10 Mystery Books For Kids

Kids love books that pack mystery. The whodunit kind. Mystery speaks to our most innate desire which unconsciously wants us to not know who are the players, but consciously craves for us to find out a satisfying end.

Kids aged 8-12 are among those who are the most curious and usually thirst for something other than the ordinary. Something that can wow them in the process. Book reading is a healthy habit and what better than to hand them a one with the mystery surrounding it.

Oh, and you (the adult) can enjoy it too with them!

The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans!

(By: Lemony Snicket )

It is a story about three orphans who are siblings and inherits all of the Baudelaire fortunes. Their lives start to take turn for worse when their parents are mysteriously killed in a house fire and as in the title, a series of unfortunate events ensues. Their names are Violet, Klaus, and Sunny.

The eldest is an inventor, the second happens to be a book lover and the last orphan, with very sharp teeth, likes to bite things. They are shipped to Count Olaf before a suitable next of kin can be assigned for their custody.

The antagonist Count Olaf has his eyes set on the sibling’s fortune and hatches schemes to get his hands on their inherited wealth, by any means necessary. It is a series of books and Snicket captures the whole mystery tone quite vividly.

Enid Blyton’s Famous Five Series

(By: Enid Blyton )

The first one is dearest to the number of people as it rings close to their hearts. Our Famous Five characters are known for their journey to Kirrin Island, where they embark on a quest to learn about the legend of gold ingots aboard a shipwreck.

The five, namely; Julian, Dick, Ann, and Georgia (who is a tomboy and prefers to be called George). All are in their youth, but little do they know, that others are also on their trail.

The book is basically about the hunt for gold. A very engaging, adventurous story and no wonder it is a fan favorite!

The Secret of the Old Clock

(By: Carolyn Keene )

A famous character among children, particularly girls, Nancy Drew while running errands for her father bumps into a number of people who say they are connected to a man who has left behind a will but there is a bone of contention over that well.

Not all is what it appears and the journey takes our protagonist on a road to recovering the real will. Suspense and risk taking are the two words that aptly sum the contents of this book.

Nancy Drew is looked up to as a role model for girls due to her considerate nature and valuing morals.

The Tower Treasure

(By: Franklin W. Dixon )

A criminal confesses to having hidden the loot in a tower and that it cannot be found. The search ensues but to no avail. The case is then handed over to the Hardy Boys who then uncovers the mystery as to why the loot cannot be located. The Hardy Boys series are loved by both adults and children alike.

For adults, it is nostalgia all over as it dates back to the time for them when it was hailed as the ‘literary revelation’ but continues to woo children even today.

The best part about this story is that our heroes do not possess superhuman strength or any of the super powers and yet are able to clear the air with incredible investigative skills. A purely addictive series and children can derive inspiration from reading them.

The Chameleon Wore Chartreuse: A Chet Gecko Mystery

(By: Bruce Hale )

Chet Gecko is a student and in fourth, but has the love of mystery. He solves problems for his classmates by charging them a fee, which is a delicious stinkbug pie. In the story the following, a girl by the name of Shirley Chameleon asks him to find her brother who has gone missing.

The case is not what it appears to be as Chet quickly learns that there is a greater conspiracy behind Shirley’s missing brother and the plot revolves around the Rat sisters, a junkyard dog who speaks in mind-boggling riddles and a rancorous monster by the name of Gila.

The stakes are high in this as you must have observed. So, the book is a fine combination of mystery and wit in addition to offering a cast of colorful animals which is bound to appeal to kids.

Half Moon Investigations

(By: EoinColfer )

The title focuses on a 12-year old Fletcher Moon aka Half-Moon and he does not happen to be a usual teen. He is instead a PI and takes on cases that entail little or no consequences such as finding lost items, but one day, is beaten and his badge is stolen.

Later he finds out that he has been framed for arson. Fletcher then teams up with the prime suspect in this case and the story sees our hero clearing his name while on the run from the law. An intense, fast-paced thrill ride for all ages.

The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery

(By: Nancy Springer )

The younger sister of Sherlock Holmes on her 14th birthday finds out that her mother has gone missing. It is classic Sherlock and follows Enola on her adventure across London to locate her mother.

The case entangles, and she finds herself caught up in the kidnapping of Marquess of Basilwether. Therefore, it is a must read kids!

The Westing Game

(By: Ellen Raskin )

The book is a classic old-school murder mystery where 16 heirs to the Sam Westing’s inheritance competes in a game to earn the fortune. In teams of 8, they must search and figure out who Mrs. Westing is in addition to finding the killer of the deceased.

From the looks of it, this may appear as a gory book for kids but don’t worry, it does not have the content of such kind. The twist towards the end is whimsical!

Dani Noir

(By: Nova Ren Suma )

The book is based on the life of 13-year-oldDani Noir. She has experienced some dark days and focuses on her struggle during that period.

The Maze of Bones

(By: Rick Riordan )

It is the DA Vinci Code of kids. It is written by the author of the Percy Jackson series and tells a story about a brother and sister who are in search of something called 39 clues which hold the secret of a great family. An interesting read.







Above are 10 mystery that your kids will surely enjoy.

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