Books About Crime And Detection

The Best Crime And Detection Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about crime and detection? 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.

Leave It to Plum!
Series
The Shortlist

Our 4 Favorite Books About Crime And Detection

Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Leave It to Plum!

By Matt Phelan · Plum series

A small mammal plots to take over the zoo. Can a peacock save the day?

128 pages· 7,110 words· Est. 1 hour read
5.3/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 509 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: At Athensville Zoo, Plum the peacock proudly guides visitors, but Itch, a tiny marsupial, envies his freedom. Determined to become the zoo's ambassador, Itch hatches a daring plan. Can Plum's big heart outsmart Itch's big ego and restore harmony? Dive into a tale of mischief, friendship, and unexpected heroics in this lively zoo adventure.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2003

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Jumping Frogs

A young detective tackles ten new mysteries. Can you solve them before he does?

80 pages· 9,929 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 522 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Encyclopedia Brown, a ten-year-old detective, returns to solve ten new mysteries in Idaville. With his sharp mind and the help of Sally Kimball, his fearless partner, they confront the scheming Bugs Meany and the cunning Wilford Wiggins. As they unravel each case, the stakes rise. Can you crack the mysteries before they do? Dive into the adventure and test your detective skills.
Chapter Book · Ages 4–8

Flat Stanley: His Original Adventure (Turtleback School & Library)

A boy becomes flat after a bulletin board falls on him and discovers new abilities that change how he experiences the world.

72 pages· 4,374 words· Est. 1 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 16,972 ratings
$22.45Save 5%
Prebound-Glued
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Paddington 2

A stolen gift leads to a thrilling chase through London. Can they catch the thief in time?

176 pages· 31,076 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 169 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Paddington Bear, now settled in London with the Browns, is on a mission to find the perfect birthday gift for his Aunt Lucy. He discovers a unique book, but when it's stolen, Paddington and the Browns must embark on a whimsical adventure to catch the thief. Will they recover the precious gift in time for Aunt Lucy's 100th birthday? Join Paddington in a tale filled with humor, friendship, and marmalade mishaps as they unravel the mystery and celebrate the bonds of family.
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