Books About Mysteries · 175 titles considered

The Best Mysteries Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Mysteries

Horton Halfpott
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

Horton Halfpott

By Tom Angleberger

A loosened corset leads to chaos and a missing heirloom. Who's to blame?

216 pages· 29,684 words· Est. 4 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 2,141 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: When M'Lady Luggertuck loosens her corset, chaos ensues at Smugwick Manor. The Luggertuck Lump, a peculiar family heirloom, vanishes, and suspicion falls on Horton Halfpott, the honest kitchen boy. As rules crumble, a colorful cast of characters emerges, each a potential suspect in this whimsical mystery. Can Horton clear his name and uncover the truth behind the Loosening? Dive into a world of absurdity and intrigue where nothing is as it seems, and every twist brings a new surprise.
The Secret Promise
Sale price
$474
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2012

The Secret Promise

By Paula Harrison, Sharon Tancredi (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Rescue Princesses series

Four princesses work together to rescue animals in need and uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious events in the kingdom of Mistberg Forest

114 pages· 12,021 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 1,092 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Princess Emily dreams of more than royal duties. When a threat looms over Mistberg Forest's deer, she and her friends embark on a daring mission. With cleverness and unexpected ninja skills, can Emily thwart the sinister plot and protect the forest's gentle creatures? Adventure awaits as she discovers the true meaning of bravery and friendship.
Sophia and Rainbow
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2018

Sophia and Rainbow

By Julie Sykes, Lucy Truman (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Unicorn Academy series

A young girl named Sophia starts at a magical school for unicorn riders and must navigate friendships, rivalries, and a mystery surrounding the school's magical lake.

128 pages· 11,328 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 1,227 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Sophia and her unicorn, Rainbow, face an unexpected challenge when Sparkle Lake, the source of unicorn magic, starts changing color. As chaos looms, they must venture into perilous woods to restore the magic. Will their bond be strong enough to save the day? Dive into a world where friendship and courage are the keys to unlocking magical adventures.
Sabotage on the Solar Express
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2022

Sabotage on the Solar Express

By M. G. Leonard, Sam Sedgman, Elisa Paganelli (Illustrator) · Book #5 in the Adventures on Trains series

A young sleuth races to stop a train sabotage before disaster strikes.

256 pages· 47,100 words· Est. 5 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 974 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Hal Beck, a young sleuth, embarks on the Solar Express's maiden voyage across the Australian Outback. Joined by his uncle Nat, tech prodigy Boaz, and Marianne, Hal must uncover the saboteur threatening to derail the train. As mysterious mishaps escalate, the stakes rise: can they solve the mystery before the train explodes? With time running out, Hal's detective skills are put to the ultimate test in this thrilling adventure.
Ghost Town at Sundown
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1997

Ghost Town at Sundown

By Mary Pope Osborne, Sal Murdocca (Illustrator) · Book #10 in the Magic Tree House series

Two siblings travel through time and space to solve a mystery in the Wild West

96 pages· 6,451 words· Est. 1 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 15,112 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Jack and Annie's magic tree house whisks them to the Wild West, where they encounter horse thieves, a lost colt, and rattlesnakes. With a cowboy named Slim by their side, they must solve a mysterious riddle. Is the town haunted, and will a ghost hold the key to their adventure? Join them as they race against time in a thrilling quest filled with danger and excitement.
Catch That Cookie!
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2014

Catch That Cookie!

By Holly M. McGhee (a.k.a. Hallie Durand), David Small (Illustrator)

Gingerbread men vanish. Can Marshall solve the clues and catch them?

32 pages· 713 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 555 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Marshall is certain gingerbread men can't run, but when his freshly baked cookies disappear, he's thrust into a whimsical chase. With his classmates, he must unravel rhyming riddles to track down the elusive treats. As the mystery unfolds, Marshall may have to reconsider his disbelief in magic. Will he catch the cookies, or will they remain a delicious mystery?
Where Ella Went
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2026

Where Ella Went

By Laurie Morrison

When their team captain vanishes before the big game, two mismatched teammates dig for the truth.

304 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 234 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Eighth graders Sadie and Pug have nothing in common except soccer and their loyalty to Ella, their overachieving team captain. When Ella misses the season's most important game and her parents pull her out of school, the two set out to learn what happened. Told through recordings, letters, texts, journal entries and emails, their search reveals that Ella's life wasn't as perfect as it seemed, and that they have secrets of their own.
Into the Storm
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · 2015

Into the Storm

By Amanda Wills · Book #3 in the The Riverdale Pony Stories series

A storm threatens horses and friendships. Can trust save them all?

156 pages· 31,216 words
4.6 Goodreads · 323 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Poppy's dream riding holiday turns into a nightmare when a storm threatens the stables and her friendship with Scarlet. Struggling with a stubborn horse, Beau, and a mysterious man lurking around, Poppy must rely on the very horse she can't connect with to save the day. Can she mend her friendship and protect the horses before it's too late?
The Lights Under the Lake
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2017

The Lights Under the Lake

By Sophie Cleverly · Book #4 in the Scarlet and Ivy series

A school trip turns eerie as secrets and spirits emerge from a haunted lake.

304 pages· 58,205 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 3,216 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: During a summer trip to Shady Pines Hotel, Scarlet and Ivy uncover chilling secrets beneath Lake Seren. As mysterious events plague the guests, whispers of restless spirits and eerie church bells fill the night. Are these the echoes of troubled souls from a sunken graveyard? With danger lurking, Scarlet and Ivy must unravel the mystery before it's too late. Dive into this gripping tale where the past refuses to stay buried.
Lost and Found
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2023

Lost and Found

By Mason Dickerson · Book #2 in the Housecat Trouble series

A ghostly kitten needs help finding its way home. Can Buster and friends succeed?

187 pages· 3,545 words· Est. 40 min read
4.4 Goodreads · 549 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Buster the housecat embarks on a new adventure with his pals Nova and Chauncey. When they encounter a lost kitten, they soon discover it's a ghost! As they navigate the streets, the challenge of reuniting this spectral stray with its owner becomes more daunting. Can Buster and his friends solve this supernatural mystery and bring the kitten home? Join them in a tale filled with humor, heart, and unexpected twists.
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Mysteries Picture Books

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

The Spooky Sound
Sale price
$399

The Spooky Sound

Ages 5–8 · 2010

Two friends go on a journey to find the source of a spooky sound.

Detective Dinosaur
Series
Sale price
$599

Detective Dinosaur

Ages 4–8 · 1996

Detective Dinosaur faces mysterious cases and a shadowy alley threat. Can he solve them all?

Moose Tracks!
Sale price
$1999

Moose Tracks!

Ages 4–7 · 2006

Mysterious moose tracks invade a home. Who's the culprit?

Once Upon a Slime
Sale price
$1799

Once Upon a Slime

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Fairy-tale characters are mysteriously slimed. Can you solve the sticky whodunnit?

Who Stole the Cookies?
Sale price
$599

Who Stole the Cookies?

Ages 6–7 · 1996

Who stole the cookies? Puppy, Turtle, and Cat are on the case.

View all mysteries picture books
Browse by age

Mysteries Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about mysteries for developing and independent readers.

Curse of the Mystery Mutt
#4 in Series
Sale price
$999

Curse of the Mystery Mutt

Ages 7–12

A dog investigates a series of mysterious nighttime crimes in his village, only to discover the culprit is closer than he thought.

Stella Batts Scaredy Cat
#9 in Series
Sale price
$799

Stella Batts Scaredy Cat

Ages 7–9 · 2016

A third-grader spends the night at her school's library with her class, but things take a strange turn when a mysterious cat appears, leading to a series of events that challenge her perceptions of reality and friendship.

The Tiger Troubles
#11 in Series
Sale price
$599

The Tiger Troubles

Ages 7–9 · 2015

A stolen trophy, a blackmail plot, and two young sleuths on the case. Can they save the day?

Never Fear
#8 in Series
Sale price
$1399

Never Fear

Ages 8–11 · 2018

A genius student races against time to uncover hidden gold at her chaotic school.

December Dog
#12 in Series
Sale price
$599

December Dog

Ages 6–9 · 2014

A lost puppy on Christmas Eve leads to a mystery. Can the kids find its owner?

The Capital Catch
#13 in Series
Sale price
$599

The Capital Catch

Ages 7–9 · 2017

Two young detectives try to solve a mystery involving a baseball player and a series of stolen equipment

View all mysteries chapter books
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