Swimsuit
by James Patterson, Maxine Paetro
Little, Brown 2009
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.6 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- kidnapping and abduction
- serial murder
- media ethics and exploitation
- power and control
- voyeurism and spectacle
- grief and parental desperation
- moral compromise
- psychological manipulation
About this book
A supermodel vanishes during a photo shoot in Hawaii, drawing her desperate parents and LA Times reporter Ben Hawkins into a ruthless hunt for a sadistic killer who turns murder into spectacle. As Hawkins is pulled deeper into the case, he’s forced into a chilling cat-and-mouse game that blurs the line between chasing a story and becoming part of it.
Setting: Primarily Hawaii (resort areas on Oahu), with scenes in Los Angeles and other international locations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Swimsuit right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Swimsuit. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include kidnapping and abduction, serial murder, media ethics and exploitation.
How long does it take to read Swimsuit?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Swimsuit takes around 8.1h to finish. The book has 73,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Swimsuit have an AR quiz?
Yes — Swimsuit has an AR quiz available, worth 11 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Swimsuit?
Swimsuit has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.