While investigating the puzzling, high profile murder of a maid whose assailant apparently tried to treat her wounds, Monk finds himself increasingly drawn to another case involving a visiting African man investigating his beloved wife's hit-and-run death.
Voodoo appears to be the only explanation when unmarked dolls sent to San Francisco residents accurately predict a series of inexplicable deaths -- including, perhaps, Natalie's.
When Monk's insurance company refuses to pay for more individual therapy sessions, Monk joins Dr. Bell's therapy group, where somebody appears to be murdering his fellow patients.
When Sharona returns to San Francisco to handle legal issues related to an uncle's death, Monk suspects foul play and finds himself torn between the differing styles of Sharona and Natalie.
To woo the lone holdout on the reinstatement committee, Monk accompanies Lt. Disher on a scouting trip with the man's troublesome son -- where nature isn't the only thing the troop has to fear.