Heat Wave (Nikki Heat #1) by Richard Castle

Based on the books in the TV show Castle. Yes, they are real. Yes, I was also excited to discover this fact!

 

Summary

NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat feels sparks from ride-along, journalist Jameson Rook. A real estate tycoon plunges to his death. A trophy wife with a past survives a brazen attack. Mobsters and moguls with motives all have alibis. Dirty little secrets of the wealthy hide until Nikki shines a light.

 

Characters

There are two main characters: Jameson ‘Jamie’ Rook who is a cheeky reporter and Nikki Heat, a feisty detective. I liked them both although they both started a little flat. The characters were varied and believable – even the supporting characters, but none of them received the same attention as Rook and Heat. Those involved in the mystery were interesting and developed, but weren’t too complex.

 

Plot

This felt a little more like a romance than a mystery novel at times. I didn’t hate that face but for a romance novel it lacked a certain sensuality. It felt almost clinical at times with the exception of the one steamy scene. So it has a voice of a mystery book, has an actual mystery, but is equal parts romance. If you pay attention the author does an excellent job with this mystery. It isn’t the best mystery book every or the best mystery plot but there are lots of moving parts and it took a while for me to put it together -about half way through the book or so. I wasn’t 100% sure until about 70% and in my book that’s a good mystery.

 

Overall

If you loved the TV show Castle like I did, this is a great nostalgic read but the show is better. There isn’t as many funny parts (only laughed out loud once). Don’t get your hopes too high or you won’t enjoy this as much. It is the perfect airport read. Not too complex, either plot or characters. Easy to follow along and none of the over detailing that some mystery writers like to do.

Rating: 4 Stars

I liked it. The straightforward writing and the interesting mystery make for an overall enjoyable read. It isn’t as amazing or charming as the show, but it is enjoyable nonetheless.

On a side note: I LOVED the TV show. Nathan Fillion is the best and I started watching the show just because he was in it and was able to be his charming self. If you like a good, lighthearted show with mystery and shenanigans, you should watch Castle. I highly recommend it and it is a complete series, which makes it even better.

 

 

 

This guest review was contributed by Creating Worlds with Words. This blogger offers book reviews as well as chapter critique exchanges. Occasionally, portions of her writing appear in the feed.