At the Hands of Another
A. Lyons
At the Hands of Another
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by A. Lyons
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What secrets hide behind the city's sparkling skyline? Jacob Asch steps into a mystery when he’s asked to uncover the truth about a man who died from a strange illness nobody expected. But as clues unravel, the real danger is only beginning to surface.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows Jacob Asch, a private investigator drawn into a complex case involving a wealthy man’s unexpected death from a rare disease. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of intrigue and city life while maintaining age-appropriate suspense and mild peril. Parents should note the plot involves mystery elements and some tension but no graphic content.
Why we rated At the Hands of Another 11LP
At the Hands of Another is written at a Level 6 reading level across 231 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, At the Hands of Another works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate At the Hands of Another as 11LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, At the Hands of Another explores mystery, private investigators, city life, and adventure — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, private investigators, city life.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780030085338
- Pages
- 231
- Publisher
- Owl Books
- Published
- March 1987
- Type
- Fiction