Books About Murder Investigations

The Best Murder Investigations Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about murder investigations? 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.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Murder Investigations

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Belly Up

By Stuart Gibbs · Book #1 in the FunJungle series

A hippo's suspicious death at FunJungle leads Teddy into a dangerous investigation.

294 pages· 64,074 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 17,266 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Teddy Fitzroy suspects foul play when Henry the hippo dies at FunJungle. With his daring friend Summer, he dives into a mystery filled with suspicious zoo officials and greedy owners. As they uncover secrets, Teddy faces threats that could make him the next target. Can they solve the case before more animals—or themselves—are in danger? The truth about hippo homicide might be more than they bargained for.

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 · 511,302 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.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2012

Three Times Lucky

By Sheila Turnage · Book #1 in the Mo & Dale Mystery series

A girl and her friend investigate a murder to protect their makeshift family in a small town.

Newbery Honor (2013)The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2013)

312 pages· 62,211 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 26,412 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In the quirky town of Tupelo Landing, young Mo LoBeau, who washed ashore during a hurricane, is determined to uncover the truth behind a murder. With her best friend Dale, she dives into a mystery that threatens the only family she's ever known: the enigmatic Colonel and the vibrant Miss Lana. As secrets unravel, Mo's fierce loyalty and sharp wit are put to the test. Can she solve the case before it's too late? Join Mo on a thrilling adventure where every secret is fair game and the stakes are as high as her hopes of finding her real mother.

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$2089

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2016

The Da Vinci Code

By Dan Brown

A professor races to solve cryptic clues to prevent an ancient truth from vanishing forever.

416 pages· 86,552 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.5 Goodreads · 34,798 ratings

$21.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist, finds himself in a deadly race against time when a Louvre curator is murdered. With cryptologist Sophie Neveu, he must unravel a series of cryptic clues left specifically for them. As they delve deeper, they uncover a conspiracy that could alter history. Can they solve the mystery before it's too late, or will they become its next victims? This thrilling chase from Paris to London promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning everything you thought you knew about history and truth.

Chapter Book · 2021

Feline Charm

Book #4 in the Twilight Hollow Cozy Mysteries series

No description provided.

256 pages· 44,996 words

4.4 Goodreads · 847 ratings

Paperback

Summary: No description available to create a teaser.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2016

Jolly Foul Play

By Robin Stevens · Book #4 in the Murder Most Unladylike series

A student is murdered on Bonfire Night. Can two friends solve the mystery before their school unravels?

368 pages· 63,847 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 10,849 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: At Deepdean School for Girls, the new term brings chaos as the Head Girl, Elizabeth, is found murdered after Bonfire Night. Detectives Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong must navigate a web of secrets and scandals, with cryptic notes appearing around the school. As their friendship strains under the pressure, they race against time to uncover the killer. Can they solve the mystery before suspicion destroys the student body?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2016

Dead of Night

By Erin Hunter, Laszlo Kubinyi (Illustrator), Julia Green (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Survivors: The Gathering Darkness series

A pack member is dead. Is there a traitor among the dogs?

320 pages· 57,513 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.4 Goodreads · 1,168 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In the heart of the Wild Pack, darkness looms as Whisper is found dead. Storm suspects foul play, believing another dog is responsible. Despite her packmates' doubts, she is determined to uncover the truth. As tensions rise, Storm must navigate suspicion and danger to protect her pack. Could betrayal be lurking within their ranks? The stakes are high, and trust is fragile in this gripping tale of loyalty and survival.

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$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Coop Knows the Scoop

By Taryn Souders

Secrets buried beneath the playground threaten to unravel a peaceful town.

304 pages· 59,249 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 1,449 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In Windy Bottom, Georgia, Coop's peaceful life is upended when mysterious secrets emerge from beneath the playground. With his grandpa wrongly blamed, Coop and his friends, Justice and Liberty, must unravel the truth to clear Gramps's name. As they dig deeper, they uncover hidden mysteries that could change everything. Can they solve the puzzle before it's too late?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2015

The Blackthorn Key

By Kevin Sands · Book #1 in the The Blackthorn Key series

An apprentice races against time to unravel a deadly secret threatening the world.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2016)Cybils Award (2015)

400 pages· 64,908 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 14,910 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Christopher Rowe, an apothecary's apprentice, faces a chilling mystery as a cult targets London's apothecaries. With murders closing in on his mentor's shop, Christopher must solve intricate puzzles and codes to uncover a secret that could shatter the world. Can he decipher the clues before it's too late, or will the cult's sinister plan succeed? Dive into a suspenseful adventure where every skill Christopher has learned is put to the ultimate test.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2023

Murder at the Museum

Book #1 in the Montgomery Bonbon series

A mysterious death at the museum challenges a young detective's secret identity.

288 pages· 37,643 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 1,302 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In Widdlington, a mysterious death at the Hornville Museum calls for the world’s greatest detective. But Montgomery Bonbon, with his bristly mustache and enigmatic accent, is actually ten-year-old Bonnie Montgomery. As she navigates this high-stakes case, can Bonnie keep her secret identity hidden while solving the mystery? With charm and wit, this tale promises twists and turns in a delightful whodunit adventure.

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