Books About Mystery, Espionage And Detective · 3,083 titles considered

The Best Mystery, Espionage And Detective Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about mystery, espionage 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, Espionage And Detective

Artemis Fowl
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2001

Artemis Fowl

By Eoin Colfer · Book #1 in the Artemis Fowl series

A young mastermind's plan to ransom a fairy may spark a war.

271 pages· 52,507 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 566,482 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Twelve-year-old genius Artemis Fowl kidnaps fairy officer Holly Short to restore his family's wealth. But these aren't ordinary fairies—they're armed, tech-savvy, and ready to fight back. As tensions rise, Artemis must navigate a world of magic and danger. Will his bold move ignite a war between humans and fairies, or can he outsmart them all? Dive into a thrilling adventure where the stakes are high and nothing is as it seems.
The Mysterious Benedict Society
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–13 · 2007

The Mysterious Benedict Society

By Trenton Lee Stewart, Carson Ellis (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Mysterious Benedict Society series

Four kids face a secret mission at a ruleless institute. What will they uncover?

The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2008)
485 pages· 117,838 words· Est. 13 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 179,903 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Four gifted children, chosen through mind-bending tests, embark on a secret mission at the enigmatic Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. With no rules to guide them, they must navigate hidden tunnels and unravel mysteries that challenge their wits and courage. Can they uncover the truth lurking beneath the surface, or will the institute's secrets remain hidden? Join them on a thrilling adventure where intelligence and creativity are their only allies.
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 · 1,860 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 · 135,377 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 · 63,861 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.
City Spies
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

City Spies

By James Ponti · Book #1 in the City Spies series

A young hacker joins a secret spy team to stop a villain and save the world.

378 pages· 64,521 words· Est. 9 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 19,175 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Sara Martinez, a skilled hacker, faces juvenile detention until a British spy offers her a new life with a secret MI6 team. Now, part of the City Spies, Sara must navigate espionage, teamwork, and danger. As she heads to Paris, she must prevent a rival from winning a fortune and stop a looming threat. Can Sara and her diverse team of young spies outsmart the villains and save the day?
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 · 191,635 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 · 222,322 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 · 72,230 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.
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Mystery, Espionage And Detective Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about mystery, espionage 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, Espionage And Detective Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about mystery, espionage 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?

Madame Badobedah
Series
Sale price
$1899

Madame Badobedah

Ages 5–8 · 2020

A young girl suspects a mysterious hotel guest is a supervillain. Is she right, or is there more to the story?

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, Espionage And Detective Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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

Ada Lace, on the Case
Series
Sale price
$699

Ada Lace, on the Case

Ages 6–10

A young girl investigates the disappearance of a neighbor's dog in her new neighborhood

Horton Halfpott
Sale price
$1695

Horton Halfpott

Ages 8–12 · 2011

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

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.

Firekeeper's Daughter
Sale price
$2199

Firekeeper's Daughter

Ages 14–18 · 2021

A Native teen uncovers deadly secrets while investigating a new drug in her community.

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