10+ Best Crime Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your young teen? Dive into our curated selection of Crime Books for 13-Year-Olds that promise mystery and excitement at every turn. Whether your young reader is a budding detective or simply a lover of thrilling stories, we've got something that will capture their imagination. Keep reading to explore our various lists of Crime Books for 13-Year-Olds that are sure to intrigue and entertain.

Fun Crime Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' juvenile detention center, Camp Green Lake, where he is assigned to dig large holes daily in the desert. His task is said to build character, but Stanley discovers there's much more happening beneath the surface.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging and unique story that combines adventure with a mysterious historical narrative. It encourages critical thinking and keeps readers guessing.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with a blend of humor, mystery, and unexpected twists.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs are brought together to solve the puzzle of Samuel W. Westing’s death, guided by clues he left behind in his will, all to win a massive fortune.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book involves complex puzzles and a diverse cast of characters, which can help enhance problem-solving skills and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and playing detective.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous young friends, Cassandra and Max-Ernest, stumble upon the secret of a magician long dead and find themselves at the center of an ancient and ongoing battle.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with codes, puzzles, and secrets that make reading interactive and fun. It also touches on the importance of friendship and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who enjoy a good secret and the thrill of a good adventure.

• Framed! by James Ponti
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Crime, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: Florian Bates uses his Theory of All Small Things (T.O.A.S.T.) to solve crimes for the FBI as a middle schooler, starting with a high-stakes art heist.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to critical thinking and deductive reasoning through an engaging and relatable protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring detectives and lovers of fast-paced, clever crime stories.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting goes missing, Petra and Calder combine their talents to solve an international art scandal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly integrates art history with mystery, encouraging readers to appreciate both the arts and the thrill of solving puzzles.
  • Perfect for: Young sleuths who have an interest in art or enjoy stories that challenge their intellect and perception.

Educational Crime Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Ted and Kat's cousin Salim disappears from the London Eye, the siblings must work together to solve the mystery of what happened to him.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, understanding of Asperger's syndrome and social interactions
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents a thrilling and realistic mystery through the eyes of a protagonist with Asperger's, offering a unique perspective.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in fast-paced mysteries and learning about diverse perspectives.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo Pine and his parents, who run a smugglers' inn, encounter a series of odd, secretive guests who all seem to be searching for a hidden treasure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, storytelling, understanding folklore and history
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of folklore and mystery in a snow-bound smugglers' inn setting, which captivates and engages young readers.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who love stories with a blend of mystery, history, and folklore.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Emily and her new friend James discover an unusual book, which is part of a game created by a famous publisher that leads them on an adventurous chase across San Francisco.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, knowledge of literature and ciphers, geographical awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that promotes teamwork and intellectual curiosity through puzzles and literature.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy scavenger hunts, puzzles, and literary references.

• Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Legal Thriller
  • Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Theodore Boone finds himself dragged into a high-stakes murder trial where his legal knowledge and bravery can make a huge difference.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the legal system, ethical decision-making, advocacy skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping look into the legal system through the eyes of a kid lawyer, making it both educational and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young lawyers and readers who love courtroom dramas.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley and his friends must solve puzzles and riddles to find their way out of the extraordinary library of Mr. Lemoncello, a famous game maker.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, teamwork, knowledge of library systems
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging puzzle-filled adventure that promotes collaboration and creative problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and young readers who enjoy whimsical and interactive mysteries.

Challenging Crime Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Historical Mystery, Crime
  • Synopsis: In Victorian London, sixteen-year-old Sally Lockhart attempts to unravel the mystery behind her father's death and a cursed ruby.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex characters and a dense plot with historical references that require critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a gripping, atmospheric mystery combined with rich historical detail, providing both entertainment and educational value.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy historical settings and intricate plot lines.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where nothing is as it seems.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features complex riddles and puzzles, advanced vocabulary, and morally complex situations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creative problem-solving and critical thinking, wrapped up in an engaging and suspenseful storyline.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love puzzles and strategic thinking.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: As Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that predict the future, she must unlock the mystery before something terrible happens.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves sophisticated themes of time travel and existential questions, which are interwoven with everyday life scenarios.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book combines elements of science fiction with a compelling mystery, challenging young readers to think about time and its implications.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy science fiction and mysteries that make them think deeply about the world.

• The Calder Game by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art
  • Synopsis: Calder Pillay travels with his father to a small town in England where a sculpture by Alexander Calder is being exhibited. When Calder and the sculpture disappear, his friends Petra and Tommy fly to England to help solve the mystery.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes discussions of art history and philosophy, requiring readers to think about art in a deeper context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a mystery that stimulates appreciation for art and culture while engaging young minds in solving complex puzzles.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives who have an appreciation for art and mysteries.

• The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Three children in a pseudo-Victorian city face their own personal struggles, which intertwine as they try to solve a mystery involving a green violin and a mechanical man.
  • Why this book is challenging: It weaves multiple character narratives together with historical and fantastical elements, requiring readers to keep track of complex plots and character developments.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel offers a blend of history, fantasy, and mystery, providing a rich reading experience that challenges and entertains.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories where multiple plots intertwine and who appreciate a touch of fantasy in their mysteries.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the thrilling world of crime books and you're around 13 years old, you're in for a treat! Crime novels can be super engaging and fun, but they also offer a great opportunity to develop some solid reading habits. Here are a few exercises that can help you get the most out of your reading experience:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and can turn reading into a regular habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Enhances your understanding and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book provokes in you.

• Create a Mind Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that connects different characters, events, and settings in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in visualizing the relationships and plot twists in the story.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the connections clearer and more fun to look at.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Pause your reading occasionally to predict what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Engages your analytical thinking and makes the reading more interactive.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them turn out to be right.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Pretend to be one of the characters and think about how they would react in different situations.
  • How it helps: Deepens your connection with the characters and enhances empathy.
  • Tips: Try writing a diary entry from your chosen character's perspective.

These exercises aren't just fun; they're stepping stones to becoming a more skilled and thoughtful reader. So, grab your favorite crime novel, get comfy, and start exploring every twist and turn of the plot. Happy reading!