Books About Crime Investigation

The Best Crime Investigation Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about crime investigation? 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.

Murder House
The Shortlist

Our 7 Favorite Books About Crime Investigation

Sale price
$901
Chapter Book · 2008

Murder House

By Franklin W. Dixon · The Hardy Boys: Undercover Brothers series

Uncover the truth behind reality show's eerie accidents.

160 pages· 31,631 words
4.3/5 Goodreads · 346 ratings
$9.48Save 5%
Summary: In the final days of the Deprivation House reality show, agents Frank and Joe Hardy race against time to unravel the truth behind a series of mysterious accidents. As secrets surface, the brothers face a shocking twist that could change everything. Can they solve the mystery before it's too late?
Chapter Book · Ages 14–99 · 2017

Dreamland Burning

A skeleton unearths secrets of a century-old racial conflict, challenging two teens across time.

400 pages· 79,594 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 13,105 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Summary: Rowan Chase stumbles upon a skeleton on her family's land, unraveling a century-old murder mystery that echoes into her present. Meanwhile, in 1921, Will Tillman faces a racial inferno in Tulsa, confronting his own prejudices and the violent segregation of his time. As their stories intertwine, both teens must navigate a landscape of racial tension and personal discovery. Can Rowan uncover the truth without losing herself? Will Will find redemption amidst chaos? This gripping narrative explores the enduring complexities of race relations, bridging past and present in a powerful tale of justice and identity.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2005

Operation: Survival

Uncover the deadly mystery haunting a troubled teens' camp in the Maine wilderness.

160 pages· 27,493 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 428 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Frank and Joe Hardy are on a mission to unravel the sinister events at a camp for troubled teens near Moosehead Lake, Maine. With injuries and deaths mounting, the brothers must navigate the treacherous wilderness and uncover the truth. Is the camp's founder, Linc Saunders, hiding a deadly secret? As potential victims increase, the stakes rise, and the Hardys must act fast to prevent further tragedy. Can they solve the mystery before it's too late?
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2016

Stalking Jack the Ripper

A young woman secretly investigates a series of gruesome murders, risking everything to uncover a killer.

318 pages· 87,200 words· Est. 8 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 185,723 ratings
Summary: Audrey Rose Wadsworth, a lord's daughter, defies societal norms by studying forensic medicine in secret. Her clandestine work leads her into a chilling investigation of a serial killer. As she delves deeper, the line between her privileged life and the dark underworld blurs. Can Audrey uncover the truth before the killer strikes again? With shocking twists and real period photos, this gripping tale will keep you on edge.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1989

Wipeout

Mysterious accidents threaten a windsurfing competition's top contenders.

149 pages· 32,150 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 223 ratings
$9.09Save 5%
Summary: Frank and Joe Hardy are on a mission in the South of France, where a prestigious windsurfing competition is marred by a string of suspicious accidents. As the Almanarre Cup approaches, the stakes rise, and the brothers must uncover the saboteur before it's too late. Can they solve the mystery and keep the competitors safe, or will the culprit succeed in their dangerous game?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Whale Done

By Stuart Gibbs · Book #8 in the FunJungle series

A blown-up whale and stolen sand lead to unexpected mysteries on Malibu's beaches.

320 pages· 64,343 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,185 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Teddy Fitzroy's beach getaway turns into a whirlwind of mystery when a whale explodes and sand vanishes. As rumors swirl about his girlfriend Summer's celebrity romance, Teddy must solve these puzzles without her help. Can he uncover the truth amidst Malibu's glitz and glamour?
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2019

Ali Cross

By James Patterson · Book #1 in the Ali Cross series

A young detective's quest to find his missing friend uncovers unexpected dangers.

336 pages· 47,503 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 13,943 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Ali Cross, son of famed detective Alex Cross, faces his toughest challenge yet when his best friend Gabe vanishes. With his father entangled in legal troubles, Ali must navigate a web of clues and neighborhood burglaries. Can he solve the mystery without putting his family in jeopardy, or will his sleuthing lead to more trouble? As Ali digs deeper, he discovers that not everything is as it seems. Will his determination to find Gabe bring answers or chaos to the Cross family? Dive into a thrilling mystery where every clue could be a trap.
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