10+ Best Murder Books for 11-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner that blends mystery and excitement for your young reader? Look no further! Our curated list of Murder Books for 11-Year-Olds is packed with thrilling tales that are sure to captivate their imagination and keep them glued to the pages. Whether it's a spooky whodunit or a cleverly crafted puzzle, we've got something that will tickle their detective fancy. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to be both engaging and age-appropriate!

Fun Murder Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Ted's cousin Salim disappears from the London Eye, Ted and his older sister Kat become sleuths in their quest to find him. The story is cleverly constructed around clues and Ted's unique perspective due to his Asperger syndrome.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping mystery that also provides insight into the mind of someone who sees the world a bit differently. It's engaging and encourages critical thinking and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and readers who enjoy puzzles and learning about different perspectives.

• The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene
  • Genre(s): Mystery
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the Nancy Drew series where Nancy searches for a missing will. Her keen observation skills and courage help her solve the mystery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to a strong female protagonist who uses her intelligence and resourcefulness to solve mysteries. It's great for building suspense and excitement in reading.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring detectives and fans of classic mystery stories.

• Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective by Donald J. Sobol
  • Genre(s): Mystery
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Leroy Brown, aka Encyclopedia Brown, a young detective who solves cases for the neighborhood kids and sometimes for his detective-chief father. Each chapter is a short story that presents a mystery that the reader can try to solve.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages interactive reading and problem-solving, as readers can try to crack the cases alongside Encyclopedia Brown.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love to solve puzzles and enjoy interactive stories.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: The heirs to Sam Westing's fortune are paired and given clues to solve who among them is his murderer. The game involves high stakes and complex puzzles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing puzzle wrapped in an intriguing mystery, perfect for developing critical thinking and deduction skills.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and those who enjoy a good whodunit.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, 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 solve a series of puzzles and stop a global disaster.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with adventure and the challenges the characters face are great for developing teamwork and problem-solving skills in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love adventures, puzzles, and using their brains to overcome challenges.

Educational Murder Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: During winter break, Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, encounters a strange group of guests who each have a story connected to the inn. As items start to go missing, Milo and his friend Meddy decide to investigate.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, critical thinking, understanding diverse backgrounds
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a cozy, intriguing mystery that also touches on themes of identity and adoption.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy snowy settings and mysteries that unfold in closed environments.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Emily and her new friend James rush to uncover the hidden secrets of a game where books are hidden and clues are left for players to find them, all while dodging danger.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geographic knowledge, puzzle-solving, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of cryptography, problem-solving, and adventure into a fast-paced story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, books about books, and thrilling adventures.

• The Wig in the Window by Kristen Kittscher
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Humor
  • Synopsis: Best friends and aspiring sleuths Sophie and Grace investigate their strange school counselor and stumble upon a larger conspiracy.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, friendship dynamics, understanding societal norms
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and funny mystery with lots of twists and turns that keep readers guessing.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives who enjoy a good laugh along with their suspense.

• Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Mo LoBeau, a rising sixth-grader, launches into action with her best friend Dale when a murder occurs in their small town and Dale's dad becomes the prime suspect.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social studies, critical thinking, understanding of cultural diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a vivid setting and colorful characters, wrapped in a compelling mystery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like their mysteries with a side of Southern charm and witty dialogue.

Challenging Murder Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Enola Holmes, younger sister to the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, embarks on a thrilling adventure to find her missing mother. Along the way, she becomes embroiled in the kidnapping of a young marquess and uses her wits to solve the mysteries.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative intertwines historical context with complex language and sophisticated puzzles, demanding a higher level of reading comprehension and deductive reasoning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a strong female protagonist who challenges societal norms and engages in intellectually stimulating mysteries, inspiring critical thinking and empowerment.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical settings and strong, smart female characters.

• The Name of this Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous young friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover a mysterious box that leads them into a secret society and a perilous adventure involving an ancient alchemist and his powerful sensory machine.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book introduces complex narrative techniques, including meta-fiction and breaking the fourth wall, which are advanced concepts for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling ride that combines humor, mystery, and the challenge of secret codes and puzzles, all while engaging readers in active problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love secrets, puzzles, and stories that challenge their perception of what a book can do.

• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in an alternative 19th-century England, cousins Bonnie and Sylvia battle cruel governess Miss Slighcarp and her evil schemes after the wolves have migrated south. The story combines elements of survival, deceit, and bravery as they try to save their home from being stolen.
  • Why this book is challenging: The alternate history setting combined with rich, descriptive language and a complex plot makes this a challenging read for younger audiences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale of courage and resilience, filled with thrilling adventures and nefarious villains, perfect for stimulating the imagination and encouraging resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy thrilling historical narratives and stories of bravery against the odds.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: As Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future, she must piece together the clues and solve the puzzle before a tragic death occurs. The story is set in 1970s New York and weaves elements of time travel into its plot.
  • Why this book is challenging: The non-linear narrative and the integration of science fiction with realistic settings require readers to pay close attention to detail and understand complex concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book beautifully blends mystery with science fiction, offering a thought-provoking plot that encourages readers to think about time, friendship, and fate.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mind-bending mystery and exploring complex themes.

• The Shadows by Jacqueline West
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In this first book of the "Books of Elsewhere" series, eleven-year-old Olive moves into a strange old house with her parents and discovers paintings that she can enter, uncovering the house's dark secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blend of fantasy elements with mysterious plots involves complex themes of art, history, and parallel worlds, requiring imaginative thinking and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating mystery that stimulates creativity and curiosity, perfect for readers who love exploring new worlds and solving puzzles.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and fans of magical mysteries.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the intriguing world of murder mystery books at the age of 11, it's a great idea to pair your reading with some fun exercises. These will not only enhance your understanding of the stories but also build strong reading habits. Here’s a list of engaging exercises tailored just for you:

• Create a Detective's Notebook
  • What it is: A special notebook where you jot down clues and suspects as you read.
  • How it helps: Helps you keep track of all the twists and turns in the plot.
  • Tips: Update your notebook after every reading session to keep details fresh.

• Discuss with Friends or Family
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family who are also reading it or have read it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and lets you view the story from different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to bring up a new point or question in each discussion to make it more engaging.

• Draw the Crime Scene
  • What it is: Sketch scenes from the book, especially the crime scenes.
  • How it helps: Improves your attention to detail and helps you visualize the story better.
  • Tips: Refer to the descriptions in the book closely to make your drawings as detailed as possible.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Write down your predictions about the story's outcome or next events.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to think critically and pay attention to subtle hints.
  • Tips: Review and revise your predictions as you read more and gather more information.

• Character Mapping
  • What it is: Create a map or chart of the relationships between different characters.
  • How it helps: Helps you understand character motivations and their roles in the plot.
  • Tips: Update your map as new characters are introduced or as relationships evolve.

• Theme Reflection
  • What it is: Write a short paragraph about the themes of the book after you finish.
  • How it helps: Helps you grasp the deeper meanings and messages in the book.
  • Tips: Think about how the themes relate to the real world or your own experiences.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make your journey through murder mysteries more exciting but also deepen your appreciation for literature. Happy sleuthing and reading!