Dickens & Rumi

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Smile and say murder

Leslie McFarlane · 1986

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Smile and say murder by Leslie McFarlane. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Violence; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Good role models.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character2/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Violence2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Good role models3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Death is the central inciting incident of the plot.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild language consistent with mid-20th-century mystery standards.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Very minor romantic subplots common in traditional mysteries.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

A murder investigation, threats, and peril create some suspense, but this is a traditional mystery rather than a frightening or intense horror story.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional social drinking may be present as a period-appropriate detail.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Involves murder investigations, typical of the mystery genre, but lacks graphic detail.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate bravery in the face of criminal threats.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages imaginative engagement with puzzles and mystery plotting.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The available evidence suggests limited representation beyond the book's central characters, but details about the full cast are uncertain.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Indirectly encourages critical thinking and observation skills.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Characters show cooperation in working together to solve the mystery.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes the importance of truth, justice, and critical thinking.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists are generally principled and focused on solving crimes fairly.

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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 Smile and say murder would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Smile and say murder, and what caused that change?
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