Dickens & Rumi

book

Truth and lies

Age rating, content warnings & parent guide

Norah McClintock · 2014

Is Truth and lies appropriate for your child? See the reviewed age guidance, content cautions, positive themes, and supporting evidence below.

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Truth and lies by Norah McClintock. This book is content notes include Frightening scenes, Death of a character, Violence; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Good role models.

Book 2 · Mike & RielSource checked

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10-second decision

Is this likely to fit your family?

Age guidanceNot listed
Strongest cautionsFrightening scenes 3/5 · Death of a character 2/5 · Violence 2/5
Strongest positivesCourage & resilience 3/5 · Good role models 3/5
Series positionBook 2 · Mike & Riel
Recommendation2.8/5

Courage & resilience; strongest caution: frightening scenes.

This is the quick scan. Open the evidence and methodology below for the basis behind each rating.

Quick context

What parents should know

Courage & resilience; strongest caution: frightening scenes.

Readiness snapshotMain watch-out: Frightening scenes 3/5
Recommendation 2.8/5

Editorial rating

How this review was built

Dickens & Rumi editorial
Source checkedPublication method
13Scored categories
13Evidence notes
0Explicit 0/5 checks
Nov 2, 2026Last updated

Dickens & Rumi describes what is present; families decide what matters to them. Community reactions are kept separate from official content ratings.

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Review depth13 scored categories13 evidence notes
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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

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

Strongest positives

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

Reading order

Series progression

All known volumes are shown. Reviewed books include age guidance and cautions; books still being reviewed are clearly marked.

Next volumeBook 3 · Dead and goneStrongest cautions: Death of a character 3/5 · Frightening scenes 3/5Open next review →
  1. Book 2 · Truth and lies
    Frightening scenes3/5Death of a character2/5Violence2/5Graphic injury1/5Romance1/5Strong language1/5
    Starting point
  2. Book 3 · Dead and gone
    Death of a character3/5Frightening scenes3/5Violence2/5Alcohol or drugs1/5Graphic injury1/5Romance1/5Strong language1/5
    Gets more intense

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What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

A past death appears central to the mystery and affects the protagonist’s family, but it is not presented as graphic on-page violence.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Injuries or past violence may be mentioned, but there is no indication of graphic blood or detailed wounds.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Some mild language or name-calling may occur, but strong profanity is not indicated.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Romantic interest appears minor and incidental rather than a central storyline.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Atmosphere of suspense and mild psychological tension throughout the investigation.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Contains depictions of threats and physical altercations related to a criminal plot.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonist faces personal fear to uncover family truths.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages analytical thinking and problem-solving.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Some community representation may be present, but substantial identity and cultural diversity is not established.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The mystery may encourage basic critical thinking and research, but teaching is incidental rather than the main purpose.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Friendship and family empathy appear during difficult circumstances, though kindness is not the story’s main focus.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the importance of integrity, truth-seeking, and personal accountability.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows determination and critical thinking in solving the mystery.

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 Truth and lies would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Truth and lies, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community perspective — separate from editorial ratings

What families noticed

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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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