Books About Mystery · 985 titles considered

The Best Mystery Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about mystery? 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

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

$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?

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%

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 experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,141 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Book Scavenger

By Jennifer Chambliss Bertman · Book #1 in the Book Scavenger series

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

368 pages· 66,684 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 18,228 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Twelve-year-old Emily moves to San Francisco, home of her idol, Garrison Griswold, only to find him in a coma after an attack. With her new friend James, she discovers a peculiar book that might hold the key to Griswold's secret game. As they unravel its puzzles, they must stay ahead of those who wish to stop them. Can Emily and James unlock the mystery before it's too late?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2018

The Language of Spells

By Garret Weyr, Katie Harnett (Illustrator)

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

299 pages· 53,765 words· Est. 6 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,024 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: In a world blind to dragons, Grisha, a hidden dragon, and Maggie, a seemingly ordinary girl, form an unexpected alliance. Tasked with uncovering Vienna's darkest secret, they delve into a mystery dating back to World War II: the disappearance of dragons. As they navigate a world of forgotten magic and hidden truths, they must ask: Can the lost dragons be saved? Their journey is one of rediscovery, adventure, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship, challenging them to remember old tales and create new ones in a city steeped in history and enchantment.

Sale price

$2659

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2000

The Doll People

By Ann M. Martin, Laura Godwin · Book #1 in the The Doll People series

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

256 pages· 35,669 words· Est. 5 hour read

5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 18,023 ratings

$27.99Save 5%

Summary: Annabelle Doll, an eight-year-old china doll for over a century, lives a monotonous life in a dollhouse. Everything changes when the lively Funcrafts, a plastic doll family, move in. With Tiffany Funcraft's adventurous spirit, Annabelle embarks on a quest to unravel a long-standing family mystery. Will this new friendship lead to the excitement Annabelle craves, or will it uncover secrets best left hidden? Dive into a world where dolls come to life, and every day holds the promise of discovery.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2009

Thea Stilton and the Dragon's Code

By Geronimo Stilton (Author/Illustrator), Thea Stilton · Book #1 in the Thea Stilton series

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

176 pages· 12,129 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 9,620 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Thea Stilton, teaching journalism on Mouse Island, faces an unexpected challenge when a student mysteriously disappears. With five students by her side, Thea embarks on a thrilling quest through secret passages and underground tunnels. Can they unravel the mystery before it's too late? Surprises await at every turn in this gripping adventure.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1999

The Bad Beginning

By Lemony Snicket, Brett Helquist (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the A Series of Unfortunate Events series

Three siblings face misfortune and a villain's plot to steal their fortune.

162 pages· 24,054 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 582,615 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are bright and resourceful siblings, yet misfortune shadows their every step. From a disastrous fire to a villain's sinister plot to claim their inheritance, their lives spiral into chaos. As they navigate itchy clothing, deadly serpents, and a series of bizarre mishaps, the Baudelaires must outwit their greedy adversary. Will their intelligence and charm be enough to overcome the relentless tide of calamity? Dive into this darkly comedic tale where every twist brings new challenges and unexpected humor.

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Mystery Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about mystery 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

$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

$599

Scooby-Doo and the Pirate Treasure

Ages 2–5 · 1974

A beach day turns into a spooky treasure hunt with ghostly pirates.

View all mystery board books

Browse by age

Mystery Picture Books

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

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

$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?

Sale price

$599

The Mystery of the Icy Paw Prints

Ages 5–9 · 2015

Twins uncover a mystery in Alaska, following icy paw prints to a food thief.

Sale price

$699

The Mystery of the Secret Society

Ages 5–9 · 2016

Twins uncover a secret society in ancient Athens. What mysteries lie beneath the ruins?

Sale price

$699

April Fools' Fiasco

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A bookstore prank turns into a real robbery. Can the kids solve the mystery?

View all mystery picture books

Browse by age

Mystery Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about mystery for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$2199

Keeper of the Lost Cities

Ages 8–12 · 2012

A telepathic girl must uncover her hidden identity before it's too late.

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.

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Sale price

$1799

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A girl without arms uncovers secrets in a mysterious theme park while facing new challenges and friendships.

Sale price

$899

Skulduggery Pleasant

Ages 10–15 · 2007

A girl and a skeleton sorcerer must stop evil forces threatening the world.

Sale price

$2499

A Study in Scarlet

Ages 12–18 · 1887

A penniless doctor and a brilliant detective unravel a dark murder mystery in Victorian London.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

InvestiGators

Ages 7–10 · 2020

A group of alligator investigators solve a mystery involving a missing chef, a stolen scientific invention, and a triceratops escape artist.

Sale price

$1699

The Box-Car Children

Ages 7–10

Four orphaned children run away from their grandfather and live in a boxcar, where they learn to fend for themselves and have many adventures.

Sale price

$599

Pool Party Puzzler

Ages 7–9 · 2015

A pool party is sabotaged. Can Nancy solve the mystery before it's too late?

Sale price

$699

Trouble at the Arcade

Ages 6–9 · 2010

Young detectives uncover a mystery at the arcade.

Sale price

$599

Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth

Ages 6–10 · 2012

A young girl tries to solve a mystery involving a missing marble and a suspicious twin sister.

Sale price

$499

The Mystery of the Pirate Ghost

Ages 5–8 · 1985

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

The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales

Sale price

$699

The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales

Ages 7–9 · 2020

Two friends go on an underwater adventure to help a lost whale calf find its mother and the rest of the pod.

View all mystery chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about books and reading Books about problem solving Books about sleuthing Books about books and libraries Books about coping with failure Books about games Books about haunted places Books about human-animal relationships

Our 10 Favorite Books About Mystery

Great books, picked for their age.

Mystery Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Mystery Picture Books

Mystery Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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