A Cold Heart
by Jonathan Kellerman
Random House Digital, Inc. 2004
Alex Delaware
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.3 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include trauma and recovery
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Genre
Themes
- serial murder
- psychological profiling
- art and obsession
- the cost of ambition
- friendship and loyalty
- trauma and recovery
- identity and deception
- justice versus morality
- Los Angeles subcultures
- police procedure and investigation
About this book
Psychologist Alex Delaware teams with LAPD detective Milo Sturgis to track a cunning serial killer who targets rising artists and musicians in Los Angeles, staging each murder like a work of art.
Setting: Contemporary Los Angeles, California—art galleries, music venues, and neighborhoods across the city
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Cold Heart right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for A Cold Heart. The reading level is AR 6.3, 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 serial murder, psychological profiling, art and obsession.
How long does it take to read A Cold Heart?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, A Cold Heart takes around 12h to finish. The book has 126,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Cold Heart have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Cold Heart 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 A Cold Heart?
A Cold Heart has an AR reading level of 6.3, 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.