Books About Detective Stories

The Best Detective Stories Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about detective stories? 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 Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Detective Stories

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1887

A Study in Scarlet

By Arthur Conan Doyle · Book #1 in the Sherlock Holmes series

A penniless doctor and a brilliant detective unravel a dark murder mystery in Victorian London.

120 pages· 43,446 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 506,840 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Summary: In 1878 London, Dr. Watson, fresh from India and broke, meets the eccentric Sherlock Holmes. Their new partnership is tested as they dive into a chilling murder case, leading them from London's foggy streets to the wilds of Utah. As they unravel the mystery, Watson and Holmes forge a legendary alliance. Will they solve the case before more blood is spilled? This illustrated edition brings their first adventure to life with vivid imagery, capturing the essence of a timeless detective story.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

It's the End When I Say It's the End

By Stephan Pastis · Timmy Failure series

A retired detective's memoir film faces unexpected challenges and family reunions.

352 pages· 24,275 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 609 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Timmy Failure, a retired young detective, is coaxed into turning his memoirs into a film. As he navigates this new venture, his father returns, hinting at a secret partnership, while his polar bear partner, Total, seeks family reunion. With enemies lurking and comedic chaos unfolding, can Timmy manage his film debut and personal life? Discover the unexpected twists in this holiday adventure.

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$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2017

7 Ate 9

By Tara Lazar, Ross MacDonald (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Private I series

A detective investigates the disappearance of the number 9, only to discover a surprising twist.

32 pages· 613 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,738 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Number 6 is in trouble—rumor has it that 7 ate 9, and 6 might be next. Enter Private I, a detective determined to crack the case. As he delves into the mystery, the facts don't add up, and the stakes grow higher. Can Private I uncover the truth before 6 becomes the next victim in this numerical conundrum? Dive into a world where numbers have personalities, and every clue counts in this quirky, suspenseful tale.

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$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1989

The Case of the Fiddle-Playing Fox

By John R. Erickson, Gerald L. Holmes (Illustrator) · Book #12 in the Hank the Cowdog series

A fiddle-playing fox steals eggs, and Hank must decide between justice and love.

118 pages· 20,370 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 514 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Hank the Cowdog is on a mission to catch the egg thief, but when he discovers the culprit is a charming, fiddle-playing fox named Frankie, his plans take a twist. Instead of arresting Frankie, Hank teams up with him in a surprising alliance to win the heart of the lovely collie, Beulah. As Hank juggles his duties and his heart's desires, will he choose justice or romance? Dive into this whimsical tale of unexpected friendships and canine courtship.

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$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

A Capitol Crime

By Carolyn Keene · Nancy Drew Diaries series

Nancy races to find her missing father in D.C. before it's too late.

208 pages· 33,506 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 554 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Nancy Drew's father vanishes during a conference in Washington, D.C., prompting her and friends Bess and George to leap into action. With only a cryptic message on his phone as a clue, they scour the city, retracing his steps and uncovering a web of danger. As they delve deeper, the stakes rise—solving this mystery could be the difference between life and death for Mr. Drew. Can Nancy unravel the truth before time runs out?

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1992

Nate the Great and the Stolen Base

By Marjorie Weinman Sharmat · Book #14 in the Nate the Great series

A young detective investigates the theft of a baseball team's second base, a purple plastic octopus, and solves the case with the help of his dog Sludge

80 pages· 2,134 words· Est. 24 min read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 706 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Nate the Great faces a puzzling case when Rosamund's baseball team's second base, a purple plastic octopus, mysteriously vanishes. As Nate gathers clues, he must use his detective skills to unravel the mystery and ensure the game can go on. Will Nate find the octopus before it's too late? Dive into this quirky mystery where logic and humor lead the way.

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$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1975

Nate the Great and the Lost List

By Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, Marc Simont (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Nate the Great series

A young detective solves a case involving a lost grocery list

80 pages· 1,599 words· Est. 18 min read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 843 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Nate the Great and his dog, Sludge, are supposed to be on vacation, but when a friend's grocery list goes missing, they can't resist the challenge. With lunch approaching and his reputation on the line, Nate must solve the mystery before time runs out. Could Rosamond's peculiar cat pancakes hold the key to the case? Join Nate in a puzzling adventure where every clue counts.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2015

Beastly Bones

By William Ritter · Book #2 in the Jackaby series

A detective duo hunts a thief, a monster, and a murderer in a supernatural mystery.

320 pages· 64,576 words· Est. 6 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 12,751 ratings

$9.95Save 4%

Summary: In 1892 New England, Abigail Rook and her eccentric employer, R.F. Jackaby, face a chilling mystery. Shape-shifters, a murder, and a beast terrorize Gad's Valley. As bones vanish and bodies pile up, Abigail and Jackaby must unravel the supernatural chaos. Can they catch the thief, monster, and murderer before it's too late?

Sale price

$1415

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2000

Inspector Hopper

By Doug Cushman

A grasshopper detective tackles missing bugs and boats. Can he solve the mysteries?

64 pages· 1,274 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 122 ratings

$14.89Save 5%

Summary: Inspector Hopper, a clever grasshopper detective, faces puzzling cases: a missing Mrs. Ladybug and a vanished boat. With his trusty partner McBugg, they dive into the world of tiny mysteries. Will their feelers lead them to the truth, or will these cases remain unsolved? Join the bug-sized sleuths on their thrilling adventure.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1927

The Secret of the Old Mill

By Franklin W. Dixon · Book #3 in the The Hardy Boys series

Two brothers uncover a counterfeit ring at an old mill. Can they escape danger?

192 pages· 32,170 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 9,798 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Frank and Joe Hardy are on a mission to crack a counterfeit money ring hidden within the mysterious Turner mill. As they employ a clever ruse to gain entry, they find themselves trapped in a perilous situation. With their detective skills put to the ultimate test, can the young sleuths unravel the mill's secrets and escape unscathed? Dive into a world of suspense and intrigue as the Hardy Boys face their toughest challenge yet.

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