I'm a big fan of the TV series "Castle", which is about a mystery writer tagging along with a police squad. So I was thrilled that Hyperion decided to publish "Richard Castle's" new series, beginning with Heat Wave. Of course, the real author is being kept top secret, though speculation runs to James Patterson or Stephen Cannell, since both appear regularly on the show as themselves. The book itself is decent, though I don't feel it's as well written as the show, frankly. Still, I found it to be fun and it certainly kept my attention through its slim 196 pages. I didn't feel it was ripping off the story lines from the show--there are some recognizable bits, but there's plenty of fresh stuff too. And yes, there's sex--something that is sadly missing from the television show (but we viewers have hope! lol). ( )

I really enjoyed this book -- it was the perfect tie in to the television program. Witty, sarcastic and playful...just like the show. I was pleased to find that I wasn't able to guess the killer, as these types of books tend to be a bit formulaic. It was a short, fun book that was well thought out in regards to it's integration with the actual program. My absolute favorite part of this book was the acknowledgements at the end. It was probably one of the best analogies I've read and conveyed heart felt love and appreciation. Nicely done! ( )

I enjoy the TV show Castle, which is why I bought this book. However, for me, this book falls short of the show. (Rare, since I prefer reading to TV.)

The dialogue is much like the TV show. The characters banter and there is a lot of lighthearted fun in the way they speak to one another. However, the story lacked detail. The plot was a spin on various episodes of the show. At times it was more like reading a summary of events.

The characters also lacked detail. If I had never watched the show, I doubt I would have had a clear grasp of the characters. Heat came off a little too needy (in a drippy, drooly, school girl crush kind of way) and Rook (Castle in the show) came off a little too childish.

The book is short (196 pages) and doesn't require a big committment. It's easy to read, light, and a good distraction from life. Overall, good but far from great. ( )

Loved it! But, I'm a huge fan of the show, so I might be a little biased! And, I loved this in the way that I like brainless reads. Plus, I like the references during the show to the book. It makes me feel like I'm on the inside!

Rook and Nikki Heat have the same type of relationship and undercurrents as does Castle and Beckett on the TV show. It's got much of the same wit and sarcasm. I really enjoyed the book but it was totally forgettable. The case was fun, fast-paced and pretty standard for this type of book. There wasn't much conflict, or anything that really got my heart pumping. I actually laughed more than I frowned in concentration!

Overall, if you like the show, you'll enjoy the book. Otherwise, I don't think that anyone will find this very engaging. It's a light read that is more enjoyable due to it's underlying humor. ( )

Pretty much read like an episode of Castle except for the names being changed and a little extra heat between the protagonists. A pretty enjoyable read, and if they decide to produce another "Rick Castle" book I will likely buy it. ( )