10+ Best Crime Books for 14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for a young reader? Dive into the thrilling world of mystery and suspense with our curated selection of Crime Books for 14-Year-Olds. Whether they love solving puzzles or unraveling mysteries, there's something here that will keep them hooked from the first page to the last. Keep reading to discover our top picks for Crime Books for 14-Year-olds that are sure to captivate their minds and stir their imaginations!

Fun Crime Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where the boys build character by spending all day, every day digging holes exactly five feet wide and five feet deep. There is more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake, however.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines an intriguing mystery with a story of friendship and adventure, making it a captivating read that keeps young readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good mystery with a twist of humor and historical intrigue.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: An eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing has left behind clues for his heirs to solve to win his fortune. Sixteen unlikely people are paired up to follow the trail of clues he left behind.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a puzzle-filled mystery that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, keeping readers guessing until the very end.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and any reader who loves puzzles and brain teasers.

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim get on board the London Eye, but when the ride ends, Salim has seemingly vanished into thin air. The siblings undertake an urgent quest to find out what happened to Salim.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers suspense and a fast-paced plot, along with a depiction of unique perspectives through its protagonist, Ted, who navigates the world in a way that's influenced by his autism spectrum disorder.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like contemporary settings and a mix of suspense with real-life challenges.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Shortly after sixth-grader Miranda starts receiving strange notes that seem to predict the future, her understanding of friendship and time itself is tested.
  • Why we recommend this book: It masterfully blends elements of science fiction with a coming-of-age story, encouraging readers to think about time in unique ways.
  • Perfect for: Fans of intriguing plots with a touch of philosophical questioning and those who like their mysteries with a side of speculative fiction.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting is stolen, two sixth-graders, Petra and Calder, combine their talents to solve an international art scandal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the world of art and art history, wrapped in a compelling mystery that challenges the mind.
  • Perfect for: Young art enthusiasts and any reader who loves a mystery that requires piecing together complex clues.

Educational Crime Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham
  • Genre(s): Legal Thriller, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Theodore Boone dreams of being a great trial lawyer. Theo finds himself dragged into the legal world earlier than expected when he stumbles upon crucial information about a high-profile murder case.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the legal system, critical thinking, ethical reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thrilling glimpse into the courtroom drama and legal strategies, all from a young protagonist's perspective.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young lawyers and fans of courtroom drama.

• Framed! by James Ponti
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Middle schooler Florian Bates uses the FBI's technique of TOAST (the Theory of All Small Things) to solve crimes from his school to the National Gallery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, logical reasoning, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with mystery, teaching readers how to pay attention to small details to solve bigger problems.
  • Perfect for: Young sleuths and anyone who enjoys a good laugh while unraveling mysteries.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, encounters a strange group of guests who each have a story connected to the inn’s past. As items start to go missing, Milo and his friend Meddy must uncover the secrets.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, historical knowledge, creative problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a cozy, atmospheric mystery that cleverly intertwines folklore and intrigue.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love a good mystery with a touch of fantasy and historical elements.

• The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery by Nancy Springer
  • Genre(s): Historical Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Enola Holmes, the much younger sister of detective Sherlock Holmes, embarks on a thrilling adventure to find her missing mother and proves to be a formidable sleuth herself.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, deductive reasoning, independence
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a strong, intelligent female protagonist who uses her wits and courage to solve mysteries in a historical setting.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives, especially those who enjoy stories with strong female leads and historical settings.

• Spy School by Stuart Gibbs
  • Genre(s): Espionage, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Ben Ripley, a middle schooler, is recruited by a secret government agency to become a spy, leading to a series of dangerous and exciting adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, basics of espionage, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and humor, making the thrilling life of spies accessible and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring spies and readers who love action-packed adventures with a dose of humor.

Challenging Crime Books for 14-Year-Olds

• The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Historical Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: In Victorian London, sixteen-year-old Sally Lockhart tries to unravel the mystery behind her father's death and a cursed ruby.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex narrative layers and Victorian-era language that demand advanced reading skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a gripping, atmospheric adventure that also provides historical insights, making it both educational and thrilling.
  • Perfect for: Fans of historical settings and strong female protagonists.

• Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman? by Eleanor Updale
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Crime
  • Synopsis: After his release from prison, a man named Montmorency creates a double life for himself to move between London's elite and its underworld.
  • Why this book is challenging: The dual narrative and period details provide a complex reading experience that challenges the reader’s ability to track multiple perspectives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of identity and social division, providing a rich narrative that encourages deep thinking about ethics and society.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy psychological depth and moral dilemmas.

• Death Cloud by Andrew Lane
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Fourteen-year-old Sherlock Holmes faces his first challenge as a teenage detective when he discovers a plot involving a series of unexplained deaths.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces young readers to the famous detective as a teenager, mixing complex mysteries with advanced language and historical context.
  • Why we recommend this book: This origin story of Sherlock Holmes mixes adventure with intellectual challenge, appealing to fans of classic detective tales.
  • Perfect for: Young fans of Sherlock Holmes and those who like historical mysteries.

• I, Coriander by Sally Gardner
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In 17th-century London, Coriander Hobie, a young girl, unravels the secrets surrounding her mother's death and her own heritage, involving magic and political intrigue.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blend of historical detail with fantasy elements requires readers to differentiate between historical facts and fictional aspects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique mix of history and magic, providing a captivating escape while also touching on real historical events.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a magical twist on historical events and strong, mystical female leads.

• Postcards from No Man's Land by Aidan Chambers
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Jacob Todd travels to Amsterdam to honor his grandfather, a soldier during World War II, and finds himself drawn into a mystery involving his grandfather's past.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as war, identity, and sexuality, requiring mature comprehension levels.
  • Why we recommend this book: This multi-layered narrative not only provides a historical perspective but also explores deep personal and existential questions.
  • Perfect for: Mature teens interested in history, personal discovery, and profound thematic exploration.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of crime books and you're around 14 years old, you're in for a thrilling ride. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises that can help you develop good reading habits. These will not only enhance your understanding but also make your reading sessions more enjoyable.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on how many books or pages you want to read each week or month.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and creates a sense of achievement.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you finish reading it.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the plot and characters.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and focus on main events and key details.

• Character Maps
  • What it is: Create a visual map or chart of the relationships between characters in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps you keep track of characters and their development throughout the story.
  • Tips: Update your character map as you read to include new characters and relationship dynamics.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to predict future events in the story based on clues and details provided by the author.
  • How it helps: Enhances analytical thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many you got right as you progress.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Form a reading group or discuss the book with friends who are also reading it.
  • How it helps: Provides different perspectives and deeper understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Choose a regular time to meet and discuss your thoughts and theories about the book.

• Connect with the Author
  • What it is: Research the author of the book to understand their writing style and influences.
  • How it helps: Gives insights into the themes and characters in the book.
  • Tips: Look for interviews or articles about the author online or in libraries.

These exercises are designed to enhance your reading experience and help you get the most out of every crime book you pick up. Whether you're trying to solve the mystery before the protagonist does, or just enjoying the twists and turns, these habits will enrich your reading journey. Happy reading!