Murder by Magic
Simon Pulse 1995
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- deception and illusion
- brotherhood and teamwork
- justice
- rivalry and ambition
- perseverance
- truth vs. appearances
- problem-solving
- danger and suspense
About this book
When a magician’s assistant is killed during Legerdemania, a high-profile festival of world-class illusionists, Frank and Joe Hardy are pulled behind the curtain to uncover a killer. Amid rivalries, misdirection, and dangerous stunts, the brothers must separate trick from truth before the next illusion turns deadly. Fast-paced action, clever clues, and cool peeks at stage magic make this a great pick for mystery fans. Ideal for middle school and early high school readers who like suspense with a showbiz twist.
Setting: a contemporary U.S. city hosting a glitzy international magic convention and its backstage world
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Murder by Magic right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Murder by Magic. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include deception and illusion, brotherhood and teamwork, justice.
How long does it take to read Murder by Magic?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Murder by Magic takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 42,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Murder by Magic have an AR quiz?
Yes — Murder by Magic has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Murder by Magic?
Murder by Magic has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.