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Cover of Skulduggery Pleasant

Age rating and parents' guide:Skulduggery Pleasant

by Derek Landy

Ages 9–13

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy is best for children aged 9–13. It has moderate violence, some scary moments, no romance and mild language. Worth knowing: Magic fights with deaths; a creepy killer; an uncle's death; mild swearing.

When her uncle dies, twelve-year-old Stephanie inherits his house, and a visit from a wisecracking skeleton detective. Together they set out to find out who killed him, and stop a plan to bring back the Faceless Ones. Invites children to talk about bravery and who you choose to be.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
Moderate
Scary moments
Moderate
Romance
None
Bad language
Mild

Worth knowing: Magic fights with deaths; a creepy killer; an uncle's death; mild swearing

Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 3 November 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Novel

Reading mood

  • Gripping

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Skulduggery Pleasant for?
Skulduggery Pleasant suits children aged 9–13. It is a novel.
Q: Is Skulduggery Pleasant appropriate for a 9 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–13. It has moderate violence, some scary moments, no romance and mild language. Worth knowing before reading: Magic fights with deaths; a creepy killer; an uncle's death; mild swearing.
Q: What should my child read after Skulduggery Pleasant?
Try Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit, The Puffin Feluda Omnibus and Toby Alone. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.

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