Looking for a good mystery story for kids? Mystery books are a great way to get kids involved in reading.
However, you want to make sure they are not too spooky so you do not end up giving them nightmares.
Let’s take a look at various mysteries that kids can enjoy, and parents can even enjoy reading with them to make it fun for the whole family.
This collection of mystery stories for kids includes:
- The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
- The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew Series)
- The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
- The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
- The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
- Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
- The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer (Enola Holmes series)
- The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart
- Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
What To Look For In A Mystery Book For Kids
There are a few things you will want to keep in mind when you look for a mystery series for your kids:
- Age-appropriate content and complexity
- Engaging story
- Positive themes and values you want your kids to learn from
- Slightly challenging to push their reading skills to the next level
- A little suspense to keep them intrigued
- Potentially a series for your kids to read multiple of
- Recommendations from their teachers or other sources you trust
9 Mystery Books For Kids
Finding a good book for your children can help ignite the spark of reading. If you find the right book it can get them started in a hobby they will keep doing for the rest of their lives.
The key is to find books that your kids love, which is why these are nine great options for you to consider for your children.
These books offer a variety of intriguing mysteries and engaging characters, making them excellent choices for young readers who enjoy solving puzzles and uncovering secrets.
1. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
The Westing Game is a great mystery book for kids that was originally published in 1978. It even won a Newbery Medal for being such a great contribution to children’s literature.
When a millionaire named Sam Westing dies, sixteen people are called to the reading of his will. They are given clues in the form of a puzzle, and the person or team that solves it will inherit his fortune. A thrilling and engaging mystery with a diverse cast of characters.
Ellen Raskin not only wrote children’s novels but she also created children’s picture books as well.
2. The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew Series)
In the book The Secret of the Old Clock, Nancy Drew, a teenage detective, stumbles upon a mystery involving a hidden will and stolen jewelry. She uses her intelligence and determination to uncover the truth in this classic series starter.
While this is just one book in the Nancy Drew book world, there are so many to choose from that you could also get your kids to read, as well.
3. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
The Mysterious Benedict Society is a story that extends over multiple books so your kids will be thrilled to dive into multiple books.
In the book, four gifted children with unique talents are recruited by the enigmatic Mr. Benedict to infiltrate a mysterious organization known as the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened (L.I.V.E.). They must solve a series of puzzles and thwart a nefarious plot.
4. The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
The Name of this Book Is Secret tells the story of a secret society, a hidden message, and two adventurous kids who get caught up in a dangerous mystery.
The author, Pseudonymous Bosch, adds humor and intrigue throughout. Also if it was not obvious, this is a pen name for the real author, Raphael Simon. So far he has written 12 books which gives kids many books to dive into and start.
5. The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
The London Eye Mystery is the first in a two book part series that is one kids you might quickly devour if you
When Ted and Kat’s cousin Salim disappears from the London Eye observation wheel, they embark on a quest to solve the baffling mystery. The story explores themes of family, friendship, and the autistic spectrum.
Siobhan Dowd unfortunately passed away from breast cancer at the age of 47, just when she was named one of the “authors of the future”.
6. Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
Three Times Lucky is set in the town of Tupelo Landing, eleven-year-old Mo LoBeau and her best friend Dale uncover a murder mystery. As amateur detectives, they set out to find the truth behind the crime and Mo’s own mysterious past.
Sheila Turnage received a Newbery Honor for this book in 2013. At the time of the writing this, she has also written two nonfiction adult books and a poetry collection.
7. The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer (Enola Holmes series)
The Case of the Missing Marquess is the first in the Enola Holmes series. As of the time of writing this article, there are nine Enola Holmes books and also a whole TV series based on the books on Netflix.
Enola Holmes, the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes, is a clever and resourceful detective in her own right. In this first book of the series, she searches for her missing mother while unraveling a series of mysteries in Victorian London.
Nancy Springer has won a ton of awards for her writing work.
8. The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart
Yes, this is another one by the same author from above, but The Secret Keepers is highly recommended when you are talking about mystery children’s books.
Reuben discovers a mysterious and magical pocket watch that grants him the power to become invisible. As he explores the secrets of the watch, he becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy that he must unravel.
9. Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
Chasing Vermeer is the first book in a four part book series.
Two sixth-graders, Petra and Calder, team up to solve the theft of a famous Vermeer painting. They use their knowledge of art and pentominoes to decipher clues in this art-infused mystery.
Blue Balliett won multiple awards for this book including the Edgar Aware and then the Agatha Award.
Are you writing a children’s book?
If you are interested or ready to write a children’s book, you do not want to miss out on this free training.
It will teach you all of the basics of what teachers look for in a book, what gets parents to buy the book, and how to craft your story so people can’t put it down.