The birthday murder

Lange Lewis

Cover of The birthday murder

The birthday murder

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Lange Lewis

Reading Level 6 11ME Ages 9-12 Matched

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.

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About This Book

Here's a secret: a writer's birthday celebration turns into a puzzling mystery when her husband is found poisoned—just like in one of her books. Everyone thinks she did it, but the truth hides deeper than anyone expects. And that's only the beginning.

Themes

MysteryDetectiveFamily

Quick Assessment

Set during Hollywood's Golden Age, this middle-grade mystery follows Victoria, a writer who becomes the prime suspect in her husband's poisoning on her birthday. The story explores themes of suspicion, investigation, and uncovering hidden truths, making it suitable for readers aged 9-12 who enjoy detective stories with moderate suspense.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Light
Social
Light
Thematic
Moderate

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

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
3
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

206 pages
ISBN
0824023811
Pages
206
Publisher
Garland Pub.
Published
1976
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Mystery & DetectivePoisoningMotion Picture Producers and DirectorsCrimes AgainstWomen AuthorsPoliceMurderInvestigation