The long revenge
June Thomson
The long revenge
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by June Thomson
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
A secret message warns Alec Mercer that his peaceful retirement is about to end with a deadly revenge. Alec, a clever British secret agent, knows enemies come with the job, but this threat is different. Detective Inspector Rudd starts to uncover old mysteries and hidden dangers, but that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows Alec Mercer, a British Secret Service agent facing a threatening note from an unknown enemy. The story involves espionage, historical secrets, and a detective unraveling past betrayals. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains mild suspense and themes of loyalty and justice without graphic content.
Why we rated The long revenge 9LE
The long revenge is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 168 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The long revenge works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The long revenge as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The long revenge explores mystery, adventure, historical, police, and friendship — 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, adventure, historical.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Revenge
Noel Hynd
Revenge
Noel Hynd
The revenge of Annie Charlie.
Alan Fry
The revenge of Annie Charlie.
Alan Fry
A long silence
Nicolas Freeling
A long silence
Nicolas Freeling
Revenge in the silent tomb
J. J. Fortune
Revenge in the silent tomb
J. J. Fortune
Montmorency's Revenge
Eleanor Updale
Montmorency's Revenge
Eleanor Updale
The reluctant heiress
Reay Tannahill
The reluctant heiress
Reay Tannahill
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0385090048
- Pages
- 168
- Publisher
- Doubleday
- Published
- 1975
- Type
- Fiction