20+ Must-Read Crime and Mystery Books for Tweens
Crime books are a clever way to get kids hooked on mysteries and problem-solving. These stories often star young detectives, just like your kids, uncovering secrets and cracking cases. By diving into these tales, your child can put themselves in the detective's shoes, using their own intelligence to piece together clues, just like the characters do.
For tweens aged 10-12, there are incredible series packed with secret missions, hidden truths, and surprising discoveries. These relatable characters tackle crimes in familiar settings like their neighborhood or school, relying on logic and compassion. Mysteries at this age offer suspense without excessive fright, engaging kids with brain-teasing puzzles instead of scary thrills. Spotting clues and unraveling mysteries becomes an exhilarating game the whole family can enjoy.
The Appeal of Crime Books for Young Readers
Mystery books are like potato chips - once you start reading, it's hard to stop! With hidden clues, red herrings, and surprise reveals around every page turn, these stories pull you deep into thrilling whodunit adventures. But mystery books offer more than just excitement. They also sharpen your critical and creative thinking as you analyze hints and predict surprises.
Whether your kid prefers solving crimes with great detectives like Sherlock Holmes, getting tangled in Agatha Christie's twisty plots, or following new characters in graphic novels and fantasy worlds, the mystery genre has something for every interest. The fun is watching as clever characters piece together secrets others want to be kept hidden.
Most importantly, mysteries ignite your imagination with puzzles and unexpected twists to ponder. Here are some notable crime books that are perfect for your tweens:
1. Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation
A thrilling series about Charlie, the world’s youngest and smartest genius, who’s forced to use her unbelievable code-breaking skills to outsmart Einstein. Book 1 of 3. “I bought this book because my upcoming 6th grader had to choose a summer book to read and do a one-page paper on it for school next year (the school gave the children 6 choices and this is the one she chose). Anyway, she likes this book so much that she asked be if I can buy the other Charlie Thorne books by the same author.” - Amazon review by Jenn G.
Goodreads: 4.34 avg rating — 4,681 ratings
Reading Age: 11 – 12 years old
2. City Spies
MI6 brings together five kids from all over the world to be their newest spy group – the City Spies. They attend boarding school while learning various spy tactics with their first mission in Paris. Subsequent books take place in San Francisco and Beijing. “I taught 7th grade summer school and each student was given several books to keep. This was one of the books chosen and several of my “kids” started reading it as soon as they got them. They all had positive things to say. While much of the book is highly unlikely, if it gets kids excited about reading, I’m for it.” - Amazon review by Sbentley
Goodreads: 4.34 avg rating — 4,670 ratings
Reading Age: 10 - 12 years
3. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
A classic mystery novel about a group of people who inherit a fortune from a wealthy businessman and must solve a puzzle to figure out who among them is the rightful heir. Winner of the Newbery Medal. “The first time I read The Westing Game I was in fourth grade. I absolutely loved, seeing myself as a bit like Turtle. I’ve reread the book a few times over the years and it’s always just as good, even knowing what the solution to the game is. The ending is just so incredibly satisfying. I very highly recommend this book to people of all ages. It makes a fun family read aloud.” – Amazon review by Jamie H.
Goodreads: 4.00 avg rating — 204,388 ratings
Reading Age: 9 – 12 years old
4. Greetings From Witness Protection!
Jake Burt's debut middle-grade novel Greetings from Witness Protection! is as funny as it is poignant. Nicki Demere is an orphan and a pickpocket. She also happens to be the U.S. Marshals’ best bet to keep a family alive. “I was looking for a book to read during vacation. My 11-year-old daughter recommended this book. I thought why not, it's a vacation, and didn't want anything super intense or difficult to read. Excellent recommendation! Easy to read, enjoyable story and plot, and not too kiddish to bore me. We both wish there will be a book 2!” – Amazon review by Derrick
Goodreads: 4.30 avg rating — 5,174 ratings
Reading Age: 9 - 12 years old
5. Murder is Bad Manners
Two friends form a detective agency—and must solve their first murder case. It is the first adventure in a brand-new middle-grade mystery series set at a 1930s boarding school. Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are best friends at Deepdean School for Girls, and they both have a penchant for solving mysteries. The only problem? This is a 9 book series in the Murder Most Unladylike Mysteries. They have nothing to investigate. “Agatha Christie + Sherlock Holmes + Harry Potter. Y’ALL! I guessed the killer! Again!! 🔥” - Amazon review by Tanya B.
Goodreads: 4.03 avg rating — 20,824 ratings
Reading Age: 10+ years
6. The Case of the Missing Moonstone (The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency series)
This is the first book in the "The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency" series, which follows the adventures of Ada Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer, and Mary Shelley, the author of "Frankenstein." History, mystery, and science collide in a new series for middle-grade readers, perfect for fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society and Lemony Snicket! "In its own right the story was great, and I'm sure anyone within age would enjoy the smart detective work of two colourful youths. If you have any young women though, this would be especially great for them. I read it to my niece who loved Ada and inquired about building her own "Peebs Cannon" (in story joke) for a particular person.” - Amazon review by Jonathan
Goodreads: 4.30 avg rating — 745,219 ratings
Reading Age: 8 - 12 years
7. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
Mr. Lemoncello’s Library is a graphic novel by Chris Grabenstein. It follows the adventures of a group of kids who are invited to the world’s first computer-programmed library for a night of mystery and fun. Along the way, they must solve puzzles and uncover secrets in order to find out who is behind the mysterious library. It is a great read for younger kids and reluctant readers. “Think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inside a library. This is a great book for avid and reluctant readers alike. If you like games and puzzles, this book is for you as well. Grabenstein catches the reader’s attention from the very beginning and doesn’t let go!!” - Amazon review by Beverly A.
Goodreads: 4.13 avg rating — 54,527 ratings
Reading Age: 8 – 12 years
8. The Mysterious Benedict Society
This novel follows a group of gifted children who are recruited to attend a special school and solve a mystery involving a sinister plot to take over the world. A group of gifted children is recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to infiltrate a special school run by the evil Ledroptha Curtain. The book is a thrilling adventure filled with puzzles and riddles, perfect for 6th graders who enjoy the whimsical and fantastical tales of Roald Dahl. This is Book 1 of 4.
Goodreads: 4.20 avg rating — 155,562 ratings
Reading Age: 9 – 12 years old
9. The London Eye Mystery
This heartwarming story follows the adventures of Ted, a young boy with Asperger's syndrome, as he embarks on a mission to solve the disappearance of his cousin, Salim. Set against the backdrop of London, this book not only offers a compelling mystery but also provides insight into the unique perspective of a young detective. “There are lots of mysteries for younger readers out there that play fast and loose with basic mystery conventions, and there are more and more books that feature Asperger's heroes, again playing a bit fast and loose with clinical details. This book succeeded with me because it does a better job than most on both scores.” - Amazon review by Pop Bop
Goodreads: 3.84 avg rating — 14,850 ratings
Reading Age: 9 - 12 years
10. The Van Gogh Deception (The Lost Art Mysteries)
Dan Brown meets Jason Bourne in this riveting middle-grade mystery thriller. When a young boy is discovered in Washington DC’s National Gallery without any recollection of who he is, so begins a high-stakes race to unravel the greatest mystery of all: his identity. “Fast-paced action that is suitable for 4th grade through middle school. The constant action should keep even those with shorter attention spans engrossed. Some may consider it improbable how the two children are constantly turning the tables on those after them, but it is all done in a fairly realistic manner.” - Amazon review by Miriam
Goodreads: 4.14 avg rating — 1,847 ratings
Reading Age: 10 - 12 years
11. Spy School
Spy School follows the adventures of a young boy named Ben Ripley, who is recruited to a top-secret spy school in South Carolina. The book is full of action and adventure and is a great read for fans of detective novels. “I LOVE SPY SCHOOL!!! I am an eleven-year-old girl who read middle-grade books and honestly, I love Stuart Gibbs. He is the only person who will make me check every day on Amazon until the book is out, and is an amazing author.” - Amazon review by Mother Honestly
Goodreads: 4.08 avg rating — 29,819 ratings
Reading Age: 9 - 12 years
12. The Maze of Bones (The 39 Clues series)
The graphic novel adaptation of the mega-bestseller that launched a global phenomenon! A captivating series that combines action, adventure, and historical elements. Readers join young siblings Amy and Dan Cahill as they travel the world, solving clues and uncovering the secrets of their family's extraordinary legacy. “Once it picks up momentum, you’ll find it hard to put down! And if enough people buy this, the others will get made. And if enough people buy those, these comics will make for a great storyboard for a show! My childhood book series for the win.” – Amazon review by T. Marko
Goodreads: 3.86 avg rating — 83,500 ratings
Reading Age: 8 - 12 years
13. The Tower Treasure: The Hardy Boys Book 1
Have your child match wits with the amateur sleuths of the teen mystery series The Hardy Boys! Readers of all ages will enjoy the classic first book from 1927, The Tower Treasure. “Our kids love the Hardy Boy Mysteries. We read a couple chapters a night and they always go to sleep wanting to know what will happen next.” – Amazon review by E. Odom
Goodreads: 3.92 avg rating — 17,389 ratings
Reading Age: 9 - 12 years
14. The Secret of the Old Clock
The Secret of the Old Clock is the mystery that began it all for America's favorite teenaged sleuth. The accidental rescue of a little girl who lives with her two great-aunts leads to an adventurous search for a missing will. “It is the first Nancy Drew book how could you go wrong. It is the start of some good wholesome reading. Please try it for the new generation.” – Amazon review by Don S.
Goodreads: 3.98 avg rating — 75,950 ratings Reading Age: 8+ years
15. The Name of this Book Is Secret
This book series is perfect for fans of "Lemony Snicket." The book follows a new girl named Cass who meets a boy named Max-Ernest, and together they uncover a secret time capsule that leads them on a dangerous adventure. Book 1 of 6. “Our twelve-year-old daughter asked for this book after seeing it at a local bookstore and wanted it so badly that she asked to use her own money to make the purchase. Along with this book, she also ordered the second book in the series, and I am happy to say both lived up to her hopes for an exciting, interesting read. Although she has always been an avid reader and quite often goes through books rather quickly, I was amazed to see that she literally could not put this one down.” - Amazon review by A. Hodge
Goodreads: 4.07 avg rating — 54,549 ratings
Reading Age: 8+ years
16. The Gallery
This is a heartwarming story of the adventures of Martha, a young girl who lives a normal life with her family in New York City. One day, Martha's family inherits an entire fortune from a distant relative, and they move into a new home where she discovers a mystery in the National Gallery of Art that leads her on a dangerous adventure. A riveting historical art mystery for fans of Chasing Vermeer and The Westing Game, set in the Roaring Twenties! “I purchased this book for my 11-year-old niece. She loves historical fiction. Most books in the historical fiction genre are borderline inappropriate for her age and grade. This book was a perfect fit. It was engaging yet challenging enough for sophisticated young readers.” - Amazon review by StarJulia
Goodreads: 3.70 avg rating — 2,766 ratings
Reading Age: 10+ years
17. A Study in Charlotte
A Study in Charlotte is a modern take on the Sherlock Holmes stories. The book follows the adventures of two main characters, Charlotte Holmes, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Sherlock Holmes, and Jamie Watson, the great-great-grandson of Dr. Watson. The book is full of deductive reasoning and a great read for middle school readers. Book 1 of 4. “Great YA mystery for the fans of anything Sherlock-related. I inhaled this one in one read, and it was a worthy treat!” - Amazon review by Darkxy
Goodreads: 3.76 avg rating — 59,062 ratings
18. The Case of the Missing Marquess
Meet Enola Holmes, teenaged girl turned detective and the younger sister to Sherlock Holmes. Now a Netflix original movie starring Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, and Helena Bonham Carter! “The Enola Holms series is written for 9-12 year olds. So, its structure makes it an easy read for adults. But the content kept my interest throughout. It rides the perfect line of appropriate content for children but with serious enough struggles that adults sympathize as well.” - Amazon review by Amanda H.
Goodreads: 3.79 avg rating — 33,965 ratings
Reading Age: 9 - 13 years
19. Jada Sly, Artist & Spy
This book, which follows the adventures of a young girl who becomes a spy in order to solve a mystery at her school, is a great example of a fun and engaging mystery story. With its colorful illustrations and relatable characters, it's a great choice for kids who are looking for a more visual take on the genre. “I tutor an 11-year-old remotely, and we needed a book we could read together. She suggested Jada Sly, Artist & Spy, so I purchased a copy (Kindle). I wasn't looking forward to reading a children's book, but I was pleasantly surprised. My student was hooked by this highly engaging story--and mind you, she is a reluctant reader.” - Amazon review by grindmonkey
Goodreads: 3.76 avg rating — 134 ratings
Reading Age: 8 -12 years
20. The Goldfish Boy
In this riveting debut, a boy struggling with OCD is uniquely qualified to solve a kidnapping. Suddenly, he finds himself at the center of a high-stakes mystery, and every one of his neighbors is a suspect. “My son loved the mystery, the quirkiness of the character. Kept him reading all the way to the end. He even purchased the audible to read along.” - Amazon review by jburns
Goodreads: 4.09 avg rating — 8,241 ratings
Reading Age: 10 - 12 years old
21. The Egypt Game
Two new friends play in the back lot of an antique store, dressing up, performing rituals, and speaking with Oracles. Before long there are six Egyptians, and everyone thinks it’s just a game until a murder happens. “It was a favorite book when I was a kid. Such a great story! I bought it for my partner's young daughter and am hoping she loves it as much as I did.” - Amazon review by V
Goodreads: 3.83 avg rating — 35,564 ratings
Reading Age: 8 - 11 years
22. Murder on the Orient Express
The Orient Express is a modern classic by Agatha Christie. In the book, a serial killer is on board the Orient Express and it is up to the detective Hercule Poirot to figure out who the real killer is. Along the way, Poirot must use his deductive reasoning skills to uncover clues and solve the case. It is a great read for younger kids and fans of detective novels. “We used this book as a homeschool assignment and paired it with a Common Core-based study guide. It made for an interesting assignment and I very much enjoyed reading my son's thoughts on Poirot's assessments of the evidence vs his own opinions. This book gave him a lovely insight into the concept of good vs evil, as well as the moral questions regarding whether there is ever a time when it might be acceptable to commit murder.” - Amazon Review by J&M
Goodreads: 4.20 avg rating — 578,964 ratings
In summary …
Introducing crime books to 12-year-olds can ignite a lifelong love of reading and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, deductive reasoning, and problem-solving. From thrilling mysteries to engaging detective stories, the world of crime fiction offers a wide range of options to captivate young readers.
Many crime books for young readers have also been adapted into graphic novels, making them even more accessible and engaging for children. For example, the "Sherlock Holmes" stories have been adapted into graphic novels that are perfect for younger readers who may not be ready to tackle the original novels.
With relatable characters, intriguing plots, and exciting twists, these books provide an immersive reading experience that will keep 12-year-olds eagerly turning the pages. So, dive into the world of crime books and watch as your children embark on thrilling adventures, solving mysteries, and developing a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling.