Chasing the Dime
by Michael Connelly
Little, Brown 2002
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.2 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- obsession
- identity and deception
- technology and the internet
- moral ambiguity
- corporate pressure and ambition
- isolation and guilt
- crime and corruption
- surveillance and privacy
About this book
After moving into a new apartment, biotech entrepreneur Henry Pierce keeps getting phone messages meant for a woman named Lilly. Obsessed with finding her, he follows a trail into the world of online escort services and hidden identities, only to become the prime suspect in a murder. His race to uncover the truth threatens his company, his freedom, and his life.
Setting: Los Angeles, California; early 2000s; biotech start-ups and the online escort underworld
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chasing the Dime right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Chasing the Dime. The reading level is AR 6.2, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include obsession, identity and deception, technology and the internet.
How long does it take to read Chasing the Dime?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Chasing the Dime takes around 9.9h to finish. The book has 104,214 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Chasing the Dime have an AR quiz?
Yes — Chasing the Dime has an AR quiz available, worth 15 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Chasing the Dime?
Chasing the Dime has an AR reading level of 6.2, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.