I am a huge fan of the ABC show Castle. For those who don’t watch it: Nathan Fillion (of Firefly fame) plays Rick Castle a mystery writer who is following Kate Beckett (played by Stana Katic) while researching a new series of books. Â In a recent episode, Castle’s first book is released. Â I don’t remember if I was just curious or there was something at the end of the episode, but I ended up going to Amazon and ordering the book.
It is a quick read, at just under 200 pages, but it is very well paced and doesn’t feel rushed at all. Â The wit, humor, and style are the same. Â The characters in the book all have analogues to characters in the show. Â Instead of Kate Beckett, we have Detective Nikki Heat, and instead of writer Castle doing research for a book it is journalist Jameson Rook doing research for an article on the NYPD. Â The book is plotted similarly to an episode of the show, starting at a crime scene and following the investigation through several plot twists until the case is solved. Â Most of the story is told from Heat’s point of view and includes a lot of her inner dialogue, I’ll be interested to see how much of the Heat character shows up in the Beckett character later in the show.
My only complaint is that for $20 the book wa a bit short. Â Amazon has it on sale now for $10.99, so if you’re a fan of the show buy it.
Slight spoiler: the only major departure from the show are the romance elements included in the book with Heat.
My wife and I love this show too. When we saw that advertisement for the book after the last show, we weren’t sure if it was a joke or night. I think it’s a great way to promote the show personally.
Definitely is a real book. The author bio, the dedication, and the acknowledgement section in the back are all in-character. I imagine the show’s writers did the book, but there’s no mention in the book itself. I’ll be interested to see if they continue to do books as the show progresses.
By the way, there is a twitter account for Castle as well http://twitter.com/WriteRCastle
I didn’t know you had a blog till scary mentioned it, so I wanted to venture over.
Nice to know your a fan of Castle as well. Thanks for the review on the book. I’ve often thought of picking it up, but something in me just resisted the urge. I just hope the show continues. I have heard talk of the show being in some trouble but if so I hope they will at least keep up the books.
Great blog.
I bought the book on a lark, but I’m glad I did. If you enjoy the show, the book is like a novelized episode just with the character names different and personalities (very slightly) altered.
Thanks for the complement and the comment. 🙂