Dickens & Rumi

book

Secrets Can Kill

Leslie McFarlane · 1986

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Secrets Can Kill by Leslie McFarlane. This book is content notes include Frightening scenes, Death of a character, Violence; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Source checked

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Death of a character2/5
  • Violence2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

A murder is central to the mystery, though the available description does not indicate graphic depiction or extensive focus on grieving.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

The murder mystery may mention death or injuries, but available information indicates no vivid or sustained descriptions of blood or wounds.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Language appears limited to mild, period-appropriate expressions or insults, with no indication of strong profanity or slurs.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Brief teen romantic interest may appear, but romance is a minor element rather than a main storyline.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Maintains a suspenseful, mildly tense atmosphere throughout the investigation.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

There may be incidental references to substances, but use is not described as a major theme or glamorized behavior.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes fights, threats, and typical action-mystery encounters, but lacks graphic intensity.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters consistently show bravery in the face of danger to find the truth.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Encourages imagination through the complex mystery-solving plot.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The available assessment suggests limited representation typical of its era; there is not enough detail to identify broader, well-developed diversity.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The investigation can encourage observation, deduction, and logical reasoning, but teaching is incidental rather than the book’s main purpose.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Friends show loyalty and protect one another, although the available information does not establish kindness as a dominant theme.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes the importance of truth, justice, and responsibility.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists show initiative, loyalty, and problem-solving skills.

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. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Secrets Can Kill would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Secrets Can Kill, 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