Dickens & Rumi

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Close to Death

Anthony Horowitz · 2024

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Close to Death by Anthony Horowitz. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Strong language; positive qualities include Creativity & curiosity, Courage & resilience.

Book 5 · Hawthorne & HorowitzSource checked

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Strong language2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Courage & resilience2/5
  • Good role models2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

No notable product placement or commercial push.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Death is the inciting incident for the investigation.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

The nature of the crime is investigated, but descriptions are not gratuitously bloody.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild profanity consistent with contemporary adult crime fiction.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Interpersonal relationships are present but are not the primary focus.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Some suspenseful moments typical of a detective mystery.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Adult themes are discussed, but explicit sexual content is absent.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Social drinking may occur, consistent with character settings.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Typical of a mystery novel; murder is central to the plot, but violence is generally described after the fact rather than depicted graphically.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate perseverance in investigating danger.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Promotes engagement with puzzle-solving and meta-fictional elements.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Represented by a cross-section of community characters.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Develops critical thinking and interest in deductive reasoning.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Secondary to the objective of solving the case.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the pursuit of justice and the unveiling of hidden truths.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists are flawed, human characters engaged in solving crimes.

Family discussion

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

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Close to Death would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Close to Death, and what caused that change?
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