Tick Tock
by James Patterson, Michael Ledwidge
Little, Brown 2011
Book 4 of Michael Bennett
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.8 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 4 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- copycat serial killers
- family versus duty
- cat-and-mouse investigations
- media sensationalism
- obsession and notoriety
- police procedure and teamwork
- grief and resilience
- urban crime and justice
About this book
Detective Michael Bennett is pulled from a rare beachside break with his ten children when a series of murders and bombings terrorizes New York City. A chilling mastermind is staging crimes that echo infamous killers from the city’s past, turning the investigation into a high-stakes cat-and-mouse. As Bennett teams up with the FBI and races to stop a copycat predator, his own family is drawn into the crosshairs.
Setting: Contemporary New York City, with scenes at a Long Island/shore beach retreat
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tick Tock right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Tick Tock. 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 copycat serial killers, family versus duty, cat-and-mouse investigations. Note: this is book 4 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Tick Tock?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Tick Tock takes around 9.8h to finish. The book has 88,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tick Tock have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tick Tock has an AR quiz available, worth 12 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 Tick Tock?
Tick Tock 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.