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NYPD red

James Patterson, Marshall Karp

Cover of NYPD red

NYPD red

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by James Patterson, Marshall Karp

NYPD Red

Reading Level 4-5 9MP Ages 13+ Matched

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.

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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 — Physical
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Moderate
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Realistic Violence Physical Danger
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

6/10

Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
5
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
7
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

400 pages
68,795 words
7h 39m read-aloud
ISBN
9780316199865
Pages
400
Publisher
Little Brown & Company
Published
2012
Type
Fiction
Word Count
68,795
Read-Aloud
~7h 39m
Text Density
Standard

Genres

Subjects

Motion PicturesDetectivesMurderInvestigationProduction and DirectionCrimeNew YorkMacDonald, KylieDetective and Mystery StoriesPoliceSerial MurderersMotion Pictures - Production and Direction - New York- New York - FictionJordan, Zach

People

Kylie MacDonald (Fictitious character)Zach Jordan (Fictitious character)

Places

New York (State)New YorkNew York (N.Y.)