The burning soul

John Connolly

Cover of The burning soul

The burning soul

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by John Connolly

Reading Level 8 12ME Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 8th 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

What happens when a dark secret from the past refuses to stay buried? In a quiet town by the sea, a private detective faces mysterious messages and a new missing girl. Can he uncover the truth before more secrets come to light?

Themes

Missing personsPrivate investigatorsInvestigationMissing childrenFiction

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade mystery follows a private investigator unraveling a complex case involving past crimes and a new missing child in a small town. The story includes themes of crime, secrecy, and investigation suitable for readers aged 9-12, though parents should be aware of intense themes like past violence and suspenseful situations. The book offers a gripping narrative while exploring the consequences of hidden truths.

For Parents

Content Intensity

12ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Light
Social
Light
Thematic
Moderate

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

Content Flags

Past violence Missing child
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

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

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Details

Book Length

421 pages
ISBN
9780340993552
Pages
421
Publisher
Hodder & Stoughton
Published
2012
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Missing PersonsPrivate InvestigatorsInvestigationMissing ChildrenParkerCharlie "bird"Maine

People

Charlie "Bird" Parker (Fictitious character)