Driving Heat: Nikki Heat Book 7 Kindle Edition

I have read all of "Castle's" Nikki Heat series and was disappointed in the latest book, Driving Heat. I am glad to see that I am not the only one who thought that the book was written by a different author than the previous books in the series. The tone and style was not the same. The plot seemed to drag, and their relationship was rehashed unnecessarily. Nikki's character seemed different somehow from the earlier books--hesitant and unsure (I don't think it was because of their engagement or her new job). My other complaint is the poor proofreading--or lack of proofreading--in the text. There is no excuse for this in an electronic book that costs almost $10 for a download. Please start paying someone to proofread, Amazon! Many of us readers could do a better job of it!!

Every year, I look forward to reading the latest Nikki Heat mystery by “Richard Castle.” Yes, I find the mysteries to be good, but I also enjoy seeing what small references to the show Castle they slip into the book. Driving Heat is the seventh in this bestselling series, and it’s another wonderful ride.For those who aren’t in on the joke and the series, these novels were inspired by the TV show Castle. In that show, Nathan Fillion plays Richard Castle, a bestselling author who decides to base his latest character on NYPD detective Kate Beckett. This character? Nikki Heat. Of course, to do that, Castle must follow Beckett around helping her solve cases. Somewhere along the way, it was decided that the books Castle was writing should actually be written and published for fans of the show to read. The identity of the real writer remains a mystery (although I’ve seen some credible theories about who is writing them.) Bits and pieces of the show appear in each book, although the books are strong enough to stand up on their own to any mystery lover.This book opens on a day of change for Nikki Heat. It’s her first day as Captain of the twentieth precinct. However, the day gets off to a rough start before she even makes it in the office when the body of her psychiatrist, Lon King, is found. With such a personal connection to the victim, Nikki begins to investigate in addition to taking on her new responsibilities.Things take an interesting turn when video of the doctor’s office finds Nikki’s fiancée, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Jameson Rook, going into the office. He refuses to discuss why he was there, driving a wedge between them and complicating Nikki’s case. What secret is Rook hiding? Can she juggle her new administrative duties and still solve the case?Obviously, the character of Nikki Heat is following the career path of Kate Beckett (who just became a captain this season on the show as well), although she has gone through a different path to get there. In fact, it was interesting seeing a precinct without the work place drama in this book, something that has added complications to the mystery in the past multiple books in the series. Part of me enjoyed that, and part of me missed it. On the other hand, I do like the detectives who are under Nikki, and watching them all work together is quite fun.The plot is great as well. It starts a little slowly, but it continues to build until we reach a great climax. The story managed to surprise me along the way, and the ending was absolutely wonderful.Of course, I do have to point out my annual disclaimers about the characters. While Nikki and Rook are fully developed, the rest of the regulars are a bit thin. Roach, the detective duo of Raley and Ochoa, based on the TV characters of Ryan and Esposito, are certainly better, but the other trio of homicide cops could be more sharply defined, although they are defined enough for us to like them. Likewise, these books always read slowly. It’s not that I’m not into the story, but I’ve finally figured out the type is smaller than I’m used to. Once I mentally get myself in the space for how long it will take me to read the book, I’m fine.As I said, these books would be wonderful mysteries even if you didn’t watch the TV show. However, if you do, you’ll spot a few small references or throw away lines that are from the show. These moments always make me smile if not laugh outright, and I love them. And in this book, those in jokes include the name of the murder victim.So whether you watch the show or not, consider picking up Driving Heat. You’ll be lost in a great mystery before you know it.(Now, if only next year’s book can avoid the missteps they are doing on this season of Castle, we’ll be in great shape.)

I enjoy these books because they're much like watching an episode of the show, which I also thoroughly enjoy watching. My problem with the books is the portrayal of Nikki Heat. She's very jealous of any woman Rook comes into contact with, which doesn't fit with the rest of her character. She is otherwise very confident and capable so why is she so insecure when it comes to Rook? We all have our issues and these books would be a lot better if they gave some backstory on Heat to explain her insecurity. Did a past boyfriend cheat on her? Does she have a rocky relationship with her father? As it is it feels very much like a dude writing his idea of a stereotypical female cop instead of creating a full, well-rounded character. I have no idea who's ghostwriting these books, but my guess is it's a dude. And I suspect, if the Castle portrayed in the show really was basing his character off Beckett, he'd do a much better job of portraying her as a real person and not a stereotype.

This one was an entertaining read. Only reason it took me so long to read was I got distracted by other books, and honestly, the last Nikki Heat book I couldn't put down was 'Frozen Heat'. Yet again, Nikki Heat and Jameson Rook have relationship issues during a high profile case, which has been a running pattern throughout the book series. The case itself was actually quite interesting, and had lots to twists and turns. Took me a while to guess who the killer might be, but then again, since I didn't read it all in one go, but off-and-on, that might have been a contributory factor. I always love seeing what bits and pieces they borrow from the show. If this is the last Nikki Heat book, depending on how the show ends up at the end of Season 8, the ending brings a nice conclusion to the Nikki Heat saga.

....And should I say the Editor/Publishing company lost its credibility. Driving Heat Book 7 was a bit of a disappointment. Too many twists and turns - but the worst part were the typos!!!! Now, I'm the queen of typos, but I'm assuming that a professional proofed and edited this book more than a few times. When I came across the first typo I was forgiving - we're all human, correct? But they just kept on coming.It's been difficult to focus on the storyline. Sometimes people are called by their first name, and sometimes the same person is called by their last name. I had to stop to think who the speaker is talking about. Lots of industry acronyms are used, and sometimes scenes change from one paragraph to another. It's not easy to keep up. I sometimes have to go back a few paragraphs to see if I've missed something.Sadly, I'm not so sure I'll purchase another Nikki Heat book.

Driving Heat is not as engrossing as the previous novels. It difficult to analyse why but the plot seems ragged and the use and confusion of names and nicknames for the same characters makes it more so. I normally finish a Castle book within three sessions. At this stage, I have had six already and that tells me something about the readability of the book.

Loving the latest Castle book!With murders, drones, conspiracy, hacks crashing all NYPD technology, fights with Rook, kidnapping, pressure from 1PP.... It's a tricky first week for Captain Nicky Heat!Awesome book and definitely recommend it for Castle lovers who need a fix now the series is finished. Can't wait til the new book comes out at the end of the month!!

One of my favourite Heat books so far. Their separation is a little traumatic and the Roach team need to work out their differences but it ends well and rightly so, well worth waiting for.

Far more fun than the latest season of Castle, so now the fictional book spin off of the fictional TV show is better than its sire.It's well written and leaps forward at a cracking pace, the only trouble I have with it is that I still keep thinking about Castle and Beckett when I read it, but if you like a crisp, well written police procedural, then this is for you

I read the first in this series and to be honest I wasn't that impressed, so I'd considered not reading any others in this series. My daughter convinced me to try another and I'm glad she did. Although I would probably put it more with the cosy mysteries than thrillers.