The Review
Disclaimer...Castle is owned by ABC and I only get to play with it from time to time, but I do legally own DVD's for Season One and Season Two and will legally own Season Three when it comes out.
Authors Note: Reading the stories here I realize that many of you enjoyed or were thrilled with Countdown. I was not, but who knows, may get there in time.
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NY World Review of Books May 5, 2012
I have just finished the fourth, and sadly, the last of Richard Castle's stirring Nikki Heat novels, called 'Cold Heat'.
Although at times the best of the series, throughout the book I had the feeling that Mr. Castle is ready to move on to other things and is simply fulfilling his contract for the series. Don't get me wrong, fans of Mr. Castle will be thrilled with the story and saddened by the series' conclusion; it is an emotion packed tale written by a master story teller, and will have the reader on the edge of their seats. This reviewer however got hints throughout that Mr. Castle wasn't exactly happy with the way the story went.
Without giving much away, it must be said that the last chapter shows Mr. Castle's writing transcending anything he has done before in his long career, showing a depth of understanding in his characters that equals and sometimes surpasses that of Hemmingway, Fitzgerald or any of those interminably long Russian novels we had to read in school. The emotional dialog between Rook and Heat is probably the most romantic that Mr. Castle has ever written, and even brought tears to this hardened reviewers eyes. Without diving into hyperbole, I can honestly say it is the most beautiful prose I have read in a long, long time.
In the world of mystery novels, last months fanfare announcement of his contract for six new James Bond books mitigates somewhat the sadness at the end of the Nikki Heat series. Mr. Castle is adamant that the series has come to an end, and is as excited as his fans to be writing the next saga for James Bond. Mr. Castle will be going to Europe for research following this Saturday's wedding, although it was hinted by his publicist that he has almost a third of the first book complete. With film contracts firmly guaranteed, Mr. Castle's already long career looks to become even longer and more lucrative indeed.
Despite my comments in the second paragraph, I give this book a solid 5 stars and say without hesitation, it is a must buy for anyone who enjoys great writing, believable characters and a thrilling story line.
As an addendum, before this review was completed, Mr. Castle's publicist sent out a tweet to all his fans thanking them for their support and wishing Detective Katherine Beckett (the inspiration for Nikki Heat) and Dr. Joshua Davidson all the best in their future life together.
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Ok, I realize that there will be some who will want to roast me over an open fire, but I am still feeling a bit saddened how Countdown ended and my muse, who is definitely NOT Kate Beckett (or the actress who plays her on TV)) took me here. I will watch some more Laurel & Hardy and try to lighten up. ;-)