Murder House
Book Three in the Murder House Trilogy
Simon and Schuster 2012
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork and brotherhood
- deception and secrets
- fame and media
- competition and rivalry
- courage under pressure
- resourcefulness
- trust and suspicion
About this book
Frank and Joe Hardy go undercover on the hit reality show Deprivation House to stop a string of dangerous pranks from turning deadly. Inside a stripped-down Beverly Hills mansion, every contestant could be a target—or a suspect. The brothers race to decode clues, outsmart traps, and expose who’s sabotaging the show before someone gets seriously hurt. Fast-paced chapters, cliff-hangers, and behind-the-scenes TV drama make this a gripping read for mystery and action fans.
Setting: Beverly Hills, California; a stripped luxury villa used as a reality TV set
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Murder House right for my child?
Yes — Murder House is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include teamwork and brotherhood, deception and secrets, fame and media.
How long does it take to read Murder House?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Murder House takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 32,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Murder House have an AR quiz?
Yes — Murder House has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 House?
Murder House has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.