To catch a killer
Sheryl Scarborough
To catch a killer
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by Sheryl Scarborough
The text is written at a 7th 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
Erin’s heart pounds as she stares at the lifeless body of her biology teacher, hidden in a shadowy corner of the school. Suddenly, a noise echoes down the empty hallway—someone’s coming. Can Erin uncover the truth before it’s too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows Erin, a high school student who discovers her biology teacher’s body and embarks on a quest to solve her mother’s long-ago murder. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book explores themes of loss and justice with some suspenseful and mature content that may require parental guidance. It’s a gripping read for young detectives but includes some darker elements related to crime and grief.
Why we rated To catch a killer 12ME
To catch a killer is written at a Level 7 reading level across 320 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, To catch a killer works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate To catch a killer as 12ME ("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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Murder, Suspense.
Thematically, To catch a killer explores murder, juvenile fiction, high school students, mystery, and family — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about murder, juvenile fiction, high school students.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 9780765381910
- Pages
- 320
- Publisher
- Macmillan
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction