42 pages • 1 hour read
Lois DuncanKilling Mr. Griffin
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1978A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan, a group of high school students, led by the charismatic Mark, kidnaps their strict English teacher, Mr. Griffin, to scare him into being more lenient. However, the situation spirals out of control when Mr. Griffin dies, leading the students to cover up the incident. Themes include peer pressure, guilt, and anger, exploring the consequences of their actions. The book addresses issues of violence and murder.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan receives mixed reviews for its engaging but unsettling plot. Many commend its ability to captivate young adult readers with suspense and psychological complexity. However, some criticize the characters for being implausible and morally ambiguous. Overall, it is praised for originality but questioned for ethical implications.
Who Should Read Killing Mr. Griffin?
Readers who enjoy Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan are typically teens interested in suspenseful, psychological thrillers with moral dilemmas. Fans of books like The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney and I Know What You Did Last Summer by Lois Duncan will find this novel captivating and thought-provoking.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsLexile Level
720LBook Details
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction
Realistic Fiction
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Education
Emotions/Behavior: Apathy
Emotions/Behavior: Conflict
Emotions/Behavior: Fear