Books About Investigation · 102 titles considered

The Best Investigation Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about investigation? 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 Investigation

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2019

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

By Holly Jackson · Book #1 in the A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series

A closed murder case reopens, revealing dark secrets and danger.

389 pages· 91,912 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,893,274 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Summary: Pip, a high school senior, reopens a closed murder case for her final project, questioning the guilt of Sal Singh, who allegedly killed Andie Bell. As she uncovers hidden truths, Pip realizes someone wants the past to stay buried. With her own safety at risk, can she prove Sal's innocence before it's too late? Dive into a gripping mystery where the past and present collide, and nothing is as it seems.

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1887

A Study in Scarlet

By Arthur Conan Doyle · Book #1 in the Sherlock Holmes series

A penniless doctor and a brilliant detective unravel a dark murder mystery in Victorian London.

120 pages· 43,446 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 507,309 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Summary: In 1878 London, Dr. Watson, fresh from India and broke, meets the eccentric Sherlock Holmes. Their new partnership is tested as they dive into a chilling murder case, leading them from London's foggy streets to the wilds of Utah. As they unravel the mystery, Watson and Holmes forge a legendary alliance. Will they solve the case before more blood is spilled? This illustrated edition brings their first adventure to life with vivid imagery, capturing the essence of a timeless detective story.

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Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2020

InvestiGators

By John Patrick Green · Book #1 in the InvestiGators series

A group of alligator investigators solve a mystery involving a missing chef, a stolen scientific invention, and a triceratops escape artist.

208 pages· 8,763 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 4,167 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Join Mango and Brash, the alligator duo of the Special Undercover Investigation Teams, as they dive into the sewers to solve two perplexing mysteries. Armed with quirky gadgets and unconventional travel methods, these agents face off against cunning villains. Can they piece together the clues and capture the crooks, or will their slippery foes escape? With humor and unexpected twists, this adventure promises a wild ride through the underbelly of crime-fighting.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

Shadow Magic

By Joshua Khan, Ben Hibon (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Shadow Magic series

A slave and a reluctant ruler unite against dark forces in a land of undead.

Cybils Award (2016)

352 pages· 79,349 words· Est. 11 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,281 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Thorn, sold into slavery, and Lilith, a reluctant ruler, find themselves in Castle Gloom, a realm of undead. As enemies close in, Lilith must embrace forbidden magic to save her kingdom. Thorn's unexpected arrival sparks a daring alliance. Together, they uncover family secrets and defy ancient rules. Can they survive the treacherous world of monsters and magic, or will the shadows consume them? Dive into a tale of courage, mystery, and unexpected friendship where every choice could mean life or death.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

The Crown Heist

By Deron R. Hicks · Book #3 in the The Lost Art Mysteries series

A heist in London ties two friends to a mystery of a long-dead monarch.

303 pages

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 447 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Art and Camille travel to London to find Camille's missing father, a history professor with deep ties to British legends. Their search leads them into a thrilling heist involving a long-dead monarch. As they navigate iconic sites like the Tower of London and the National Portrait Gallery, they must unravel historical secrets to uncover the truth. Can they solve the mystery before it's too late?

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Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2009

PLUTO: Urasawa x Tezuka, Vol. 8 (Graphic Novel)

By Takashi Nagasaki · Book #8 in the Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka series

A robot detective hunts a killer targeting the world's greatest robots, only to find he's next.

256 pages

4.5/5 Goodreads · 4,288 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: In a world where humans and robots coexist, detective Gesicht faces a deadly mystery: someone is targeting the seven greatest robots. As he uncovers the truth, he learns he's also a target. Meanwhile, Atom, armed with answers to the mysteries of Pluto and Bora, prepares for a final battle. With memories of fallen comrades driving him, Atom must save the world from impending doom. Can he succeed where others have fallen? The fate of humanity and robots alike hangs in the balance as secrets unravel and destinies collide in this thrilling conclusion.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2023

Mermedusa

By Thomas Taylor, Tom Booth (Illustrator) · Legends of Eerie-on-Sea series

Secrets of Eerie-on-Sea unravel as cryptozoologists and podcasters converge. Will Herbie and Violet uncover the truth or vanish like others before them?

368 pages

4.5/5 Goodreads · 854 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: In Eerie-on-Sea, cryptozoologists and podcasters stir up secrets that could reveal the truth about shipwrecked orphan Herbert Lemon. As the Malamander legend looms, Herbie and Violet Parma, still searching for her missing parents, race against time. They venture to the perilous 'Treasure Island,' where a villain's sister vanished. Can they solve the mysteries, or will they disappear too? Dive into this thrilling conclusion filled with suspense and wonder.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2006

PLUTO: Urasawa x Tezuka, Vol. 4 (Graphic Novel)

By Takashi Nagasaki · Book #4 in the Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka series

A robot detective hunts a killer targeting the world's greatest robots.

200 pages

4.5/5 Goodreads · 4,703 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: In a world where humans and robots coexist, robot detective Gesicht is on a mission to uncover who is destroying the seven great robots. As he delves deeper, he realizes he is also a target. With the politically charged Bora Survey Group members in danger and the enigmatic Professor Tenma possibly holding the key, Gesicht must unravel the mystery before it's too late. Can he stop the force threatening both robots and humans, or will he become its next victim?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2006

PLUTO: Urasawa x Tezuka, Vol. 3 (Graphic Novel)

By Takashi Nagasaki · Book #3 in the Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka series

A killer targets the world's greatest robots. Can detective Gesicht stop them before becoming a victim?

200 pages

4.4/5 Goodreads · 5,090 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: In a world where humans and robots coexist, robot detective Gesicht faces a chilling mystery: someone is hunting the seven great robots, and he's on the list. As he delves deeper, the line between ally and enemy blurs, and the shadowy figure of Pluto emerges. Can Gesicht unravel the motives behind the carnage before it's too late? This gripping tale of suspense and science fiction challenges the boundaries of coexistence and identity, leaving readers questioning who—or what—truly holds the power.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Breaking News

By Jacqueline Harvey · Book #1 in the Kensy and Max series

Twins uncover secrets and coded messages while searching for their missing parents in London.

314 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 693 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Twins Kensy and Max are thrust into a whirlwind of mystery when their parents vanish, leaving them in London. Their new school is odd, the neighbors are peculiar, and cryptic messages appear everywhere. As they delve deeper, they sense a web of secrets spun by the adults around them. Can they unravel the truth before it's too late? The stakes are high, and nothing is as it seems. Join Kensy and Max on a thrilling quest to uncover hidden truths and find their parents in a world where every clue leads to more questions.

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Investigation Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1799

The Eye That Never Sleeps

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A detective thwarts a plot to assassinate Lincoln en route to his inauguration.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1799

The Upper Case

Ages 5–8 · 2019

Private I must solve the mystery of the missing uppercase letters in CAPITAL City before it's too late.

Sale price

$1699

Baby Monkey, Private Eye

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Baby Monkey solves mysteries, but can he put on his pants first?

#4 in Series

Sale price

$995

Murilla Gorilla and the Missing Mop

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A jungle detective hunts for a missing mop amidst distractions.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$1799

Time Flies

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Private I races to find missing clocks before time runs out.

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1099

Agents of S.U.I.T.

Ages 7–10 · 2023

A chameleon agent must solve a mystery involving crop circles and aliens.

#159 in Series

Sale price

$699

The Beekeeper Mystery

Ages 4–8 · 2021

Mysterious mishaps threaten a honey harvest. Can they uncover the saboteur?

Series

Sale price

$599

The Unfair Fair Case

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A detective rhino uncovers a mysterious winning streak at the fair.

Series

Sale price

$599

Stage Door to Terror

Ages 5–8 · 1985

A duck-tective in Paris faces a vanished star and a stolen jewel.

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$599

My Little Pony: Detective Hitch (Graphic Novel)

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Ponies vanish. Can Detective Hitch crack the case?

View all investigation picture books

Browse by age

Investigation Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about investigation for developing and independent readers.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$799

Waking Nightmare

Ages 9–12 · 2018

Nicky investigates his missing friends, uncovering dark secrets and eerie nightmares.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$799

Buried Secrets

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A boy must uncover the truth behind mysterious disappearances alone.

Series

Sale price

$1899

Top Marks for Murder

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A murder threatens Deepdean School's future. Can the young detectives save it?

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$799

Sanitized for Your Protection

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A cross-country trip turns chaotic as Timmy faces unexpected challenges.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$1299

As Good as Dead

Ages 14–18 · 2021

A podcaster faces real-life danger as threats escalate and a serial killer's case resurfaces.

Series

Sale price

$899

A Spoonful of Murder

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Framed for murder in Hong Kong, two young detectives race to clear their names.

#6 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Heist and Seek

Ages 7–10 · 2022

A group of investigators try to solve a mystery involving stolen paintings and a museum gala.

Series

Sale price

$1799

Kat Wolfe Takes the Case

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A suspicious death, ancient fossils, and a mysterious cult. Can Kat solve the case?

Series

Sale price

$1499

The Hunt for the Colosseum Ghost

Ages 7–10 · 2018

A ghostly gladiator haunts the Coliseum. Can the mystery be solved?

#6 in Series

Sale price

$899

The Case of the Disappearing Duchess

Ages 10–15 · 2010

Enola Holmes must solve a triple mystery involving her missing mother, a vanished lady, and her brother Mycroft.

Series

Sale price

$1699

Gargantis

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A stormy mystery unfolds as a sea monster seeks its stolen treasure.

Series

Sale price

$1495

Howard Wallace, P.I.

Ages 9–13 · 2016

A young detective tackles blackmail with an unexpected partner.

View all investigation chapter books

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Our 10 Favorite Books About Investigation

Great books, picked for their age.

Investigation Picture Books

Investigation Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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