Books About Detective Work · 30 titles considered

The Best Detective Work Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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.

Skulduggery Pleasant
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.

384 pages· 68,048 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 74,145 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2003

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

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 · 1,624,946 ratings
$16.00Save 5%
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 · 479 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–11 · 2017

Danger Ahead (6)

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 · 1,265 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
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 · 157 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2006

Detective Camp

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 · 1,935 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2009

Treasure Trouble

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 · 275 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2016

The Great Shelby Holmes

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 experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,363 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2006

Pony Problems

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 · 945 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1986

The Mystery of the Stolen Corn Popper

By David A. Adler, Susanna Natti (Illustrator) · Book #11 in the Cam Jansen series

Young detective solves mysteries with a photographic memory.

58 pages· 3,641 words· Est. 31 min read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 593 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
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Detective Work Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about detective work for developing and independent readers.

The Mystery of the Gold Coins

Ages 6–10 · 1982

A young detective solves mysteries with her photographic memory.

The Triceratops Pops Mystery

Ages 7–9 · 1995

Young detective solves mysteries with her photographic memory.

The Secret in the Old Attic

Ages 8–12 · 1944

A race against time to find hidden manuscripts and thwart ruthless thieves.

The Catnapping Mystery
Sale price
$599

The Catnapping Mystery

Ages 7–9 · 1998

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

The Detective's Assistant

Ages 8–12 · 2015

An orphaned girl aids her detective aunt in solving mysteries and saving Lincoln.

The Barking Treasure Mystery
Sale price
$599

The Barking Treasure Mystery

Ages 7–10 · 1999

A boat ride turns into a mystery when a jeweled poodle vanishes. Can Cam solve it?

The Disappearing Floor
Sale price
$999

The Disappearing Floor

Ages 8–12 · 1940

Brothers chase a jewel thief to a mansion hiding deadly secrets and bizarre mysteries.

The Witch Tree Symbol

Ages 8–12 · 1955

A mysterious symbol leads a detective into danger and superstition in Amish country.

The Great Airport Mystery

Ages 8–12 · 1930

Stolen platinum, a pilot's mysterious death, and a shocking hometown discovery await two young detectives.

Who Is Stealing the 12 Days of Christmas?

Ages 8–11 · 2003

Can Alex catch the thief stealing Christmas decorations before it's too late?

Mystery of the Desert Giant

Ages 8–12 · 1960

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

The Berenstain Bears and the Drug Free Zone

Ages 8–11 · 1993

Siblings uncover a drug issue but learn solving mysteries isn't as simple as it seems.

View all detective work chapter books
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Books about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Books about detectivesBooks about feelings and emotionsBooks about good and evilBooks about imaginary placesBooks about problem solving

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