Books About Student Detectives

The Best Student Detectives Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about student detectives? 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 Hand on the Wall
The Vanishing Stair
The Shortlist

Our 3 Favorite Books About Student Detectives

Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2020

The Hand on the Wall

By Maureen Johnson · Truly Devious series

A storm, a murderer, and a mystery unsolved. Can Stevie connect the dots before it's too late?

384 pages· 82,952 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 97,380 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: Stevie Bell faces her toughest challenge yet at Ellingham Academy. With three deaths, a missing friend, and a storm approaching, she must unravel a tangled web of past and present mysteries. As the academy evacuates, Stevie stays behind, determined to confront the truth and a lurking murderer. Can she solve the case that has haunted the academy for decades, or will the storm claim more than just secrets? Dive into a world of riddles and suspense where every clue could be the key to survival.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2019

The Vanishing Stair

A deadly mystery at Ellingham Academy demands answers, but the truth comes at a cost.

400 pages· 85,565 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 111,905 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: Stevie Bell is obsessed with solving the infamous Truly Devious case—a kidnapping and murder at Ellingham Academy. Pulled from school after a classmate's death, Stevie strikes a risky deal to return. As she navigates secrets and lies, including those of her enigmatic friend David, Stevie must unravel a historical riddle with deadly implications. Can she uncover the truth before it's too late, or will the past claim another victim?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

A Copycat Conundrum

By Lisa Yee, Dan Santat (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the The Misfits series

San Francisco quakes and mysterious notes lead the Misfits into a puzzling case.

288 pages· 51,870 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 489 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Summary: San Francisco is rocked by bizarre earthquakes and priceless art thefts. The Misfits, led by Olive, must unravel the mystery as their classmate Zeke receives ominous notes. Is Zeke hiding something, or is there a larger plot at play? Join this elite team of underdogs as they tackle their most perplexing case yet, where every clue could lead to a surprising twist.
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