Blood Work
by Michael Connelly
Little, Brown 2003
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.2 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- justice vs. vengeance
- identity and second chances
- mortality and survival
- obsession and compulsion
- ethical dilemmas in medicine
- guilt and responsibility
- trust and betrayal
- the cost of pursuit
- fate and coincidence
About this book
Ex-FBI profiler Terry McCaleb is recovering from a heart transplant on his boat in the Los Angeles harbor when Graciella Rivers asks him to investigate her sister’s murder. Drawn back into the hunt despite doctor’s orders, McCaleb follows a trail that links the killing to his own lifesaving surgery—and to a meticulous predator who is always one step ahead.
Setting: Contemporary Los Angeles and the Southern California coast (marinas, hospitals, urban neighborhoods)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blood Work right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Blood Work. The reading level is AR 6.2, 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 justice vs. vengeance, identity and second chances, mortality and survival.
How long does it take to read Blood Work?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Blood Work takes around 12h to finish. The book has 126,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Blood Work have an AR quiz?
Yes — Blood Work has an AR quiz available, worth 17 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 Blood Work?
Blood Work has an AR reading level of 6.2, 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.