Anthony E. Zuiker is the creator of CSI, a show I love. I knew what to expect going in: lots of blood, gore, some forensics, some psychological thrills. I wanted a quick read on the beach, something fluffy and engaging, and that's exactly what I got. I loved it! Is it realistic? Hell, no! But it's a great story, with a truly heinous villain and a hero I loved rooting for. A fast-paced thriller that never lets up. The ending is both horrifying and touching, and it left me eager for the next book in the series. (A ) ( )

Very dark.

In the opening book of a series, authors Anthony E. Zuiker (creator of "CSI") and Duane Swierczynski create a "Criminal Minds"-type world led by investigator Steve Dark, one of the few men in law enforcement with success against the world's deadliest serial killers. In this case, Dark searches for a Level 26 madman (Level 26 representing the highest level of serial killers) known as Sqweegel. And, while the Sqweegel character is a little too omnipresent to be completely believable, there's no disputing the level of action, violence, and suspense that is created in this novel. Dark nearly caught Sqweegel years before in Rome, but the murderer evaded capture and went dormant for a few years. In this book, Sqweegel returns with a vengeance to threaten Dark, his wife, and their unborn child.

Fans of the aforementioned television series who aren't unnerved by some hard-core violent and uncomfortable passages will certainly enjoy Dark Origins - Level 26. ( )

Level 25 refers to the FBI’s classification of the most heinous of criminals. In this book we encounter a serial killer who needs a new classification:

His targets – anyone
His methods – unlimited
His alias – Sqweegel
His classification – Level 26

From the creator of the CSI television series comes this book advertised as a “digi-novel”. At certain points throughout the book, usually at interesting or suspenseful plot points, the reader is directed to a website. This makes the book somewhat interactive. It is an interesting concept. I listened to this book on audio while I was on the go and not always at a computer (not owning a blackberry or an i-phone I did not always check on the website at the appropriate parts) but it did not detract from my enjoyment of the book. It was a good thriller about the hunt for a serial killer who has been active and illusive for 30 years. When it becomes personal for ex-FBI agent Steve Dark the gloves come off. Not being an excessively long book the character development and action come at the reader fast and fierce. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of the crime thriller genre.
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I like the concept of this book, but the execution left me cold. There is a web site connected to this book, where you can go and watch video; however you first need to sign up with your email and relevant information. Hated that idea, but did it anything to see what the hoopla was about. The first video was really suggestive and horrible in content. The rest were less so.

The writing was okay, but nothing special. It seems Mr. Zuiker and his co-author are interested in being really gory and explicit. Not my cup of tea. ( )