Deadgame
Kirk Russell
Deadgame
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A John Marquez Crime Novel
by Kirk Russell
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 a secret underwater world was hiding a dangerous secret? When sturgeon start disappearing mysteriously, it’s not just about fish eggs—there’s a shadowy group behind it all. Can John Marquez solve the mystery before the danger catches up to him?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows John Marquez, an ex-DEA agent turned investigator, as he uncovers illegal sturgeon poaching tied to organized crime. The story touches on themes of environmental conservation, crime, and undercover investigations, suitable for ages 9-12 with moderate suspense and some complex plot elements.
Why we rated Deadgame 12MP
Deadgame is written at a Level 7 reading level across 377 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Deadgame works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Deadgame as 12MP ("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, social complexity, thematic difficulty — 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, Deadgame explores adventure, mystery, government investigations, environmental conservation, and crime — 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 adventure, mystery, government investigations.
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
12MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal 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
3/10A 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
Shell Games
Kirk Russell
Shell Games
Kirk Russell
Dead in the water
Robin Stevenson
Dead in the water
Robin Stevenson
The deadly game
Jim Eldridge
The deadly game
Jim Eldridge
The Deadliest Game (Tom Clancy's Net Force; Young Adult)
Tom Clancy
The Deadliest Game (Tom Clancy's Net Force; Young Adult)
Tom Clancy
Dead water
Ngaio Marsh
Dead water
Ngaio Marsh
Dead in the water
Franklin W. Dixon
Dead in the water
Franklin W. Dixon
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780811850780
- Pages
- 377
- Publisher
- Chronicle Books
- Published
- 2005
- Type
- Fiction