Dickens & Rumi

book

Booked for Murder

Val McDermid · 1998

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Booked for Murder by Val McDermid. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, LGBTQIA characters; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Good role models.

Source checked

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • LGBTQIA characters3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Good role models3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity2/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Murder is the central plot point, with the investigation of fatal crimes.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of crime scenes and bodily harm, but not gratuitous or excessive.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Uses occasional moderate profanity and gritty language suitable for the genre.

LGBTQIA characters3/5
Why this rating?

Lindsay Gordon is an openly lesbian protagonist, and her identity and relationships are meaningful to the mystery, though LGBTQIA themes are not the book’s sole focus.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Includes adult romantic relationships as part of the protagonist's personal life.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Tense atmosphere surrounding the investigation and the danger faced by the protagonist.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Contains some sexual references and mature relationship themes.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Social drinking is depicted as part of the adult characters' lives.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Features murder investigations with threats and physical altercations typical of the crime genre.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist frequently puts herself at risk to find the truth.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages analytical thinking and problem-solving through the mystery format.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features an LGBTQ+ protagonist and diverse cast of characters.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The story may offer incidental insight into investigative journalism and reporting, but teaching real-world knowledge is not its main purpose.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Characters show concern for others and loyalty within their relationships.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the pursuit of justice and truth in a complex world.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist demonstrates integrity and persistence, though she is flawed.

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 Booked for Murder would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Booked for Murder, 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