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The Reclusive Chimp
Monkey Flip follows a pair of precocious kids whose father is accused of murder, so they call in a reclusive and grumpy, yet brilliant, talking chimpanzee detective to find the real killer and clear their father’s name. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The book is set in the world of professional wrestling, and many wrestling personalities and storylines inspired the central mystery. Originally, the father was going to be a firefighter, but I love wrestling, almost as much as I love monkeys, so making him a wrestler felt natural. However, it wasn’t until CM Punk held a now-infamous press conference that the mystery truly came together. For the other themes, such as grief and overcoming loss, I drew on my own experiences, as I can be quite the reclusive chimp.
I enjoyed your characters, especially Sebastian Winthrop. What was your favorite character to write for and why?
I actually created Sebastian, the book’s chimp detective, when I was a teenager. Back then, he was Sebastian Winthrop, Millionaire Chimp, and I intended to turn him into a comic strip. Nothing came of it, but I never forgot about him. Writing Sebastian is easy because he’s just an exaggerated version of myself. I also really enjoyed writing Addie, the little girl. I tried to make her like a character in an old Bugs Bunny cartoon. Her interactions with Sebastian were always fun to write, and their love/hate relationship is the heart of the story.
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing, or did it develop organically?
When I earned my MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, one of my mentors was Victoria Thompson, who wrote the Gaslight Mystery Series. Vicki was the best and taught me everything I know about plotting a mystery. Monkey Flip is my third novel, and I always start with the victim, the suspects, the suspects’ motives and secrets, and the key clues. From there, I structure a loose plot outline, where I know the beginning, the end, and about five “tent pole” scenes that have to be there. That provides the backbone, and then I still have the freedom to discover things along the way. I do a more detailed outline before each chapter, noting the characters’ motivations, obstacles, and goals.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to continue the story. Is there a second book planned?
Yes, a second book is in the works. This time, the story will take place at a comic book convention. Still ironing out the details, but the actual writing will commence soon. With luck, it should be out next summer.
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When Addie and Bennett Pajakowski learn that their father, the fearsome Bonecrusher Brannigan, is accused of murdering one of his fellow professional wrestlers, they seek the help of Sebastian Winthrop, the world’s greatest detective. So, imagine their surprise when they discover that the reclusive Sebastian is a talking chimp!
Monkey Flip chronicles Sebastian’s investigation into the death of Mitch Mayhem, the heavyweight champion of a local independent wrestling federation. Along the way, Sebastian teaches Addie and Bennett what it takes to be good detectives while they show him that life should be lived and not mourned. The book takes a comedic, satirical look at the fanatical world of professional wrestling and touches on such themes as grief, acceptance, and the importance of family.
Some are already calling Sebastian one of the best detectives in fiction. Others call him the best. Just don’t call him a monkey.
Monkey Flip
Monkey Flip is a quirky and heartfelt mystery about a has-been indie pro wrestler, a pair of precocious kids, and a reclusive talking chimpanzee detective drawn back into action to solve a murder. When Mitch Mayhem, an arrogant wrestling champion, is found dead, suspicion falls on his ring rival, Bonecrusher Brannigan, a part-time wrestler, full-time dad. His kids, Addie and Bennett, refuse to believe their father could be guilty, and they enlist the help of Sebastian Winthrop, a grumpy but brilliant chimp detective with a taste for banana cream cookies. What follows is an absurd, emotional, and surprisingly touching journey through wrestling locker rooms, family kitchens, and dusty detective tropes turned on their heads.
This book surprised me. At first, I thought it was just going to be another wacky comedy with talking animals and goofy dialogue. And sure, it is funny, very funny, but underneath the humor is a real story about self-worth, family, and redemption. The writing is sharp and packed with personality. I genuinely laughed out loud at some of the lines, especially the banter between Addie and her brother. Addie, in particular, is a standout. She’s pushy, stubborn, a little bit of a know-it-all, but she’s also fiercely loyal and has a heart big enough to carry the whole story. The author walks a fine line between parody and sincerity, and for the most part, it works. The world is weird, but the emotions feel true.
The story works best when it leans into the kids’ perspective, their scrappy determination, their silly arguments, the way they see the world in terms of good guys and bad guys. The wrestling backdrop is painted with affection and authenticity, which makes sense since it reads like it was written by someone who really loves (and understands) the theater of it all.
Monkey Flip is a delightful surprise. It’s weird in all the right ways and warm in ways I didn’t expect. If you love wrestling, kids who act like tiny adults, or detectives with a tail and a chip on their shoulder, this book is for you. It’s especially great for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked or underestimated, because sometimes the best heroes are the ones who’ve been counted out.
Pages: 193 | ASIN : B0D867KR4T
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