Book 3, in the Nikki Heat series This series is as entertaining as the TV show “Castle”, one of my weaknesses is that I am a huge fan of both. All three books have been a wonderful read, whoever the real author may be (Richard Castle is a character), he is one that has a knack with words. With his graceful prose he knows how to produce a page-turner that has endless boundaries. “Heat Wave” is a fun romp through the world of imagination. It pairs the tough and sexy NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat with hotshot reporter Jameson Rook in the most dangerous case so far. It opens with the bizarre murder of a parish priest in a New York bondage club. Through the investigation the book takes us deep into the world of sex and bondage and everything related. As usual Nikki’s case becomes even larger than first expected. The writing creatively sends your mind on one red herring after another adding plenty of intrigue and flavor to the story. At one point, clues direct the investigation back to home base were Nikki finds herself caught in the middle creating shock waves for all. Nikki really shows her skills while doing all the legwork from facing down the brass at headquarters to saving her own skin. The plot is quick paced and entertaining there is enough going on to keep boredom at bay and your mind spinning while trying to speculate what is going to happened next. This is not a complicated mystery but is fun to read perhaps the best one yet.

Mini Book Review: I can't help myself I have to read all of these (and also eventually own them all in paperback) since I love Castle so much - plus come on its got a picture of Nathan Fillion on the back. It's actually a pretty good story too with lots of twists and turns & most importantly the wonderful banter between the lead characters so prevalent on the TV show. This has been my favorite of the book so far since their is a great deal more humor and more scenes with Ryan and Esposito - oops I mean Ochoa and Raley. Also the storyline flows better and its less dime story novelish. As usual I get a kick out of the Pop Culture references that are linked to the actors (e.g there is a mention that Heat would make a good Bond Girl & a mention of Rook looking like Mal Reynolds) and many of the plots used in various episodes of the show. This is a must for fans of the show. 3.5 Dewey's I borrowed this from Natasha, who borrowed it from her public library, and didn't have to review it -- just have to be a good fan girl and encourage you all to buy it