Frozen Heat

This is the first collection of fiction books, that I checked daily after the listed release date to purchase. the next book of the series. I am an avid reader/listener of both fiction and nonfiction books.and consume nonfiction books primarily. Once I purchase the first book of this collection; I was hooked and quickly listened to the other three books released to date. I struggled to leave the book once started, as I became more and more engrossed in the story. I have read mystery books for over 50 years, and this is first collection of books in many years that surprised me in the end. I can say I never foresaw the ending in any of these 4 books. For all of the snobs out there I will admit I am also a fan of the Television series and I found that the knowledge of that series helpful in understanding some of the happenings of the books. I read/listen to nonfiction books to enhance my knowledge of a subject and fiction books for pure entertainment. This collection of books fulfilled that purpose. I recommend this book for fans and nonfans of the "Castle" TV series.

First let me talk about the narrator. I think Johnny Heller sounds so much like Nathan Fillion that it is as if Castle himself is telling us this story. Really great.

Second, the plot. Very complex. Very nice. I've read all too many series crime novels that concentrate on the relationships between the regular characters because the author hasn't thought up much of a plot. That is not the case here. I like the ongoing relationship between Nikki and Rook, but it takes its proper position in second place behind the unfolding of the plot.

Third, the ongoing characters. I like the way the regular characters are portrayed. I like Nikki's relationships with her squad. I like the fact that most of them are competent. It is not Nikki Heat alone against the world. It is Nikki Heat and a cast of smart, hard-working, honest cops working together. I also like the relationship between Nikki and Rook. It seems mature and intelligent to me. When one of them needs support, the other is there. However, they don't have to be together every second. They give one another space when needed. Also, they don't go off in a huff over trivialities. There is a fight and an incident in this book which would have resulted in 150 pages of drama in a romance novel. But these two intelligent, mature people worked it out pretty quickly. I was pleased.

So, if you like the TV show Castle, and you liked the earlier Castle books, I think you will like this one too. A good entry into the series.

Richard Castle has written four books now (I believe) starring Nikki Heat and Jameson Rook. Some of these seem written for the big screen, but Castle has talent. The relationship between the two is funny, touching, tender and exciting. This book, like the others, is set in New York, where Heat is chief detective in the homicide department. Rook is an investigative writer. There are dangerous chases, peaceful walks, and side trips to Boston and Paris. I think that Castle also credits Robert B. Parker's Spenser and Michael Connelly. The trip to Paris is way too long, and seems like padding. Parker had the wisdom to write briefly. The modern novel has what seems to be a convention of roughly 300 pages, or roughly twelve hours of narration. Johnny Heller has a terrific voice. He is tender when the book calls for that, funny when he needs to be, etc. The plot here is very thick. Heat's mother is found in a refrigeration truck. I think this is a reference to a book in which Connelly's protagonist (forgive me, I forget his name) tries to find the history of his dead mother, who was a prostitute. The body is found in a suitcase, which strains credulity. Heat's partners are Ochoa and Railey, and their car is called the Roach Coach. If Castle learns how to write more like Elmore Leonard, he has a promising future (Leonard once said that he leaves out the parts that people don't read). Brevity is the soul of wit. I don't know who said that, but it is true in fact. Read some Castle and see what you think.

While listening to the book I was so captivated that I was recommending it to others --- that is until the ending!
It seemed to me that the author had some sort of writer's block or a stroke! It was one of the more --- "leave the listener hanging" that I have read or listen to in a long long time!
In the future if author is still able to write Mr. Castle will NOT be on my book-list!!!

These Richard Castle books are light and fun, especially for fans of the TV show Castle.

Fun...fast paced

For fans of the show Castle, this a little puzzle piece that can be enjoyed on the go

Got off to a slow start on this one. Nearly didn't proceed...but, glad I did. I think I should have listened to the first book in this series rather than start with the second...then, the start would have been better.

I truly enjoyed this book and will now go back and start with the first one before proceeding to the third. The story was well written and interesting to follow. I truly did not want it to end.

It took some time to get used to the "reader". He is not what I expected. That being said, I will listen to the rest of the series and he is the "reader". Guess he wasn't that bad!

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The action and suspense - knowing the basic characters from the tv sitcom helped my imagination while listening to the audio.

When Nicki realized the suitcase they had just found a murder victim in was the same suitcase she had as a child and with her initials carved in the side. The same suitcase in fact that her mother's killer had stolen many years earlier.

I was surprised that the end of the story was left open

Being a fan of the TV Castle series, I purchased this book without realizing it was book 4. Thoroughly enjoyed the story line, the characters, and the narration. I will now start at book 1 and get caught up with the characters and wait for the next one.

I very much enjoyed the reading and the story line of this boook. I have listened to all of the Richard Castle books on Audible and find them to be the right combination of mystery, excitement and passion. Each book's story line moves quickly enough that there are no dull moments.

I enjoy the character of Nikki Heat because she is a strong yet vulnerable female who is thrust into a male dominated environment. She is a believable character with flaws and values that appeals me.

Johnny Heller is an excellent narrator, he has performed all of the Richard Castle books and his voice seems the embodiment of the characters in the book. He accomplishes bringing the characters to life effortlessly. I have not had the opportunity to hear him perform a different series.

The book ended too soon. And I look forward to the next in the series because there is no way you can leave a book that open ended without follow up.