Ripper
A Novel
by Isabel Allende
Harper 2014
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.1 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include grief and trauma
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- mother–daughter bonds
- coming of age
- serial murder and investigation
- identity and reinvention
- online communities and gaming
- love and jealousy
- grief and trauma
- truth versus deception
- outsiders and belonging
- healing and alternative medicine
- female agency
- justice and morality
About this book
In contemporary San Francisco, bright, headstrong teen Amanda Martín and her online role‑playing group, Ripper, begin tracking a string of ritualistic murders that soon hit close to home when Amanda’s free‑spirited mother, Indiana, disappears. As clues surface across the Bay Area’s neighborhoods and wellness circles, Amanda must piece together a chilling pattern before the killer strikes again. Allende blends literary depth with a fast‑paced crime plot about family, obsession, and the cost of secrets.
Setting: Contemporary San Francisco and the Bay Area; online role‑playing community
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ripper right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Ripper. The reading level is AR 6.1, 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 mother–daughter bonds, coming of age, serial murder and investigation.
How long does it take to read Ripper?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Ripper takes around 16h to finish. The book has 165,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ripper have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ripper has an AR quiz available, worth 25 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 Ripper?
Ripper has an AR reading level of 6.1, 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.