Dickens & Rumi

book

Butchers Hill (A Tess Monaghan Investigation)

Laura Lippman; Deborah Hazlett · 1998

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Butchers Hill (A Tess Monaghan Investigation) by Laura Lippman; Deborah Hazlett. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Violence, Frightening scenes; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Source checked

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

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

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The story is not known for prominent brand placement or persuasive product marketing.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The mystery revolves around past murders and the consequences of death on those involved.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of injuries related to criminal activity, though not overly graphic.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Includes moderate strong language and street-level dialogue consistent with crime fiction.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Faith may appear in minor cultural or incidental references, but religion is not a meaningful focus.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Contains subplot elements of adult romantic relationships.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Maintains a suspenseful, often tense tone as the protagonist investigates dangerous individuals.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Brief mentions of adult sexual activity or situations, typical of the genre.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Characters are shown drinking alcohol in social or casual settings.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of physical altercations, threats, and crime-related violence.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist demonstrates significant bravery in the face of dangerous criminal elements.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Requires deductive thinking and creative problem-solving by the protagonist.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast typical of an urban Baltimore setting.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into the workings of the legal system and private investigation.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Moments of empathy and professional ethics balance the hard-boiled tone.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The mystery explores justice, accountability, loyalty, and the consequences of violence and criminal choices.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Tess Monaghan is depicted as a determined and principled investigator.

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 Butchers Hill (A Tess Monaghan Investigation) would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Butchers Hill (A Tess Monaghan Investigation), 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