Book details
Death and Douglas
Description
Douglas has grown up around the business of death. Generations of his family have run the Mortimer Family Funeral Home. The mortician and gravediggers are all his buddies. And the display room of caskets is an awesome place for hide and seek. It's business as usual in Douglas's small New England town. Until one day an incredibly out of the ordinary murder victim is brought to the funeral home. And more startling: others follow. On the cusp of Halloween, a serial killer has arrived. And unsatisfied with the small-town investigation, Douglas enlists his friends to help him solve the mystery. With sumptuous descriptions of a bucolic town and it's quirky people, fascinating yet middle grade-appropriate insider information about the funeral process, and a crackling mystery with a heart-pounding conclusion-Death and Douglas has something for readers young and old.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
beginner
Length
364 pages
Why to read
- Engaging Mystery: 'Death and Douglas' offers readers a captivating mystery that unfolds in a unique setting, the town of Cowlmouth, where Douglas grows up around his family's funeral home. The story provides twists and turns that keep readers guessing and engaged until the very end.
- Relatable Coming-of-Age Themes: The book explores themes of growing up and dealing with change, which are relatable to many readers. Douglas's journey through personal growth and understanding of life and death resonates with anyone who has experienced the challenges of adolescence.
- Quirky and Memorable Characters: J.W. Ocker populates 'Death and Douglas' with a cast of quirky and memorable characters that readers will love. From Douglas's family members who run the funeral home to the eccentric townspeople, each character adds depth and humor to the story.
- Thought-Provoking Exploration of Death: The novel provides a unique exploration of death and how it affects individuals and communities. It approaches the subject with sensitivity and insight, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in the ways in which different cultures handle the concept of mortality.