TIED IN edited by Lee Goldberg

Though they weren't the first tie-ins I read, my interest in the business and craft of tie-in novels took off with Lee Goldberg's Monk series. At the time, Goldberg was already known as the writer of Diagnosis: Murder novels based on the Dick Van Dyke TV series he produced. Goldberg has since co-founded the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers, whose members contribute to Tied In, a book of informative essays and interviews.

The book will appeal most to fans of tie-ins and those looking to get into the business, but it's also worth a look to anyone with an open mind about tie-ins. I especially enjoyed the essays by Lee's brother Tod, a journalist and literary writer who jumped at the chance to write Burn Notice novels; Jeff Mariotte, delving into the vast array of trivia a working tie-in writer must know; and Burl Barer, explaining how novelists create deeper motivation for characters whose lives are only partially shown onscreen.

MR. MONK IN OUTER SPACE by Lee Goldberg

Recently out in paperback, Goldberg's fifth Monk tie-in novel has the obsessive-compulsive detective investigating the murder of Conrad Stipe, creator of the '70s science fiction series Beyond Earth, committed by someone dressed as Mr. Snork, security chief aboard the starship Discovery.

This backdrop allows Goldberg ample opportunity to riff and nod to science fiction fandom and show business in the same raucously enjoyable way Galaxy Quest does (also starring Tony Shalhoub). Helping Monk and Natalie on the case is Adrian's agoraphobic brother Ambrose, expert on Beyond Earth lore.

What may be the purest fun Monk novel may also be the most harrowing, thanks to the looming presence of a hitman. It's to Goldberg's credit the two extremes work together for another great read.

WENN: 'Monk' Star Kamel Dead

Actor Stanley Kamel has been found dead of a suspected heart attack. The 65-year-old was reportedly discovered by his longtime agents in his Hollywood Hills home on Tuesday afternoon. Los Angeles emergency services responded to a 911 call made at Kamel's home shortly before 4pm. Kamel is best known for starring in numerous TV shows like The West Wing, Six Feet Under and Beverly Hills, 90210. In recent years he became known as eccentric detective Adrian Monk's psychiatrist in hit show Monk. In a statement from the USA network, which airs Monk, executives say: "USA is deeply saddened by the news of Stanley Kamel's passing. Stanley was an amazingly talented and extremely kind man, and an important member of the USA family. He will be sorely missed." Born in New Jersey, Kamel enjoyed almost 40 years as a TV regular, landing his first roles on shows like Mission Impossible and The Mod Squad in the late 1960s. He went on to feature in beloved shows like Kojak, Charlies Angels, Mork And Mindy, Lou Grant, Hill Street Blues, Knight Rider and Barney Miller.

MR. MONK AND THE TWO ASSISTANTS by Lee Goldberg

A soccer injury brings Julie Teeger, Natalie, and Monk to the hospital, where Julie is cared for by none other than Monk's original assistant, Sharona Fleming. When Sharona left the TV series (a contract dispute with actress Bitty Schram), it was explained she suddenly reunited with her ex-husband and left San Francisco without further notice. Now Sharona's husband, Trevor, stands accused of murder, and even Sharona believes he's guilty. Monk wants him to be guilty, so Sharona can come back and share assistant duties with Natalie. Only Natalie, afraid for her job, shows an interest in clearing Trevor.

Author/screenwriter Lee Goldberg's fourth Monk novel shows a keen understanding of the relationship between page and screen, which has been on my mind lately. Any tie-in novel is expected to deliver the flavor of its source material. There were a few scenes where I thought, Monk would never do that. Then I realized Monk would never do that on TV, as played by the gentlemanly Tony Shalhoub; a novel really lets him loose.

Indeed this is Goldberg's most novel-suited premise yet. He adds just enough spice to bring out the assistants' differences for tension and character study. In the mind-blowing final third of the novel, Sharona and Natalie are accused of separate murders, and Monk seems even more aloof in their time of need. Readers know, of course, neither of them is a murderer. The fun is in seeing how, or in this case if, Monk proves it.

MR. MONK AND THE BLUE FLU by Lee Goldberg

As expected, Mr. Monk and The Blue Flu has the distinct humor of USA Network's hit series. Goldberg raises the stakes in his third tie-in novel, however, with his most pressing background event to date. With a left shoe-stealing strangler at large during a San Francisco PD sick-out, the mayor offers to reinstate Adrian Monk with a promotion to captain of homicide, in charge of an oddball team of replacement officers.

All I ask as a fan is that my favorite characters face people and situations that truly challenge their abilities and sensibilities. Monk jumps at the chance to regain his badge, but doing so not only strains his friendship with Capt. Stottlemyre, it also forces the aloof Adrian to work with others, juggle several cases instead of obsessing on one.

With any tie-in, the question is, "What can the adaptation offer that the original can't?" Goldberg offers a premise rife with external and internal conflict, not easily resolved in an hour of television but just right for a novel.

Worlds Colliding

Sci Fi Channel's new series The Dresden Files has me interested in the source material by Jim Butcher. I thought last week's premiere was decent. I probably would have been more "nerd-furious" had I read the books first (Joe Mantegna as Spenser?!), but there's something to be said for enjoying an adaptation in itself. I was glad for the chance to watch the Dresden show with no preconceptions.

In fact, I can enjoy adaptations even after I'm aware of changes made from their sources. I have trouble following both an adaptation and its ongoing source at once. I'd prefer a source to finish before adaptations are attempted, but that's not the way to make money.

So it's a blessing that I never bought a Star Wars or Star Trek tie-in while enjoying the original series and movies, that I read Robert Parker's Spenser books with no memory of Spenser: For Hire, and that I have no interest in Kathy Reichs's books while watching FOX's Bones.

On the other hand, I enjoy USA's Monk and Lee Goldberg's tie-ins at once because Goldberg has written for the show. The Monk of the books is not exactly the Monk on TV. I don't think he can or should be, but he's close enough for me. Review of Mr. Monk and The Blue Flu coming in a week or two.

Black Orchid's Winter Carnival of Crime

Just back from Black Orchid Bookshop's Second Winter Carnival of Crime, featuring past and present members of the Mystery Writers of America. I actually arrived an hour early and chatted with Russell Atwood and Margery Flax about the aforementioned Edgar noms. Talk turned to the CIA movie The Good Shepherd, easily confused with Joseph Kanon's The Good German. I said someone should write a book called The German Shepherd... . Maybe you had to be there.

Just after 6:00 the authors poured in, filling the shop to standing room-only. Reed Farrel Coleman, a.k.a. Tony Spinosa signed my copy of Hose Monkey and we chatted about the YouTube trailer for his next Moe Prager book, Soul Patch.

I met Lee Goldberg, who signed my copy of Mr. Monk and the Blue Flu, "To Gerald, a fellow Parker fan. I love your blog!" I also met DetecToday chat regular Harry Hunsicker and his wife Alison for the first time. Great to finally put faces and voices to names.

Crime fiction's preeminent photographer Mary Reagan was there and still I haven't had my picture taken by her. I'm way behind this guy on that score.

Another reason I attended was to exchange Christmas presents with my friend Deshant. Then leaving Black Orchid, we walked down to Nell's Coffee Shop where I had turkey on rye with a side of fries, an excellent way to wrap things up.

Thanks to Black Orchid owners Bonnie and Joe, gracious hosts as always.

Looking to the 2007 Edgars

Sarah Weinman has blogged the 2007 MWA Edgar Award Nominees. Here are the categories I'm watching:

BEST PAPERBACK ORIGINAL

The Goodbye Kiss by Massimo Carlotto (Europa Editions)
The Open Curtain by Brian Evenson (Coffee House Press)
Snakeskin Shamisen by Naomi Hirahara (Bantam Dell Publishing – Delta Books)
The Deep Blue Alibi by Paul Levine (Bantam Dell Publishing – Bantam Books)
City of Tiny Lights by Patrick Neate (Penguin Group – Riverhead Books)

I've blogged about Paul Levine's writing often. It's that good.


BEST SHORT STORY

"The Home Front" – Death Do Us Part by Charles Ardai (Hachette Book Group – Little, Brown and Company)
"Rain" – Manhattan Noir by Thomas H. Cook (Akashic Books)
"Cranked" – Damn Near Dead by Bill Crider (Busted Flush Press)
"Building" – Manhattan Noir by S.J. Rozan (Akashic Books)

Three fine writer friends in this category. Good luck, all.


BEST TELEVISION EPISODE TELEPLAY

The Closer – "Blue Blood", Teleplay by James Duff & Mike Berchem (Turner Network Television)
Dexter – "Crocodile", Teleplay by Clyde Phillips (Showtime)
House – "Clueless", Teleplay by Thomas L. Moran (Fox/NBC Universal)
Life on Mars – Episode 1, Teleplay by Matthew Graham (BBC America)
Monk – "Mr. Monk Gets a New Shrink", Teleplay by Hy Conrad (USA Network/NBC Universal)

Has House gotten an Edgar nom in the past? If not, it's about time.


BEST MOTION PICTURE SCREENPLAY

Casino Royale, Screenplay by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade & Paul Haggis, based on novel by Ian Fleming (MGM)
Children of Men, Screenplay by Alfonso Cuarón, Timothy J. Sexton, David Arata, Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby, based on a novel by P.D. James (Universal Pictures
The Departed, Screenplay by William Monahan (Warner Bros. Pictures)
The Good Shepherd, Teleplay by Eric Roth (Universal Pictures)
Notes on a Scandal, Screenplay by Patrick Marber (Scott Rudin Productions)

The screenplay that made Bond Bond again. 'Nuff said.

Awards Mix

I slept right through the Emmys this year, but I mostly don't care because House did not win, William Shatner did not win, and Jaime Pressly did not win (though My Name is Earl did win Outstanding Writing, Directing, and Casting For A Comedy Series). Tony Shalhoub won Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for Monk.

Saturday at the 64th World Science Fiction Convention, L.A. Con IV, in Anaheim, friend-of-a-friend John Scalzi won the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer, and Serenity won the Hugo for Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form.

The show based on the novel based on the show

Tonight USA Network airs an episode of Monk written by Lee Goldberg and William Rabkin loosely based on Goldberg's tie-in novel Mr. Monk Goes to the Firehouse.

MR. MONK GOES TO HAWAII by Lee Goldberg

In Lee Goldberg's second original novel based on USA's Monk, the detective's assistant Natalie is set to attend her best friend Candance's Hawaiian wedding. Unable to handle the news of her departure, Monk takes a drug that relaxes his inhibitions, and he shows up uninvited on her plane.

In hilarious fashion, Monk exposes the groom-to-be as a would-be-bigamist. A shocked but grateful Candace heads home, but invites Monk and Natalie to enjoy Hawaii for the week as planned. Monk promptly stumbles onto the police investigation of an elderly woman's death at their hotel. Television psychic Dylan Swift offers to help Monk, and Monk resolves not only to solve the case, but also to prove Swift is a fraud.

Mr, Monk Goes to Hawaii is an ideal summer read, a rambling tale to match an exotic setting. Several side mysteries show Monk's quirks as seen by the more practical Natalie, yet Goldberg keeps a confident hand on the story, eventually putting every strand in place just as Monk and his fans would have it.

Psych and Monk

One episode is too early to judge most shows, but I did like Psych, which premiered in the Friday 10pm slot traditionally held by Monk. Apparently so did 6.1 million viewers, giving USA Network its highest rating in two years.

I was concerned that protag Shawn Spencer's uncanny observational skills would be too much like Adrian Monk's. They're similar to some extent, but in terms of personality, Shawn (James Roday) is better adjusted and more fun-loving than Monk.

My one complaint is that Shawn's best friend Gus's (Dulé Hill) full name is Burton Guster. This sounds odder than if he were just named Gus (Insert surname here).

Meanwhile Monk's ratings dipped in its new 9pm slot, but premiered with a fine episode guest-starring Stanley Tucci as an actor who gets obsessed in his attempt to portray Monk in a movie.

As they say, next week's ratings will be the real test.

MR. MONK GOES TO THE FIREHOUSE by Lee Goldberg

I don't read many TV or movie tie-in novels, preferring to stick to source material. Give me the 70s Star Wars trilogy and the Star Trek TV and movie series over the endless tangents that have sprouted from them.

There are exceptions. I would read books based on Firefly or Vengeance Unlimited, in part because I miss the characters from those short-lived series. Another exception is Lee Goldberg's book based on USA's Monk.

The dramatization of Adrian Monk's personality and problem-solving habits is some of the freshest television I've seen. When Goldberg (who's written some episodes of the show) announced he'd been tapped to write original Monk novels, I knew the characters were in good hands.

In Mr. Monk Goes to the Firehouse, Julie Teeger, 12-year-old daughter of Monk's assistant Natalie, asks him to investigate the murder of firehouse dog Sparky. As often happens on the show, a seemingly unimportant event covers more insidious schemes.

Goldberg writes in first-person from Natalie's perspective. She's the practical partner doing her best to explain her eccentric genius friend, ala Archie Goodwin to Nero Wolfe or Chip Harrison to Leo Haig. She sheds some light on Monk's need for order while the inner workings of Monk's mind remain unknown until his trademark summation.

If Monk's hiatuses drive you crazy, Lee Goldberg's books are here to help.

A follow-up to Firehouse, Mr. Monk Goes to Hawaii, is coming in June '06.

Good Deal

Amazon.com is running a 4-books-for-the-price-of-3 promotion, and I picked up

Mr. Monk Goes to the Firehouse by Lee Goldberg

The Deep Blue Alibi by Paul Levine

Rain Dogs by Sean Doolittle

A Touch of Death by Charles Williams

Tony Shalhoub

Emmy-winner Shalhoub, best known as obsessive-compulsive detective Adrian Monk, turns 52 today.

Emmy Wrap

This is the first year I've had more than a passing interest in the Emmys, which may mean I'm watching too much TV, but...

Highlights:

William Shatner wins for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama (Boston Legal)

David Shore wins for Best Writing in a Drama (House, "Three Stories")

Tony Shalhoub wins for Best Actor in a Comedy (Monk)

I was pulling for Hugh Laurie for Best Actor in a Drama, but it went to the respectably talented James Spader (Boston Legal)

A surprise to me was the nomination of Charles Durning for his guest spot on NCIS as a Medal of Honor recipient who turns himself in for murder.

Mr. Monk Goes To Novels

Writer and TV producer Lee Goldberg, who currently writes Diagnosis: Murder tie-in novels, has announced he's signed to write a Monk tie-in. Lee's DM books have been praised for raising the standards of TV tie-ins. He and William Rabkin have written for TV's Monk, and I can't wait to see what he does in book form.

TV Tonight

JAG is a rerun, so it's a night of Enterprise, Jonny Zero, and Monk for me.

The first holds the least excitement, but it's comfort-viewing at this stage. I liked the feel of the Jonny Zero premiere, but we'll see how the series holds up. And finally Monk is back, with Traylor Howard as the obsessive detective's new assistant.

He's the Unknown Stuntman...

Lee Goldberg, a writer/producer on such shows as "Spenser: For Hire", "Diagnosis: Murder", A&E's "Nero Wolfe", and USA's "Monk", recently started a blog. Great to get his perspective.