Mr. Monk in Outer Space
Mr. Monk in Outer Space, by Lee Goldberg
When Monk is asked to investigate a murder outside of a science fiction convention, he discovers a fan base as extreme as his compulsions. The creator of a cult science fiction show has been murdered, and there is no shortage of suspects, even from the fans. When Monk begins tying this murder to seemingly other random murders, his assistant Natalie is the only one who believes him.
The fictional show Beyond Earth, is akin to both Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek. The hardcore fans of Beyond Earth are outraged when the show gets a reboot, a la Battlestar Galactica. And Monk gets a dose of extreme fanaticism when he investigates the murder of the show’s creator. Humor ensues.
Monk is a wonderful character and a genius detective. And as always, the novel is told from his assistant Natalie’s point of view. In a fabulously fun tie-in to the Monk TV series, Goldberg has created a complex story to which science fiction fans can relate. This is probably my favorite Monk novel that I have read so far.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:54 am
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:08 pm
I may have to check this one out. Goldberg wrote an original novel several years ago called BEYOND THE BEYOND, which seems to have a lot of similarities to this story (rebooted TV show pisses off the hardcore fans, and hilarity ensues). That book was a riot.
May 21st, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Dayton – Yes, I believe Lee has even talked about the similarity to “Beyond the Beyond” with this Monk book. I remember all the BSG anger that was stirred up. This was like re-living it! Very funny.
May 25th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
The connections to BEYOND THE BEYOND are wholly intentional. You’ll even find some of the same characters making a reappearance…
Thanks for the great review!
Lee
June 3rd, 2009 at 12:44 am
This sounds like a riot! I’ll have to check this one out!