Naked Heat (Nikki Heat #2) by Richard Castle
Title: Naked Heat
Series: Nikki Heat
Author: Richard Castle
Publication Date: September 28, 2010
Publisher: Hyperion
Rating: * * * *
Summary
Where do you start when your murder victim is a gossip columnist whom everyone in New York City wants dead?
In the follow up to the series debut Heat Wave, NYPD homicide detective Nikki Heat must solve the high-profile murder of gossip columnist Cassidy Towne. After the publication of his article on the NYPD in the First Press, journalist Jameson Rook’s relationships with the detectives at the station were severed. The piece portrayed the station as a one-woman show, depreciating the team work and efforts of colleagues Raley and Ochoa (Roach). With no leads and the mayor of the city on her back, Heat is forced to consider her options. When it is revealed that Towne is the subject that Rook is profiling for his latest article, Heat must bring Rook onto the case to offer his insights into Towne’s projects and the workings of the publishing world.
As Cassidy Towne’s secrets are revealed the list of suspects grows, including professional baseball star Toby Mills and popstar Soleil Grey. Rook spends his time trying to charm his way back into everyone’s good graces, while playing a significant role in uncovering the many scandals unearthed by Towne. The attraction that Heat has with on and off-again lover Rook is hard to ignore. As they work together the couple easily falls back into their old dynamic, but will it be enough to overcome all of their obstacles?
Official Book Trailer
Review
The second book in the Nikki Heat series was more robust than its predecessor. A strong foundation was already in place and more time was dedicated to character development. Heat’s strong and sassy demeanor remained, but the emotional and fun side of her personality was revealed, adding more dimension to the character. My time spent reading this book was comparable to watching an episode of my favorite show. I enjoy being able to visualize the story, and sometimes have found myself confusing elements in the book with various aspects of the show.
I recommend this book and enjoyed it more than the first in the series. My favorite difference between the show and the books is the relationship between Heat and Rook. The lack of romantic development between Castle and Beckett on the show can be very frustrating, so it is refreshing to see some growth between Heat and Rook. I am really looking forward to the third book in the series to see what lays ahead for these two.
To get your copy of Naked Heat (Nikki Heat #2) by Richard Castle, buy it on Amazon.com.
