (1)
Last Line: "I smiled at him. 'What do you think I'm doing right now?'" (289)
-------------
Quotes:
"'There is nothing left over,' I said.
'You obviously don't know how to handle money,' Monk said. 'Maybe if you ironed your cash, you'd learn to appreciate it more.'" (16)
"'My fears are available to anybody who is interested. They are detailed in ten volumes, no including the index. I give all my friends copies.'" (258)
November 5, 2023
Dare I say it? I am this author's biggest fan. I hear the actors' voices and timing as I read this. Satisfying and uplifting after heavy reading and disturbing news.
May 23, 2019
Mr. Monk's life is falling apart - Summit Creek (the only bottled water he drinks) is going out of business; SFPD is facing another financial crises; Monk's investment manager, Bob Sebes who manages the Reinier Investment Fund is arrested for a massive Ponzi scheme. Hence, Monk is dehydrated, jobless and broke. Amidst his predicaments, Monk is still offering his service - for free - to solve the murders of prosecutor's key witnesses in Sebes' case, while Natalie is frantically looking for jobs for herself and Monk.
This is another delightful read by Goldberg. I really don't know what else to say but awesomeness! I find this book is slightly different as it focuses much more on the friendship between Natalie and Monk, rather than the murder cases. It is refreshing and hilarious to see how both of them (mostly Natalie to be honest) try to compromise and tolerate with one another during this difficult economic downturn.
In a nutshell, it is one wonderful read! It's intriguing, it's obsessing, it's MONK! I was not disappointed at all and was entertained right from the first page!
This is another delightful read by Goldberg. I really don't know what else to say but awesomeness! I find this book is slightly different as it focuses much more on the friendship between Natalie and Monk, rather than the murder cases. It is refreshing and hilarious to see how both of them (mostly Natalie to be honest) try to compromise and tolerate with one another during this difficult economic downturn.
In a nutshell, it is one wonderful read! It's intriguing, it's obsessing, it's MONK! I was not disappointed at all and was entertained right from the first page!
August 29, 2017
An okay story. The multiple murders were more cohesive than in some of the other books.
I don't know why I do this. Why I keep reading Monk books even though they're pretty poorly written. I suppose because it's my favorite show ever, and I want to consume as much Monk as possible.
Everyone is out of character. Stottlemeyer is insecure. Julie is reduced to the role of "hormonal teenager." Monk is way more stubborn, more tactless, more oblivious, and all-around more irritating than in the show. (But at least this time the author waited until page 243 before making Natalie drool over a man.)
I don't know why I do this. Why I keep reading Monk books even though they're pretty poorly written. I suppose because it's my favorite show ever, and I want to consume as much Monk as possible.
Everyone is out of character. Stottlemeyer is insecure. Julie is reduced to the role of "hormonal teenager." Monk is way more stubborn, more tactless, more oblivious, and all-around more irritating than in the show. (But at least this time the author waited until page 243 before making Natalie drool over a man.)
August 15, 2020
Re-read August 2020
There is something so comforting about rewatching Monk, but by now I’ve seen all of the episodes countless times. I only read through the book series once, though, so re-reading this one again today was just so fun.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I’m still absolutely loving these Monk books!
Watching Monk try to survive as a grocery store cashier, a pizza maker, and a clothing store salesman was hysterical. These books stay so true to the characters, and I really enjoy them.
There is something so comforting about rewatching Monk, but by now I’ve seen all of the episodes countless times. I only read through the book series once, though, so re-reading this one again today was just so fun.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I’m still absolutely loving these Monk books!
Watching Monk try to survive as a grocery store cashier, a pizza maker, and a clothing store salesman was hysterical. These books stay so true to the characters, and I really enjoy them.
August 25, 2018
I have enjoyed this series but marked this entry down to 2 1/2 stars because I don't consider arguing entertainment. (Which is why I watch very little on t.v.. Reality shows, dramas, even a lot of the news is either arguing or about one argument or another. Stop and check for yourself. But I digress.) Natalie argues with Monk. Natalie argues with her daughter. Natalie argues with the captain. Sooooo...other than all that, it was pretty good.
January 29, 2023
Mr Monk and Natalie are laid off from working for the SFPD due to budget cuts. Then, Monk finds out he's broke, a victim of a ponzi scheme, and loses his apartment. He and Natalie need to find a new job, and try out a couple of different occupations with Monk's peculiarities causing hilarious consequences. At the same time, people who worked with the head of the ponzi scheme are dying, and Monk is determined to prove this guy is guilty. Another funny story with Monk and Natalie.
July 9, 2021
I love when an author who writes stories based on a T.V show stays true to the characters. You can visualize their mannerisms and hear their voices. That is certainly the case hear.. Monk loses everything, but still manages to solve an unsolvable case. Whenever he does or says something, you think, if you’re a fan of the show, “Yep, that’s Monk alright.” Happy reading! 😊
June 16, 2012
For monk fans MR. MONK IS CLEANED IS A MUST READ THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST MONK BOOK YET. IF YOU WANT LAUGH OUT LOUD YOU WILL LOVE WHEN MR. MONK MAKES PIZZAS.READ THIS BOOK IT IS BY FAR THE BEST OF THE SERIES.
January 11, 2013
I love the Mr. Monk Mystery book series! Lee Goldberg was a writer for the series and he handles the books like that. It is as though you are watching an episode of Monk. The characters are all there: Capt. Stottlemeyer, Randy Disher, Monk, & Natalie. It is really a fun read.
February 12, 2013
I love the T.V series, so I just had to try the books. I find that while Monk is very noticeably more annoying in written word, the books are just as great as the T.v Series. I laughed to the point of tears in a few places. Overall a good book. If your a Monk fan definitely check it out.
May 6, 2016
I've never laughed so hard reading a book before. I could picture all the characters and their movements and facial expressions as if I was watching it on tv. The best part was when Monk was trying to get his brand of water from the black market.
August 1, 2010
Another great book. Never seen any of the shows but love the books.
July 29, 2010
it was a very funny and eventful book
January 6, 2011
I loved this book !!! Very relevant to today's headlines !!!
June 11, 2012
what can i say i love the books and the show
July 5, 2012
Monk was one of my favorite tv shows and I've enjoyed all of the books in this series! This one is pretty good and very funny!
August 1, 2014
Poor little thing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews