Dickens & Rumi

book

Island of the Mad

Laurie R. King · 2018

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Island of the Mad by Laurie R. King. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Violence; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Book 15 · Mary Russell and Sherlock HolmesSource checked

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Deaths are central to the mystery plot and investigation.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of injuries or crime scenes consistent with the mystery genre, but generally non-graphic.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Uses occasional period-appropriate mild language.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Likely minor LGBTQIA representation, if present, rather than a central theme; the supplied excerpt does not confirm specific characters or relationships.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religion may appear in the historical and cultural setting, but the supplied excerpt does not establish recurring religious themes or practices.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the established, mature partnership between Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

The setting of a psychiatric asylum and the nature of the mystery create a tense, sometimes eerie atmosphere.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Contains very minimal or implied content; strictly romance-appropriate for adults.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Features social drinking and tobacco use consistent with the era.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes typical mystery violence, including threats and physical confrontations, but not gratuitous or prolonged.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The leads consistently face danger to solve complex problems.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The mystery requires clever deduction and logical problem-solving.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Reflects a diverse cast of characters in terms of socio-economic status and mental health, within historical constraints.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides some insight into history and the treatment of mental illness in the early 20th century.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists show compassion for the vulnerable in a challenging setting.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Explores themes of truth, justice, and the complexities of human sanity.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters display intelligence, persistence, and commitment to justice.

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 Island of the Mad would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Island of the Mad, 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

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

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

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