NYPD red
James Patterson, Marshall Karp
NYPD red
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by James Patterson, Marshall Karp
NYPD Red
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), 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
Detective Zach Jordan dives into a puzzling case when shocking crimes happen during a bustling time filled with famous stars and glitzy events. As the city buzzes with excitement, he races to uncover the truth behind these daring acts. Danger lurks in every corner of the glamorous nightlife.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include realistic violence, physical danger. Written for readers ages 13+.
Why we rated NYPD red 9MP
NYPD red is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 400 pages (approximately 68,795 words). Strong independent readers around grade 5.8 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, NYPD red works for readers up to grade 6.8.
Read aloud, NYPD red runs about 7.7 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate NYPD red as 9MP ("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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Realistic Violence, Physical Danger.
Thematically, NYPD red weaves together mystery and adventure.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
6/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Peril at the top of the world
James Patterson, Chris Grabenstein
Peril at the top of the world
James Patterson, Chris Grabenstein
Private
James Patterson, Maxine Paetro
Private
James Patterson, Maxine Paetro
Private games
James Patterson, Mark Sullivan
Private games
James Patterson, Mark Sullivan
Private Berlin
James Patterson, Mark Sullivan
Private Berlin
James Patterson, Mark Sullivan
Confessions
James Patterson
Confessions
James Patterson
Mary, Mary
James Patterson
Mary, Mary
James Patterson
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780316199865
- Pages
- 400
- Publisher
- Little Brown & Company
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 68,795
- Read-Aloud
- ~7h 39m
- Text Density
- Standard