Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Psychological thriller about ex-assassin proves unsettling.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
High school senior Daniel adores his grandfather, Da, who is in the grips of dementia. But when the old man begins telling stories of secret missions and assassination attempts, Daniel begins to worry that some of Da's former collegues are out to silence him permanently. The old man and young boy set off on a quest for sanctuary. But which one is ultimately more dangerous?
Is It Any Good?
KILL SWITCH has an intriguing premise and a likeable, if gritty, pair of main characters. But the execution of the plot feels somewhat labored and, ultimately, unrealistic. Some readers will find the direction of the final chapters unsettling, but others may enjoy the novel's dark ambiguity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes a novel a thriller. How is a thriller different from a mystery?
How is it possible to lead a double life -- to present yourself as one kind of person to your family and as another to your professional colleagues? What might be the difficulties of that kind of existence?
How do Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia alter the personalities of older people? Do you have any loved ones with dementia?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Mystery
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster
- Publication date : April 17, 2012
- Number of pages : 176
- Last updated : August 31, 2015
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