The Body Farm
A Novel
by Patricia Cornwell
2014
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.8 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- forensic science and pathology
- justice vs. institutional politics
- serial murder and criminal psychology
- technology, hacking, and surveillance
- family loyalty and betrayal
- mortality and the body
- ethical boundaries in investigation
About this book
In the fifth Kay Scarpetta novel, the Virginia chief medical examiner is called to rural North Carolina to investigate the brutal murder of a young girl. The case leads Scarpetta and her team to the University of Tennessee’s famed “Body Farm,” where forensic anthropology and decomposition research may hold the key to identifying a cunning killer—and to confronting threats that reach from Richmond to Quantico. As Scarpetta navigates agency politics, a calculating adversary, and family turmoil, the forensic details become the pathway to the truth.
Setting: Rural western North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia; the Body Farm (University of Tennessee, Knoxville); FBI Quantico, Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Body Farm right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Body Farm. The reading level is AR 5.8, 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 forensic science and pathology, justice vs. institutional politics, serial murder and criminal psychology.
How long does it take to read The Body Farm?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Body Farm takes around 12h to finish. The book has 120,239 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Body Farm have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Body Farm 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 The Body Farm?
The Body Farm has an AR reading level of 5.8, 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.