Murder has your number
Hugh Garner
Murder has your number
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
An Inspector McDumont Mystery
by Hugh Garner
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Here's a secret: what looks like a simple hit-and-run might be hiding a much darker mystery. Inspector McDumont is on the case, but every clue leads to more questions. And that’s only the beginning of a puzzling adventure.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows DI Walter McDumont as he investigates a suspicious death initially thought to be a hit-and-run. The story explores themes of crime-solving and critical thinking suitable for ages 9-12, with mild suspense but no graphic content. It encourages readers to engage with problem-solving and deduction.
Why we rated Murder has your number 11LE
Murder has your number is written at a Level 6 reading level across 263 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Murder has your number works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Murder has your number as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Murder has your number explores mystery, detective stories, law & crime, 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, detective stories, law & crime.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0070827036
- Pages
- 263
- Publisher
- McGraw-Hill Ryerson
- Published
- Apr 10, 1978
- Type
- Fiction