10+ Best Crime Books for 15-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your teen? Look no further! Our latest roundup of Crime Books for 15-Year-Olds is packed with thrilling mysteries that are just right for young adults. Whether they love solving puzzles or diving into suspenseful stories, there's something here that will keep them hooked. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to captivate and engage!

Fun Crime Books for 15-Year-Olds

• One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Five students walk into detention, but only four walk out alive. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping page-turner with a plot that twists and turns, perfect for keeping teens engaged while encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Teens who love puzzles and mysteries, as well as those interested in the dynamics of high school drama.

• Heist Society by Ally Carter
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: A teenage girl from a family of career criminals must pull off an art heist to save her father from a dangerous mobster.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of adventure and mystery with a strong, smart female protagonist, making it a fun and empowering read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fast-paced stories with clever plots and a touch of romance.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle Novel
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs compete to solve the puzzle of Sam Westing's death, guided by clues he left behind in his will, for a chance to win a vast fortune.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing mystery that encourages deduction and critical thinking, wrapped in a fun and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and budding detectives who enjoy matching wits with a story's characters.

• Gallagher Girls: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
  • Genre(s): Spy Fiction, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Cammie Morgan attends the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, which is actually a school for spies. Life gets even more exciting when she falls for a boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of espionage and teenage romance, providing both excitement and relatable emotions.
  • Perfect for: Teens who dream of adventure and enjoy stories with strong, capable heroines.

• Paper Towns by John Green
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Coming-of-Age, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: After an all-night adventure, Margo Roth Spiegelman disappears, leaving behind clues for Quentin to decipher. The search leads Q on a journey that is both a physical and a metaphorical exploration of their friendship and his understanding of Margo.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's thought-provoking and deals with themes of identity and the perceptions we have of others, all wrapped up in a compelling mystery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep thoughts and character-driven narratives, as well as those who like a good road trip story.

Educational Crime Books for 15-Year-Olds

• Monster by Walter Dean Myers
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Legal Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel is presented as a screenplay written by the protagonist, Steve Harmon, a 16-year-old aspiring filmmaker, who is on trial for murder. The book explores complex themes of identity and the criminal justice system through Steve's perspective.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of legal processes, critical thinking about morality and society, empathy and narrative skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique narrative style and a deep dive into serious social issues, making it both educational and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in law, filmmaking, and stories that challenge societal views.

• Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Legal Thriller
  • Synopsis: Theodore Boone is a 13-year-old who dreams of becoming a great trial lawyer. He finds himself dragged into the middle of a high-profile murder trial where he must use his legal knowledge and investigative skills to uncover the truth.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic legal knowledge, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling introduction to the legal world from a kid's perspective, which is both fun and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with an interest in law, justice, and thrilling courtroom drama.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where the boys are forced to dig large holes every day. The story uncovers the reason behind the digging, linking it to a historical mystery that dates back generations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of cause and effect, historical contexts, and character development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a captivating story that combines an unusual punishment with a mystery that spans generations, all while teaching valuable lessons about justice and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good mystery with a unique setting and a historical twist.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in the late 1970s, this novel follows Miranda, a sixth-grader who starts receiving strange notes that seem to predict the future. The story beautifully weaves elements of mystery and time travel.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of narrative structure, and scientific curiosity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends science fiction and mystery with real-life scenarios, making it a thought-provoking read for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and mystery solvers who appreciate a well-crafted plot with a touch of the extraordinary.

• Code of Silence: Living a Lie Comes with a Price by Tim Shoemaker
  • Genre(s): Thriller, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Three friends witness a crime and vow to keep it a secret because of the serious dangers involved. The story explores themes of honesty, bravery, and the moral complexities of keeping a secret.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethical decision-making, friendship dynamics, and problem-solving.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping thriller that also poses important moral questions, making it a great tool for discussions about ethics and consequences.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy thrilling stories that also make them think about right and wrong.

Challenging Crime Books for 15-Year-Olds

• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder, who sets out to solve the mystery of who murdered his neighbor's dog. His investigation leads him on an unexpected journey and ultimately, to discovering secrets about his own family.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel presents the protagonist's perspective, which is deeply influenced by his autism, challenging readers to see the world through a different lens.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a compelling mystery with a unique narrative style that offers insight into the mind of someone living with autism.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in psychology and unique narrative perspectives.

• A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Charlotte Holmes and Jamie Watson, teenage descendants of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, who meet at a Connecticut boarding school. Together, they solve a murder mystery that has roots in their families' shared history.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot intertwines complex family legacies with classic Sherlockian deduction methods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a modern twist on the classic Holmes and Watson stories, perfect for young readers who enjoy intellectual challenges and thrilling plots.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Sherlock Holmes and readers who love clever, fast-paced mysteries.

• We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Psychological Thriller
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around a privileged family, the Sinclairs, and a group of four friends, the "Liars", who spend every summer together on a private island. The novel focuses on Cadence Sinclair's attempt to remember the traumatic events that happened during her fifteenth summer.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex and involves an unreliable narrator, which requires careful reading to piece together the truth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a gripping tale that explores themes of family, friendship, and the power of memory, all wrapped up in a sophisticated narrative.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy intense, emotionally driven stories with twist endings.

• The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Paranormal
  • Synopsis: Rory Deveaux moves from Louisiana to London, where she becomes involved in a mystery mimicking the Jack the Ripper murders after witnessing a murder that no one else can see.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines historical crime with paranormal elements and demands a good grasp of both to follow the complex plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a suspenseful read with a blend of real historical events and supernatural twists.
  • Perfect for: Readers fascinated by historical mysteries and paranormal stories.

• Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Blue van Meer after she enrolls in an elite high school. The charismatic teacher, Hannah Schneider, draws Blue into a clique of eccentric students, and eventually, into a mysterious death that she must unravel.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is dense with literary references and an intricate plot that demands attentive reading.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's intellectually stimulating and creatively written, providing a deep, puzzle-like mystery that keeps readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who appreciate literary depth and complex storylines.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there, young detective! If you're diving into the world of crime books, you're in for some thrilling adventures. But how can you enhance your reading experience and develop great habits along the way? Check out these fun and easy exercises designed just for you!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and can turn reading into a regular habit.
  • Tips: Start small, maybe a chapter a day, and then gradually increase your goal.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific spot at home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Reduces distractions and makes your reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it too.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Try starting a mini book club or chat about the book over snacks.

• Map the Mystery
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the events as you read.
  • How it helps: Helps you keep track of complex plots and characters.
  • Tips: Use a notebook for this, and add to it as you go along.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before you start a new chapter, guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Engages your analytical thinking and keeps the reading exciting.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many you got right as you read.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Choose a character you relate to or find interesting and write about why.
  • How it helps: Deepens your connection to the story and improves empathy.
  • Tips: Change up the character with every new book or series.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and comprehension of the story.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and sweet; think of them as mini-reviews.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your crime novels more, but you'll also sharpen your detective skills without even realizing it. So, grab your magnifying glass (or maybe just your favorite bookmark), and let's crack those books open! Happy reading!