The Last Precinct
by Patricia Cornwell
Hachette UK 2008
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.6 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include Trauma and recovery, Corruption and abuse of power
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Genre
Themes
- Trauma and recovery
- Forensic science and evidence
- Corruption and abuse of power
- Justice versus vengeance
- Trust and betrayal
- Media and public scrutiny
- Identity and family secrets
- Female professionalism under siege
- Psychopathy and manipulation
- Institutional politics
About this book
Still reeling from a brutal attack by the "Werewolf" Jean-Baptiste Chandonne, Dr. Kay Scarpetta finds herself both a target and a suspect. As a grand jury probes her alleged role in the death of a corrupt police official, Scarpetta takes refuge with psychiatrist Anna Zenner and methodically reconstructs the case. Following forensic traces and political fault lines through Richmond and beyond, she uncovers a tangle of corruption, family secrets, and personal betrayals that force her to confront past traumas while closing in on a killer with powerful connections.
Setting: Contemporary Richmond, Virginia (medical examiner’s office, law enforcement agencies, and grand jury proceedings), with links to Washington, D.C., and New York
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Last Precinct right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Last Precinct. The reading level is AR 6.6, 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 Trauma and recovery, Forensic science and evidence, Corruption and abuse of power.
How long does it take to read The Last Precinct?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Last Precinct takes around 18h to finish. The book has 186,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Last Precinct have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Last Precinct has an AR quiz available, worth 26 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 Last Precinct?
The Last Precinct has an AR reading level of 6.6, 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.