The word is murder

Anthony Horowitz

Cover of The word is murder

The word is murder

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Novel

by Anthony Horowitz

Reading Level 5-6 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 13+ Matched

The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

When a wealthy woman arranges her own funeral but is found strangled the same day, a sharp and unconventional detective teams up with a reluctant writer to uncover the truth. Together, they navigate twists and secrets in a gripping mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end. This clever tale blends clever detective work with unexpected surprises in a modern crime adventure.

Themes

MysteryInvestigationFriendshipCrimePrivate Investigators

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 5-6 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include murder, investigation, emotional: fear & anxiety. Written for readers ages 13+.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

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

Content Flags

Murder Investigation Emotional: Fear & Anxiety
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

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
4
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
5
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

390 pages
96,292 words
10h 42m read-aloud
ISBN
9780062676788
Pages
390
Publisher
Harper
Published
2018
Type
Fiction
Word Count
96,292
Read-Aloud
~10h 42m
Text Density
Standard

Genres

Subjects

Private InvestigatorsMurderInvestigationMystery & DetectiveAmateur SleuthThrillersCrimeMystery FictionGreat BritainWomenCrimes AgainstAuthorsSecrecyEnglandDetective and Mystery StoriesCelebritiesEnglish LiteratureSerie:Hawthorne-&-Horowitz

People

Daniel HawthorneAnthony HorowitzSherlock Holmes