Dead investigation
Charlie Price
Dead investigation
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Charlie Price
The text is written at a 7th 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
What if you could talk to the spirits of those who rest beneath the ground? Imagine living in a cemetery, where every whisper might hold a deadly secret. When a new murder strikes, Murray must decide if solving it is worth risking everything he cares about.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Murray Kiefer, a boy with the unique ability to communicate with spirits in a cemetery. After previously helping solve a murder, Murray faces new dangers when another brutal killing occurs. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of mystery and the paranormal with some suspenseful and potentially intense moments.
Why we rated Dead investigation 12ME
Dead investigation is written at a Level 7 reading level across 324 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dead investigation works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Dead investigation as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Dead investigation explores mystery, paranormal fiction, friendship, and juvenile fiction — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, paranormal fiction, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
Dead is a state of mind
Marlene Perez
Dead is a state of mind
Marlene Perez
Dead is just a rumor
Marlene Perez
Dead is just a rumor
Marlene Perez
Hear the Dead Cry
Charlie Price
Hear the Dead Cry
Charlie Price
Dead Girl Moon
Charlie Price
Dead Girl Moon
Charlie Price
Dead Good Read
Maggi McCormick
Dead Good Read
Maggi McCormick
Alive and dead
Elizabeth Ferrars
Alive and dead
Elizabeth Ferrars
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780374302276
- Pages
- 324
- Publisher
- Macmillan + ORM
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction