Mistress
by James Patterson, David Ellis
Little, Brown 2013
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.8 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- obsession
- unreliable narrator
- conspiracy and cover-ups
- political corruption
- surveillance and paranoia
- identity and secrecy
- grief and fixation
- murder investigation
- dangerous romance
- cat-and-mouse pursuit
About this book
Ben is a brilliant but compulsive outlier whose mind races with movie quotes, trivia, and stray connections—and with thoughts of Diana Hotchkiss, the woman he adores from afar. When Diana is found dead outside her Washington, D.C., apartment, Ben’s fixation turns into a relentless pursuit of the truth. His investigation pulls him into a high-stakes web of secrets, political intrigue, and lethal deception, revealing that Diana’s life—and death—were tied to a conspiracy far bigger than he imagined. As powerful enemies close in, Ben must outthink and outrun forces determined to silence him forever.
Setting: Contemporary Washington, D.C., amid political power circles, upscale apartments, and government corridors
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mistress right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Mistress. The reading level is AR 4.8, 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 obsession, unreliable narrator, conspiracy and cover-ups.
How long does it take to read Mistress?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Mistress takes around 11h to finish. The book has 100,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mistress have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mistress has an AR quiz available, worth 14 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 Mistress?
Mistress has an AR reading level of 4.8, 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.