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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner to keep your teen engaged? Look no further! Our curated list of detective books for 14-year-olds is packed with mystery, intrigue, and enough suspense to keep those pages turning. Whether your young reader is a budding detective or just loves a good whodunit, we’ve got something that will catch their eye. Keep reading to discover our top picks of detective books that are just right for 14-year-olds!

Fun Detective Books for 14-Year-Olds

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs are brought together to solve the puzzle of Samuel W. Westing's will, which promises to turn all of them into millionaires if they can figure out who among them is his murderer.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing mystery that promotes critical thinking and problem-solving, wrapped in a fun and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love puzzles and playing detective.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center, where he digs large holes daily under the hot sun. Soon, he realizes they might be digging for more than just character improvement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with a unique adventure, teaching lessons about friendship, justice, and fate.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy stories that blend the real with the surreal, and those who like underdog protagonists.

• Spy School by Stuart Gibbs
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Spy Fiction
  • Synopsis: Middle schooler Ben Ripley is recruited by a secret government agency to become a spy, leading to a challenging and thrilling path of espionage and deception.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of humor and action, perfect for keeping young readers engaged while encouraging a love for reading through its exciting plot twists.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young spies and lovers of fast-paced, humorous adventures.

• 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 a mysterious box and get wrapped up in a secret society and a centuries-old mystery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an intriguing, secretive story that captivates with puzzles and codes, ideal for stimulating young minds.
  • Perfect for: Curious readers who love cracking codes and uncovering secrets.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted kids, recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict, go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must stop a global crisis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features clever characters and creative problem-solving, fostering teamwork and intelligence.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy complex characters and brainy, strategic challenges.

Educational Detective Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: During winter break, Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, finds himself entangled in a mystery involving the guests at his family's inn, each of whom has a secretive and colorful past.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, understanding diverse backgrounds
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a cozy, atmospheric mystery that also touches on themes of identity and heritage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a good mystery with a touch of history and personal discovery.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting goes missing, Petra and Calder combine their talents to solve an art heist and uncover a forgery ring, using clues intertwined with the use of pentominoes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art history, pattern recognition, logical reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly integrates art, history, and mathematics into a compelling detective story.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives who have an interest in art and puzzles.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Emily and her new friend James discover an extraordinary book, part of a game where books are hidden around the country and clues to find them are revealed through puzzles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geocaching, cryptography, historical knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with the thrill of solving puzzles and decoding messages.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who love scavenger hunts and decoding ciphers.

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: Ted and Kat's cousin Salim disappears while on the London Eye. They embark on a thrilling adventure across London to solve the mystery of what happened to Salim.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, understanding of Asperger syndrome, geography
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, intriguing mystery that also provides insights into different ways of thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy contemporary settings and real-life challenges.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley and his friends must solve puzzles and riddles to find their way out of the extraordinary library designed by the famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, teamwork, knowledge of literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging, puzzle-filled adventure set in a fantastical library, perfect for stimulating young minds.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who delight in games and creative problem-solving challenges.

Challenging Detective Books for 14-Year-Olds

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in 1970s New York, the story follows Miranda as she receives mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and unravel a series of events that will change her life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure involves complex time travel elements and subtle clues that require careful attention and analytical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends real-life issues with science fiction elements, encouraging readers to think deeply about the concept of time and human connection.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy science fiction with a twist of mystery and those who like stories that make them think.

• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old with autism, as he investigates the murder of a neighbor's dog and uncovers secrets about his own family.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book presents the narrative from the perspective of a protagonist with autism, which offers a unique and complex viewpoint not commonly explored in young adult literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides insight into the mind of someone who sees the world differently, fostering empathy and understanding among readers.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in psychological depth and unique narrative styles.

• The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In Victorian London, sixteen-year-old Sally Lockhart attempts to unravel the mystery behind her father's death, which leads her into a perilous world of opium dens, cutthroats, and deadly secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates complex historical details and a sophisticated plot that demands a higher level of comprehension and engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping adventure and a strong female protagonist, while also providing a rich historical context.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love historical settings and strong, smart female characters.

• The Calder Game by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art
  • Synopsis: Calder Pillay travels with his father to a remote village in England where a sculpture by Alexander Calder is being exhibited. When both Calder and the sculpture disappear, his friends Petra and Tommy fly from Chicago to help investigate.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book requires readers to solve intricate puzzles and understand art history, enhancing their problem-solving skills and cultural knowledge.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with art and history, providing a multi-layered reading experience that is both educational and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Young sleuths who have a passion for art and mystery-solving.

• The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal
  • Synopsis: In an alternate London overrun by ghosts, Lucy Carlyle and her team at Lockwood & Co., a psychic detection agency, tackle deadly hauntings and uncover a mystery that could change the course of history.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features complex world-building with a detailed backstory and a sophisticated plot, requiring readers to engage deeply with the text and its characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's thrilling and imaginative, offering a mix of suspense, history, and paranormal activity that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
  • Perfect for: Fans of supernatural stories and those who enjoy a good ghost story mixed with a historical backdrop.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there, young detective! If you're diving into the world of detective books, you're in for a thrilling ride. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises designed to sharpen your sleuthing skills and boost your reading habits. Let's get started!

• Create a Detective's Notebook
  • What it is: Keep a special notebook dedicated to the mysteries you read.
  • How it helps: Helps you organize clues, characters, and plot twists.
  • Tips: Use different sections for characters, settings, and potential suspects.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before finishing the book, try to predict the outcome based on clues.
  • How it helps: Enhances analytical thinking and attention to detail.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and compare them as you read.

• Character Mapping
  • What it is: Draw a map or chart showing the relationships between characters.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding complex character interactions and motives.
  • Tips: Update your map as new characters are introduced.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club or discussion group with friends who also enjoy detective stories.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding through discussion and different perspectives.
  • Tips: Choose a regular time and place for discussions to ensure consistency.

• Write a Book Review
  • What it is: Write a review of the detective book once you've finished reading it.
  • How it helps: Helps consolidate your thoughts and articulate your opinions.
  • Tips: Include what you liked, didn't like, and how you would solve the mystery differently.

Wrapping up, these exercises aren't just about making you a better reader; they're about turning reading into an adventure. So grab your magnifying glass and your favorite detective novel, and start your journey to becoming a super sleuth in the literary world. Happy reading, detective!