Mal Bernhardt
02 February 2026
50m 2s
Monk: Mr. Monk and the Blue Flu (2007)
00:00
50:02
Out of Order Book Club
In the fourth episode of this season, we're taking a look at 'Mr. Monk and the Blue Flu' by Lee Goldberg from the TV series 'Monk'.
This is the first episode where the author of the novel has also written for the TV series, and I'll be using this novel to look at key ideas about fidelity and linearity in tie-in novels. In addition, I'll certainly be asking the usual Out of Order Book Club questions about whether this can standalone not only from the TV series but also the novel series as well. Personally speaking, this last point is quite difficult to answer!
Email: outoforderbookclub@outlook.com
Social Media: Since recording this podcast, I have deactivated my Bluesky account so I am less distracted and a wee bit more productive. This means at the moment, despite what I say in the podcast, you can't find me and follow me on Bluesky. Hopefully, I'll be back there some day!
Useful links and helpful sources:
M.J. Clarke - The Strict Maze of Media Tie-In Novels (2009)
Matt Hills -Torchwood's trans-transmedia: Media tie-ins and brand 'fanagement' (2012)
Shaun Duke - Fan Fiction vs. Tie-in Fiction: A Framework (2023)