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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your teen? Look no further than detective books for 15-year-olds, a genre brimming with mystery, intrigue, and brain-teasing plots. Whether your young reader is a budding sleuth or just loves a good whodunit, our specially curated lists have something that will keep them guessing until the last page. Keep reading to dive into our top picks for detective books that are sure to captivate and engage!

Fun Detective Books for 15-Year-Olds

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs compete to solve the puzzle of Samuel W. Westing’s will, discovering secrets and forming alliances along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing mystery that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, wrapped up in a fun and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and young detectives who enjoy matching wits with quirky characters.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where they are made to dig holes daily in the hot sun; supposedly to build character, but he realizes they are looking for something buried.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a unique mystery and historical flashbacks, making it not only fun but also a thought-provoking read.
  • Perfect for: Teens who appreciate a story with layers of plots and rich character development.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous young friends, Cassandra and Max-Ernest, discover the Symphony of Smells and a secret about a magician who has disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of codes, puzzles, and secrets that keep readers engaged and entertained while they hone their problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who love a good secret and are drawn to mysterious and fantastical tales.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: As Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that predict the future, she must solve the puzzle who is writing these notes and how they know so much about her life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly combines elements of mystery and science fiction, offering a captivating story that encourages imagination and deduction.
  • Perfect for: Sci-fi fans and young sleuths who enjoy stories that make them think and keep them guessing.

• Spy School by Stuart Gibbs
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Humor
  • Synopsis: Ben Ripley is recruited for a so-called science school that turns out to be a front for a junior CIA academy, and he must adapt to his new spy life while solving a case.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, humorous adventure that mixes espionage and school life, perfect for keeping the interest of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring spies and anyone who enjoys humorous tales with plenty of action and intrigue.

Educational Detective Books for 15-Year-Olds

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: When Ted and Kat's cousin Salim disappears from the London Eye, the siblings embark on a thrilling adventure to solve the mystery of what happened to him.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical reasoning, understanding of Asperger's syndrome, family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping mystery that also gives insight into the mind of a protagonist with Asperger's syndrome, making it both educational and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in mysteries that offer a glimpse into different ways of thinking and problem-solving.

• 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 that seems to be linked to a series of puzzles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, appreciation of art, pattern recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends mystery with art history, encouraging readers to think critically and appreciate the finer details in both art and literature.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives who have an interest in art and puzzles.

• Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Legal Thriller
  • Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Theodore Boone finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle that could change the lives of his family and friends forever.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the legal system, ethical decision-making, civic awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the complexities of the legal system through the eyes of a peer, making it both relatable and educational.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in law, justice, and mysteries that involve courtroom drama.

• The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery by Nancy Springer
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • 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 context, deductive reasoning, independence
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fresh perspective on the Holmes universe through a young female protagonist, combining historical intrigue with sharp detective work.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Sherlock Holmes who are looking for a young, strong female lead in a similar literary vein.

• Framed! by James Ponti
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Middle schooler Florian Bates uses the FBI's TOAST technique to solve crimes, starting with a high-stakes art heist that he stumbles upon in Washington, D.C.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Analytical skills, understanding of forensic science, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, clever mystery that introduces readers to forensic techniques in a fun and accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Young sleuths who love crime-solving with a touch of real-world science and intrigue.

Challenging Detective Books for 15-Year-Olds

• A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Jamie Watson meets Charlotte Holmes at a Connecticut boarding school. Despite a rocky start, they end up entangled in a murder investigation that mirrors the old Holmes and Watson tales.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes of friendship, legacy, and addiction, woven into a sophisticated narrative that challenges the reader’s deductive skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It reimagines the classic Sherlock Holmes stories in a modern setting, providing a fresh twist while maintaining the intrigue of the original tales.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Sherlock Holmes and readers who enjoy a modern twist to classical literature.

• Jackaby by William Ritter
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1892 New England, Abigail Rook meets R.F. Jackaby, an investigator of the unexplained with a keen eye for the supernatural. Together, they delve into a case involving a serial killer with non-human traces.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex plot blending historical elements with paranormal activity, requiring readers to keep pace with both the fantasy aspects and the mystery unfolding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of mystery and fantasy, providing thrilling adventures and a dynamic detective duo that captures the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy supernatural elements mixed with their mysteries and fans of historical fiction.

• The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal
  • Synopsis: Lucy Carlyle, a talented young agent, joins Lockwood & Co., a small psychic detection agency that battles deadly spectral hauntings across London.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is rich with detailed descriptions of ghostly phenomena and a complex world-building that demands attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s thrilling and chilling in equal measure, offering a ghostly twist to the detective genre that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who like a good scare mixed with their mysteries and anyone interested in paranormal investigations.

• In the Hall with the Knife by Diana Peterfreund
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: A contemporary reimagining of the classic board game Clue. When a storm strikes at Blackbrook Academy, an eclectic group of students is trapped inside with a murderer among them.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story requires critical thinking to unravel the mystery and keep track of multiple characters with secrets.
  • Why we recommend this book: It transforms the familiar game into an engaging, multi-layered narrative that encourages problem-solving and deduction.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Clue and readers who enjoy a good whodunit with a youthful twist.

• Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Stevie Bell, an aspiring detective, attends an elite private school known for a famous cold case. She finds herself directly involved in solving the decades-old case that has baffled investigators.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates complex puzzles and a dual narrative spanning different time periods, requiring readers to pay close attention to detail and understand historical contexts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a compelling mix of a cold case and contemporary murder mystery, perfect for readers who love unraveling puzzles and steeping themselves in intrigue.
  • Perfect for: Mystery enthusiasts and history buffs who enjoy a challenging, layered narrative.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of detective books and you’re around 15 years old, you’re in for some thrilling adventures. But how can you enhance your reading experience and develop good habits that make each book even more engaging? Here are some simple exercises that can help you get the most out of your detective stories.

• 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: Setting goals can keep you motivated and make reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and increase them gradually as you get more comfortable.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it too.
  • How it helps: Discussing the plot and characters can deepen your understanding and make reading more enjoyable.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club or join one online.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Make predictions about the story's outcome or next developments.
  • How it helps: This keeps you engaged and actively thinking about the storyline.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many you got right as you read.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Create a visual map or timeline of the events in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in keeping track of complex plots and numerous characters typical in detective stories.
  • Tips: Use a notebook for this purpose, and update your map as the story progresses.

• Character Analysis
  • What it is: Choose a character and write a detailed profile about them.
  • How it helps: Enhances your understanding of character development and motivations.
  • Tips: Include quotes from the book to support your analysis.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

By integrating these exercises into your reading routine, you’ll not only enjoy your detective novels more, but you’ll also sharpen your analytical skills and maybe even uncover a mystery or two in the process. So grab your magnifying glass (figuratively speaking!) and get ready to dive deeper into the world of detective literature! Happy reading!