Mystery and Detective Books for Tween Sleuths

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of solving a good mystery—especially when you’re a tween with a keen eye for details and a knack for uncovering secrets! From cracking cryptic codes and piecing together puzzling clues to outsmarting crafty villains, mystery books offer young readers a chance to dive into adventures where their wits are the best tool. 

These stories not only entertain but also sharpen critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making them perfect for tweens who love a good brain teaser wrapped in a suspenseful plot.

So, if your budding detective is itching to don their imaginary trench coat and magnifying glass, we’ve got just the lineup for you. Here are some top picks for mystery and detective books that will captivate tween sleuths, challenge their minds, and keep them on the edge of their seats!

The Mystery of Locked Rooms by Lindsey Currie

Step into a world of mind-bending puzzles and high-stakes adventure with The Mystery of Locked Rooms by Lindsey Currie. This tween novel is a thrilling escape into the realm of riddles, secret passages, and hidden treasures, centered around twelve-year-old Sarah Greene and her friends West and Hannah. Known for their love of escape rooms, the trio’s skills are put to the ultimate test when Sarah’s family faces losing their home due to financial troubles. 

Desperation leads them to an abandoned 1950s funhouse rumored to hide a fortune within its walls—a fortune protected by the elaborate challenges created by three orphaned brothers. What starts as a treasure hunt quickly escalates into a suspenseful race against time as Sarah and her friends navigate the funhouse’s eerie corridors. With every twist and turn, they encounter riddles that seem oddly personal and more perilous than any escape room they’ve ever tackled. 

The Mystery of Locked Rooms is perfect for fans of action-packed middle grade mysteries, offering a fast-paced adventure filled with clever puzzles, deepening friendships, and the determination to overcome impossible odds. It’s like an escape room experience but cranked up to eleven—with a side of creepy 1950s décor.

Gloom Town by Ronald L. Smith

For tweens who enjoy their mysteries with a touch of the eerie and supernatural, Gloom Town by Ronald L. Smith is a delightfully spooky choice. When twelve-year-old Rory takes a job at a creepy mansion owned by the mysterious Lord Foxglove, he quickly realizes that his new boss is far more sinister than he seems. 

It turns out, Lord Foxglove isn’t even human and has some seriously shadowy plans—literally. Rory and his friend Isabella soon discover that Foxglove is stealing the shadows of the townspeople, and they must figure out how to stop him before it’s too late.

With its blend of magical elements, spine-tingling suspense, and a moody seaside setting, Gloom Town is perfect for tweens who crave a mystery with a darker twist. Rory and Isabella’s journey is not just about uncovering secrets but also about finding courage and friendship in the most unexpected places. 

This book offers a gripping, atmospheric tale that combines the best of mystery, adventure, and a touch of the macabre—think haunted mansions, shadowy villains, and enough chills to keep the lights on at bedtime.

The Amelia Six by Kristin L. Gray

If your tween is into history with a side of intrigue, The Amelia Six by Kristin L. Gray will hit all the right notes. Eleven-year-old Amelia “Millie” Ashford’s life takes an unexpected turn when she’s invited to spend the night at the childhood home of her namesake, Amelia Earhart, alongside five other girls. 

The thrill of staying in such a legendary place quickly turns into a classic whodunit when Amelia Earhart’s famous aviator goggles go missing, and Millie becomes the prime suspect. Stranded by a blizzard with a house full of suspects, Millie and her new friends must band together to solve the mystery and clear her name. 

The Amelia Six is a delightful, girl-powered mystery packed with adventure, camaraderie, and a sprinkle of aviation history. With themes of trust, teamwork, and the legacy of pioneering women, this novel celebrates the strength of female friendships and the thrill of discovery. It’s like a slumber party with a side of sleuthing—and a dash of girl power that would make Amelia proud.

The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer (Enola Holmes Series)

No list of mysteries for tween sleuths would be complete without mentioning the iconic Enola Holmes series by Nancy Springer. Kicking off with The Case of the Missing Marquess, this series introduces readers to Enola, the younger sister of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. 

On her fourteenth birthday, Enola’s mother mysteriously disappears, setting Enola on a path that defies the expectations of Victorian society and her own brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft. Determined to avoid the dreaded fate of finishing school, Enola embarks on a solo journey to London, where she quickly finds herself wrapped up in the kidnapping case of a young marquess.

Armed with her keen mind, resourcefulness, and a flair for disguise, Enola must outsmart not only her brothers but also the dangerous criminals lurking in the city’s shadows. The series is celebrated for its strong, independent heroine who uses her intelligence and courage to navigate a male-dominated world, making it an empowering read for young readers. 

With clever puzzles, fast-paced action, and a richly detailed setting, The Case of the Missing Marquess is a perfect introduction to a series that honors the classic detective genre while giving it a fresh and exciting twist through the eyes of a young girl determined to carve out her own destiny. It’s Sherlock Holmes with a twist—and a whole lot of girl power.

Conclusion

These thrilling and engaging mysteries are sure to captivate any tween with a taste for puzzles, suspense, and a good old-fashioned detective adventure. Whether they’re exploring eerie funhouses, uncovering hidden treasures, or solving crimes alongside famous fictional detectives, these stories are bound to ignite the imagination and keep the pages turning.

So, if your young detective is ready to take on their next case, these books will be the perfect companions on their journey into the world of mysteries and adventures. Grab a magnifying glass, follow the clues, and let the sleuthing begin—because there’s nothing quite like the thrill of cracking the case! Happy sleuthing!