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Mr. CSI: How a Vegas Dreamer Made a Killing in Hollywood, One Body at a Time
The creator of CSI delves into the mysteries of his father’s tragic death and his own unlikely rise in Hollywood using the very techniques he has honed by working on his hit shows: CSI: Las Vegas, CSI: Miami, and CSI: New York. Deeply felt and insightful, Anthony Zuiker’s searing memoir of dreams and losses, successes and heartbreaks, is not only a behind-the-scenes look at television’s most-watched drama, but an essential guide for aspiring script writers and filmmakers, featuring practical tips and inspiring lessons to help tomorrow’s writers succeed today. Fans of crime dramas, anyone who dreams of unraveling the mysteries of their own story, and everyone who dreams of making it big, will find themselves immediately drawn in by the one-of-a-kind story of the man who became Mr. CSI.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 22, 2011
5 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Anthony E. Zuiker
24 books162 followersAnthony Edward Zuiker is the creator and executive producer of the American television show CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. He produced all three editions of the CSI franchise: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami and CSI: NY. Besides his work on CSI, he also founded the murder mystery show Whodunnit?. He also assisted in the writing of Terminator Salvation. He is currently involved in Blackbox TV, a YouTube series and is the executive producer and writer of the web series Cybergeddon.
On September 8, 2009, Zuiker released Level 26: Dark Origins, a book with associated web-based motion picture and interactive elements which he termed a "digi-novel". Zuiker produced 20 cinematic cyber-bridges, which readers are prompted to view online using special codes embedded in the book's text every 20 pages or so.
On October 14, 2010, Level 26: Dark Prophecy was released and the third installment, Level 26: Dark Revelations was released in 2011.
On September 8, 2009, Zuiker released Level 26: Dark Origins, a book with associated web-based motion picture and interactive elements which he termed a "digi-novel". Zuiker produced 20 cinematic cyber-bridges, which readers are prompted to view online using special codes embedded in the book's text every 20 pages or so.
On October 14, 2010, Level 26: Dark Prophecy was released and the third installment, Level 26: Dark Revelations was released in 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 7, 2019
Fascinating history of the authors life, and not only about how he got the CSI franchise onto television. His stories about his childhood as well as dealing with his father are great.
July 21, 2015
What was proposed as a self help and how to succeed book turned into more of a memoir that centers around a fractured father-son relationship. Anthony Zuiker is the man who turned TV on its ear by reinventing the procedural to really focus on science. He made lab rats and geeks sexy in three different series.
It's interesting to read how he got there. The first CSI is set in Las Vegas wher Zuiker grew up and you learn a lot about the town that the Chamber of Commerce wouldn't trumpet. This is a boy and then a man who realizes the deck is stacked against him but he changes that through talent and more importantly hard work.
The hook that he uses: his relationship with his father starts off literally with a bang at the start of the book and and continues to come up throughout the book. Zuiker's most important lesson is to be the best father he can be to his sons no matter what success come and go.
There's a great scene where he also lets you know his mother and step father impacted his life for the better as much as his father did on the worst side.
It's interesting to read how he got there. The first CSI is set in Las Vegas wher Zuiker grew up and you learn a lot about the town that the Chamber of Commerce wouldn't trumpet. This is a boy and then a man who realizes the deck is stacked against him but he changes that through talent and more importantly hard work.
The hook that he uses: his relationship with his father starts off literally with a bang at the start of the book and and continues to come up throughout the book. Zuiker's most important lesson is to be the best father he can be to his sons no matter what success come and go.
There's a great scene where he also lets you know his mother and step father impacted his life for the better as much as his father did on the worst side.
April 8, 2012
This isn't a bad book, it's just not what I was expecting. The title leads one to believe that it's a look into the creation and process that goes into making CSI and it's spin-off's, but there's no mention of CSI until about the 200th page, and there's only 281 pages in the book. When it finally does get to discussing the CSI shows it just glosses over them. There is no real insight at all. What you're getting instead is a memoir by the show's creator, with his father's suicide used as bookends. On its own it's a semi-interesting book, but fans of CSI should be warned that they'll find very little interesting insight into the show(s).
January 9, 2012
The title leads you to believe that the book is about his creation of the show, CSI, when in reality, only the last 1/3 or so is about that. Interesting, but not exactly what I was expecting.
October 3, 2021
Anthony Zuiker (creator of the CSI franchise) was at his desk in the writer's offices of CSI: New York when he received a call informing him that his estranged father had killed himself. This memoir is largely the story of him grappling with their lengthy estrangement and the question of what drove Zuiker Senior so low that he took his own life, while also detailing his own journey to Hollywood success.
Zuiker explains that the book was originally intended to answer a question he got frequently: "How'd you do it? How did you go from driving a tram at the Mirage Hotel for eight bucks an hour when you were twenty-six years old, to creating the most profitable franchise in TV history?" And in a way he does - his obsessive drive to succeed - and succeed wildly - was largely influenced by his deprived childhood and his troubled relationship (and eventual lack thereof) with his father, who once told his teenage son that he wished the kid had never been born. Zuiker wanted to prove that he could attain the kind of success his father sought but never achieved.
As fascinating as Zuiker's story is, some of my favorite parts of the book were when he described some of the things he saw while with police, crime scene investigators and coroners in Las Vegas, Miami and New York (which at the time was still dealing with the remains of 9/11 victims) as each version of CSI was being developed. Some crazy stuff in there. Real life crime is a hell of a story.
If you're interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the CSI shows, this isn't it. There's interesting information on the development and launch of each show and some neat stories about Zuiker's first meetings with the actors who would be his leads (William Petersen, David Caruso and Gary Sinise), but that's about it. This is his story, not CSI's.
Zuiker explains that the book was originally intended to answer a question he got frequently: "How'd you do it? How did you go from driving a tram at the Mirage Hotel for eight bucks an hour when you were twenty-six years old, to creating the most profitable franchise in TV history?" And in a way he does - his obsessive drive to succeed - and succeed wildly - was largely influenced by his deprived childhood and his troubled relationship (and eventual lack thereof) with his father, who once told his teenage son that he wished the kid had never been born. Zuiker wanted to prove that he could attain the kind of success his father sought but never achieved.
As fascinating as Zuiker's story is, some of my favorite parts of the book were when he described some of the things he saw while with police, crime scene investigators and coroners in Las Vegas, Miami and New York (which at the time was still dealing with the remains of 9/11 victims) as each version of CSI was being developed. Some crazy stuff in there. Real life crime is a hell of a story.
If you're interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the CSI shows, this isn't it. There's interesting information on the development and launch of each show and some neat stories about Zuiker's first meetings with the actors who would be his leads (William Petersen, David Caruso and Gary Sinise), but that's about it. This is his story, not CSI's.
November 3, 2018
This book was not exactly what I pictured when I first saw the cover. I questioned the decision to write the book like it was written. Later, I decided that the author wrote the book
using the style of a CSI episode. However, towards the end of the book, Zuiker directly explains why the book was written like it was. Then, he explains the lessons he hoped the book taught us.
While I thought is book was a good book before finishing it, I appreciated Zuiker's style more after competing the book. The book comes around full circle. What you are left with is a deeper understanding of the master mind behind CSI.
Like it or not, this is Zuiker's story to tell. It was his decision how the story was tell. All in all, a must read for any CSI fan!
using the style of a CSI episode. However, towards the end of the book, Zuiker directly explains why the book was written like it was. Then, he explains the lessons he hoped the book taught us.
While I thought is book was a good book before finishing it, I appreciated Zuiker's style more after competing the book. The book comes around full circle. What you are left with is a deeper understanding of the master mind behind CSI.
Like it or not, this is Zuiker's story to tell. It was his decision how the story was tell. All in all, a must read for any CSI fan!
March 20, 2018
Creo que el título habla más de su trayectoria y el libro de la mala relación que tuvo con su padre y cómo ésta afectó su vida. No lo recomiendo si quieres saber sobre su trabajo como creador de CSI, a menos que seas muy fanático y quieras conocer los detalles de su vida.
August 6, 2017
Interesting story twists to chronicle the story of his life and creating the CSI series of TV shows.
October 24, 2021
Entertaining, not life changing. Don't need to be a fan of CSI to read, but I'm sure it would help with some of the stories. Took me a minute to feel like I was hooked.
October 23, 2013
I must admit - I have been a fan of CSI:Crime Scene Investigation since about its third season. The first episode I really remember watching was the one with the kids, the old lady, the cats, and the floaty pen. After that I was hooked. I have every season on DVD, and despite losing many of my favorite actors and characters from the show, I still watch the show today. I haven't been as interested in the spin off series in Miami or New York, but I will probably watch the original Vegas show until it is off the air.
So, I expected reading the story of the man who created one of my favorite television shows would be interesting. What I didn't expect was for the story to be one of the most engrossing reads I have encountered in a long time. It isn't so much the story - man examines his relationship with his father and realizes how this has driven him to greatness - but how it is told. One of the ideas that is constantly repeated is that Anthony Zuiker received encouragement from many people to develop his unique voice. Reading this book you can definitely feel it - this man knows how to craft a story. I have to admit that I picked this book up around 2pm, and though I took a nap, ate dinner, watched some TV, and surfed the internet, I was still finished by 1am the next morning. This is possibly the first time I have read an entire book in a 12 hour period. And though there were other things I should have been doing with my time, once I picked this book up I almost literally couldn't put it down.
For fans of the show this book is an absolute must-read, however I would also recommend this book to fans of autobiographies, creative types, and just in general. I think this book is especially great for creative types struggling to make it in their respective fields. Although this is Anthony's story, and although he is dealing with weighty issues throughout the book, somehow the overall tone comes off as being funny, happy, and supportive. You can tell that he is appreciative of his fans, and enjoys what he does. Despite his struggles and hardships his tone was never bitter or angry. And you can also tell that he supports others who are searching to find their place in this world. Despite the fact that his work deals with serious issues like crime, murder, and violent deaths, the humor and joy is never lost from his voice. It is a captivating look at a man who has created captivating television, and I highly recommend this book to all.
So, I expected reading the story of the man who created one of my favorite television shows would be interesting. What I didn't expect was for the story to be one of the most engrossing reads I have encountered in a long time. It isn't so much the story - man examines his relationship with his father and realizes how this has driven him to greatness - but how it is told. One of the ideas that is constantly repeated is that Anthony Zuiker received encouragement from many people to develop his unique voice. Reading this book you can definitely feel it - this man knows how to craft a story. I have to admit that I picked this book up around 2pm, and though I took a nap, ate dinner, watched some TV, and surfed the internet, I was still finished by 1am the next morning. This is possibly the first time I have read an entire book in a 12 hour period. And though there were other things I should have been doing with my time, once I picked this book up I almost literally couldn't put it down.
For fans of the show this book is an absolute must-read, however I would also recommend this book to fans of autobiographies, creative types, and just in general. I think this book is especially great for creative types struggling to make it in their respective fields. Although this is Anthony's story, and although he is dealing with weighty issues throughout the book, somehow the overall tone comes off as being funny, happy, and supportive. You can tell that he is appreciative of his fans, and enjoys what he does. Despite his struggles and hardships his tone was never bitter or angry. And you can also tell that he supports others who are searching to find their place in this world. Despite the fact that his work deals with serious issues like crime, murder, and violent deaths, the humor and joy is never lost from his voice. It is a captivating look at a man who has created captivating television, and I highly recommend this book to all.
March 4, 2013
Excerpt from Kenosha News-“Off the Shelf” book reviews
In 2000 crime based TV dramas shifted from the traditional “cop on the beat” type stories to more intense forensic and psychological profiles. The first to go this route successfully was CSI-Crime Scene Investigation.
In Mr. CSI: How a Vegas Dreamer Made a Killing in Hollywood, One Body at a Time. Anthony E. Zuiker, the creator of the "CSI" franchise, examines his life and how he overcame a rough childhood to become a successful television writer and producer.
Zuiker grew up in Las Vegas and saw the best and worst of people with a father who tried everything to get rich quick and his mother who worked nonstop to give her son as much stability as she could. Zuiker, who became estranged from his father, grew up taking odd jobs and trying to achieve the success that his dad never achieved until his story ideas were picked up by a Hollywood producer.
Zuiker knows how to tell a good story, and like most episodes of CSI, this one begins with a grisly crime scene in a low-rent Las Vegas apartment. There, the real-life inspirations for the author's fictional characters discovered the body of his long-estranged father. Zuiker received the news the next morning, after having attended an awards show the night before. His return to his hometown to deal with the aftermath provides a gripping start to his memoir. The actual creation of the CSI franchise makes up a relatively small part of the story, though there are a few anecdotes about the stars and the people behind the scenes.
"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and its spinoffs, "CSI: Miami", “CSI: Las Vegas” and "CSI: New York," continue to draw audiences, thanks to their exceptional mysteries and engaging characters. Zuiker demonstrates that the writing is key, and the style of his memoir highlights this fact. The book is worthwhile, even if you haven't watched a single hour.
Some additional fiction books by Anthony E. Zuiker are available at the library as well as CSI fiction and non-fiction series and a ‘The Kids Club - CSI’ series.
We invite you to do your own literary ‘criminal investigations’ and see what TV crime dramas you like can be found in the library.
In 2000 crime based TV dramas shifted from the traditional “cop on the beat” type stories to more intense forensic and psychological profiles. The first to go this route successfully was CSI-Crime Scene Investigation.
In Mr. CSI: How a Vegas Dreamer Made a Killing in Hollywood, One Body at a Time. Anthony E. Zuiker, the creator of the "CSI" franchise, examines his life and how he overcame a rough childhood to become a successful television writer and producer.
Zuiker grew up in Las Vegas and saw the best and worst of people with a father who tried everything to get rich quick and his mother who worked nonstop to give her son as much stability as she could. Zuiker, who became estranged from his father, grew up taking odd jobs and trying to achieve the success that his dad never achieved until his story ideas were picked up by a Hollywood producer.
Zuiker knows how to tell a good story, and like most episodes of CSI, this one begins with a grisly crime scene in a low-rent Las Vegas apartment. There, the real-life inspirations for the author's fictional characters discovered the body of his long-estranged father. Zuiker received the news the next morning, after having attended an awards show the night before. His return to his hometown to deal with the aftermath provides a gripping start to his memoir. The actual creation of the CSI franchise makes up a relatively small part of the story, though there are a few anecdotes about the stars and the people behind the scenes.
"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and its spinoffs, "CSI: Miami", “CSI: Las Vegas” and "CSI: New York," continue to draw audiences, thanks to their exceptional mysteries and engaging characters. Zuiker demonstrates that the writing is key, and the style of his memoir highlights this fact. The book is worthwhile, even if you haven't watched a single hour.
Some additional fiction books by Anthony E. Zuiker are available at the library as well as CSI fiction and non-fiction series and a ‘The Kids Club - CSI’ series.
We invite you to do your own literary ‘criminal investigations’ and see what TV crime dramas you like can be found in the library.
July 16, 2015
This book wasn't what I was expecting, based on the title, and I don't mean that in a good way. And why, prey tell, does the creator of "CSI" need help from Mr. Gold? The title could have been: Mr. CSI: My 25-year dysfunctional non-relationship with my father and how I finally got rid of his ashes.
At the beginning of the book the author is told that the father he hasn't seen in 25 years has shot himself. I thought Ewwww! He's going to make a connection from "CSI" to his father's death! But, no, he didn't. So then flashback to high school and he says that he signed up for a forensics class. Aha! Here's the connection to "CSI." But, no, it sort of isn't. But it is an opportunity to reprint Edgar Allan Poe's poem, "Annabel Lee," in it's entirety. At the very end of the book the author gives the following inspirational advice to up-and-comers:
There is a little inside information about "CSI" and complimentary remarks for the stars of all three versions (Las Vegas, Miami, and New York) but, when you come right down to it, a lot more of the book is about the misses than the hits.
And, FYI, I started watching the original "CSI" from the first show and I was a fan of "Quincy" before that.
At the beginning of the book the author is told that the father he hasn't seen in 25 years has shot himself. I thought Ewwww! He's going to make a connection from "CSI" to his father's death! But, no, he didn't. So then flashback to high school and he says that he signed up for a forensics class. Aha! Here's the connection to "CSI." But, no, it sort of isn't. But it is an opportunity to reprint Edgar Allan Poe's poem, "Annabel Lee," in it's entirety. At the very end of the book the author gives the following inspirational advice to up-and-comers:
There is a little inside information about "CSI" and complimentary remarks for the stars of all three versions (Las Vegas, Miami, and New York) but, when you come right down to it, a lot more of the book is about the misses than the hits.
And, FYI, I started watching the original "CSI" from the first show and I was a fan of "Quincy" before that.
July 19, 2015
Ever since I first saw the very first episode of CSI I was hooked. I love overly dramatic shows I enjoy getting lost in the drama and then having it all come out ok in the end. So this type of show was perfect, mixing drama and science and human interest was brilliant. Then I saw CSI: NY because it had to do with my favorite city in the US (I've never really been anywhere else so I can't tell if it's my favorite city in the world yet) and was swept up in that as well. Basically I became a huge fan of Anthony Duiker's and when I saw this book come out (and then he came in to sign it) I knew it had to buy the book and read it. It took me a long time to finally get around to it but I did and I thought it was good. It was more a story about a young man desperately trying to impress a father that was never really around. But it was an interesting tale to see how this young man went from barely able to survive to creating one of the most watched shows ever. It was an interesting journey to read about and Mr. Zuiker is a totally fascinating and utterly normal guy. A good read if you love the shows and want to know more about the man behind the man behind them.
January 7, 2026
I've never watched a CSI episode. I don't even know enough of it to name characters or plots. I'd heard enough to know it was popular, but that's about it.
Honestly, I don't know why I borrowed this book from the library. I like unique biographies and memoirs, it's true. This book has a cool cover. I'm a writer, and was once an aspiring actor. I guess that's why.
I loved this book. It is both a "how I did it" book and a true story of an estranged father and son. It's wonderfully paced, which comes from writing suspense television, and reads like an addicting novel. Though the story jumps around on the timeline of Anthony's life, I was never confused. I really enjoyed reading this book and experiencing someone's story. And now maybe I'll have to check out CSI.
Honestly, I don't know why I borrowed this book from the library. I like unique biographies and memoirs, it's true. This book has a cool cover. I'm a writer, and was once an aspiring actor. I guess that's why.
I loved this book. It is both a "how I did it" book and a true story of an estranged father and son. It's wonderfully paced, which comes from writing suspense television, and reads like an addicting novel. Though the story jumps around on the timeline of Anthony's life, I was never confused. I really enjoyed reading this book and experiencing someone's story. And now maybe I'll have to check out CSI.
September 16, 2012
Picked it up from the library on a whim because I'm curious how people come up with an idea for a television show that goes viral.
Not really a story of CSI so much as an inspirational account of how a man works hard and makes something of himself. The author worked extremely hard, following one idea and then the next with every ounce of his available effort until he finally found success.
Clean read warning - Several graphic accounts of violence, especially the account of the author's father's suicide. Very sad affair.
Not really a story of CSI so much as an inspirational account of how a man works hard and makes something of himself. The author worked extremely hard, following one idea and then the next with every ounce of his available effort until he finally found success.
Clean read warning - Several graphic accounts of violence, especially the account of the author's father's suicide. Very sad affair.
August 15, 2016
Who can resist a rags to riches story? Anthony Zuiker is definitely a self-made man driven by his desire and passion to succeed in whatever he dabbed his hands into... It just happens that he succeeded in television. The book chronicles his search for a path in life, some he instigated while others by pure chance and luck. Weaving the narrative through the ups and downs, Zuiker always returns to the suicidal death of his father and his own attempt to understand what happened. Fast paced and honest. A bonus read if you are a CSI fan.
November 21, 2014
I began watching "CSI: Vegas" the day it first aired and found it fascinating. When I saw this book about the creator, I thought it would shed light on how he came up with the story lines. Instead it was about his childhood and the things he went through to get to where he is today. I enjoy reading about people so I liked this book, it just wasn't what I expected when I originally picked it up.
July 11, 2014
I'll admit that watching CSI has been a long-time guilty pleasure of mine so it was that connection that piqued an interest in this book. In Zuiker's own admission, what started out as his rags to riches tale became more an account of his journey to forgiving his absentee father. A well-written memoir.
September 3, 2013
Great and easy read! I finished in about 5 hours instead of going to bed. I've always been a fan of CSI and Las Vegas so it kept my interest. Even if I wasn't a fan of either, the author's writing style is dynamic and interesting, a factor in his success as he shares. Super interesting!
December 30, 2011
The description of this book was not even remotely accurate. Would not recommend.
January 8, 2012
Not what I expected. Second half better than the first. I'd prob give it 2 1/2 stars.
March 9, 2012
Very interesting story about the man behind the series and how the CSI franchise began. But fame and fortune can mess up your life.
August 16, 2012
Great book!! I think my fav part was the epilog. I am going to take some quotes and save them for later use.
December 20, 2012
good quick read. could not get over the fact that this guy of all people would screw up the difference between blood spatter and blood splatter, very disappointing.
August 12, 2016
This wasn't what I expected yet I liked it. It was interesting to see how Zuiker got to where he is today. Well written.
March 21, 2014
this was a nice book and just like the show, had twists and stories that connected. it was pretty cool getting to know the man behind the csi and how the spin offs happened.
November 1, 2012
Interesting.
February 8, 2015
i wouldn't say it's phenomenal..but it is good enough to make u feel entertained
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews