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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner that keeps your 13-year-old glued to the book and not the screen? Discovering the right murder books for 13-year-olds can be quite the adventure! From mysterious circumstances to clever detectives, the stories we're about to dive into are just the right mix of suspense and age-appropriate content. Keep reading to explore our curated lists of murder books that are sure to captivate young minds and spark their love for reading.

Fun Murder Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: The wealthy Samuel W. Westing has died under suspicious circumstances, and his will sets forth a high-stakes game for sixteen heirs who must solve the mystery of his death.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing puzzle that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, wrapped in a fun and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle lovers who enjoy twisting plots and clever riddles.

• 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 detectives in a race against time to find him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers suspense and a fast-paced plot while portraying a protagonist with Asperger syndrome, promoting understanding and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like fast-paced adventures and learning about different perspectives.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo Pine and his parents’ inn is unexpectedly visited by strange, secretive guests, each with a mysterious past leading to a thrilling treasure hunt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of mystery and fantasy, providing a captivating escape with a lot of heart and imagination.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love mysteries mixed with ghost stories and tales of hidden treasures.

• 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.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a mystery that also introduces young readers to the world of art and art history, encouraging appreciation and analytical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young art enthusiasts and budding detectives who love using their brains to connect complex dots.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Emily and her friend James discover an unusual book, which is part of a game where books are hidden around the country and clues to find them are planted within the pages.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes problem-solving and decryption skills, wrapped up in an adventure that celebrates the joy of reading.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle solvers and treasure hunters who relish a good, page-turning mystery.

Educational Murder Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Mo LoBeau, a rising sixth grader, becomes entangled in a murder mystery in the small town of Tupelo Landing, North Carolina, where she and her best friend Dale Earnhardt Johnson III set out to prove the innocence of a loved one.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, understanding of social relationships and community dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a witty and suspenseful mystery that also touches on themes of family and belonging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy spirited characters and a strong sense of community in their mysteries.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • 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 crisis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical reasoning, teamwork, creative problem-solving, and ethical decision-making
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with brain teasers and ethical questions, making it intellectually stimulating and morally engaging.
  • Perfect for: Puzzlers and thinkers who love stories about secret missions and intellectual challenges.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley and his friends must solve clues and figure out puzzles to escape from the new library designed by the world-renowned game maker, Luigi Lemoncello.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, teamwork, knowledge of literature and library skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun-filled adventure that promotes collaboration and a love for libraries and books.
  • Perfect for: Young gamers and book lovers who enjoy solving puzzles and cracking codes.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When adventurous young protagonists, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover a mysterious box of vials with the scent of a magician, they find themselves on the trail of a centuries-old secret society.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, historical knowledge, scientific curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with codes, puzzles, and secrets that keep readers engaged and guessing.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who enjoy a mix of humor, mystery, and a touch of the fantastical.

Challenging Murder Books for 13-Year-Olds

• 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 in New York City, who starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and unravel a series of events linked to her own life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, intertwining elements of time travel with realistic fiction, which requires sophisticated comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully merges mystery with science fiction and provides a profound message about friendship and destiny.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thought-provoking stories and puzzles that challenge their understanding of time and reality.

• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This novel is narrated by Christopher, a fifteen-year-old with autism spectrum disorder, who investigates the murder of a neighbor's dog and uncovers secrets about his own family.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a unique narrator whose perspective challenges conventional narrative styles and requires readers to engage deeply with the character’s view of the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book offers a distinctive narrative voice and an eye-opening insight into the mind of someone with autism, while also weaving a compelling mystery.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers interested in psychology and unique narrative perspectives.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs are brought together to solve the puzzle of Samuel W. Westing’s will, each potentially standing to inherit millions if they can figure out who among them is Westing’s murderer.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot is intricate with a large cast of characters, each with motives and alibis that intertwine in complex ways.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a brain-teaser that combines a deep mystery with sharp wit and a critique of America’s capitalist society.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love puzzles and mysteries that require critical thinking and attention to detail.

• And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Ten strangers are lured to an isolated island and, one by one, start to be murdered according to a chilling nursery rhyme, leading to a desperate hunt for the killer among them.
  • Why this book is challenging: Christie’s use of suspense and her complex, morally ambiguous characters demand advanced analytical and inferential reading skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It is a masterclass in suspense writing and plot development, offering readers a chance to immerse themselves in a gripping, tightly woven narrative.
  • Perfect for: Mystery lovers who enjoy tense, atmospheric settings and the thrill of solving a seemingly impossible crime.

• The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Classic
  • Synopsis: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are called to the moors of England to protect the new heir to the Baskerville estate from a legendary cursed beast that has plagued the family for generations.
  • Why this book is challenging: Doyle’s Victorian prose and the sophisticated deductive reasoning of Holmes provide a rigorous linguistic and cognitive challenge.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to one of literature’s greatest detectives and the analytical thinking that defines him, all within a thrilling and atmospheric mystery.
  • Perfect for: Fans of classic literature and those who enjoy logical puzzles within a richly detailed historical setting.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the intriguing world of murder mystery books, it's a fantastic way to sharpen your mind and enhance your reading skills. Here are some exercises specifically designed for 13-year-olds to help develop good reading habits while enjoying these thrilling stories. Let's get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and make reading a regular part of your life.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the plot and details.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and focus on the main events.

• Character Maps
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the relationships between different characters.
  • How it helps: Helps you keep track of who's who and their motives, which is crucial in murder mysteries.
  • Tips: Update your map as you read to include new characters and relationships.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to predict future events or the outcome of the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances analytical thinking and engagement with the story.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many you got right as you progress.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it too.
  • How it helps: Allows you to share ideas and gain new perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Try to bring up different theories or ask questions to make the discussion more lively.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Minimizes distractions and enhances your overall reading experience.
  • Tips: Make sure it's comfortable and has good lighting.

These exercises are not just about making reading more fun; they're about making it a habit. By integrating these activities into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your murder mystery books more, but you'll also boost your comprehension and analytical skills. Happy reading!