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wadezone's review against another edition
3.0
I am reading these because I enjoyed the Castle TV Series. The writing isn't as good as other crime mystery books but the stories are decent.
sariene's review against another edition
4.0
So glad I kept reading the series even thought the first two books were mediocre. This one was finally good enough to stand on its own, as a well-written mystery novel instead of just a gimmick for the TV show Castle. It wasn't so predictable, it had a well developed plot, and had more emotional depth than the first two. But we still get all the fun of the references, including a really great Firefly joke for those of us who are long-standing Nathan Fillion fans. Don't know who's writing these, but they really came into their own with this one.
lauralm97's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
danaisreading's review against another edition
4.0
Hands down, this is the best of the three Nikki Heat novels. So good, it doesn't matter that the series is a clever marketing ploy for ABC's Castle.
You don't need to be familiar with the TV show to read the novels, and this is the first of the three that doesn't hit you over the head with the sly nods to the show. There's a couple of references to Nathan Fillion (Malcolm Reynolds and Rook being ruggedly handsome), and the plot is in some respects a thinly veiled reference to what happens to Captain Montgomery. You can also easily picture the cast as you're reading the book, but beyond that, it's a straight up detective novel that hooks you in and keeps your attention to the final page.
There are also differences between the show and the books. As I mentioned, the background behind what happens to Captain Montrose is different than what happened to Captain Montgomery although the end result is the same. There isn't any "will they or won't they" sexual tension storyline in the Nikki Heat series - Heat and Rook are firmly in relationship territory. I don't know why they do this in the TV series, when the relationship doesn't hinder the characters in any way in the books (and actually gives a plausible reason to have Rook in the series beyond the first book, unlike Castle and his four year ride-along with Beckett & Co.) Rook doesn't have a daughter, and he's an investigative journalist.
It's the differences that make the series enjoyable, and keeps it from reading like fan fiction (as the first book is often compared to). I know there's a fourth book in the works, and I now hope the series continues on independently from the show.
You don't need to be familiar with the TV show to read the novels, and this is the first of the three that doesn't hit you over the head with the sly nods to the show. There's a couple of references to Nathan Fillion (Malcolm Reynolds and Rook being ruggedly handsome), and the plot is in some respects a thinly veiled reference to what happens to Captain Montgomery. You can also easily picture the cast as you're reading the book, but beyond that, it's a straight up detective novel that hooks you in and keeps your attention to the final page.
There are also differences between the show and the books. As I mentioned, the background behind what happens to Captain Montrose is different than what happened to Captain Montgomery although the end result is the same. There isn't any "will they or won't they" sexual tension storyline in the Nikki Heat series - Heat and Rook are firmly in relationship territory. I don't know why they do this in the TV series, when the relationship doesn't hinder the characters in any way in the books (and actually gives a plausible reason to have Rook in the series beyond the first book, unlike Castle and his four year ride-along with Beckett & Co.) Rook doesn't have a daughter, and he's an investigative journalist.
It's the differences that make the series enjoyable, and keeps it from reading like fan fiction (as the first book is often compared to). I know there's a fourth book in the works, and I now hope the series continues on independently from the show.
sillygoosereads's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. It's a must read for any castle fan!
The Nikki Heat series keeps getting better and better :)
The Nikki Heat series keeps getting better and better :)
topdragon's review against another edition
5.0
I am surprised I like these books so much. I'm not normally a big fan of TV tie-ins but this series is different; i.e. not actually a tie-in at all other than the fictional character of Richard Castle is the "author" of the series. But each book is better than the last and we've now reached 5-star status. I am a fan of the series, no doubt getting hooked by the premise of a mystery/thriller writer as the protagonist who helps the NYPD solve cases. But just rating this book on its own merits...it's a darn good mystery novel. A "police procedural" in the sub-genre vernacular, if you're into that sort of classification. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and the characters. I would, however, recommend that those who are watching the "Castle" TV show finish season 3 before reading this book. Most of the main characters are direct parallels of those on the show and some events are also very similar.
mridzyreads's review against another edition
4.0
I started this book without reading any prior reviews. If I did, i would've known that Rook is in fact Castle.
Even though I love the tv show and I love the character of Castle more, I didn't find Rook at par. Granted, there were a few moments of pure Castle-esque but they were far too less for my liking. Nikki Heat on the other hand, is pure, unadulterated Kate Beckett.
I would be lying if I said i didn't enjoy this one. No doubt, Castle (or the author who uses the non de plume of Castle) is no Le Carre, he is nevertheless adept at writing a thriller with unexpected twists, a few laughs and some delightful Firefly references (thank you for that).
I shall now endeavour to finish the remaining books and heroics of Detective Heat. It is worth a read.
Even though I love the tv show and I love the character of Castle more, I didn't find Rook at par. Granted, there were a few moments of pure Castle-esque but they were far too less for my liking. Nikki Heat on the other hand, is pure, unadulterated Kate Beckett.
I would be lying if I said i didn't enjoy this one. No doubt, Castle (or the author who uses the non de plume of Castle) is no Le Carre, he is nevertheless adept at writing a thriller with unexpected twists, a few laughs and some delightful Firefly references (thank you for that).
I shall now endeavour to finish the remaining books and heroics of Detective Heat. It is worth a read.
cpickus's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
simon_'s review against another edition
3.0
Well it was better than the last one. There was still a lot of roll your eyes annoyances. However the mystery was still intriguing.