Books About Young Detectives

The Best Young Detectives Books for Kids

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.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Young Detectives

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Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

The Cat Stole My Pants

By Stephan Pastis · Book #6 in the 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 Goodreads · 1,008 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Timmy's Florida trip for his mom's possible wedding turns chaotic when crime strikes. With his usual partner gone, Timmy teams up with Emilio, a new ally, to unravel a mystery that could save his life. Amidst the chaos, a surprise visitor and a mischievous six-toed cat add to the mayhem. Can Timmy solve the case before it's too late?

Sale price

$574

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

4.4 Goodreads · 236 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: When the Detroit Tigers' star slugger Tony is blackmailed over his stolen trophy, young detectives Mike and Kate spring into action. With a tiger-shaped bag of signed baseballs as ransom, the stakes are high. Can they unravel the mystery and recover Tony's prized possession before it's too late? Dive into a thrilling mix of baseball excitement and detective work, where every clue counts and the clock is ticking. Join Mike and Kate as they navigate the twists and turns of this ballpark caper.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2008

The Election-Day Disaster

By Ron Roy, Timothy Bush (Illustrator) · Book #10 in the Capital Mysteries series

Can two kids save the president's election after a Halloween scandal?

96 pages· 9,247 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 402 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: KC and Marshall face a digital scandal threatening President Thornton's re-election. After a White House Halloween party, doctored photos surface online, jeopardizing his campaign. With only a week until the election, can these young detectives uncover the truth and save the day? Dive into a mystery filled with Washington, D.C.'s iconic landmarks and unravel the intrigue behind the scenes of power. Will KC and Marshall's sleuthing skills be enough to rescue the presidency, or will the trickery succeed in altering the nation's future?

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Soccer Scheme

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Soccer Scheme

By Donald J. Sobol, James Bernadin (Illustrator) · Book #29 in the Encyclopedia Brown series

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 Goodreads · 535 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Join a brilliant young detective as he tackles ten puzzling cases, from a missing African killfish to a library book vandal and a tense soccer match. Can you solve them too?

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Sale price

$1348

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer

By Gillian Goerz · Shirley and Jamila series

Two friends tackle a missing gecko mystery, testing their detective skills and friendship.

222 pages· 13,120 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 2,294 ratings

$13.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Jamila faces a dull summer until she meets quirky Shirley, the neighborhood's top kid detective. When Oliver's pet gecko vanishes, the girls team up to crack the case. As they dive into the mystery, Jamila discovers her own knack for sleuthing. But when their partnership falters, they must solve the toughest puzzle yet: understanding true friendship. Can they find the gecko and mend their bond before summer ends?

Sale price

$574

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 Goodreads · 666 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Cam Jansen, with her photographic memory, plans a surprise party for her parents. But when her grandparents are robbed at the airport, Cam must switch gears. Can she catch the thief and save the day? Join Cam in this thrilling adventure where every clue counts and nothing is as it seems. Young readers will be captivated by Cam's cleverness and determination as she unravels the mystery. Will she solve the case before it's too late?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

The Fugitive

By John Grisham · Book #5 in the Theodore Boone series

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

288 pages· 49,124 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 10,226 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Theo Boone, a teenage legal whiz, spots fugitive Pete Duffy in Washington, DC. His quick actions lead to Duffy's capture, but now Theo faces a dangerous adversary. Can he ensure justice without losing everything? As the stakes rise, Theo must navigate perilous waters to bring a killer to trial, testing his courage and resolve.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2012

The Mystery of Meerkat Hill

By Alexander McCall Smith, Iain McIntosh (Illustrator) · Precious Ramotswe Mysteries series

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

112 pages· 8,721 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 1,556 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Aspiring detective Precious faces her first big mystery when her classmates' cow vanishes. With the help of a clever meerkat, she must unravel clues and devise a plan to bring the cow home. Can Precious's quick thinking and unexpected allies save the day?

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2007

Encyclopedia Brown Cracks the Case

By Donald J. Sobol · Book #25 in the Encyclopedia Brown series

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 Goodreads · 1,098 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Meet Encyclopedia Brown, a ten-year-old detective with a talent for solving mysteries. From a missing butterfly brooch to stolen Confederate stamps, each case challenges his sharp mind. With his police chief dad's cases and neighborhood puzzles, Encyclopedia invites you to join him in cracking the clues. Can you solve the mysteries before he does? Dive into ten intriguing cases and test your detective skills alongside Idaville's brightest young sleuth.

Sale price

$474

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 Goodreads · 269 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: At a charity event, Cam Jansen faces a puzzling mystery when a pearl necklace disappears. With all guests under suspicion, Cam must rely on her photographic memory to unmask the thief. As the clock ticks, can she solve the case before the culprit slips away? Dive into this thrilling whodunit where every detail counts and nothing is as it seems.

The Bookroo Book Club