Books About Amateur Detectives

The Best Amateur Detectives Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about amateur detectives? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

#1 in Series

#21 in Series

#14 in Series

#18 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Amateur Detectives

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1997

The Absent Author

By Ron Roy, John Steven Gurney (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the A to Z Mysteries series

A famous mystery writer goes missing after being invited to a book signing event in a small town.

96 pages· 8,685 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 10,128 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Dink eagerly awaits the arrival of his favorite mystery author, Wallis Wallace, in Green Lawn. But when the big day comes, Wallace is missing. While the police dismiss it as a travel mishap, Dink suspects something more sinister. With his friends Josh and Ruth Rose, he embarks on a quest to find the missing writer. As they delve deeper, they must unravel clues and face unexpected twists. Can they solve the mystery before it's too late?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Danger at the Iron Dragon

By Carolyn Keene · Book #21 in the Nancy Drew Diaries series

Nancy's Jiu-Jitsu class uncovers a sinister plot. Can she solve it before it's too late?

224 pages· 37,274 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 571 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Nancy Drew, along with friends Bess and George, takes Jiu-Jitsu lessons at Iron Dragon MMA. When a dead rat and 'traitor' graffiti appear, Nancy suspects sabotage before a big competition. As she investigates, unexpected dangers arise. Can Nancy outsmart the culprits and protect her friends, or has she finally met her match?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2014

The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing

By Sheila Turnage · Book #2 in the Mo & Dale Mystery series

A ghost haunts an old inn, and Mo must uncover its secrets before the past consumes Tupelo Landing.

368 pages· 67,311 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 7,002 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Mo and Dale are back on the case when Miss Lana becomes the owner of a haunted inn. As they delve into the mystery, they uncover secrets that suggest the past is not just haunting the inn but the entire town of Tupelo Landing. With a historical ghost promising extra credit and a town full of quirky characters, Mo must solve the mystery before history repeats itself. Can they uncover the truth behind the ghostly presence, or will the past remain buried? Join Mo and Dale in this laugh-out-loud Southern mystery adventure.

Sale price

$379

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1998

Scooby-Doo! and the Mummy's Curse

By James Gelsey · Book #2 in the Scooby-Doo Mysteries series

A movie set is haunted by a mummy's curse. Can Scooby-Doo solve the mystery?

57 pages· 5,267 words· Est. 59 min read

4.0 Goodreads · 389 ratings

$3.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: On the set of 'The Sands of Cairo,' chaos erupts as a mummy's curse threatens the production. With jewels and treasures at stake, Scooby-Doo and the gang must unravel the mystery behind the eerie happenings. Is the curse real, or is something more sinister at play? Join them as they race against time to uncover the truth and save the film from disaster.

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$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

The Professor and the Puzzle

By Carolyn Keene · Book #15 in the Nancy Drew Diaries series

A student falls at a Greek gala. Can Nancy uncover the saboteur?

192 pages· 30,188 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 816 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: At Oracle College's Greek mythology gala, a student plummets from a balcony, turning celebration into chaos. Nancy Drew, with friends Bess and George, must unravel the mystery of collegiate sabotage. As danger looms, can Nancy identify the treacherous scholar before more harm is done? The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking in this thrilling mystery.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Riverboat Roulette

By Carolyn Keene · Book #14 in the Nancy Drew Diaries series

Charity funds vanish mid-gala. Can Nancy solve the mystery before the ship docks?

156 pages· 25,105 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 854 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: At a glamorous riverboat gala, charity funds mysteriously disappear. Nancy Drew, with only three hours and a ship full of suspects, must unravel the mystery before the event ends. With high-stakes games and over two hundred guests, can Nancy find the thief and save the day for Pet Crusaders? Dive into this thrilling challenge where every second counts and nothing is as it seems.

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$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

The Stolen Show

By Carolyn Keene · Book #18 in the Nancy Drew Diaries series

Teen sleuths uncover jewel smuggling at a dog show. Can they outsmart the thieves?

192 pages· 30,318 words· Est. 4 hour read

3.9 Goodreads · 706 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Nancy Drew and her friends, Bess and George, head to Montreal for a dog show, only to stumble upon a jewel smuggling ring. As they dig deeper, the thieves grow uneasy with Nancy's probing. With threats looming, can Nancy solve the mystery and keep her friends safe, or will the case prove too dangerous? Discover the secrets hidden in the world of competitive dog shows and the unexpected twists that await.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1996

Dead Letter

By Betsy Byars · Book #3 in the Herculeah Jones Mystery series

A hidden letter, a cry for help, and a dangerous watcher.

147 pages· 24,400 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 336 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Herculeah stumbles upon a hidden letter in a secondhand coat, suspecting it's a plea for help. As she delves into the mystery, she believes she knows the fate of the writer. But someone is watching her every move, determined to silence her at any cost. Can Herculeah uncover the truth before it's too late?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Hidden Pictures

By Carolyn Keene · Book #19 in the Nancy Drew Diaries series

Can three friends uncover the truth behind mysterious photos before it's too late?

192 pages· 31,408 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

3.9 Goodreads · 768 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In Shady Oaks, Nancy, Bess, and George face a chilling mystery. A famous photographer's exhibit reveals two missing visitors, seemingly trapped in time. As rumors of a curse swirl, the trio must unravel the truth. But someone is determined to keep the past hidden. Can they solve the mystery before danger strikes?

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$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Once Upon a Thriller

By Carolyn Keene · Book #4 in the Nancy Drew Diaries series

Crimes mimic mystery novels. Who's behind the plot?

144 pages· 21,971 words· Est. 3 hour read

3.9 Goodreads · 2,084 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Unknown Binding

Summary: Nancy Drew faces a puzzling case when crimes mirror the plots of Lacey O’Brien’s novels. A bookstore fire, a sunken boat, and a dognapping raise questions. Is it the author seeking attention, a devoted fan, or the bookstore owner? Nancy, Bess, and George must unravel the truth hidden within the pages of fiction. Can they solve the mystery before it’s too late?

Ages 7–10Junior Chapter Book Club