Dust

Patricia Cornwell

Cover of Dust

Dust

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Patricia Cornwell

Scarpetta

Reading Level 6-7 Intense (Lvl 4) Ages 13+ Matched

The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.

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About This Book

After witnessing a devastating mass tragedy, Kay Scarpetta dives into a chilling case involving the death of a graduate student connected to strange murders in D.C. As danger closes in, her husband, an FBI agent, races to catch a serial killer lurking in the shadows. Together, they navigate a dark and twisted investigation that tests their resolve and courage.

Themes

MysteryThrillerCrimeFamily

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 6-7 book with intense content intensity. Content themes include murder, violence, emotional: fear & anxiety. Written for readers ages 13+.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 4 — Intense
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Heavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.

Content Flags

Murder Violence Emotional: Fear & Anxiety
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

4/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
8
Narrative Pace
3
Theme Richness
7
World Scope
9
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

495 pages
130,718 words
14h 31m read-aloud
ISBN
9780399157578
Pages
495
Publisher
Putnam Publishing Group
Published
2013
Type
Fiction
Word Count
130,718
Read-Aloud
~14h 31m
Text Density
Dense

Genres

Subjects

Kay ScarpettaSerial MurdersMurder VictimsThrillersForensic PathologistsSuspenseMedical ExaminersCrimeKriminalromanAmerikanisches EnglischScarpettaKayCambridgeWashington

Places

Cambridge (Mass.)Washington (D.C.)CambridgeMassachusetts