Books About Detective Work

The Best Detective Work Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about detective work? 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.

#1 in Series

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Sherlock Sam and the Sinister Letters in Bras Basah

#3 in Series

#6 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Detective Work

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 2007

Skulduggery Pleasant

By Derek Landy · Book #1 in the Skulduggery Pleasant series

A girl and a skeleton sorcerer must stop evil forces threatening the world.

FCBG Children’s Book Award (2008)Odyssey Honor (2008)

384 pages· 68,048 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 74,294 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Stephanie inherits her uncle's estate, only to discover his horror stories were real. Now, pursued by dark forces, she teams up with Skulduggery, a witty skeleton sorcerer. Together, they must unravel a dangerous mystery and save the world. Can this unlikely duo outsmart the sinister powers at play, or will they fall victim to the very horrors they seek to defeat? Dive into a world where magic and danger lurk around every corner, and nothing is as it seems.

Sale price

$1520

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2003

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

By Mark Haddon

A boy with autism investigates a dog's murder, uncovering hidden truths.

226 pages· 61,939 words· Est. 6 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,628,110 ratings

$16.00Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Christopher, a boy with autism, embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of a neighbor's dog's death. Armed with his love for facts and numbers, he navigates a world that often confounds him. As he delves deeper, Christopher uncovers unexpected truths about himself and the world around him. Can he piece together the clues without unraveling his own carefully structured life? This journey of discovery challenges his perceptions and reveals the complexities of human emotions, making for a poignant and humorous tale.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2013

Sherlock Sam and the Sinister Letters in Bras Basah

By A.J. Low, Andrew Tan (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Sherlock Sam series

A young detective and his robot tackle mysterious letters at a new school.

144 pages· 14,669 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 158 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In bustling Singapore, 10-year-old detective Sherlock Sam and his robot sidekick, Watson, face a puzzling mystery at their new school. Sinister letters threaten a fellow student, and only Sam's sharp mind can unravel the truth. As they delve into the mystery, the duo must navigate clues and secrets, all while indulging in Singapore's culinary delights. Will they uncover the sender's identity before it's too late? Join Sherlock Sam and Watson in a thrilling adventure where teamwork and deduction are key to solving the enigma.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2006

Fireworks at the FBI

By Ron Roy, Timothy Bush (Illustrator) · Book #6 in the Capital Mysteries series

A group of friends try to solve a mystery involving rockets, fireworks, and a witness protection program.

96 pages· 8,984 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 481 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: During the Fourth of July at the White House, KC spots unexpected fireworks at the FBI building. While the president dismisses it as an accident, KC and her friend Marshall suspect a hidden crime. As they delve into the mystery, they must navigate Washington, D.C.'s iconic landmarks to uncover the truth. Will they solve the case before it's too late?

Sale price

$1348

Chapter Book · Ages 9–11 · 2017

Danger Ahead

By R. A. Spratt · Book #6 in the Friday Barnes series

A school camp turns into a rescue mission and ghost hunt. Can Friday survive?

272 pages· 43,630 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,271 ratings

$13.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Friday Barnes faces her fears as she embarks on a mission to rescue Ian, kidnapped en route to a family reunion. Back at school, she's thrust into 'Camp Courage,' a wilderness survival camp fraught with challenges. As she navigates the perils of the great outdoors, Friday must also unravel the mystery of a camp ghost. Will she conquer the wild and return to Highcrest Academy unscathed? Adventure and intrigue await in this thrilling tale of courage and cunning.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2006

Detective Camp

By Ron Roy, John Steven Gurney (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the A to Z Mysteries Super Edition series

Three friends attend a detective camp and solve a mystery involving a stolen ring and a treasure hunt.

144 pages· 13,973 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,939 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: At detective camp, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are eager to solve puzzles and learn crime-solving skills. But when they stumble upon something suspicious, the trio wonders if a real crime is unfolding. Can they crack the case before it's too late? Dive into the mystery and uncover hidden messages along the way!

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2009

Treasure Trouble

By Carolyn Keene, Macky Pamintuan (Illustrator) · Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew series

A treasure chest vanishes at a pirate party. Can the Clue Crew solve it?

112 pages· 11,088 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 276 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Nancy, George, and Bess are at Barnacle Beach for a pirate-themed party when the treasure chest of favors disappears. With a mysterious map in hand, the Clue Crew races against time to find the missing loot before the celebration is ruined. Meanwhile, a rival sleuthing club emerges, challenging Nancy and her friends to solve the case first. Will the Clue Crew outsmart their competition and save the day, or will the treasure remain lost forever?

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2006

Pony Problems

By Carolyn Keene, Macky Pamintuan (Illustrator) · Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew series

A pony escapes, causing chaos. Can the Clue Crew solve the mystery?

96 pages· 10,804 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 952 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In River Heights, a mischievous Shetland pony named Buttons keeps escaping from the new petting zoo, munching on neighborhood flowers. Nancy, George, and Bess, the Clue Crew, are on the case. How does Buttons keep getting out? As they investigate, the friends must unravel the mystery before Buttons causes more trouble. Will they discover the secret behind his escapes and ensure he stays put? Join the Clue Crew as they saddle up for a puzzling pony adventure!

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2016

The Great Shelby Holmes

By Elizabeth Eulberg · Book #1 in the The Great Shelby Holmes series

A young boy moves to New York City with his mother and becomes entangled in a mystery involving a missing dog.

272 pages· 45,621 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

5.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,364 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In Harlem, nine-year-old detective Shelby Holmes meets her match in new neighbor John Watson. Despite their differences, they team up to solve a perplexing dog-napping mystery. Can Shelby's logic and John's easy-going nature crack the case? As they navigate clues and challenges, their budding friendship might just be the key to unraveling the truth. Dive into this delightful twist on a classic detective tale, where young sleuths face high stakes and unexpected turns.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1990

Mandie and the Shipboard Mystery

By Lois Leppard · Book #14 in the Mandie series

A steamship journey turns mysterious as objects vanish from a cabin.

158 pages· 38,815 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,173 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Mass Market Paperback

Summary: Mandie embarks on a European adventure with her grandmother, but the journey takes a mysterious turn when items start disappearing from her steamship cabin. As she navigates this puzzling situation, Mandie must rely on her faith and wits to uncover the truth. Alongside her friend Celia, they encounter peculiar passengers and unexpected twists. Why are candy and fruit vanishing, and how did a stranger's suitcase end up under their settee? With each clue, the stakes rise, and Mandie must solve the mystery before reaching their destination. Can she unravel the secrets hidden aboard the ship?

The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club

Browse by age

Ages 7–9 · 1998

A cat and bellhop vanish at a hotel. Can Cam solve the mystery?

#40 in Series

Sale price

$899

Mystery of the Desert Giant

Ages 8–12 · 1960

Two brothers chase criminals across borders to find a missing man.

View all detective work chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Books about detectives Books about feelings and emotions Books about good and evil Books about imaginary places Books about problem solving

The Best Detective Work Books for Kids

Our 10 Favorite Books About Detective Work

Skulduggery Pleasant

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Sherlock Sam and the Sinister Letters in Bras Basah

Fireworks at the FBI

Danger Ahead

Detective Camp

Treasure Trouble

Pony Problems

The Great Shelby Holmes

Mandie and the Shipboard Mystery

Great books, picked for their age.

Detective Work Chapter Books & Middle Grade

The Triceratops Pops Mystery

The Mystery of the Stolen Corn Popper

The Mystery of the Gold Coins

The Secret in the Old Attic

The Catnapping Mystery

The Detective's Assistant

The Barking Treasure Mystery

The Witch Tree Symbol

The Disappearing Floor

The Great Airport Mystery

Who Is Stealing the 12 Days of Christmas?

Mystery of the Desert Giant

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Book Store

Schools

Book Platform

Authors & Illustrators

Follow Bookroo