One Head Too Many (The Master of Defence)
Peter Tonkin
One Head Too Many (The Master of Defence)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Peter Tonkin
The text is written at a 6th 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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Tom Musgrave ducks just in time as a shadowy figure lunges at him in the dark alley. Heart pounding, he knows this is no ordinary fight — there’s a mystery lurking behind every corner. But who is the real enemy, and what secret are they trying to hide?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical mystery follows young Tom Musgrave as he navigates dangerous situations and uncovers secrets in a suspenseful story suited for middle-grade readers. The book contains mild peril and suspenseful moments appropriate for ages 9 to 12, with themes of crime and detective work set in a historical context. Parents should note the presence of mystery-driven tension but no graphic content.
Why we rated One Head Too Many (The Master of Defence) 11MP
One Head Too Many (The Master of Defence) is written at a Level 6 reading level across 256 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, One Head Too Many (The Master of Defence) works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate One Head Too Many (The Master of Defence) as 11MP ("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, thematic difficulty — 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, One Head Too Many (The Master of Defence) explores mystery, historical, crime, and adventure — 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, historical, crime.
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
11MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
One ghost too many
Drew Stevenson
One ghost too many
Drew Stevenson
One John A. too many
Richard Bruce Wright
One John A. too many
Richard Bruce Wright
One corpse too many
Edith Pargeter
One corpse too many
Edith Pargeter
One foot in the grave
Peter Dickinson
One foot in the grave
Peter Dickinson
The Faceless Fiend
Howard Whitehouse
The Faceless Fiend
Howard Whitehouse
Master of Akido (Choose Your Own Adventure, No 166)
Richard Brightfield
Master of Akido (Choose Your Own Adventure, No 166)
Richard Brightfield
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780727857248
- Pages
- 256
- Publisher
- Severn House Publishers
- Published
- November 2002
- Type
- Fiction