Mortal Prey
by John Sandford
Penguin 2003
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- revenge
- cat-and-mouse pursuit
- justice vs. vigilantism
- professional assassination
- law enforcement and investigation
- identity and reinvention
- loyalty and betrayal
- power and corruption
- survival
About this book
Years after Lucas Davenport barely survived an encounter with elite hitwoman Clara Rinker, she’s living quietly in Mexico—until a sniper kills her boyfriend and nearly kills her. Realizing she was the true target, Rinker vanishes to hunt whoever ordered the hit, drawing the attention of the FBI and DEA, who enlist Davenport to stop her. As Clara wages a precise, ruthless vendetta that leads from Mexico back to St. Louis and the American Midwest, Davenport races to anticipate a killer who knows how to disappear—and how to make it personal.
Setting: Mexico and the American Midwest, primarily St. Louis and the Twin Cities (Minneapolis–St. Paul) in contemporary times
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mortal Prey right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Mortal Prey. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th 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 revenge, cat-and-mouse pursuit, justice vs. vigilantism.
How long does it take to read Mortal Prey?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Mortal Prey takes around 13h to finish. The book has 131,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mortal Prey have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mortal Prey has an AR quiz available, worth 18 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 Mortal Prey?
Mortal Prey has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th 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.