Books About Historical Mysteries

The Best Historical Mysteries Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about historical mysteries? 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.

Charlie Thorne and the Royal Society
#4 in Series
Addison Cooke and the Tomb of the Khan
#2 in Series
The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline
#5 in Series
The Shadow Cipher
#1 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Historical Mysteries

Charlie Thorne and the Royal Society
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Charlie Thorne and the Royal Society

By Stuart Gibbs · Book #4 in the Charlie Thorne series

A genius races to uncover Newton's secret treasure before her relentless pursuers do.

416 pages· 75,049 words· Est. 10.5 hour read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,887 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Charlie Thorne, a brilliant and fearless adventurer, is on a high-stakes quest to find Isaac Newton's hidden treasure. With former CIA allies, she races across Europe and Australia, outsmarting foes and dodging danger at every turn. As she deciphers Newton's cryptic clues, Charlie must stay ahead of her relentless pursuers. Will she unlock the secrets of history's greatest mind, or will her enemies catch up? The chase is on, and the stakes have never been higher.
Mystery on Church Hill
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2013

Mystery on Church Hill

By Steven K. Smith · Book #2 in the The Virginia Mysteries series

Brothers uncover a hidden history and race to stop a treasure heist.

162 pages· 29,008 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 700 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Brothers Sam and Derek visit Richmond's St. John's Church and stumble upon a hidden piece of history. As they dig deeper, they uncover clues from America's founding fathers and a secret plot to steal a national treasure. Racing from Richmond's cemeteries to Colonial Williamsburg's streets, the boys must unravel the mystery before it's too late. Can they protect the past and prevent a historical heist?
Mayflower Treasure Hunt
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2007

Mayflower Treasure Hunt

By Ron Roy, John Steven Gurney (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the A to Z Mysteries Super Edition series

A lost sapphire necklace from the Mayflower sparks a thrilling treasure hunt.

128 pages· 12,153 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,481 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are in Plymouth for Thanksgiving, eager to explore history. But when they hear of a sapphire necklace lost from the Mayflower, their holiday turns into a treasure hunt. Is the 400-year-old jewel hidden nearby, and can they find it before someone else does? Join the trio as they unravel clues and face unexpected twists in this exciting mystery adventure.
Addison Cooke and the Tomb of the Khan
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Addison Cooke and the Tomb of the Khan

By Jonathan W. Stokes · Book #2 in the Addison Cooke series

A daring quest to stop a heist and rescue family from a dangerous gang.

464 pages· 86,430 words· Est. 12 hour read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 637 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Addison Cooke is back, diving into a thrilling adventure across Asia to uncover Genghis Khan's legendary tomb. When his aunt and uncle are kidnapped by a gang seeking the Mongolian leader's treasure, Addison and his friends must outsmart bandits and navigate booby traps. With only their wits and a thirst for adventure, they race against time to save his family and prevent a priceless artifact from falling into the wrong hands. Will they succeed, or will the treasure remain lost forever? Join Addison for a journey filled with action, humor, and high stakes.
The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2009

The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline

By Nancy Springer · Book #5 in the Enola Holmes Mysteries series

Enola Holmes must solve the mystery of her kidnapped landlady. Can she uncover the truth?

162 pages· 29,027 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 14,137 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Enola Holmes returns to find her beloved landlady, Mrs. Tupper, kidnapped. With her brother Sherlock's shadow looming, Enola must unravel a web of secrets involving Florence Nightingale. Can she solve the mystery and rescue Mrs. Tupper before it's too late? Dive into a thrilling adventure where every clue counts and danger lurks at every turn.
The Shadow Cipher
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2017

The Shadow Cipher

By Laura Ruby, Dave Stevenson (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the York series

Three kids race to solve a legendary New York puzzle to save their home.

496 pages· 86,519 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 6,195 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a city built on secrets, Tess, Theo, and Jaime must unravel the Old York Cipher to save their home from demolition. As they dive into a forgotten treasure hunt, the trio faces a challenge that has stumped generations. Can they crack the code and uncover the truth before it's too late? With the fate of their beloved Morningstarr apartment hanging in the balance, the stakes have never been higher. Join them on a thrilling quest through an alternate New York, where every corner hides a clue and every step could lead to discovery.
The Woodshed Mystery
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1962

The Woodshed Mystery

By Gertrude Chandler Warner, David Cunningham (Illustrator) · Book #7 in the The Boxcar Children series

A family uncovers the secrets of their new home, a farm that has been in their family for generations.

160 pages· 18,974 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 4,931 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: The Boxcar Children visit their grandfather's old farmhouse, where whispers of mystery linger. As they delve into the secrets of the woodshed, they uncover a history tied to the Revolutionary War. With townsfolk suspicious and the past unraveling, can they solve the mystery before it's too late? Join Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny on an adventure filled with suspense and discovery, where every clue leads to more questions. What hidden truths will they reveal about their family's legacy?
Beyond the Grave
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2009

Beyond the Grave

By Jude Watson · Book #4 in the The 39 Clues series

Siblings race to Egypt, chasing clues and facing betrayal, guided by a message from beyond the grave.

190 pages· 38,789 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 48,585 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Amy and Dan Cahill, betrayed and alone, dash to Egypt in search of the 39 Clues, a path to ultimate power. But a message from their deceased grandmother, Grace, throws their quest into turmoil. Is Grace guiding them, or leading them into a trap? As they navigate ancient mysteries and family treachery, the siblings must decide whom to trust. Will they uncover the truth, or fall victim to the greatest betrayal yet?
One False Note
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2008

One False Note

By Gordon Korman · Book #2 in the The 39 Clues series

A global chase for secrets tests loyalty and courage.

174 pages· 35,023 words· Est. 4 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 55,621 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Amy and Dan Cahill are on a high-stakes quest across Vienna, unraveling secrets tied to Mozart and his sister. With enemies closing in, they face perilous choices and betrayals. Can they outsmart their pursuers and uncover the truth, or will the chase for the elusive Clues cost them everything? As danger mounts, the siblings must decide how far they're willing to go in this thrilling race against time.
The Sword Thief
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2009

The Sword Thief

By Peter Lerangis · Book #3 in the The 39 Clues series

Amy and Dan race to uncover a deadly secret that could change the world.

156 pages· 30,249 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 52,516 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Amy and Dan Cahill are on a global quest, unraveling history's mysteries and their family's darkest secrets. As they track a legendary warrior, they face a choice that could alter the future. Can they succeed where generations have failed, or will the truth prove too dangerous?
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