Books About Sleuthing · 244 titles considered

The Best Sleuthing Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about sleuthing? 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.

Series

#1 in Series

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Sleuthing

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 · 134,973 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.

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 · 63,606 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.

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·3.9/5 Goodreads · 764 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

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 · 1,143 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?

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·4.1/5 Goodreads · 18,247 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

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

$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·4.1/5 Goodreads · 18,041 ratings

$27.99Save 5%

Paperback

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 · 9,638 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

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·4.0/5 Goodreads · 583,786 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

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.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1958

Basil of Baker Street

By Eve Titus, Paul Galdone (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Great Mouse Detective series

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

112 pages· 10,010 words· Est. 2 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 2,876 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Basil, the clever mouse detective living beneath Sherlock Holmes's house, faces his toughest case yet: the disappearance of twins Angela and Agatha. With scant clues and time running out, Basil must use all his sleuthing skills to unravel the mystery and rescue the twins. Can he outsmart the kidnapper and save the day, or will this case prove too puzzling even for him? Dive into a world of intrigue and adventure as Basil races against the clock in this thrilling tale of mouse-sized detective work.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1948

The Boxcar Children

By Gertrude Chandler Warner · Book #1 in the The Boxcar Children series

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

154 pages· 17,402 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 141,391 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Four siblings, determined to stay together, make a home in an abandoned boxcar. As they navigate their new life, they uncover a surprising family connection that could change everything. Will they find the stability they crave, or will their discovery lead to unexpected challenges?

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Sleuthing Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

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?

Sherlock Holmes in The Hound of the Baskervilles

Series

Sale price

$999

Sherlock Holmes in The Hound of the Baskervilles

Ages 2–4 · 2013

Explore the eerie sounds of a mysterious night.

Series

Sale price

$799

Dinosaur Safari

Ages 0–3 · 2015

Mysterious footprints lead Bizzy Bear on a thrilling dinosaur quest.

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.

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Sleuthing Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1899

Catch That Cookie!

Ages 3–5 · 2014

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

Sale price

$1999

The Detective Dog

Ages 3–6 · 2016

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

Series

Sale price

$1999

Russell and the Lost Treasure

Ages 4–8 · 2006

A sheep named Russell goes on a treasure hunt.

Series

Sale price

$1899

Hensel and Gretel: Ninja Chicks

Ages 5–8 · 2016

Ninja chicks face a cunning fox to rescue their dad from becoming dinner.

Sale price

$1699

How Kate Warne Saved President Lincoln

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A female detective must stop a plot to assassinate Lincoln.

Series

Sale price

$1899

A Piglet Named Mercy

Ages 2–5 · 2019

A piglet shows up at the Watsons' house and changes their lives.

Sale price

$1899

The Giant Jumperee

Ages 3–5 · 2000

A mysterious voice claims Rabbit's burrow. Can his friends uncover the truth behind the Giant Jumperee?

Sale price

$1899

Who Ate All the Cookie Dough?

Ages 2–5 · 2008

Who devoured Kanga's cookie dough? Uncover the tasty mystery!

Series

Sale price

$1595

What REALLY Happened to Humpty?

Ages 6–9 · 2009

Detective Dumpty investigates if Humpty's fall was an accident or foul play.

Series

Sale price

$1899

Mission Defrostable

Ages 5–9 · 2018

Can breakfast heroes save the fridge from freezing doom with an unlikely ally?

Series

Sale price

$1299

Detective Paw of the Law

Ages 5–7 · 2019

A painting is stolen. Can Detective Paw crack the case?

Sale price

$899

The Wim Wom from the Mustard Mill

Ages 3–7 · 2009

Is the mysterious Wim Wom real, or just a tale? Discover the truth.

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Browse by age

Sleuthing Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about sleuthing for developing and independent readers.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$699

Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective

Ages 7–10 · 1963

A boy detective solves mysteries and crimes in his neighborhood with the help of his trusty encyclopedia-filled brain.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$699

The Fenway Foul-Up

Ages 6–9 · 2011

A baseball bat is stolen from a famous player and two kids try to solve the mystery.

Series

Sale price

$1099

The Secret of the Old Clock

Ages 7–12 · 1930

A young woman investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding a wealthy man's death and the disappearance of his will.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$899

Harriet the Spy

Ages 8–12 · 1964

A young spy's secret notebook falls into the wrong hands, threatening her friendships.

Sale price

$1499

Paper Towns

Ages 14–18 · 2008

A mysterious disappearance leaves clues for Quentin to unravel.

Sale price

$999

The Thief Lord

Ages 8–12 · 2000

Two brothers flee to Venice, pursued by a detective, uncovering a magical treasure that alters time.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1099

The Tower Treasure

Ages 8–12 · 1927

Two brothers race to solve a daring jewel heist.

Series

Sale price

$1495

Howard Wallace, P.I.

Ages 9–13 · 2016

A young detective tackles blackmail with an unexpected partner.

Series

Sale price

$799

Wormwood Mire

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Sent to a mysterious estate, Stella uncovers family secrets and hidden dangers.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1999

Framed!

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A young detective must solve a massive art heist while juggling schoolwork.

Series

Sale price

$1999

Trapped!

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A young detective must clear his mentor's name from espionage charges.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$999

Evil Spy School

Ages 8–12 · 2015

Expelled from spy school, Ben infiltrates a criminal organization to uncover their sinister plot.

View all sleuthing chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about books and reading Books about orphans Books about books and libraries Books about detectives Books about family life Books about games Books about haunted places Books about human-animal relationships

Our 10 Favorite Books About Sleuthing

Great books, picked for their age.

Sleuthing Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sleuthing Picture Books

Sleuthing Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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