Books About Mystery Solving

The Best Mystery Solving Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about mystery solving? 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 Mystery of the Pirate Ghost
Series
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Mystery Solving

Sale price
$474
Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 1985

The Mystery of the Pirate Ghost

By Geoffrey Hayes · Otto & Uncle series

Is a ghost haunting Boogle Bay? Otto and Uncle Tooth investigate.

48 pages· 2,096 words· Est. 24 min read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 163 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In Boogle Bay, young Otto the alligator and his Uncle Tooth face a puzzling mystery: is there really a ghost on the loose? As they dive into this high-spirited whodunit, they uncover clues and encounter unexpected twists. Can they solve the mystery before it's too late? Join Otto and Uncle Tooth on a thrilling adventure filled with humor and surprises, perfect for young readers eager to unravel the truth behind the ghostly happenings in their vibrant town. Will they catch the culprit, or is something more mysterious at play?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2024

The Great Puptective

A housecat's peace is shattered by a mystery-solving puppy.

128 pages· 2,052 words· Est. 31 min read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 317 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Truffles, a content housecat, enjoys his serene naps until Poppy, an exuberant puppy with a knack for solving mysteries, arrives. As Poppy's chaotic energy threatens Truffles' tranquility, he plots to send her away. But could this lively pup be the unexpected friend Truffles needs? With Poppy's enthusiasm and Truffles' reluctance, their unlikely partnership might just uncover more than they bargained for. Will Truffles embrace the change, or will Poppy's detective dreams lead to more chaos? Dive into this charming tale of friendship and adventure, where every mystery brings them closer together.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2012

This Hotel Is Haunted!

A ghostly figure haunts the Grand Hotel. Can the mystery be solved?

128 pages· 8,034 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,469 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Geronimo Stilton and his friend Hercule Poirat face a chilling mystery at the Grand Hotel in New Mouse City. Guests are terrified by a ghostly figure in armor, wielding a ball and chain. Geronimo knows ghosts aren't real, but this haunting feels all too genuine. Can they uncover the truth behind the spectral menace before panic spreads? Dive into this spine-tingling adventure to find out!
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2019

Thea Stilton and the Black Forest Burglary

By Thea Stilton · Book #30 in the Thea Stilton series

A stolen clock, a ticking deadline. Can they solve the mystery?

176 pages· 12,259 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 418 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters are in Germany for the Festival of Time when a famous clock is stolen. With the clock missing and time running out, the sisters must unravel the mystery and catch the thief. Will their friendship and detective skills be enough to solve the case before it's too late? Dive into a world of intrigue and adventure in the Black Forest.
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2015

The Mystery Across the Secret Bridge

By Harper Paris, Marcos Calo (Illustrator) · Book #7 in the Greetings from Somewhere series

A hidden structure at Machu Picchu holds a puzzling secret. What will Ethan and Ella uncover?

128 pages· 4,444 words· Est. 35 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 228 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Ethan and Ella embark on a thrilling adventure in Peru, exploring Machu Picchu's ancient mysteries. Amidst the breathtaking ruins, they stumble upon a hidden stone structure resembling a snake, bird, and puma. What secrets does it hold, and why is it unknown? As they delve deeper, the siblings must unravel the enigma before them. Join their journey through the Sacred Valley, where every discovery leads to more questions. Will they solve the mystery, or will the ancient city keep its secrets? Perfect for young readers, this tale promises excitement and intrigue at every turn.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2014

The Ghost in the Attic

A young ghost boy and his friend, a human girl, start a detective agency to solve mysteries and find the boy's lost family.

128 pages· 11,777 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 542 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Young detectives Kaz and Claire tackle their first case: a haunted attic in a neighbor's home. With Grannie's guidance, they uncover a mystery that isn't what it seems. Can they solve it before fear takes over? Discover the unexpected truth behind the spooky happenings.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2019

Brute-Cake

Strange clues hint at monsters' return. Can the patrol reunite to save the town?

96 pages· 6,390 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 566 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Alexander Bopp leads the Super Secret Monster Patrol, but with no monsters in sight, he misses his friends Rip and Nikki. Suddenly, odd objects, cake crumbs, and eerie monster cards appear around town. Are the monsters back? Alexander must reunite the patrol to uncover the truth and protect their town. Dive into this thrilling adventure where friendship and courage are the keys to unraveling a monstrous mystery.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2002

The Journey Through Time

Time-traveling mouse faces dinosaurs, pyramids, and knights. Can he survive history's wildest moments?

320 pages· 24,801 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,540 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Geronimo Stilton never imagined he'd travel through time, but when Professor Paws von Volt offers a journey in the Mouse Mover 3000, he can't resist. Joined by his family, Geronimo faces a Tyrannosaurus rex, navigates the Nile's dangers, and confronts medieval knights. As they uncover the mysteries of the past, from dinosaur extinction to the secrets of the Great Pyramid, Geronimo must use his wits to survive. Will he save the maiden and return home safely, or will history's challenges prove too much? Dive into this whirlwind adventure through time!
Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2015

The Ghost at the Fire Station

Kaz searches for his missing family while solving a ghostly mystery.

128 pages· 12,017 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 258 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Kaz is on a quest to reunite with his missing family, but when a ghostly presence is reported at the fire station, he and Claire, the C & K Ghost Detectives, must investigate. Could this spirit be a lost relative, or is it something more sinister? As they delve into the mystery, Kaz faces the challenge of balancing his search for his family with the demands of solving supernatural cases. Will he find the answers he seeks, or will the ghosts of the past keep him from his loved ones?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

The Case of the Phantom Cat

A haunted manor challenges a young detective's skills.

176 pages· 16,079 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 258 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old Maisie Hitchins and her dog Eddie escape London's smog for a country manor with friend Alice. But eerie noises, foul smells, and a ghostly cat suggest the house is haunted. Is it truly supernatural, or is there a logical explanation? Maisie must unravel the mystery before fear takes over. Can her detective skills uncover the truth behind the manor's chilling secrets?
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Mystery Solving Picture Books

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

Keeper of the Gems

Ages 5–9 · 2023

Gems lose their shine; can two friends restore their magic?

The Great Greenfield Bake-Off

Ages 4–8 · 2021

Chaos strikes a kids' bake-off. Is sabotage afoot?

Scooby-Doo! Snow Monster Scare

Ages 0–7 · 2012

A snowman loses its parts. Can the gang solve the mystery?

Sale price
$2993

Scooby-Doo and the Pirate's Treasure

Ages 0–7 · 2016

Scooby vanishes during a treasure hunt. Is a pirate ghost to blame?

Scooby-Doo! The Snow Monster Mystery

Ages 5–9 · 2013

A monster threatens a snow castle contest. Can the gang solve it?

View all mystery solving picture books
Browse by age

Mystery Solving Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about mystery solving for developing and independent readers.

Mystery Club

Ages 7–10 · 2019

A group of students try to solve mysteries and have fun along the way

The Mystery of Meerkat Hill

Ages 7–10 · 2012

A young detective must solve the mystery of a missing cow.

Ghost Cabin

Ages 11–14 · 2019

Discover a hidden cabin at camp filled with ghosts and secrets.

The Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit

Ages 9–12 · 2013

A young girl solves mysteries in her small town.

The Uncanny Express

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Two sisters must solve a magician's disappearance on a mysterious train.

Nate the Great and the Tardy Tortoise

Ages 6–9 · 1995

A detective follows a tortoise to uncover a garden mystery.

A Script for Danger

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A movie set is sabotaged. Can Nancy uncover the culprit before disaster strikes?

Nate the Great and the Fishy Prize

Ages 6–9 · 1984

A missing prize threatens the pet contest. Can Nate solve the mystery?

The Clue in the Crossword Cipher

Ages 8–12 · 1967

A stolen relic, a hidden treasure, and a daring detective's quest in Peru.

Ghosts Don't Eat Potato Chips

Ages 7–10 · 1992

Strange happenings at Aunt Mathilda's house hint at a ghostly presence.

The Mystery at the Ballpark

Ages 7–10 · 1995

A baseball team faces sabotage. Can the Aldens uncover the culprit?

The Painting That Wasn't There

Ages 8–11 · 2007

A museum trip reveals a fake art piece. Can young detectives crack the case?

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