I just read Heat Wave, which is a mystery novel based off the ABC dramedy "Castle," one of my favorite shows. The main character of the show is Richard Castle (played by Nathan Fillion, who is fantastic and hilarious), a bestselling crime mystery novelist. The whole premise of the show is that he gets to follow Kate Beckett, an NYPD detective, on her cases in order to gain inspiration and information for his new series. The new series he is writing is about a female detective, Nikki Heat, who is based on Detective Beckett. Heat Wave is supposed to be his first novel in that series.Summary: In this novel, Detective Heat (based on Beckett) is working on solving a murder involving a very wealthy real estate agent who was pushed off of his balcony from six stories up. Rook (based on Richard Castle) is a journalist who is working on a piece about the NYPD detectives and is following along. As in the show, there is a lot of chemistry between the two characters, and he is constantly disobeying the detective, adding lots of comic relief.
My Thoughts: The story was somewhat enjoyable because I could completely imagine Beckett and Castle in these roles, and it was fun. It was almost like watching an episode of the show. The story line was also not too bad. However, the writing itself was only mediocre. This is understandable though, b
ecause it is mainly just a companion to the show. It is really not a standalone novel. What I mean is, if you don't watch the show, you would probably not enjoy this book a whole lot. I would recommend it to the fans of the show, but it is definitely not a must read. It was only okay. I wonder who the real writer was, since it was obviously not Richard Castle. I do think this was a fun premise though, to have one of "Richard Castle's" books out. Heat Wave was even shown in an episode, during its release party on the show.Anyways, I LOVE the show "Castle," despite this mediocre book. Does anyone else watch it? I think it's a riot. I loved when, in the first season, Beckett is wearing a bulletproof vest with "Police" written on the back. In walks Castle with his own bulletproof vest, emblazoned with the word "Writer" on the back. This show is fantastic.
Rating: 3/5
Currently Reading: Bliss by Lauren Myracle, the author of the TTYL series, which I love. This is supposed to be a spooky sort of book.
I've never seen Castle, but I've heard great thinks about it...perhaps I'll watch the show and read the book to understand them both better haha :)
ReplyDeleteI have never seen the show but I might give this book a try. :)
ReplyDeleteWay off topic but I think this layout really works for you
ReplyDelete@ Melissa - It is an awesome show! You should try watching it sometime.
ReplyDelete@ Shweta - I'm glad you might be interested in it! An amazing show for sure.
@ Cleverly Inked - Thanks a lot! I like it too. Every time I change the layout, I change it right back to this. I get attached easily lol.
It sounds like you gave it an easy pass because you like the show. I think you were TOO easy on it! The book was written solely as PR and should be judged just as vigorously. Come on, Steph! : P
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the show.
Michele
SouthernCityMysteries
This is a great topic for a post (the review of books based on shows) - can use this?)
ReplyDeleteMichele
@ Michele - I would have to agree with you lol. And of course you can use the topic. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'll do so tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteMichele
SouthernCityMysteries
We love Castle (tv show). Nathan Fillion is a family favorite. Glad you enjoyed the book. It's fun to imagine the characters when you have such great actors to do it with!
ReplyDeleteSorry the book wasn't up to snuff. My whole family sits down to watch Castle. We love it! It's right up there with Glee.
ReplyDeleteYes, him with the Writer vest was a screech. And then when he's sneaking up behind Beckett (when he was supposed to stay in the car) and his cell phone starts screaming and they all turn their guns on him... so funny! I could go on and on about this show!
Just wanted to weigh in on the genius of Nathan Fillion. Have loved him in so many things. We just got Firefly on DVD for Xmas. So sorry it's gone but Castle is a homerun too!
ReplyDeleteI love the show, I had seen this book and always wondered if it was linked to it. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeletehttp://muse-in-the-fog.blogspot.com/
I like Castle, too, but probably will skip the book. Your review is in keeping with the buzz I've heard about the novelization of the series, but it's good to hear it from someone whose opinion I trust.
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