Heat Wave - Richard Castle

Book 2 for 2010 is a tie-in novel from the ABC show Castle.  Unlike most tie-ins though, this one doesn’t tell a new tale with characters from the show; it is a plot point in the show itself.  Richard Castle, played by Nathan Fillion, is a best selling novelist who tags along with a homicide detective, portrayed by Stana Katic, to get information for his newest book.  Heat Wave is the result in the show, and was released in the real world as well as the latest thriller from “Richard Castle”.  The real author is so far unrevealed.

The book mirrors the set up of the show.  Nikki Heat is a NYC homicide detective investigating the links between a dead millionaire and an art heist while putting up with a journalist who has talked his way into a ride along.  The novel is a fun, but quick, read, coming in at just under 200 pages.  It moves quickly, following the same basic structure of the show (you can practically feel the commercial breaks between chapters) along with what is meant to be some wish-fullfillment on the “author’s” part.  Even for non-fans of the show, it provides an entertaining story that can be knocked out in a night or two.

As for the whole 52 in 52 concept, I’ve fallen a little behind as we enter week 3 of 2010.  But, I’m currently working on 3 other books, so hopefully I’ll catch up and maybe even get ahead to build up a little cushion for summer.