Twisted Prey
by John Sandford
Penguin 2019
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include abuse of power
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Genre
Themes
- political corruption
- abuse of power
- psychopathy
- justice vs. legality
- conspiracy and cover-ups
- assassination and contract killers
- cat-and-mouse pursuit
- loyalty and partnership in law enforcement
- media and public perception
- moral ambiguity
About this book
U.S. Marshal Lucas Davenport faces off again with Taryn Grant—now a sitting U.S. senator and a ruthless sociopath he suspects of multiple murders. When a political rival is nearly killed and the attack looks like a professional hit, Lucas is pulled into a high-stakes investigation that winds through Washington power corridors, private security contractors, and a deadly cover-up. To stop Grant, he’ll have to prove what he couldn’t before—while surviving her increasingly lethal counterstrikes.
Setting: Contemporary United States, primarily Washington, D.C., with scenes across federal law-enforcement and political environments
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Twisted Prey right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Twisted Prey. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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 political corruption, abuse of power, psychopathy.
How long does it take to read Twisted Prey?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Twisted Prey takes around 12h to finish. The book has 120,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Twisted Prey have an AR quiz?
Yes — Twisted Prey 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 Twisted Prey?
Twisted Prey has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.