Castle

[alanajoli]

I'll admit it.

I helped Heat Wave hit the New York Times bestseller list. (It was at 26 last week when we checked; this week it's at 28. I'm curious where it placed its premier week, but I thought, tie-in mystery novel for a TV show? How could that hit the New York Times? Silly me underestimating the power of the media.)

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, character Richard Castle, played by Nathan Fillion, is an author who has insinuated himself into a NYC homicide unit with the excuse of "researching" his new novel series. The model for his new character is Detective Kate Beckett, played by Stana Katic. The show (Mondays on ABC) features not only the usual crime solving, but also plenty of references to how writing and plotting a novel, particularly a mystery, is like solving a murder. The dialog about the writing process (and Castle's rants on proper use of grammar) have endeared the show to me more than any of the other crime shows out there.

It's like Murder She Wrote if Jessica Fletcher had been a celebrity bestselling author. It's very, very much fun.

Castle's new novel, Heat Wave, hit real world stores (with Fillion doing actual book signings) in September; it's just been released in the show. It's all right -- it's short and fast paced, and due to the show tie-ins, ends up being fun. I don't think it really stands alone as a mystery outside of its connection to the show, but overall, it's a fun read. (It's also blurbed by Stephen J. Cannell and James Patterson, who, along with Michael Connelly, have appeared on the show as Castle's poker buddies.) I love the multimedia aspects (and I especially love that mystery writers are guest starring). I have no idea how this is impacting overall book sales for those folks, but I like to think that each of them got a little bump from appearing on TV.

Just some random thoughts post tonight's Castle episode and before heading to bed. Coming up soon: guest blogs from slwhitman and seanan_mcguire.

Comments

[bccreations.livejournal.com]

I've heard that criticism elsewhere, about needing to watch the show to really get the book.

If I recall correctly, it premiered at 16, but I could be wrong.

[caitrin.livejournal.com]

Okay, I'll admit I went so far as to preorder it from Amazon, although I haven't actually had a chance to read it yet. :)

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

So who actually wrote the book? Not the actor, surely?

writing instruction

[(Anonymous)]

was there ever a writer who hasn't toyed with the idea of writing a mystery? have you? i think of it once in a while but don't think i've quite the mind for it. think of the outlining and scaffolding needed. the tv show sounds like a painless way of getting instruction, very entertaining. i'd watch it!--if we had a tv.

[stargatedragon.livejournal.com]

I bought off the shelf of my local Borders - giggling like a schoolgirl the entire time!

Totally good read to boot - and it's just plain old fun!

(did you read pg 150! w00t!)

*snickers*

Best. Marketing. Plan. Ever.

[princessdarky.livejournal.com]

i think i will buy this book just so i can have nathan fillion sign it.

[macbeaner.livejournal.com]

I bought it too. Haven't had time to read it though due to pressing reviews that need done... looking forward to it though

[vita-ganieda.livejournal.com]

So I grabbed the first disc of Castle for Halloween weekend watching, based on your post and that clip with Nathan Fillion in Browncoat gear in the graveyard. Am loving.