Body, Crime, Suspect
Norah McClintock
Body, Crime, Suspect
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
How a Murder Investigation Really Works
by Norah McClintock
Illustrated by Paul McCusker
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Dive into a gripping mystery where every clue counts in solving a puzzling murder. Follow the twists and turns of a Canadian investigation as secrets unravel and suspects emerge. Perfect for young detectives ready to crack the case!
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 6-7 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, mystery. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated Body, Crime, Suspect 11MP
Body, Crime, Suspect is written at a Level 6-7 reading level across 170 pages (approximately 38,516 words). Strong independent readers around grade 7.1 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Body, Crime, Suspect works for readers up to grade 8.1.
Read aloud, Body, Crime, Suspect runs about 4.3 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate Body, Crime, Suspect as 11MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Mystery.
Thematically, Body, Crime, Suspect explores mystery, detective stories, 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, detective stories, adventure.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
4/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Body Finder
Kimberly Derting
The Body Finder
Kimberly Derting
Body, crime, suspect
Norah McClintock
Body, crime, suspect
Norah McClintock
Body in the Basement
Norah McClintock
Body in the Basement
Norah McClintock
Odysseys in Crime Scene Science
Valerie Bodden
Odysseys in Crime Scene Science
Valerie Bodden
Serial Murders (Crime and Detection)
Brian Innes
Serial Murders (Crime and Detection)
Brian Innes
Crime Scene Investigation
Sue Hamilton
Crime Scene Investigation
Sue Hamilton
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0439987695
- Pages
- 170
- Publisher
- Markham, Ont. : Scholastic Canada
- Published
- November 2001
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Word Count
- 38,516
- Read-Aloud
- ~4h 17m
- Text Density
- Standard