Death cloud
Andrew Lane
Death cloud
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Andrew Lane
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.
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About This Book
What would you do if you stumbled upon a mysterious corpse covered in strange blisters? Fourteen-year-old Sherlock Holmes is pulled into a thrilling chase from peaceful countryside to the shadowy docks of London. Danger lurks everywhere, but can Sherlock uncover the deadly secret before it’s too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows a young Sherlock Holmes as he investigates a chilling case involving a blister-covered corpse and a sinister plot threatening Britain's future. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book contains elements of suspense, mild peril, and historical references, making it an engaging read for young detectives. Parents should note the presence of themes like kidnapping and espionage, which are handled with appropriate intensity for this age group.
Why we rated Death cloud 12ME
Death cloud is written at a Level 7 reading level across 379 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Death cloud works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Death cloud 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, Death cloud explores mystery, adventure, historical, detective, and courage — 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, adventure, historical.
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
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
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781410439710
- Pages
- 379
- Publisher
- Thorndike Press
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction