Dickens & Rumi

book

Touched by the dead

Robert Barnard · 1999

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Touched by the dead by Robert Barnard. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Alcohol or drugs; positive qualities include Positive messages, Courage & resilience.

Source checked

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages3/5
  • Courage & resilience2/5
  • Creativity & curiosity2/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Death is the primary catalyst for the narrative.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Death is central but described in a standard literary mystery style without excessive gore.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Features occasional mild language.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religious ideas or references appear incidental rather than a major focus of the mystery.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Contains minor romantic subplots characteristic of the genre.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Includes tense moments common to the mystery genre.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Contains brief, non-explicit adult references.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Social drinking occurs in line with British country house settings.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Features discovery of a body and some investigative peril, but not explicit combat.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Main character must act bravely to uncover the truth.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

The mystery plot requires logical deduction and imagination.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The cast appears to reflect a relatively conventional late-1990s British mystery setting, with limited demonstrated diversity.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Exposes readers to British mystery conventions.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

The mystery includes some empathy and cooperation among allies, but kindness is not its central theme.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Explores themes of truth and the consequences of hidden actions.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists show resourcefulness during investigation.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. What message do you think the story most wants you to remember?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Touched by the dead would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Touched by the dead, 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