Books About Mystery And Detective Work · 128 titles considered

The Best Mystery And Detective Work Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about mystery and detective work? 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 Mystery And Detective Work

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Notorious

By Gordon Korman

On a peculiar island, two teens unravel a dog's murder mystery linked to a gangster past.

307 pages· 57,253 words· Est. 8 hour read

6.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,829 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Keenan, new to the odd Centerlight Island, teams up with his quirky neighbor ZeeBee to solve the mystery of her dog's death. As they dig into the island's Prohibition-era secrets, they uncover a conspiracy that puts them in danger. With everyone a suspect and a new dog by their side, Keenan and ZeeBee must navigate a web of intrigue. Will they crack the case before it's too late, or will the island's dark past catch up with them?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2018

Cat Detective

By A. B. Greenfield, A. B. Greenfield, Sarah Horne (Illustrator) · Ra the Mighty series

A royal cat and beetle sidekick hunt a thief in ancient Egypt.

240 pages· 28,792 words· Est. 4 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 824 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: In ancient Egypt, Ra, a pampered palace cat, and Khepri, a diligent dung beetle, embark on a comedic quest to solve a jewelry theft. With a young servant girl wrongly accused, Khepri urges Ra to embrace his inner detective. As they unravel the mystery, Ra discovers the thrill of justice, earning the title 'Protector of the Weak.' Can this unlikely duo clear the girl's name and catch the real thief? Dive into a world of humor and history with this mismatched pair on their first adventure.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2014

The Chicken Squad

By Doreen Cronin, Kevin Cornell (Illustrator) · The Chicken Squad series

A group of chickens and a squirrel team up to solve a mystery in their backyard

112 pages· 3,856 words· Est. 33 min read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 2,872 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Meet the Chicken Squad: Dirt, Sugar, Poppy, and Sweetie. These fearless chicks tackle mysteries, not bugs. When a frantic Squirrel warns of a strange, shiny object in the yard, the squad springs into action. Could it be a UFO with alien intentions? As they investigate, the stakes rise. Will these plucky detectives crack the case before it's too late? Join their out-of-this-world adventure and find out!

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014

The Menagerie

By Kari Sutherland · Book #2 in the Menagerie series

A dragon is accused of murder. Can the truth be uncovered?

320 pages· 57,584 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,810 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Zoe and Logan face a new challenge when a dragon named Scratch is accused of killing the goose that laid the golden eggs. As they dive into the mystery, they must navigate a world of myths and magic to uncover the truth. With the stakes high and evidence pointing to Scratch, can they solve the case before it's too late? Discover a world where fantastic creatures and secrets abound, and nothing is as it seems.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2020

Tyrannosaurus Wrecks

By Stuart Gibbs · Book #6 in the FunJungle series

A dinosaur skull vanishes without a trace. Can Teddy solve the mystery?

368 pages· 69,168 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 3,679 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Teddy Fitzroy faces his wildest mystery yet when a 500-pound dinosaur skull disappears from a secret dig on his friend Sage's ranch. With no footprints and millions at stake, everyone is a suspect, including FunJungle's owner. Meanwhile, Teddy's girlfriend Summer is on the trail of a black market reptile ring, and the Barksdale twins are in trouble again. As Teddy dives into these tangled mysteries, danger and chaos lurk at every turn. Can he uncover the truth before it's too late?

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Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Chasing Herobrine (Graphic Novel)

By Cara J. Stevens · Book #5 in the An Unofficial Graphic Novel for Minecrafters series

Can Phoenix turn a ghostly enemy into an ally to save her village?

192 pages· 9,648 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 375 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Summary: Phoenix faces a haunting challenge as the ghost of Herobrine terrorizes her village. With her friend T.H., she uncovers a web of clues that question everything they know. As a new, formidable enemy emerges, the duo must decide if Herobrine is truly a foe or a potential ally. Can they unravel the mystery before it's too late? Dive into this thrilling graphic novel adventure where alliances shift and secrets abound, perfect for fans of Minecraft and epic quests.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2007

Flash

By Ellen Miles · Book #6 in the The Puppy Place series

A family discovers a mysterious puppy on their farm and sets out to find its owner.

96 pages· 11,816 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 873 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Charles and Lizzie Peterson, passionate about fostering puppies, face a new challenge when they discover Flash, an energetic border collie, abandoned in the countryside. With Flash's boundless energy and love for running, finding the right forever home becomes a race against time. Will they succeed in matching Flash with a family that can keep up with his spirited nature? Join the adventure as they navigate the ups and downs of puppy fostering, where every wagging tail brings a new story and a chance for a happy ending.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2006

The Race Against Time

By Geronimo Stilton · Book #3 in the Geronimo Stilton: The Journey Through Time series

Time-traveling mouse faces malfunctioning portal. Can he return home or remain lost in history forever?

320 pages· 21,214 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 968 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Geronimo Stilton embarks on a thrilling time-travel adventure with his family, visiting the Ice Age, ancient Greece, and the Renaissance. Amid encounters with mammoths and ancient playwrights, a malfunctioning portal threatens to trap them in the past. Can Geronimo fix the portal and return to the present, or will they be lost in time forever? Discover the excitement and danger in this whisker-tingling journey through history.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2019

The Missing Movie

By Geronimo Stilton · Book #73 in the Geronimo Stilton series

A missing film at a festival sparks a thrilling mystery.

128 pages· 8,903 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 410 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: At New Mouse City's inaugural film festival, the latest masterpiece by famed director Mousen Scorsese vanishes. With the big prize at stake, Geronimo Stilton and his friend Hercule must unravel the mystery. Who would dare steal the film, and what secrets lie behind its disappearance? As they delve deeper, unexpected twists and turns challenge their detective skills. Can they solve the case before the festival ends?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2018

The Phantom Bandit

By Geronimo Stilton · Book #70 in the Geronimo Stilton series

A ghost threatens pumpkins at a spooky castle. Can the mystery be solved?

128 pages· 6,297 words· Est. 53 min read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 274 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Geronimo Stilton's vacation at Cacklefur Castle turns eerie when a ghostly figure threatens the prized pumpkins in the Von Cacklefurs' garden. With a phantom on the loose, can Geronimo uncover the ghost-thief's identity and save the pumpkins? Dive into this spine-tingling mystery where every shadow hides a secret and every creak could be a clue. Will Geronimo's wits be enough to outsmart the spectral menace, or will the pumpkins vanish forever? Join the adventure and find out!

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Mystery And Detective Work Picture Books

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

Sale price

$699

Liz's Night at the Museum

Ages 5–9 · 2016

A museum sleepover turns eerie with mysterious noises in the dark. What lurks in the shadows?

Sale price

$599

The Mystery at the Coral Reef

Ages 5–9 · 2015

Twin siblings Ethan and Ella Briar travel to Australia with their parents and become embroiled in a mystery involving stolen coral and a cryptic message from their grandfather

Sale price

$799

Amy and the Missing Puppy

Ages 6–9 · 2012

A young girl helps her friends solve the mystery of a missing puppy during spring break

Sale price

$1495

The Amazing Life of Azaleah Lane

Ages 5–7 · 2020

A girl helps her little sister solve the mystery of a missing stuffed animal and creates a diorama for her class.

The Berenstain Bears and the Missing Honey

Sale price

$599

The Berenstain Bears and the Missing Honey

Ages 3–7 · 1987

A family of bears solves a mystery involving stolen blackberry honey.

Sale price

$499

The Millionaire Mystery

Ages 4–8 · 2012

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

Detective LaRue

2004

A dog writes letters from jail about a cat mix-up.

Sale price

$1699

Good Night Owl

Ages 3–5 · 2016

Owl's sleep is disturbed by a mysterious noise. Can he find the source?

Sale price

$2265

Sale price

$799

Mystery at Mermaid Cove

Ages 6–9 · 2023

Why have Lollyland's mermaids fallen silent? Itty must solve the mystery.

View all mystery and detective work picture books

Browse by age

Mystery And Detective Work Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about mystery and detective work for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$799

Bollywood Burglary

Ages 7–10 · 2016

A stolen ruby, a Bollywood film, and a mouse detective on the case.

Sale price

$899

Thea Stilton and the Frozen Fiasco

Ages 7–10 · 2017

Five mice race against time to find a missing author in icy Iceland.

Sale price

$899

Thea Stilton and the Dancing Shadows

Ages 7–10 · 2013

A ballet competition in Italy hides a sinister plot. Can the Thea Sisters uncover the truth?

Sale price

$799

Don't Wake the Dinosaur!

Ages 7–10 · 2014

A stolen prize, a false accusation, and a race to prove innocence.

Sale price

$599

The Rangers Rustlers

Ages 7–9 · 2016

A fake merchandise scam at a baseball game leads to a thrilling mystery.

Sale price

$599

The Astro Outlaw

Ages 7–9 · 2012

A moonrock is stolen. Can two kids solve the mystery with just a green feather as a clue?

Sale price

$799

Colossal Fossil

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A sleepover at a museum turns mysterious after a loud crash. What happened to the Spinosaurus?

Sale price

$799

Secret Admirer

Ages 7–9 · 2015

Secret admirer sends clues. Can they solve the Valentine mystery?

Sale price

$899

Poached

Ages 8–12 · 2014

A missing koala, a framed boy, and a race to uncover the truth.

Sale price

$899

Panda-monium

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A giant panda vanishes, and a young sleuth must solve the mystery to protect his girlfriend.

Sale price

$599

Trouble at the Treasury

Ages 6–9 · 2005

A bundle of cash vanishes from the Treasury. Can KC solve the mystery?

Sale price

$799

The Chocolate Chase

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A mouse journalist must solve a mystery involving a stolen egg and a chocolate egg baking competition.

View all mystery and detective work chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about solving crimes Books about ancient civilizations Books about buried treasure Books about islands

Our 10 Favorite Books About Mystery And Detective Work

Great books, picked for their age.

Mystery And Detective Work Picture Books

Mystery And Detective Work Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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