Books About Crime Solving

The Best Crime Solving Books for Kids

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

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of Pablo's Nose

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Two Spies

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Crime Solving

Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2014

Killer Instinct

By Jennifer Lynn Barnes · Book #2 in the The Naturals series

A copycat killer targets teens with crime-solving skills. Can they outsmart him before it's too late?

378 pages· 82,135 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 259,476 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Summary: Cassie Hobbes, a teen with a knack for profiling, joins an elite FBI program. When a new serial killer mimics the crimes of a teammate's father, the Naturals are thrust into a chilling case. As they delve into the killer's psyche, the stakes rise. Can they unravel the mind games before becoming ensnared in the copycat's deadly web? With friendship, romance, and danger at every turn, this thriller keeps you guessing. Will the Naturals outwit the killer, or will they fall victim to his sinister plans?

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$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2015

The Hollow Boy

By Jonathan Stroud · Book #3 in the Lockwood & Co. series

Ghost hunters face assassins and hauntings amid rising tensions.

374 pages· 95,254 words· Est. 10.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 37,667 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In a haunted London, Lockwood & Co. tackle a surge of ghostly Visitors while grappling with internal strife. As Lucy grows closer to the team, a new assistant disrupts their dynamic. Amidst bloody footprints and eerie department stores, assassins strike during a city carnival. Can the team overcome personal conflicts to confront these threats, or will discord invite further danger? Dive into this chilling adventure where danger lurks at every corner and alliances are tested.

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$2659

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2023

Ava & Carol Detective Agency

By Thomas Lockhaven, Emily Chase · Book #1 in the Ava & Carol Detective Agency Series series

Two young detectives race to recover stolen diamonds before they vanish forever.

378 pages· 85,773 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 254 ratings

$27.99Save 5%

Summary: Ava and Carol, spirited young detectives, face a thrilling challenge: recover the stolen Ramesses diamonds before they're smuggled out of the country. As they dive into the mystery, they must outsmart cunning criminals and race against time. Will their wit and courage be enough to save the priceless jewels, or will the thieves escape with their treasure? Join Ava and Carol on a high-stakes adventure filled with twists and turns, where every clue could be the key to solving the case and bringing justice to light.

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$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

Movie Menace

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

Uncover the truth behind mysterious arson on a movie set.

176 pages· 30,709 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 173 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Frank and Joe Hardy go undercover on a movie set to protect Anya, a rising star who fears for her life after a suspicious fire. As chaos unfolds, the brothers must unravel the mystery before it's too late. Can they expose the culprit behind the mayhem and keep Anya safe, or will the danger lurking in the shadows strike again? Dive into the thrilling first book of a new trilogy where secrets and suspense collide.

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$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1996

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of Pablo's Nose

By Donald J. Sobol · Encyclopedia Brown series

Solve 10 new mysteries with Idaville's young detective.

80 pages· 9,625 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 540 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Join Encyclopedia Brown as he tackles 10 puzzling mysteries in Idaville. With Sally Kimball by his side, he faces off against the mischievous Bugs Meany and the scheming Wilford Wiggins. From a missing nose to a reptile race gone awry, each case challenges his sharp mind. Can you crack the cases before the solutions are revealed?

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Sleeping Dog

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$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1998

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Sleeping Dog

By Donald J. Sobol, Warren Chang (Illustrator) · Encyclopedia Brown series

Can the boy detective outsmart a schemer and solve quirky town mysteries?

80 pages· 9,127 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 735 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: In Idaville, a cunning schemer targets kids' allowances, and a feisty friend is ready to fight. Encyclopedia Brown, the renowned boy detective, faces quirky mysteries involving a sleepy beagle and shower singers. As performance art stirs the town, can he unravel the truth before chaos ensues? Dive into a world where every clue counts and surprises lurk around every corner.

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$574

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1994

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Two Spies

By Donald J. Sobol · Encyclopedia Brown series

Solve ten intriguing mysteries with a young detective.

80 pages· 9,859 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 566 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Join a clever young detective as she tackles ten puzzling mysteries. Each case challenges her wit and determination, inviting readers to solve the mysteries alongside her. Can you crack the case before she does?

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Midnight Visitor

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$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1977

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Midnight Visitor

By Donald J. Sobol · Encyclopedia Brown series

A young detective tackles baffling mysteries, inviting readers to solve them too.

96 pages· 10,118 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,278 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: In Idaville, ten-year-old detective Encyclopedia Brown uses his trivia skills to crack neighborhood mysteries. With his father, the police chief, he tackles baffling cases over dinner. Can you solve them too? Join Encyclopedia in unraveling ten intriguing puzzles, where every clue counts and your detective skills are put to the test. Dive into this interactive adventure and see if you can match wits with the town's sharpest sleuth.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1993

The Chocolate Fudge Mystery

By David A. Adler, Susanna Natti (Illustrator) · Book #14 in the Cam Jansen series

Two kids help the police solve a bank robbery case.

58 pages· 5,707 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,334 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Cam Jansen, a young detective with a photographic memory, and her friend Eric are selling candy for a school fundraiser. When they notice a full trash can outside an empty house, Cam suspects someone is hiding inside. With her keen eye for detail, Cam is determined to uncover the truth. What secrets lie behind the door, and can Cam solve the mystery before it's too late? Join Cam on this intriguing adventure where every clue counts and nothing is as it seems.

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1996

Art Dog

By Thacher Hurd · Trophy Picture Books series

A masked hero uses art to catch museum thieves.

32 pages· 810 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 241 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: By day, Arthur Dog guards the Dogopolis Museum, but by night, he becomes Art Dog, a masked hero with a paintbrush. When the Mona Woofa is stolen, Art Dog must use his creative powers to track down the real thieves. Can he solve the mystery before the wrong suspect is caught? Join him on a colorful chase through the city, where art and adventure collide in a whimsical tale filled with canine twists on classic masterpieces.

The Bookroo Book Club