Dickens & Rumi

book

The Dead and the Dark

Courtney Gould · 2021

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould. This book is recommended for ages 14+; content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, LGBTQIA characters; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? YA prose and themes are accessible to teens, but supernatural horror, disappearances, murder, grief, danger, and emotionally intense family conflict make it better suited to about age 14+. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • LGBTQIA characters4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Death and murder are central to the mystery, with grief, loss, and the effects of past deaths explored at length.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of supernatural wounds and decaying entities, but not overly graphic.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Contains some moderate profanity consistent with the YA genre.

LGBTQIA characters4/5
Why this rating?

The lead protagonists are in a queer relationship; it is central to the narrative.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religion is not a central theme or focus in this narrative.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

A developing same-gender romantic relationship is important to the story, with attraction and emotional intimacy rather than explicit sexual content.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Ghosts, hauntings, ominous disappearances, possession-like danger, and sustained supernatural suspense create a distinctly frightening atmosphere.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mentions of crushes or kisses, but no explicit sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional background mentions of alcohol, but not a focus.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Features supernatural encounters, physical threats, and injuries sustained during the investigation.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly confront frightening supernatural threats, painful secrets, prejudice, and grief instead of avoiding them.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The inventive ghost mystery, shifting secrets, and supernatural investigation encourage imaginative engagement and interpretation.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features diverse representation through its queer leads.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, empathy, emotional support, and care for people affected by loss are meaningful counterforces to fear and hostility.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on dealing with trauma, truth-seeking, and the importance of connection.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Young characters show persistence, loyalty, and moral courage, though they also make risky choices under pressure.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in The Dead and the Dark would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Dead and the Dark, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating