Mystery books for children are captivating literary adventures that whisk young readers away into a world of intrigue, suspense, and problem-solving. These stories often feature young protagonists who become amateur detectives, piecing together clues and uncovering secrets to solve puzzling mysteries. Whether it's uncovering the identity of a hidden treasure, solving a perplexing riddle, or unveiling the truth behind a spooky ghost story, these books ignite a sense of curiosity and critical thinking in young minds. Here are just a few of our favourite mystery books for junior and confident readers...
Kate On The Case by Hannah Peck: the first in a gorgeous, illustrated series following a young reporter-in-training and her mouse-accomplice, Rupert. (5+)
The Case Of The Lighthouse Intruder by Kareem Getten: feisty protagonist Fayson's dream of becoming a detective finally comes true when her cousins recruit her to their top-secret gang, making a gripping read for middle grade readers. (9+)
Fabio: The Case Of The Missing Hippo by Laura James: the first in a fabulous and delightfully funny series about the world’s greatest flamingo detective. (5+)
Kat Wolfe Takes The Case by Lauren St John: a fantastic, fast-paced mystery adventure with a determined young heroine and her animal sidekicks (9+).
Sherlock Holmes: A Study In Scarlet: one of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classics brilliantly retold for younger readers, and part of a larger series (7+).
The Rose Muddle Mysteries: The Amber Pendant by Imogen White: an exciting Edwardian mystery story packed full of myths and dark magic (9+).
The Case Of The Missing Moonstone by Jordan Stratford: the first in a clever and engaging series about The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency, featuring well known characters such as Ada Byron from the early 1800s (9+).
The Secret Starling by Judith Eagle: a gripping mystery story about family, friendship and betrayal, with a heartwarming ending (9+).
The Secret Seven by Enid Blyton: a well known classic in which a group of seven friends set out to solve local mysteries and catch the local ne’er do wells. (7+)
The Highland Falcon Thief by M.G. Leonard: featuring a breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve, this is part of the thrilling Adventures On Trains series (9+).
Ottoline And The Yellow Cat by Chris Riddell: the first in a charming series featuring an exceptionally inquisitive Mistress of Disguise. Readers will love this quirky mystery and its sequels (7+).
Mr Penguin And The Lost Treasure by Alex T Smith: this cracker follows the hilarious escapades of a very endearing hero and his friends; it’s packed with humour, mystery and adventure, as well as fabulous illustrations (5+).
InvestiGators by John Patrick Green: the first in a laugh-out-loud full colour graphic novel series in which Mango and Brash, alligator secret agents, fight crime, save the day and go undercover (6+).
Happy reading!
