The Last Precinct
by Patricia Daniels Cornwell
2006
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.7 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include trauma and recovery
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Genre
Themes
- forensic investigation
- truth vs. perception
- justice and corruption
- trauma and recovery
- obsession and control
- institutional politics
- serial murder
- trust and betrayal
- identity and the past
About this book
Virginia’s Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta confronts the fallout from the Werewolf murders, a case that extends from Richmond to New York City and forces her to revisit the darkest corners of her past. As evidence mounts against her understanding of the truth, Scarpetta fights institutional pressures, personal betrayals, and a cunning adversary—emerging irrevocably changed.
Setting: Richmond, Virginia (Chief Medical Examiner’s office); New York City; late 1990s/early 2000s, with links to Virginia history (including Jamestown)
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 6.7, 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 forensic investigation, truth vs. perception, justice and corruption.
How long does it take to read The Last Precinct?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Last Precinct takes around 17h to finish. The book has 177,694 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 27 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 6.7, 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.