Books About Mystery · 994 titles considered

The Best Mystery Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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

Stuart Little
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 · 135,260 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.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
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 · 63,792 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.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
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·4.2/5 Goodreads · 191,531 ratings
$29.99Save 5%
Hardcover
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?
The Story Collector
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 · 1,147 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?
Book Scavenger
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 · 18,286 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?
The Language of Spells
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·3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,027 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
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.
The Doll People
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 · 18,071 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.
Thea Stilton and the Dragon's Code
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 Goodreads · 9,660 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.
The Parker Inheritance
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Parker Inheritance

By Varian Johnson

A hidden letter reveals a mystery and a fortune. Can Candice and Brandon solve it before it's lost forever?

Coretta Scott King Honor (2019)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2018)Cybils Award (2018)Odyssey Honor (2019)
368 pages· 84,464 words· Est. 11.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 9,370 ratings
Paperback
Summary: Candice stumbles upon a mysterious letter in her grandmother's attic in Lambert, South Carolina. It hints at a long-buried injustice and a hidden fortune. With Brandon, the boy next door, she embarks on a quest to unravel the town's dark past. As they delve into history, they uncover secrets that could change their lives. Will they solve the puzzle before time erases the truth?
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Mystery Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sloth Slept on
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?

Dinosaur Safari
Series
Sale price
$799

Dinosaur Safari

Ages 0–3 · 2015

Mysterious footprints lead Bizzy Bear on a thrilling dinosaur quest.

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Mystery Picture Books

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

A House That Once Was
Sale price
$1899

A House That Once Was

Ages 3–6 · 2018

Two children explore an abandoned house, uncovering its mysterious past.

Catch That Cookie!
Sale price
$1899

Catch That Cookie!

Ages 3–5 · 2014

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

Antoinette
Series
Sale price
$1799

Antoinette

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A poodle must find a missing puppy and discover her unique talent.

The Detective Dog
Sale price
$1999

The Detective Dog

Ages 3–6 · 2016

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

Two of Everything
Sale price
$799

Two of Everything

Ages 4–8 · 1993

A mysterious pot doubles everything placed inside. What will it create next?

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Browse by age

Mystery Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about mystery for developing and independent readers.

The Westing Game
Series
Sale price
$999

The Westing Game

Ages 11–15 · 1978

Sixteen heirs must solve a cryptic puzzle to claim a fortune. But what is the real game?

Basil of Baker Street
#1 in Series
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.

A Study in Scarlet
#1 in Series
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.

InvestiGators
#1 in Series
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.

The Boxcar Children
#1 in Series
Sale price
$799

The Boxcar Children

Ages 7–10 · 1948

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

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Books about books and readingBooks about problem solvingBooks about sleuthingBooks about books and librariesBooks about buried treasureBooks about family historyBooks about gamesBooks about haunted places