I am surprised I like these books so much. I'm not normally a big fan of TV tie-ins but this series is different; i.e. not actually a tie-in at all other than the fictional character of Richard Castle is the "author" of the series. But each book is better than the last and we've now reached 5-star status. I am a fan of the series, no doubt getting hooked by the premise of a mystery/thriller writer as the protagonist who helps the NYPD solve cases. But just rating this book on its own merits...it's a darn good mystery novel. A "police procedural" in the sub-genre vernacular, if you're into that sort of classification. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and the characters. I would, however, recommend that those who are watching the "Castle" TV show finish season 3 before reading this book. Most of the main characters are direct parallels of those on the show and some events are also very similar.