Street Duty Case One: Knock Down cover

Street Duty Case One: Knock Down

Author: Ould, Chris

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Upper Grades (UG 9-12)
Book Level 4.5
Points 8.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 54812
Points per Word 0.000146

Description

Rookie detective Holly Blade takes on her first case: a 14-year-old girl struck by a truck while running barefoot through the streets on a cold winter evening. As Holly investigates why Ashleigh Jarvis was running and what she was so afraid of, she discovers the truth may be more dangerous than she anticipated. This crime thriller offers a hard-hitting look at the challenges facing a young detective in a gritty urban setting.

Quick Summary

From the first page, Holly is thrown into a high-stakes mystery when a 14-year-old girl is struck by a lorry, and the police think it's an accident until she starts digging and discovers the truth is far more dangerous. The story races along with sharp, believable dialogue and a heroine who's both tough and vulnerable, making it easy to root for her even when the tension spikes. Readers who love a good crime thriller with a modern edge will find the pacing addictive, and the fact that it's written for teens means the language is a bit raw (there's some strong language) so parents might want to be aware. If you've ever enjoyed the quick-thinking investigations of Alex Rider or the street-level grit of a modern mystery series, this one will feel right up your alley. It's a solid choice for teens who want a fast read that doesn't shy away from real-world stakes.