To kill a cop
Daley, Robert
To kill a cop
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Daley, Robert
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
This story shows how bravery can shine brightest in the darkest moments. When two heroes are lost, one detective races to stop a terrible plan from unfolding at their funeral. It’s a race against time that shows why courage and justice truly matter.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction centers on Detective Earl Eisheid’s urgent quest to stop assassins targeting law enforcement in New York City. While the subject involves violence and threats, the story focuses on themes of bravery, justice, and the fight against extremism. Recommended for ages 9-12 with parental guidance due to mature themes involving crime and peril.
Why we rated To kill a cop 12ME
To kill a cop is written at a Level 7 reading level across 308 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, To kill a cop works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate To kill a cop 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, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Violence, Threats.
Thematically, To kill a cop explores adventure, mystery, and social justice — 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 adventure, mystery, social justice.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
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
3/10A 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
- 0517527537
- Pages
- 308
- Publisher
- Crown Publishers
- Published
- 1976
- Type
- Fiction