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Private L.A. book cover

Private L.A.

by James Patterson, Mark Sullivan

Little, Brown 2014

Book 6 of Private book series

★★★★★

Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade

Reading level 4.8 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+

Book 6 in a series — earlier books first

4th grade English Fiction
239
Pages
13
AR Points
9.9h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Crime thriller

Themes

  • Celebrity culture and image control
  • Privacy vs. public life
  • Family secrets
  • Media manipulation and paparazzi
  • Kidnapping and disappearance
  • Domestic terrorism and extortion
  • Trust and betrayal
  • Wealth, power, and corruption
  • Justice versus morality

About this book

When Hollywood power couple Thom and Jennifer Harlow vanish from their heavily guarded ranch, Jack Morgan and his elite Private L.A. team dig into a carefully curated public image to uncover a maze of secrets—while a violent group terrorizes Los Angeles with escalating attacks and extortion demands.

Setting: Contemporary Los Angeles and Hollywood, California—including a secluded celebrity ranch, studio circles, and Private’s L.A. offices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Private L.A. right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Private L.A.. 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 Celebrity culture and image control, Privacy vs. public life, Family secrets. Note: this is book 6 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.

How long does it take to read Private L.A.?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Private L.A. takes around 9.9h to finish. The book has 89,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Private L.A. have an AR quiz?

Yes — Private L.A. has an AR quiz available, worth 13 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 Private L.A.?

Private L.A. 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.