Master of murder
Simon Pulse 1992
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.6 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- secrecy and lies
- ambition and fame
- ethics of storytelling
- jealousy
- trust and betrayal
- family dynamics
About this book
High school senior Marvin is hiding a huge secret: he’s actually a bestselling teen novelist writing under a pen name. Juggling deadlines, school, and complicated relationships gets harder when his fiction starts to mirror real life a little too closely. As pressure mounts, Marvin must decide how far he’ll go to protect his identity—and whether the truth is more dangerous than the stories he creates. A tense, fast-paced thriller perfect for teens who like twisty mysteries and morally gray characters.
Setting: contemporary suburban high school, early 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Master of murder right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Master of murder. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th 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 identity, secrecy and lies, ambition and fame.
How long does it take to read Master of murder?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Master of murder takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 55,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Master of murder have an AR quiz?
Yes — Master of murder has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Master of murder?
Master of murder has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th 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.