Books About Criminals

The Best Criminals Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Law and Crime, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about criminals? 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.

The Clackity
#1 in Series
City of Fallen Angels
#4 in Series
Stalking Jack the Ripper
#1 in Series
Steel Hammer
#12 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Criminals

Akata Witch
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2011

Akata Witch

By Nnedi Okorafor · Book #1 in the The Nsibidi Scripts series

A young girl discovers her magical powers and must stop a criminal who wields magic too.

349 pages· 70,715 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 39,105 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Sunny, an albino girl in Nigeria, feels out of place until she discovers her magical abilities. Joining a group of young magic students, she learns to alter reality. But when a dangerous criminal with magic threatens their world, can they stop him in time? Dive into a world where magic and reality intertwine, and every choice could mean life or death.
Code of Honor
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2015

Code of Honor

By Alan Gratz

Kamran races to clear his brother's name amid terror accusations.

288 pages· 67,953 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 10,809 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Kamran Smith's world shatters when his brother, Darius, is accused of terrorism. Determined to prove Darius's innocence, Kamran embarks on a perilous quest, deciphering cryptic clues that could prevent a deadly attack. As friends turn against him, Kamran must confront the possibility of betrayal and danger. Can he uncover the truth before it's too late, or will his loyalty cost him everything?
As Good as Dead
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2021

As Good as Dead

By Holly Jackson · Book #3 in the A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series

A podcaster faces real-life danger as threats escalate and a serial killer's case resurfaces.

480 pages· 132,546 words· Est. 12.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 616,847 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Pip, a true-crime podcaster, is haunted by her last case as she prepares for college. Anonymous threats turn into real-life stalking, linking to a serial killer caught years ago. With police dismissive, Pip must unravel the truth herself or risk becoming the next victim. As the mystery deepens, her small town's secrets threaten to consume her. Can Pip solve the case before she disappears?
The Clackity
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2022

The Clackity

By Lora Senf · Book #1 in the Blight Harbor series

A girl must outwit a sinister creature to save her aunt from a haunted world.

288 pages· 65,208 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 3,811 ratings
$17.99
Hardcover
Summary: In the haunted town of Blight Harbor, Evie Von Rathe's aunt vanishes into a forbidden slaughterhouse. To rescue her, Evie strikes a perilous deal with The Clackity, a shadowy entity demanding the ghost of a long-dead serial killer. As Evie ventures into a realm teeming with witches, ghosts, and a memory-thief, she must outsmart a relentless specter intent on claiming her soul. Can Evie navigate this eerie world and save her aunt, or is there a darker plot at play?
City of Fallen Angels
Sale price
$2560
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2011

City of Fallen Angels

By Cassandra Clare · Book #4 in the The Mortal Instruments series

Shadowhunters are being murdered, threatening peace. Clary must solve the mystery before losing everything she loves.

480 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 649,714 ratings
$26.95Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Clary Fray returns to New York, eager to embrace her Shadowhunter training and newfound love with Jace. But peace shatters as Shadowhunters are mysteriously murdered, reigniting tensions with Downworlders. Her best friend Simon faces his own crisis, leaving Clary to unravel a dark mystery alone. As Jace grows distant, Clary discovers she may have triggered a catastrophic chain of events. Can she stop the looming war and save those she loves, or will her worst fears come true? Dive into a world where trust is perilous and love could be the ultimate destruction.
Stalking Jack the Ripper
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2016

Stalking Jack the Ripper

By Kerri Maniscalco · Book #1 in the Stalking Jack the Ripper series

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 · 186,506 ratings
Paperback
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.
Jackaby
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2014

Jackaby

By William Ritter · Book #1 in the Jackaby series

A detective and his assistant hunt a supernatural killer in 1892 New England.

310 pages· 66,512 words· Est. 6 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 32,811 ratings
$9.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In 1892 New England, Abigail Rook, seeking work, joins R.F. Jackaby, a detective of the unexplained. Her first case involves a serial killer, but Jackaby suspects a supernatural culprit. As they delve deeper, Abigail is torn between Jackaby's insights and the enigmatic policeman, Charlie. Is Charlie an ally or does he hide a sinister secret? The stakes rise as they confront forces beyond the ordinary.
Steel Hammer
Sale price
$2595
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2015

Steel Hammer

By Carl Bowen, Wilson Tortosa (Illustrator) · Book #12 in the Shadow Squadron series

A team must parachute onto a moving train to stop elite soldiers and secure weapons.

112 pages· 11,379 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 17 ratings
$27.32Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Lieutenant Commander Ryan Cross leads Shadow Squadron on their toughest mission yet: parachuting onto a speeding train to seize a dangerous weapons cache and confront elite ISIS soldiers. Can they succeed against impossible odds?
The Unabomber
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

The Unabomber

By Bryan Denson · FBI Files series

A lone bomber eludes capture for years. Can the FBI crack his mind and end the terror?

176 pages· 20,560 words· Est. 3 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 104 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: For nearly two decades, a mysterious bomber terrorizes America, leaving a trail of destruction. Enter Agent Kathy Puckett, a skilled psychologist and linguist, whose insights become crucial in the hunt. As she delves into the mind of the elusive Unabomber, the stakes rise. Can she and her team finally unmask the faceless killer and bring him to justice? Follow the gripping investigation that leads to a remote cabin in Montana, where the truth awaits. Discover the tension and triumph in this riveting true-crime tale of one of America's most notorious domestic terrorists.
Jack the Ripper
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Jack the Ripper

By Michael Burgan · History's Worst series

Unmask the mystery of history's most infamous killer: Jack the Ripper.

208 pages
3.3/5 Goodreads · 89 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1888, London's streets were haunted by a shadowy figure known as Jack the Ripper. As he eluded capture, fear gripped the city. Who was this elusive killer? Dive into the chilling mystery that still captivates the world, exploring the dark alleys and unanswered questions surrounding his identity. This gripping biography delves into the enigma of Jack the Ripper, inviting you to unravel the secrets of one of history's most notorious criminals. Can you piece together the clues that have baffled detectives for over a century?
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