Kiss of Death
Scarlett Wakefield mystery series
on Goodreads (101)
What’s inside...
The body of Maurice Cope was found beneath a hedge, with a rope tied round his neck. He had been knocked unconscious, and then strangled to death. Sadie Ross is all alone since her mother is dead and her boyfriend has left her. But when she meets Tony, Sadie's luck seems to change, until the murders start. One by one Sadie's enemies seem to be being picked off.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
18-19
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the main character's actions throughout the story?
How do the choices made by the characters impact the outcome of the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's shoes?
How does the setting influence the story's progression?
In what ways do the relationships between the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions and thoughts about the story by asking open-ended questions.
Discuss the consequences of the characters’ actions to help your child understand the moral lessons of the story.
Compare and contrast the main character's journey with real-life scenarios to make the discussion relevant and engaging.
Link themes from the book to your child’s experiences or current events to deepen the connection with the story.
Use examples of character development and key decisions in the book to instigate a conversation about personal growth and values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The consequences of risky behavior
Explanation: The protagonist in 'Kiss of Death' deals with the fallout from making dangerous choices, providing a narrative arc that reinforces the repercussions of such actions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thinking through their decisions and understanding the potential negative outcomes of reckless behavior, helping them to make safer choices in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'Kiss of Death,' characters must work together to solve problems, underscoring the necessity and benefits of collaboration and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's everyday life by encouraging cooperative play and group projects, teaching them to value and rely on others when facing challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: The book explores various emotional responses to difficult situations, providing an opportunity for readers to learn about emotional intelligence.
Real-World Application: Children can use these insights to better manage their own emotions, leading to improved interaction with peers and adults and healthier mental well-being.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: As the characters in 'Kiss of Death' face numerous obstacles, their persistence in spite of difficulties serves as a key theme.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in overcoming challenges in their studies, sports, and personal goals, fostering a resilient mindset.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The protagonist's journey includes learning from missteps, highlighting how errors can be a stepping stone to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that mistakes are part of learning and growing, encouraging them to embrace challenges without fear of failure.