Dickens & Rumi

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The Falcon's Malteser

Anthony Horowitz · 1986

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for The Falcon's Malteser by Anthony Horowitz. This book is content notes include Frightening scenes, Violence, Alcohol or drugs; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Book 1 · Diamond BrothersSource checked

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Alcohol or drugs1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The novel does not appear to promote brands, products or purchasing beyond ordinary story details.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Reference to criminal activity and past events, but no central character death.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

No graphic or detailed injuries are described.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild insults and character name-calling consistent with a detective genre spoof.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Not a focus of the story.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Mild tension as the characters are chased by various criminals, but generally played for laughs.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Brief mentions of drinking or smoking by background criminal characters in a genre-appropriate way.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes cartoonish slapstick violence and threats typical of detective parodies.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists frequently face dangerous criminals with bravery.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Encourages thinking through clues and deductive reasoning in a fun way.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Introduces the structure of detective mysteries and classic narrative tropes.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Shows the bond between brothers who look out for one another.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

The mystery supports persistence, loyalty, alertness and solving problems, while showing that criminal schemes have consequences.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The young narrator shows courage and intelligence, even if the adult detective figure is incompetent.

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 The Falcon's Malteser would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Falcon's Malteser, and what caused that change?
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