Best Mystery Books for Kids
If you are looking for mystery books for kids, you’ve come to the right place! I made a list of Kirsten’s and my favorite mystery books for kids, elementary and middle school-aged.Â
Fall is here, and for me, that means mystery books. When I was younger, I remember my mother reading mysteries all the time, and at the time, I didn’t understand why. That is, I didn’t understand why until I picked up my first mystery and was hooked.Â
We have mystery books for kids from sleuthing and heists to secrets and deception. If your little one loves mysteries, you might want to check out this post on my favorite logic games, too! Â
The Best Mystery for Kids
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Early Reader Children’s Mystery Book
Baby Monkey Private Eye by Brian Selznick- Jump to Section
Best Animal Detective Book
The Investigators by John Patrick Green – Jump to Section
Best Mystery Book for Kids
The Great Shelby Holmes by Elizabeth Eulberg- Jump to Section
Best Classic Book for Kids
The Westing Game- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Early Reader Children’s Mystery Books
Baby Monkey, Private Eye
Author: Brian Selznick, David Serlin
Illustrator: Brian SelznickÂ
Year: 2018
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
This book is the perfect mystery book for a VERY beginning reader who is looking for a chapter book that looks like it’s made for older kids. Baby Monkey is a detective who is ready to solve mysteries.
Why Jackie loves it
With Selznick’s signature illustrations, easy language, and repetitive sentences, this book is hysterical and a great way to learn to read. Baby monkey putting his pants on gets me every time!
Find this book in: Books for a 6-Year-Old / Mystery Books for Kids / Animal Books for Kids
Nate the Great
Author: Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Illustrator: Marc Simont
Year: 1977
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 5 – 7
More info: Part of the Nate the Great series
Plot
The first book in a series about kid detective, Nate, who solves mysteries for his friends and neighbors. In this story, Annie has lost a picture, but Nate is on the case!
Why Kirsten loves it
This beginning reader kids mystery book series is wonderful for emerging readers. The series doesn’t need to be read in order, but your kid will love reading it outloud to you over and over again!
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Books for Emergent Readers / Mystery Books for Kids
Super Detectives!
Author: Cale Atkins
Illustrator: Cale Atkins
Year: 2022
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 6 – 9
More info: Simon and Chester Book #1
Plot
In this graphic novel series of children’s mystery books, a kid and a ghost team up to solve cases.
Why Jackie loves it
The Simon and Chester series is geared toward beginning readers and is a perfect introduction to the mystery genre.
Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids
Judy Moody, Girl Detective
Author: Megan McDonald
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Year: 2010
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 6 – 8
More info: Judy Moody #9
Plot
This delightful book follows Judy Moody on her quest to become a detective. With her quirky personality and curiosity, Judy dives headfirst into solving mysteries around her neighborhood, bringing her signature enthusiasm to each case.
Why Jackie loves it
Readers will be charmed by Judy’s humorous adventures and her determination to uncover the truth in this fun-filled story.
Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids
Animal Detective Books
InvestiGators
Author: John Patrick Green
Illustrator: John Patrick Green
Year: 2020
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 6 – 9
More info: InvestiGators #1
Plot
This story is about two alligator detectives solving crimes and thwarting supervillains. Your kids will laugh at the way they use the toilet for traveling and delight at their goofy adventures.
Why Kirsten loves it
If your child is more confident reading graphic novels, this kid’s mystery book series is a perfect pick.
Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids
Mystery on the Ostrich Express
Author: Laura James
Illustrator: Emily Fox
Year: 2020
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 6 – 8
More info: Fabio The World’s Greatest Flamingo Detective #1
Plot
My kids adored this beginning reader chapter book based on Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. The bright colors in the drawings and the clever storytelling will have your child thoroughly entertained.
Why Kirsten loves it
The first in a series, these kids’ mystery books are perfect for a 7-year-old detective! My reluctant reader even loved the series, I think the illustrations helped bring capture his attention.
Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids
Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure
Author: Alex T. Smith
Illustrator: Alex T. Smith
Year: 2019
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 7 – 12
More info: Mr. Penguin #1
Plot
If you are looking for a delightful children’s mystery book series for young readers, we love Mr. Penguin and his jungle adventures. He and his spider sidekick are so fun to read.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is illustrated but also in hardcover, so it helps make the kids feel like they are reading something more advanced.
Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids
Mystery Books for Kids
The Great Shelby Holmes
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Year: 2017
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 9 – 11
More info: Shelby Holmes #1
Plot
In this story, 6th grader Shelby is a detective in her Harlem neighborhood. She doesn’t have many friends until John Watson moves in downstairs. Soon the duo are working together to solve a dog napping case.
Why Kirsten loves it
If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, you can get your kid started on their journey with this modern Sherlock Holmes retelling. It’s one of my family’s favorite children’s mystery book series.
Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds / Sherlock Holmes Retellings
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Author: Brian Selznick
Illustrator: Brian Selznick
Year: 2007
Genre: Graphic Novel
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Caldecott Medal Winner
Plot
This middle grade mystery is an amazing story of Hugo Cabret, an orphan in the Paris train station where he winds the clocks so that nobody will discover his secrets. Soon he discovers a drawing and a notebook that will lead him to the biggest adventure of his life.
Trigger Warnings
Grief, Death of parent
Why Jackie loves it
Don’t let the length of this mystery book for kids deter you. Even though it’s long, there are gorgeous illustrations on every other page and the writing is only a paragraph at a time.
Find this book in: Best Books for 10-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Mystery Books for Tweens
The Buried Bones Mystery
Author: Sharon M. Draper
Year: 1994
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Clubhouse Mysteries #1
Plot
This modern classic children’s book series is a collection of engaging stories that follow a group of friends who form a secret club and embark on exciting adventures. Together, they solve mysteries, uncover secrets, and use their teamwork and problem-solving skills to crack cases. Their first case? A mysterious box of bones they dug up while building a treehouse.
Why Kirsten loves it
These books offer a delightful blend of friendship, suspense, and fun, making them perfect for young readers who love a mystery!
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids
The Maze of Bones
Author: Rick Riordan
Year: 2011
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 11
More info: 39 Clues #1
Plot
Grace Cahill dies and leaves orphan siblings Amy and Dan an option – 1 million dollars or a clue. Amy and Dan decided to take the clue and figure out what happened to their parents. Along the way, they run into other families on the hunt for clues.
Why Jackie loves it
This is like The Da Vinci code for kids. It’s a kids’ mystery book series filled with secret societies, hidden secrets, and an epic quest for treasure.
Find this book in: Books Like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Mystery Books for Kids / Best Books for 10-year-olds
Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess
Author: Nancy Springer
Year: 2006
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Age: 9 – 13
More info: Enola Holmes #1
Plot
Now a hit Netflix movie, Enola Holmes has taken the world by storm. She is the youngest Holmes child and she’s trying to come into her own as a detective in Victorian England. In this debut mystery book for kids, Enlola steps out of her brother’s shadow and solves some mysteries of her own.
Why Jackie loves it
If your children have watched the movie adaptations of this series, they must read the original source material! The movies are great but the book is so much better!
Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds / Sherlock Holmes Fiction Retellings / Mystery Books for Kids
The Misfits
Author: Lisa Yee
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Year: 2024
Genre: Middle-Grade Mystery
Age: 8-12
More info: Newberry Honor Winner and National Book Award Author, Caldecott Medalist Illustrations
Plot
Olive is usually a misfit at every school she attends, but at her latest school, RASCH, her differences are why she’s chosen for an elite crime-fighting squad.
As she and the other Misfits go undercover to nab a prolific jewel thief, they must learn to work together and lean on one another.
Why Kirsten loves it
The diverse cast of characters comes alive in this story – each bringing their own quirks, skills, and differences to create a cohesive team. #Gifted by Penguin Kids
Find this book in: Best Audiobooks for Kids / Books for 12-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids / Best New Mystery Books 2024
Classic Kids Mystery Books
The Westing Game
Author: Ellen Raskin
Year: 1979
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 9 – 11
More info: Newbery Medal Winner
Plot
When Mr. Westing dies, he leaves the residents of Sunset Towers named in his will. But they need to solve the mystery of his death in order to win control of his company and gain his vast fortune. Your family will love trying to work out what happened along with the characters!
Why Kirsten loves it
The tween book that got me into mysteries as a child is also great as an audiobook. This classic 70s book is still a must-read today! It has withstood the test of time.
Find this book in: Best Middle Grade Mystery Books / Books for 11-year-olds / Newbery Award Winners / Family Audiobooks / Family Inheritance Novels / Puzzle Books for Middle School/
The Egypt Game
Author: Zilpha Neatly Snyder
Year: 1967
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Newbery Honor Winner
Plot
The 6 “Egyptians” play in the back lot of an antique store, dressing up, performing rituals, and speaking with Oracles. Then, a murder happens in the area and trouble comes to the lot.
Why Kirsten loves it
This middle grade fiction enchanted me as a young girl. Don’t worry, there is a happy ending to this tween mystery book and also a sequel about gypsies!
Find this book in: Middle Grade Fiction / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Mystery Books for Tweens / Newbery Award Winners / Family Audiobooks
Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Sleepover Sleuths
Author: Carolyn Keene
Illustrator: Macky Pamintuan
Year: 2008
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 7 – 9
More info: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew #1
Plot
Nancy Drew is getting a modern update for the younger set in this series of beginning reader mystery books for kids. She’s back with George and Bess to solve kid-appropriate cases – think missing dolls and an escaping pony.
Why Kirsten loves it
As a teen I adored Nancy Drew, so it’s nice to see her mystery-solving roots in this early reader series!
Find this book in: Early Reader Books / Best Books for 8-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids
The Boxcar Children
Author: Gertrude Chandler Warner
Illustrator: L. Kate Deal
Year: 1924
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 6 – 9
More info: The Boxcar Children #1
Plot
The beloved kids mystery book series gets an illustrated update in the rereleased version. Geared toward 6-9-year-olds, the Alden Children are so beloved that the series is over 100 books long.
Why Jackie loves it
In each book, the 4 orphans find adventures to have and mysteries to solve – starting with finding a home for themselves in the first book.
The Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds
Author: David Adler
Illustrator: Susanna Natti
Year: 1980
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 6 – 8
More info: Cam Jansen #1
Plot
The first in the Cam Jansen series introduces readers to Cam, a young girl with a photographic memory and an uncanny ability to solve crimes. This particular story finds Cam and her friend Erin at the mall when the jewelry store is robbed. Can she solve the case?
Why Kirsten loves it
Cam Jansen is one of the first series my children ever read aloud, and it happens to be a great set of children’s mystery books! Each chapter is concise and ideal for developing readers, while the mysteries within keep the kids engaged. Since each book is a stand-alone, you can read them in whatever order you choose.
Find this book in: Mystery Books for Kids / Best Books for 6-year-olds / Early Reader Books
The Absent Author
Author: Ron Roy
Illustrator: John Steven Gurney
Year: 1997
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 6 – 8
More info: A to Z Mysteries #1
Plot
The first in a kids’ mystery book series, each book in the A to Z mysteries series solves a mystery starting with a different letter. This first one is about an absent author who never turned up to his event, and the three kid detectives looking for him.
Why Kirsten loves it
Despite being a series, each of the books is a standalone that can be read out of order. This was one of the first book series my son read alone.
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids / Early Reader Books
Encyclopedia Brown
Author: Donald J. Sobol
Year: 1963
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 7 – 9
More info: Encyclopedia Brown #1
Plot
Encyclopedia Brown is a beloved series about Leroy “Encyclopedia” Brown, a brilliant young detective in his small town. With his cunning observational skills, he takes on a variety of cases brought to him by friends and neighbors.
Why Jackie loves it
These kids’ mystery books provide an interactive and engaging reading experience, encouraging young readers to think critically and hone their detective skills as they try to solve the mystery before Encyclopedia Brown does.
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids
Expert Tip
There are so many Children’s mystery books that it can be difficult to choose. Here are some helpful tips
- Are you looking for a kids’ mystery book series or a standalone?
- How old is your child and what is their reading level? I divided the books accordingly to help you choose.
- Look at the descriptions of the books to help you decide if it is the right book for your mystery loving child.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best mystery books for kids?
Kirsten and I love that in the last few decades, the choices in kids’ books have expanded exponentially. There are so many fantastic kids’ mystery books out there. Some of our favorites are: Enola Holmes by Nancy Springer, The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, and Simon and Chester, Super Detectives by Cale Atkins.
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Epilogue
Are any of your favorite mystery books for kids on this list?
Thank you so much for putting together this list! It was super helpful and I can’t wait to try out some of these books with my kids.