The Concrete Blonde
by Michael Connelly
Little, Brown 2010
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.1 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- justice vs. truth
- accountability and consequences
- police procedure and ethics
- guilt and doubt
- media and public perception
- obsession and the cost of pursuit
- legal battles and institutional pressure
- identity of the killer and misdirection
- trust and betrayal
About this book
Detective Harry Bosch believes he killed the serial murderer known as the Dollmaker. Years later, the dead man's widow sues Bosch and the LAPD for wrongful death—just as a new body turns up bearing the Dollmaker’s signature, forcing Bosch to reexamine the case amid a tense mix of courtroom battles and relentless investigation.
Setting: Los Angeles, California; LAPD divisions, courtrooms, and city neighborhoods in the early 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Concrete Blonde right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Concrete Blonde. The reading level is AR 6.1, which is typical for 6th 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 justice vs. truth, accountability and consequences, police procedure and ethics.
How long does it take to read The Concrete Blonde?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Concrete Blonde takes around 16h to finish. The book has 166,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Concrete Blonde have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Concrete Blonde has an AR quiz available, worth 23 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 Concrete Blonde?
The Concrete Blonde has an AR reading level of 6.1, which places it at a 6th 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.