So much blood
Simon Brett
So much blood
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Simon Brett
The text is written at a 4th 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.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at a huge festival? Charles Paris is juggling a tricky murder mystery, a tricky love mess, and the wild, noisy Edinburgh Festival all at once. But when a shocking crime shakes the city, can he solve it before more trouble strikes?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows Charles Paris as he navigates a complex murder investigation set against the vibrant backdrop of the Edinburgh Festival. Blending theatrical elements and suspense, the story features themes of relationships and crime, suitable for readers aged 9-12 who enjoy thoughtful mysteries. Some scenes involve mild peril and romantic elements, presented in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated So much blood 9ME
So much blood is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 191 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, So much blood works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate So much blood as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, 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, So much blood explores mystery, theater, friendship, family, 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, theater, friendship.
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
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0684148048
- Pages
- 191
- Publisher
- Scribner
- Published
- 1976
- Type
- Fiction