Books About Mystery And Detective · 2,674 titles considered

The Best Mystery And Detective Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about mystery and detective? 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 Mystery And Detective

Notorious
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Notorious

By Gordon Korman

On a peculiar island, two teens unravel a dog's murder mystery linked to a gangster past.

307 pages· 57,253 words· Est. 8 hour read
6.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,855 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Keenan, new to the odd Centerlight Island, teams up with his quirky neighbor ZeeBee to solve the mystery of her dog's death. As they dig into the island's Prohibition-era secrets, they uncover a conspiracy that puts them in danger. With everyone a suspect and a new dog by their side, Keenan and ZeeBee must navigate a web of intrigue. Will they crack the case before it's too late, or will the island's dark past catch up with them?
Stuart Little
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1945

Stuart Little

By E.B. White, Garth Williams (Illustrator)

A tiny mouse embarks on a daring quest to find his missing friend.

131 pages· 18,804 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
6.4/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 135,260 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, lives in bustling New York City. When his best friend, Margalo the bird, mysteriously vanishes, Stuart sets off on an epic journey beyond his familiar home. Facing the unknown, he encounters thrilling adventures and unexpected challenges. Will Stuart's courage and determination lead him to Margalo, or will the vast world prove too daunting for this small hero? Dive into a tale of friendship and bravery, where the smallest of creatures can make the biggest difference.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library

By Chris Grabenstein · Book #1 in the Mr. Lemoncello's Library series

Trapped in a library, Kyle must solve puzzles to escape.

336 pages· 47,521 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
6.3/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 63,792 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Kyle Keeley, a gamer enthusiast, is thrilled to attend an exclusive lock-in at a new library designed by his idol, Luigi Lemoncello. But when the doors remain locked come morning, Kyle and his friends must unravel a series of intricate puzzles to find their way out. With time ticking and challenges mounting, can they crack the codes and escape the world's coolest library? Discover the twists and turns in this thrilling adventure filled with mystery and excitement.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Sale price
$2849
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2007

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

By Brian Selznick

A hidden life in a Paris station unravels with a cryptic message.

Caldecott Medal (2008)The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2007)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2007)
533 pages· 24,938 words· Est. 3 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 191,531 ratings
$29.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Hugo, an orphan and clock keeper, hides within the walls of a Paris train station. His secretive existence is threatened when he encounters a mysterious toyseller and a curious girl. As a cryptic drawing, a stolen key, and a mechanical man come into play, Hugo must unravel a hidden message from his deceased father. Can he protect his secret and uncover the truth before it's too late?
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1967

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

By E.L. Konigsburg

A young girl runs away from home with her brother to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Newbery Medal (1968)
172 pages· 30,922 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 222,146 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Claudia plans the perfect escape to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, dragging her thrifty brother Jamie along. But their adventure takes a twist when they stumble upon a mysterious statue. Determined to uncover its secrets, Claudia faces a challenge that could alter her perspective forever. Can they solve the mystery and find their way back home?
Bunnicula
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1979

Bunnicula

By Deborah Howe, James Howe · Book #1 in the Bunnicula series

A family adopts a mysterious rabbit that may be a vampire, leading to a series of strange events and discoveries.

98 pages· 14,524 words· Est. 2 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 72,194 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
A Tail of Camelot
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

A Tail of Camelot

By Julie Leung, Lindsey Carr (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Mice of the Round Table series

A young mouse must uncover a hidden threat to save Camelot from destruction.

320 pages· 55,221 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 402 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a world where mice protect Camelot, young Calib Christopher dreams of knighthood. As a new danger looms, Calib and his friend Cecily must uncover the true enemy threatening their home. Can they unite their forces and save the legendary castle from peril? Adventure and magic await in this thrilling tale of courage and friendship.
The Story Collector
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

The Story Collector

By Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, Iacopo Bruno (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Story Collector series

A library prank spirals into a quest to uncover a ghost and a missing stamp collection.

272 pages· 39,626 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,147 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Viviani Fedeler, raised in the New York Public Library, suspects it's haunted. A prank to spook new girl Merit Mubarak goes awry, leading Viviani and her friends on a thrilling quest. They must unravel the mystery of a possible ghost and a vanished stamp collection. Can they uncover the truth hidden within the library's walls?
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.
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Mystery And Detective Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about mystery and detective for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sloth Slept on
Sale price
$795

Sloth Slept on

Ages 3–5 · 2014

Kids find a mysterious creature napping in their tree. What is it, and where does it belong?

Dinosaur Safari
Series
Sale price
$799

Dinosaur Safari

Ages 0–3 · 2015

Mysterious footprints lead Bizzy Bear on a thrilling dinosaur quest.

Halloween Heroes!
Series
Sale price
$699

Halloween Heroes!

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Puppy heroes embark on a Halloween mission to save Adventure Bay.

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Mystery And Detective Picture Books

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

A House That Once Was
Sale price
$1899

A House That Once Was

Ages 3–6 · 2018

Two children explore an abandoned house, uncovering its mysterious past.

Catch That Cookie!
Sale price
$1899

Catch That Cookie!

Ages 3–5 · 2014

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

Antoinette
Series
Sale price
$1799

Antoinette

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A poodle must find a missing puppy and discover her unique talent.

The Detective Dog
Sale price
$1999

The Detective Dog

Ages 3–6 · 2016

A dog detective sniffs out missing books. Can she solve the mystery?

Two of Everything
Sale price
$799

Two of Everything

Ages 4–8 · 1993

A mysterious pot doubles everything placed inside. What will it create next?

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Mystery And Detective Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about mystery and detective for developing and independent readers.

The Language of Spells
Sale price
$1699

The Language of Spells

Ages 10–14 · 2018

A dragon and a child unravel Vienna's forgotten mystery: the fate of missing dragons.

The Parker Inheritance
Sale price
$799

The Parker Inheritance

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A hidden letter reveals a mystery and a fortune. Can Candice and Brandon solve it before it's lost forever?

The Westing Game
Series
Sale price
$999

The Westing Game

Ages 11–15 · 1978

Sixteen heirs must solve a cryptic puzzle to claim a fortune. But what is the real game?

Basil of Baker Street
#1 in Series
Sale price
$799

Basil of Baker Street

Ages 6–9 · 1958

A detective must solve the mystery of the missing twins and save the town from the Terrible Three, a gang of notorious criminals.

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