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.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

#2 in Series

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 Goodreads · 74,619 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 Goodreads · 1,634,643 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

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2017

Fizz and the Dog Academy Rescue

By Lesley Gibbes, Stephen Michael King (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Fizz series

A rookie dog faces tough training to become an undercover detective. Can he succeed?

80 pages· 4,975 words· Est. 42 min read

4.4 Goodreads · 148 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Fizz embarks on a challenging journey to become an undercover police dog. With the tryouts behind him, he now faces intense skills training alongside his new friend, Remi. As they tackle an unexpected challenge, will their detective instincts be enough to succeed? Dive into this action-packed adventure filled with humor and heart.

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 Goodreads · 159 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 · 2009

Unicorn Uproar

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

A unicorn vanishes at a festival. Can the Clue Crew solve the mystery?

96 pages· 10,807 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 295 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: At the town's medieval festival, Sparkle the unicorn mysteriously disappears. Is third-grade diva Destiny Delgado or mischievous Toby Leo behind it? Or did Nancy's fortune-teller wand cause the vanishing act? Nancy, Bess, and George must unravel the clues to uncover the truth. Join the Clue Crew on a magical quest filled with twists and turns. Will they find Sparkle before it's too late?

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 Goodreads · 484 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 Goodreads · 1,279 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 Goodreads · 1,943 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

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1999

Sammy Keyes and the Sisters of Mercy

By Wendelin Van Draanen · Book #3 in the Sammy Keyes series

A missing cross, a stolen mitt, and a prime suspect. Can Sammy clear her name?

210 pages· 54,585 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 2,908 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Sammy Keyes finds herself in hot water when a valuable cross disappears from St. Mary's, and she's the main suspect. As she juggles clearing her name and retrieving her stolen catcher's mitt before the softball play-offs, Sammy encounters nuns in feather boas, a homeless girl, and a carrot-chomping dog. With a safe to crack and her reputation on the line, can Sammy solve the mystery and reclaim her mitt? Dive into a whirlwind week of sleuthing and surprises with Sammy Keyes.

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 Goodreads · 277 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?

The Bookroo Book Club