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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner to keep your 13-year-old on the edge of their seat? Look no further! Our curated selection of Crime Thriller Books for 13-Year-olds is packed with mystery, suspense, and heart-pounding moments. Whether they're seasoned readers or just diving into the thrilling world of crime novels, this list has something to captivate every young detective. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to engage their minds and stir their curiosity!

Fun Crime Thriller Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Crime, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where the boys build character by spending all day, every day, digging holes. However, there is more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a unique blend of an intriguing mystery and a survival story that keeps readers guessing. It also teaches valuable lessons about friendship, justice, and fate.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories that combine adventure with a touch of mystery and moral lessons.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of the very strange will of Samuel W. Westing, which turns out to be a game of wits and strategies to uncover the secret behind his death.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers complex riddles and a fast-paced plot, which are great for improving problem-solving skills and keeping readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and young detectives who enjoy twisting plots and sharp turns.

• 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 two siblings must work together to follow the clues and track him down.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes critical thinking and attention to detail in a high-stakes, real-world scenario, all while exploring the dynamics of family relationships.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love landmarks and urban settings, and those who like their mysteries with a dose of real-world relevance.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: At a smuggler's inn, Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, finds himself in the middle of a mystery involving the guests who all seem to have secretive and intertwining reasons for visiting.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a cozy mystery that unfolds in a wonderfully detailed setting, perfect for readers who enjoy detailed world-building and character-driven narratives.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a good mystery with a fantasy twist, and those who like stories where the setting plays a central role.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Emily and her new friend James discover an unusual book, which is part of a game where books are hidden in cities all over the country, only to find themselves caught up in an exciting adventure beyond just solving puzzles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of cryptography, problem-solving, and adventure, making it a stimulating read that encourages outside-the-box thinking.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and adventure seekers who enjoy stories where children outsmart adults and solve mysteries on their own.

Educational Crime Thriller Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham
  • Genre(s): Crime, Thriller, Legal Drama
  • Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Theodore Boone dreams of becoming a great trial lawyer. He finds himself dragged into the middle of a high-stakes legal battle that could make or break his career before it even starts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the legal system, critical thinking, ethical decision-making
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an exciting glimpse into the world of courtroom drama through the eyes of a kid, making complex legal concepts accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in law, justice, and thrilling courtroom showdowns.

• Framed! by James Ponti
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Crime, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Florian Bates, a middle schooler with a knack for using T.O.A.S.T. (the Theory of All Small Things) to solve crimes, gets involved with the FBI to help them solve a major art heist.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observational skills, problem-solving, analytical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fast-paced, clever book that uses a unique crime-solving technique which can inspire readers to pay attention to details in everyday life.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring detectives and fans of art mysteries.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Crime, Art
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting is stolen, two sixth-graders, Petra and Calder, combine their talents to solve an art crime that baffles FBI investigators.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, pattern recognition, appreciation of art and art history
  • Why we recommend this book: It intertwines mystery with art history, encouraging readers to solve puzzles and think creatively.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy puzzles, art, and mysteries involving historical elements.

• The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery by Nancy Springer
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical, Crime
  • Synopsis: Enola Holmes, the much younger sister of detective Sherlock Holmes, embarks on a quest to find her missing mother and becomes involved in the rescue of a kidnapped marquess.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, deductive reasoning, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a strong, intelligent female protagonist and delivers a thrilling narrative with historical insights.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Sherlock Holmes stories and young readers who admire strong female leads in a historical setting.

Challenging Crime Thriller Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous young friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, stumble upon a mysterious box and get wrapped up in a thrilling adventure involving a secret society and a magician who has discovered the secret to immortality.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex plot twists and a unique narrative style that challenges readers to think critically and question reality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a captivating blend of mystery and fantasy that encourages curiosity and imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love puzzles and secrets, and those who enjoy stories that make them think outside the box.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, 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 they must stop a plot that could have global consequences.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel requires readers to solve complex puzzles and riddles along with the characters, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mind-bending puzzles with thrilling adventures, making it both intellectually stimulating and exciting to read.
  • Perfect for: Gifted youngsters and any reader who thrives on solving puzzles and uncovering secrets in their reading material.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Sixth-grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and soon realizes that the notes are connected to her best friend's sudden disappearance.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, with a blend of science fiction and mystery that requires careful thought and attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thought-provoking read that masterfully weaves elements of time travel into a compelling coming-of-age story.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy science fiction and mysteries, especially those looking for a deep and engaging story.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid gamer and a fan of all kinds of games. He wins a spot to be one of the first twelve kids inside the new town library, designed by his hero, the game maker Luigi Lemoncello. But when morning comes, the doors remain locked. Kyle and the other kids must solve every clue and figure out every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is filled with intricate puzzles and references to classic literature, challenging readers to solve problems and understand literary allusions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes critical thinking and collaboration, wrapped up in a fun and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Young puzzle enthusiasts and future strategists who enjoy a good challenge mixed with a lot of fun.

• The Apothecary by Maile Meloy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: In 1952, fourteen-year-old Janie Scott moves from Los Angeles to London where she meets a mysterious apothecary and his son who involve her in a dangerous mission to prevent a nuclear disaster.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel combines historical context with scientific and alchemical information, requiring readers to integrate diverse knowledge bases.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping mix of history, science, and magic, providing not only entertainment but also educational content.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and science, who also appreciate a touch of magic in their mysteries.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of crime thriller books and you're around 13 years old, you're in for a thrilling ride! To make the most out of your reading experience, I've got some fun exercises that will not only boost your enjoyment but also help develop your reading habits. Let's check them out!

• 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 helps in building a consistent reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Character Maps
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the relationships between different characters in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of character development and plot dynamics.
  • Tips: Use a piece of paper or a digital tool to draw your map as you read.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to guess what will happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Improves analytical thinking and engagement with the story.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many you got right as you read.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it or have read it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and provides different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Organize a weekly book club discussion either in person or online.

• Scene Rewriting
  • What it is: Rewrite a scene from the book in your own words.
  • How it helps: Boosts creativity and deeper understanding of the author's writing style.
  • Tips: Choose a scene that you found exciting or challenging to understand.

• Research the Author
  • What it is: Look up information about the author of the book.
  • How it helps: Provides insight into the author's perspective and writing motives.
  • Tips: Search for interviews or articles about the author and their other works.

These exercises are designed to make your reading experience more interactive and rewarding. By integrating them into your routine, you'll not only enjoy your crime thrillers more, but you'll also sharpen your analytical skills and maybe even discover a new favorite author or genre. So, grab your book, pick an exercise, and start your adventure in the world of crime and mystery! Happy reading!