Dickens & Rumi

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Once upon a thriller

Leslie McFarlane · 2013

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Once upon a thriller by Leslie McFarlane. This book is content notes include Violence, Alcohol or drugs, Death of a character; positive qualities include Creativity & curiosity, Good role models.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Violence2/5
  • Alcohol or drugs1/5
  • Death of a character1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5
  • Courage & resilience2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Does not promote products or brands.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Mention of fictional deaths common in mystery genre storytelling.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Uses dated, period-appropriate language that is generally mild.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Romantic material appears minor or incidental rather than central to the book.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

Contains standard suspense typical of the author's mystery background.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

The book may include occasional adult social drinking references, without substance use as a central theme.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Contains typical elements of mid-century mystery and pulp adventure, including scuffles and peril.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists often display moral and physical courage.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Writing, imagination, storytelling, and the making of adventure fiction are central subjects, making creativity a strong feature.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides historical insight into the publishing industry and ghostwriting.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Respect and cooperation appear present, but kindness is not clearly a major focus from the available information.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on professional persistence and the craft of storytelling.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Reflects the author's dedication to his work and professional integrity.

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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 handle conflict or violence? Did the characters have other choices?
  3. Which choice in Once upon a thriller would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Once upon a thriller, and what caused that change?
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