Books About Investigation · 101 titles considered

The Best Investigation Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about investigation? 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 Investigation

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2019

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

By Holly Jackson · Book #1 in the A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series

A closed murder case reopens, revealing dark secrets and danger.

389 pages· 91,912 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 1,947,353 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Paperback
Summary: Pip, a high school senior, reopens a closed murder case for her final project, questioning the guilt of Sal Singh, who allegedly killed Andie Bell. As she uncovers hidden truths, Pip realizes someone wants the past to stay buried. With her own safety at risk, can she prove Sal's innocence before it's too late? Dive into a gripping mystery where the past and present collide, and nothing is as it seems.
A Study in Scarlet
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 Goodreads · 513,932 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Hardcover
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.
InvestiGators
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2020

InvestiGators

By John Patrick Green · Book #1 in the InvestiGators series

A group of alligator investigators solve a mystery involving a missing chef, a stolen scientific invention, and a triceratops escape artist.

208 pages· 8,763 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 4,406 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Join Mango and Brash, the alligator duo of the Special Undercover Investigation Teams, as they dive into the sewers to solve two perplexing mysteries. Armed with quirky gadgets and unconventional travel methods, these agents face off against cunning villains. Can they piece together the clues and capture the crooks, or will their slippery foes escape? With humor and unexpected twists, this adventure promises a wild ride through the underbelly of crime-fighting.
Shadow Magic
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

Shadow Magic

By Joshua Khan, Ben Hibon (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Shadow Magic series

A slave and a reluctant ruler unite against dark forces in a land of undead.

Cybils Award (2016)
352 pages· 79,349 words· Est. 11 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,290 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Thorn, sold into slavery, and Lilith, a reluctant ruler, find themselves in Castle Gloom, a realm of undead. As enemies close in, Lilith must embrace forbidden magic to save her kingdom. Thorn's unexpected arrival sparks a daring alliance. Together, they uncover family secrets and defy ancient rules. Can they survive the treacherous world of monsters and magic, or will the shadows consume them? Dive into a tale of courage, mystery, and unexpected friendship where every choice could mean life or death.
The Crown Heist
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

The Crown Heist

By Deron R. Hicks · Book #3 in the The Lost Art Mysteries series

A heist in London ties two friends to a mystery of a long-dead monarch.

303 pages
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 466 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Art and Camille travel to London to find Camille's missing father, a history professor with deep ties to British legends. Their search leads them into a thrilling heist involving a long-dead monarch. As they navigate iconic sites like the Tower of London and the National Portrait Gallery, they must unravel historical secrets to uncover the truth. Can they solve the mystery before it's too late?
Mermedusa
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2023

Mermedusa

By Thomas Taylor, Tom Booth (Illustrator) · Book #5 in the Legends of Eerie-on-Sea series

Secrets of Eerie-on-Sea unravel as cryptozoologists and podcasters converge. Will Herbie and Violet uncover the truth or vanish like others before them?

368 pages· 68,156 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.5 Goodreads · 889 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In Eerie-on-Sea, cryptozoologists and podcasters stir up secrets that could reveal the truth about shipwrecked orphan Herbert Lemon. As the Malamander legend looms, Herbie and Violet Parma, still searching for her missing parents, race against time. They venture to the perilous 'Treasure Island,' where a villain's sister vanished. Can they solve the mysteries, or will they disappear too? Dive into this thrilling conclusion filled with suspense and wonder.
Breaking News
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Breaking News

By Jacqueline Harvey · Book #1 in the Kensy and Max series

Twins uncover secrets and coded messages while searching for their missing parents in London.

314 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 701 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Twins Kensy and Max are thrust into a whirlwind of mystery when their parents vanish, leaving them in London. Their new school is odd, the neighbors are peculiar, and cryptic messages appear everywhere. As they delve deeper, they sense a web of secrets spun by the adults around them. Can they unravel the truth before it's too late? The stakes are high, and nothing is as it seems. Join Kensy and Max on a thrilling quest to uncover hidden truths and find their parents in a world where every clue leads to more questions.
Waking Nightmare
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

Waking Nightmare

By Carly Anne West, Tim Heitz (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Hello Neighbor series

Nicky investigates his missing friends, uncovering dark secrets and eerie nightmares.

208 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 548 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Nicky Roth hasn't seen his friends Aaron and Mya for months. Their father claims they're with relatives, but Nicky's nightmares suggest otherwise. Haunted by visions of robotic mannequins and decaying theme parks, Nicky and his school friends embark on a chilling quest to uncover the truth. As they delve deeper, they realize the neighbor's house holds terrifying secrets. Can Nicky unravel the mystery and save his friends before it's too late? The screams from next door suggest time is running out, and the truth is more disturbing than they ever imagined.
Buried Secrets
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Buried Secrets

By Carly Anne West, Tim Heitz (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Hello Neighbor series

A boy must uncover the truth behind mysterious disappearances alone.

224 pages· 49,117 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 370 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Nicky Roth's friends are missing, and the police are finally searching. Yet, Nicky can't shake the feeling that the answers lie in the eerie Peterson house across the street. When a desperate SOS flashes from Aaron's room, Nicky knows he must act. With his friends unwilling to help, Nicky faces the chilling mystery alone. What secrets lurk within the Peterson house, and can Nicky unravel them before it's too late? Dive into the gripping conclusion of the Hello Neighbor prequel trilogy, where danger and discovery await at every turn.
Top Marks for Murder
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Top Marks for Murder

By Robin Stevens · Book #8 in the Murder Most Unladylike series

A murder threatens Deepdean School's future. Can the young detectives save it?

368 pages· 68,822 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 6,768 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Returning to Deepdean School, Daisy and Hazel face a changed world. A murder linked to the school's anniversary celebration threatens its closure. As old grudges and secrets resurface, the girls must unravel the mystery to save their beloved school. Will they succeed before it's too late?
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Investigation Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about investigation for preschool and elementary-age readers.

The Eye That Never Sleeps
Sale price
$1799

The Eye That Never Sleeps

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A detective thwarts a plot to assassinate Lincoln en route to his inauguration.

The Upper Case
#2 in Series
Sale price
$1799

The Upper Case

Ages 5–8 · 2019

Private I must solve the mystery of the missing uppercase letters in CAPITAL City before it's too late.

Baby Monkey, Private Eye
Sale price
$1699

Baby Monkey, Private Eye

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Baby Monkey solves mysteries, but can he put on his pants first?

Time Flies
#3 in Series
Sale price
$1799

Time Flies

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Private I races to find missing clocks before time runs out.

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Browse by age

Investigation Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about investigation for developing and independent readers.

As Good as Dead
#3 in Series
Sale price
$1299

As Good as Dead

Ages 14–18 · 2021

A podcaster faces real-life danger as threats escalate and a serial killer's case resurfaces.

Heist and Seek
#6 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Heist and Seek

Ages 7–10 · 2022

A group of investigators try to solve a mystery involving stolen paintings and a museum gala.

Gargantis
#2 in Series
Sale price
$1699

Gargantis

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A stormy mystery unfolds as a sea monster seeks its stolen treasure.

View all investigation chapter books
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