Books About Young Detectives · 11 titles considered

The Best Young Detectives Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about young 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 Cat Stole My Pants
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Young Detectives

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Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

The Cat Stole My Pants

By Stephan Pastis · Timmy Failure series

Timmy faces threats and mystery in Key West, relying on an unexpected ally to save his life.

288 pages· 20,261 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 997 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2015

The Tiger Troubles

By David A. Kelly, Mark Meyers (Illustrator) · Book #11 in the Ballpark Mysteries series

A stolen trophy, a blackmail plot, and two young sleuths on the case. Can they save the day?

103 pages· 10,193 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 234 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Soccer Scheme

A young detective solves cases and mysteries in his neighborhood with the help of his partner and his vast knowledge.

96 pages· 8,317 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 528 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2000

The Birthday Mystery

By David A. Adler, Susanna Natti (Illustrator) · Book #20 in the Cam Jansen series

A surprise party turns into a mystery when a robbery occurs. Can Cam solve it?

58 pages· 5,405 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 661 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

The Fugitive

A young legal prodigy confronts a fugitive murderer, risking everything for justice.

288 pages· 49,124 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 10,093 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2012

The Mystery of Meerkat Hill

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

112 pages· 8,721 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,551 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2007

Encyclopedia Brown Cracks the Case

The son of a police chief solves mysteries with the help of his friend Sally, a girl who can punch like a boy.

96 pages· 9,945 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,096 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

The Millionaire Mystery

By David A. Adler, Joy Allen (Illustrator) · Book #32 in the Cam Jansen series

A pearl necklace vanishes at a charity event. Can Cam solve the mystery before the thief escapes?

56 pages· 5,808 words· Est. 45 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 264 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2020

The Body Under the Piano

A young detective must solve a murder to save her dance instructor from false charges.

325 pages· 64,020 words· Est. 7 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 2,131 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1993

Meg Mackintosh and The Mystery in the Locked Library

A rare book vanishes from a locked library. Can you solve the mystery before Meg?

48 pages· 5,225 words· Est. 59 min read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 79 ratings
$6.95Save 3%
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