28 of the Best Mystery Books for Kids
If you are looking for mystery books for kids, you’ve come to the right place!
Fall is here and for me, that means mysteries. 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.
We made a list of our favorite mysteries for kids – both elementary and middle school-aged.
We have mystery childrens books from sleuthing and heists to secrets and deception. If your little one loves mysteries, you might want to check out this post on our favorite logic games too!
Do you have suggestions for books that we should add to our stack?
*the kids mystery books 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 by Brian Selznick
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 I Love This Book: 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!
Appropriate for Ages: 3-7
Find This Book In: Books for a 6-Year-Old / Mystery Books for Kids / Animal Books for Kids
Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, illus. by Marc Simont
This beginning reader kids mystery book series is wonderful for emerging readers. It’s all about kid detective, Nate, who solves mysteries for his friends and neighbors!
Super Detectives! (Simon and Chester Book #1) by Cale Atkins
In this graphic novel series of childrens mystery books, a kid and a ghost team up to solve cases. The Simon and Chester series is geared toward beginning readers and is a perfect introduction to the mystery genre.
Judy Moody, Girl Detective by Peter H. Reynolds
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.
Readers will be charmed by Judy’s humorous adventures and her determination to uncover the truth in this fun-filled story.
40+ Early Reader Books for Emergent Readers to Enjoy Now
For more mystery books for kids, you can check out this early reader post.
Animal Detective Books
InvestiGators by John Patrick Green
If your child is more confident reading graphic novels, this kid’s mystery book series is a perfect pick. It features two alligator detectives solving crimes and thwarting supervillains.
Fabio The World’s Greatest Flamingo Detective: Mystery on the Ostrich Express by Laura James
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.
The first in a series, these kids mystery books are perfect for an 8-year-old detective!
Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure by Alex T. Smith
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.
This book is illustrated but also in hardcover, so it helps make the kids feel like they are reading something more advanced.
Classic Kids Mystery Books Series
A to Z Mysteries: The Absent Author by Ron Roy and Illus. by John Steven Gurney
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 the absent author, which has three kid detectives looking for their favorite author who never turned up to his event.
Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Sleepover Sleuths by Carolyn Keene
Nancy Drew is getting a modern update for the younger set in this series of beginning reader mystery books for kids. She’s back in these children’s mystery books with George and Bess to solve kid-appropriate cases – think missing dolls and an escaping pony. These are perfect for kids aged 7-9.
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
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.
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.
Cam Jansen: The Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds by David Adler
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 short and perfect for developing readers and the mysteries within keep the kids interested. Since each book is a stand-alone, you can read them in whatever order you choose.
Encyclopedia Brown by Donald Sobol
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.
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.
Great First Chapter Mystery Books for Kids
The Buried Bones Mystery (Clubhouse Mysteries #1) by Sharon M. Draper
This modern classic mystery children’s book series is a collection of engaging children’s books 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.
These books offer a delightful blend of friendship, suspense, and fun, making them perfect for young readers.
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 / Long Books
The Great Shelby Holmes by Elizabeth Eulberg
If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, you can get your kid started on their journey with this modern Sherlock Holmes retelling. In this one, 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. It’s one of our favorite children’s mystery book series.
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 / Books About Puzzles
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
Harriet The Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
Harriet the Spy has been a classic children’ book for over 50 years. The 11-year-old is never without her notebook to write her observations in. When the notebook falls into the hands of her friends, they all get very angry with Harriet.
Will she be able to right her wrongs? There is a reason this realistic fiction book for a 10-year-old has been adapted repeatedly for the screen. It’s got life lessons for every child.
11 Amazing Spy Books for Kids
For more mystery books for kids, check out these spy books too!
Middle Grade Mystery Books
Howliday Inn
Author: James Howe
Illustrator: Â Lynn Munsinger
Year: 2006
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 10
More info: Bunnicula #2
Plot
Technically the sequel to Bunnicula, this read-aloud book can be read as a stand-alone. Chester and Harold are being boarded while their family is on vacation, but they are convinced they are staying in a haunted hotel!
Why Kirsten loves it
I remember laughing out loud as I read this middle grade mystery book as a child. I recently read it aloud again with my children and they had the exact same reaction I did! You will be busting at the seams with laughter. I highly recommend this one as a bedtime read-aloud during Halloween.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Best Mystery Books for Tweens / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Best Bedtime Stories
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library
Author: Chris Grabenstein
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 11
More info: Mr. Lemoncello’s Library #1,
Plot
Mr. Lemoncello’s library is one of a kind. It’s full of holograms, logic puzzles, and hidden games. To officially open the new library, a few lucky kids get to spend the night inside as they try to win Mr. Lemoncello’s game and be the first team to escape.
Why Kirsten loves it
If you are looking for great bedtime stories for kids, this series will hit the mark. It will get your kids engaged with one-of-a-kid puzzles and delightful twists and turns.
Find this book in: Audiobooks for Kids / Netflix Book Adaptations / Middle Grade Mysteries / Books for 10-year-olds / Read Aloud Books / Best Puzzle Books
The Name of this Book is Secret by Pseudonym Bosh
This kids mystery book series is a captivating and mysterious journey that follows two young friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, as they stumble upon a hidden and enigmatic adventure. As they uncover cryptic messages and unravel secrets, readers are drawn into a suspenseful world of puzzles, codes, and intrigue.
This book is a thrilling journey that keeps you guessing until the very end. It’s the first in a 6 book series that will keep your young reader eagerly turning pages.
More Childrens Mystery Books
Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer
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.
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: Puzzle Books / Books Like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Mystery Books for Kids / Best Books for 10-year-olds
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
Advanced Mystery Books for Kids
The Mysterious Benedict Society
Author: Trenton Lee Stewart
Year: 2007
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Mysterious Benedict Society #1
Plot
This delightful story is about a group of extremely gifted children who are sent to spy on an evil organization. Together, these genius kids use logic and quick thinking to accomplish their secret mission without being caught! The children in the Mysterious Benedict Society must infiltrate the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened to uncover a plot to control the minds of citizens around the world.
Why Kirsten loves it
I read this story to my boys at bedtime and it was the perfect read-aloud. We all enjoyed the complexity of the story and the silly scenarios. Years later, we watched the Disney TV adaptation as well!
Why Jackie loves it
This is the first middle-grade book in a series that is geared toward older kids. It was funny and interesting and extremely clever.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Mystery Books / Books About Puzzles / Books like KOTLC / Secret Society Books / Best Gifts for 10-year-olds / Best Books for a 10-year-old / Books With Neurodivergent Characters
Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Author: Alan Bradley
Year: 2009
Genre: YA Historical Mystery
More info: Flavia De Luce #1
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This is the first book in the Flavia De Luce series. This 11-year-old aspiring chemist is a wonderful heroine who is smart and precocious. In this first book, it is 1950 and Flavia has a love of poisons. When she finds a man taking his last breath in a cucumber patch, she is not scared at all, rather, she delights in solving the mystery.
Why Kirsten loves it
Flavia is an absolute delight to read as she’s easily one of the most unique characters in a mystery series. My dad recommended this series to me. I read it, loved it, and promptly passed it on to my 12-year-old. I love that this story works for readers of all generations.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best first mystery books for younger readers as it does not have violence.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Best Books for 13-year-olds / British Mysteries / Mystery Books for Kids / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Fun Books for Teens / Books with Food in the Title
Greenglass House
Author: Kate Milford
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Greenglass House #1
Plot
The Greenglass House is an inn for smugglers and the winter season means it’s supposed to be quiet for Milo, the owner’s child. But instead, guest after guest checks in for the holidays, and items go missing around the inn. Soon, Milo and the chef’s daughter, Meddy, are off searching for the guests’ connection to the inn, uncovering secret after secret along the way.
Why Kirsten loves it
This mystery reminded me of Harry Potter in some ways. A child is trying to uncover the secrets of Greenglass House, a hotel for smugglers and spies before the adults do. I chose this as a family read-aloud and it was wonderful.
Find this book in: Best Ghost Books / Best Winter Books / Terrific Hotel Novels / Best Mystery Books for Tweens / Best Family Audiobooks / Books With Colors in the Title / Christmas Chapter Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds
A Study in Charlotte
Author: Brittany Cavallaro
Year: 2016
Genre: YA Mystery
More info: Charlotte Holmes #1
Age Range: 13+
Plot
I enjoyed the first book in the Charlotte Holmes Trilogy. I’ve mentioned before that I am a big Sherlock Holmes fan. This Sherlock Holmes retelling differs from the others because it occurs in modern times.
The central characters are the teenage descendants of Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson. In the story, Jamie Watson has just started at an elite boarding school where he meets Charlotte Holmes. Charlotte is not interested in being Jamie’s friend, but when a student dies under suspicious circumstances, they must work together to clear their names.
Why Kirsten loves it
The adolescent angle leaves room for error in Holmes’ deductive reasoning skills. Watson is also a more fleshed-out character who has deductive reasoning skills of his own. This classic retelling wraps up nicely and the characters solve the mystery leaving enough open ends to allow for a sequel.
Find this book in: Sherlock Holmes Retellings / Books Set in High School / Detective Books / Best Books for 13-year-olds / Dark Academia Books / Classic Retellings / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Fun Books for Teens
The Best Mystery Books for Tweens: 23 Middle Grade Mysteries to Devour
For more older kids mystery books, we recommend dozens 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.