Confession: I read media tie-in books. Not as many as I used to, but occasionally. I've got a pile of Star Trek-related novels on my shelves, and I just finished the latest Supernatural book. If somebody writes a Grimm tie-in book I'll probably read it, especially if there's lots of Monroe in it. Love them wolf boys.

The trouble with tie-in books is that too often they fail at their main intention, which is to recreate the feel and fun of the show in a reading experience. The writer doesn't get the characters right, or the dialogue doesn't ring true. Then there's all the backstory that has to be shoveled in to bring new readers up to speed. That can be a pain.

It can be done, and done well. Some novelists really can pen dialogue that echoes an actor's voice, and hit their characters spot on. But it's rare. This is why we need more Peter Davids.

I picked Mr. David because, in my opinion, he set the bar for what a Star Trek tie-in novel could be. (Star Wars fans probably feel the same way about Timothy Zahn.) He knew the people and their voices. He knew the universe. His plots were tense and exciting. Best of all, he added humor. And just when he had you laughing over something Data just said to Geordi, he'd throw in a plot twist that punched you in the gut. You could read those books and enjoy them without ever watching the show.

Most of the Trek books I fondly remember had Mr. David's byline on them. To this day, if I see the words "Star Trek," "Q," and "Peter David" in the same sentence, my reaction is, "I gotta read that."

This is what the Supernatural tie-in series needs. Its very own Peter David.

The series has had its ups and downs, quality-wise. Good books, bad books, mediocre books. With the right author at the helm, they could all be good. All they need is someone who knows and loves the show, and can transfer that love to the printed page. There are plenty of fan writers out there right now doing just that. (I don't think we're quite ready for professionally-published slash, but you know what I mean.)

Maybe Mr. Kripke himself would want to write one. Revolution will probably be getting cancelled any day now, so he should have some time on his hands.

In the meantime, I'll keep reading the occasional tie-in book as my tastes in TV change. Who knows? Publishers may be skimming the fanfic sites even now for the next Peter David, though they're more likely to be looking for the next E. L. James. Who knows? It could be one of us. And if you write that Grimm book with the big Monroe subplot, I'll be first in line to buy it. Make me happy.