Books About Mystery, Espionage And Detective · 2,994 titles considered

The Best Mystery, Espionage And Detective Books for Kids

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

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 experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 178,940 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

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.

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 experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,832 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

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?

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 experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 134,842 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

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.

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 experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 63,503 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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.

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 experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 18,657 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

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?

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 experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 191,259 ratings

$29.99Save 5%

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 experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 221,704 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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?

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 experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 72,062 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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 experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 400 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

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.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10

Ada Lace, on the Case

By Emily Calandrelli, Tamson Weston, Renee Kurilla (Illustrator) · Ada Lace series

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

128 pages· 11,233 words· Est. 2 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 763 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

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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.

The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree

Sale price

$699

The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree

Ages 2–5 · 1978

Three little bears explore a spooky old tree and encounter various obstacles.

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?

Sale price

$1299

Peekaboo! in the Jungle

Ages 1–4 · 2016

Who's hiding in the jungle? Lift the flap to discover!

Sherlock Holmes in The Hound of the Baskervilles

Sale price

$999

Sherlock Holmes in The Hound of the Baskervilles

Ages 2–4 · 2013

Explore the eerie sounds of a mysterious night.

Sale price

$799

Dinosaur Safari

Ages 0–3 · 2015

Mysterious footprints lead Bizzy Bear on a thrilling dinosaur quest.

Sale price

$999

The Vanishing Baseball Cap

Ages 0–5 · 2019

A missing cap in a museum leads to a playful detective hunt.

Sale price

$999

The Misplaced Toy Hammer

Ages 0–5 · 2019

A toy hammer is missing. Can young detectives solve the mystery?

Sale price

$1299

The Lost Race Car

Ages 0–6 · 2018

A missing race car leads to a playful detective hunt.

Sale price

$1299

The Missing Bouncy Ball

Ages 0–6 · 2018

A lost ball leads to a playful park mystery. Can it be found?

Sale price

$1295

Guess What's Behind the Door?

Ages 3–7 · 2018

Peek through the keyhole: is it a monster or a surprise waiting for you?

Sale price

$1999

Whobert Whover, Owl Detective

Ages 4–6 · 2017

Owl detective seeks the truth behind a possum's mysterious fate.

Sale price

$699

Halloween Heroes!

Ages 0–3 · 2017

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

View all mystery, espionage and detective board books

Browse by age

Mystery, Espionage And Detective Picture Books

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

Sale price

$599

The Vampire Bunny

Ages 6–8 · 2004

A cat suspects the new pet rabbit is a vampire. Can he protect the family?

Sale price

$1580

Young Cam Jansen and the Dinosaur Game

Ages 6–8 · 1996

Can a photographic memory solve a birthday party mystery?

Sale price

$599

The Case of the Missing Monkey

Ages 6–8 · 2000

A glass monkey is missing. Can detectives solve the mystery?

Sale price

$1899

A House That Once Was

Ages 3–6 · 2018

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

Sale price

$1899

Catch That Cookie!

Ages 3–5 · 2014

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

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?

Sale price

$1799

Antoinette

Ages 4–8 · 2017

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

The Truth About My Unbelievable School...

Sale price

$1299

The Truth About My Unbelievable School...

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A school tour reveals bizarre secrets. Is it all true or a wild tale?

Sale price

$1999

The Detective Dog

Ages 3–6 · 2016

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

Sale price

$1999

Russell and the Lost Treasure

Ages 4–8 · 2006

A sheep named Russell goes on a treasure hunt.

Sale price

$1799

Little Fox and the Missing Moon

Ages 3–7 · 2019

Fox dreams the moon is missing. Can he find it?

Sale price

$799

Two of Everything

Ages 4–8 · 1993

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

View all mystery, espionage and detective picture books

Browse by age

Mystery, Espionage And Detective Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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

Sale price

$899

The Story Collector

Ages 9–12 · 2018

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

Sale price

$1695

Horton Halfpott

Ages 8–12 · 2011

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

Sale price

$999

Book Scavenger

Ages 8–12 · 2015

Emily races to solve a book's mystery before danger catches up.

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.

Sale price

$2799

The Doll People

Ages 7–11 · 2000

A century-old doll seeks adventure and mystery with new neighbors.

Sale price

$1199

Trickster's Choice

Ages 12–18 · 2003

A spy's gamble with gods and kingdoms could change everything.

Sale price

$1899

The Inheritance Games

Ages 13–18 · 2020

A mysterious inheritance thrusts Avery into a deadly game of secrets and survival.

Sale price

$2199

Firekeeper's Daughter

Ages 14–18 · 2021

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

Sale price

$1399

An Ember in the Ashes

Ages 12–18 · 2015

A slave and a soldier defy an empire, risking everything for freedom.

Sale price

$1099

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

Ages 14–18 · 2019

A closed murder case reopens, revealing dark secrets and danger.

Sale price

$999

Thea Stilton and the Dragon's Code

Ages 7–10 · 2009

A mysterious invitation leads to a thrilling adventure at Mouseford Academy.

Sale price

$799

Cat Detective

Ages 7–10 · 2018

A royal cat and beetle sidekick hunt a thief in ancient Egypt.

View all mystery, espionage and detective chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about problem solving Books about books and reading Books about buried treasure Books about coding and programming Books about games Books about hackers Books about human-animal relationships Books about innovation

Our 10 Favorite Books About Mystery, Espionage And Detective

Great books, picked for their age.

Mystery, Espionage And Detective Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Mystery, Espionage And Detective Picture Books

Mystery, Espionage And Detective Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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