Books About Mysterious Events

The Best Mysterious Events Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about mysterious events? 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.

#3 in Series

#2 in Series

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#12 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Mysterious Events

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

Small Spaces

By Katherine Arden · Book #1 in the Small Spaces series

A ghost story becomes real as Ollie races against time to escape a sinister specter.

216 pages· 43,944 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 31,428 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Eleven-year-old Ollie finds solace in books after a tragic loss. When she discovers a ghost story about a sinister specter, her curiosity leads her to a chilling reality. On a school trip, she finds graves matching the tale, and a broken-down bus leaves her with a cryptic warning: "RUN." As night falls, Ollie and two classmates must navigate a haunted landscape, guided only by a mysterious countdown and eerie advice to "avoid large places." Will they escape the smiling man's grasp, or will their wishes come at a terrifying cost?

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2012

Never Say Genius

By Dan Gutman · Book #2 in the The Genius Files series

Twins on a wild road trip face bizarre dangers and a relentless villain.

304 pages· 49,016 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 3,527 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old twins Coke and Pepsi McDonald embark on a perilous road trip across the Midwest, pursued by the sinister Archie Clone. From boiling French fries to roller coaster kidnappings, their journey is filled with unexpected dangers and quirky tourist spots like the National Mustard Museum. Will they outsmart their pursuer and survive the most dangerous adventure of their lives? Discover the thrilling twists and laugh-out-loud moments in this unique blend of geography and fun.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2013

You Only Die Twice

By Dan Gutman · Book #3 in the The Genius Files series

Twins on a wild road trip face deadly foes and shocking surprises en route to Graceland.

304 pages· 48,665 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 2,615 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Twelve-year-old twins Coke and Pepsi McDonald are on a perilous road trip, dodging bizarre villains from Washington D.C. to Graceland. Their nemesis, Dr. Herman Warsaw, presumed dead, reappears with a shocking twist—he's engaged to their Aunt Judy! As their clueless parents remain oblivious, the twins must use their wits to survive. Will they outsmart their enemies and uncover the explosive truth awaiting them in Elvis's Memphis home? This adventure promises laugh-out-loud moments and unexpected turns, blending geography with thrilling escapades. Join Coke and Pepsi on this unforgettable journey filled with danger and discovery.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2021

Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery

By Ally Carter · Book #2 in the Winterborne Home series

A masked intruder threatens Winterborne House, revealing secrets and danger. Can the orphans solve the mystery before it's too late?

342 pages· 60,617 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 2,419 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: April and her fellow orphans at Winterborne House uncover a dangerous secret: their guardian, Gabriel, is a vigilante. But when a masked intruder breaks in, seeking something—or someone—Gabriel's secret isn't the only one at risk. As danger looms, April and her friends must unravel a decades-old mystery to protect their newfound family. With their safety and unity on the line, can they outsmart the threats lurking in the shadows of their mansion? The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking in this thrilling adventure.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Where Is the Bermuda Triangle?

By Megan Stine, Who HQ, Tim Foley (Illustrator) · Where Is . . . ? series

A mysterious region in the Atlantic Ocean where many ships and planes have disappeared under unexplained circumstances.

112 pages· 8,116 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 990 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Dive into the enigma of the Bermuda Triangle, where ships vanish and planes disappear. Explore the mythic region bounded by Miami, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico. Are these tales of lost vessels true, or is there a logical explanation behind the mystery? Discover the truth behind the Triangle's notorious reputation and decide for yourself if it's more than just bad karma. This gripping exploration will keep you questioning reality and eager to uncover the secrets of this legendary area.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2011

Mr. Harrison Is Embarrassin'!

By Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the My Weirder School series

A school celebrates its 50th birthday with a visit from its namesake, but things quickly go awry when the power goes out and the guest of honor goes missing.

112 pages· 7,937 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 1,062 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: At Ella Mentry School, everything's malfunctioning, and the power's out! Mr. Harrison, the tech wizard, faces his biggest challenge yet as chaos reigns in the darkened halls. Can he fix the mess before it's too late? Join A.J. and friends in this hilarious adventure where gadgets and giggles collide. Will Mr. Harrison's skills save the day, or will the school descend into total pandemonium? Dive into the fun and find out!

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2016

Ghostly Echoes

By William Ritter · Book #3 in the Jackaby series

A ghost's murder resurfaces, leading detectives into a deadly, mythical underworld.

352 pages· 72,384 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 8,772 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Abigail Rook and her peculiar employer, R.F. Jackaby, are on a chilling quest to solve the decade-old murder of their ghostly tenant, Jenny Cavanaugh. As they search for Jenny's missing fiancé, a new murder eerily echoes the past. Racing against time, Abigail delves into a world of fantasy and folklore, uncovering dark secrets and facing a formidable enemy. Will she unravel the mystery before it's too late?

Frankenstein's Dog

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Frankenstein's Dog

Book #4 in the Goosebumps Most Wanted series

A young girl visits her uncle, a scientist, at his mansion, but things take a strange turn when she discovers a robot and the villagers' fear of her uncle

160 pages· 23,749 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 900 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Kat visits her uncle Vic, a quiet scientist living in a dark mansion, rumored to be like his ancestor Frankenstein. After a lab accident involving a fluffy dog, strange events unfold. Has Kat unleashed a monster, or is something else at play? Discover the chilling truth as the mystery deepens.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1998

Now You See Me... Now You Don't

By Dan Greenburg, Jack E. Davis (Illustrator) · Book #12 in the The Zack Files series

A hypnotist's show leaves Zack sharing his body with a stubborn spirit.

64 pages· 6,746 words· Est. 57 min read

3.9 Goodreads · 155 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: During a hypnotist's show, Zack is unexpectedly possessed by a spirit from the past. As the spirit refuses to leave, Zack must navigate life with an unexpected companion. Can he reclaim control, or will the spirit's presence change everything? Discover the challenges of sharing a body and the secrets of the past that refuse to stay buried.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1974

Mystery of the Glowing Eye

By Carolyn Keene · Book #51 in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series

A mysterious note leads Nancy Drew into a perilous search for a kidnapped friend.

181 pages· 34,556 words· Est. 5 hour read

3.9 Goodreads · 4,353 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Nancy Drew faces a daunting challenge when her friend Ned is kidnapped. A cryptic note in his handwriting sends Nancy, along with her friends Bess and George, on a dangerous quest through Emerson College. As they unravel a web of clues, Nancy must outsmart a rival lawyer determined to take over the case. Can Nancy rescue Ned and solve the mystery of the glowing eye before it's too late? Dive into a thrilling adventure where every clue could be the key to saving a life.

The Bookroo Book Club