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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner that keeps you guessing until the last page? Look no further! Our curated selection of murder mystery books for 15-year-olds is packed with intrigue, suspense, and mind-bending puzzles that are just right for teen readers. Whether you're a budding detective or a mystery enthusiast, these picks are sure to captivate and entertain. Keep reading to dive into our diverse lists of murder mystery books for 15-year-olds and find your next favorite read!

Fun Murder Mystery Books for 15-Year-Olds

• One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Five students walk into detention, but only four walk out alive. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping page-turner with a twisty plot and relatable characters that explores the complexities of adolescence.
  • Perfect for: Teens who love suspense and stories about high school dynamics.

• A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult, Retelling
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Sherlock Holmes' and John Watson’s teen descendants as they team up to solve a murder mystery at their American boarding school.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the classic elements of Sherlock Holmes with modern twists, making it a fresh and engaging read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy classic detective stories with a contemporary twist.

• Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Stevie Bell, an aspiring detective, must solve an age-old mystery at the Ellingham Academy, where nothing is as it seems and everyone has secrets.
  • Why we recommend this book: The intriguing puzzles and the dual narrative between past and present keep readers guessing until the end.
  • Perfect for: Mystery lovers and puzzle solvers who enjoy complex stories with rich backstories.

• 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 extraordinary—including the ability to see supernatural beings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fascinating mix of mystery and paranormal with a Sherlock Holmes-like narrative.
  • Perfect for: Fans of supernatural stories and historical settings.

• The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Paranormal, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Louisiana teen Rory Deveaux arrives in London the day a series of brutal murders mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper killings begins.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends suspenseful mystery with paranormal elements and provides a compelling view of London's history.
  • Perfect for: Readers fascinated by historical crimes and ghost stories.

Educational Murder Mystery Books for 15-Year-Olds

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: An eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing has left behind clues for 16 heirs who stand to inherit his fortune if they can solve the mystery of his death.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical reasoning, problem-solving, financial literacy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever puzzle-filled mystery that challenges young readers to think critically and deduce alongside the characters.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and fans of brain teasers.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Shortly after her mother is chosen to be a contestant on the game show $20,000 Pyramid, sixth-grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of time travel and its implications, narrative skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of science fiction with a compelling mystery, all while beautifully capturing the heart of New York City in the late 1970s.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy science fiction with a twist of mystery.

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim board the London Eye, but after his pod comes back down, he doesn’t leave it. The cousins undertake a thrilling investigation across London to find him.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geographical knowledge of London, understanding of Asperger syndrome, family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, suspenseful read that also provides insight into different ways of thinking and perceiving the world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in a geographical adventure and mystery-solving.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting is stolen, two young friends, Petra and Calder, use their analytical skills to chase down the art thief.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art history, pattern recognition, logical deduction
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to think about art and puzzles in new ways, blending real-world art intrigue with mystery.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young artists and detectives who appreciate a good intellectual challenge.

• Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Legal Thriller, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Theodore Boone dreams of being a great trial lawyer. When he stumbles upon crucial information about a high-profile murder case, he finds himself thrust into the legal spotlight.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the legal system, ethical decision-making, civic awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping look into the judicial process through the eyes of a likable young protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in law and justice.

Challenging Murder Mystery Books for 15-Year-Olds

• The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1950s England, eleven-year-old Flavia de Luce, an aspiring chemist with a passion for poison, becomes entangled in a murder mystery when she finds a dead bird with a postage stamp pinned to its beak on the doorstep of her family's decaying manor house.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features complex language and a sophisticated plot that intertwines family secrets with a deep knowledge of chemistry and poisons.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a brilliant young protagonist whose sharp intellect and curiosity lead her through a labyrinth of intrigue and deception. It's a fantastic way to dive into historical settings and scientific exploration.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love a strong, smart female lead and are interested in science and history.

• In the Woods by Tana French
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Crime, Psychological Thriller
  • Synopsis: Detective Rob Ryan investigates a murder in a small Irish town that eerily links to his own mysterious past—when he was found in the same woods where his two best friends were last seen alive.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex psychological themes and presents a multi-layered narrative that requires attention to detail and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book provides a gripping, atmospheric read that combines a deep psychological exploration with a compelling crime story.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy psychological depth and intricate plots in their mysteries.

• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: Christopher Boone, a fifteen-year-old with autism, decides to investigate the murder of a neighbor's dog and uncovers secrets about his own family.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is presented through the unique perspective of an autistic protagonist, which challenges readers to see the world through his eyes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an enlightening read that combines a compelling mystery with an exceptional insight into the mind of someone living with autism.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a mystery that offers a different perspective and a deeper understanding of human behavior.

• The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Thriller
  • Synopsis: In post-war Barcelona, young Daniel Sempere discovers a book that leads him into a labyrinth of mysteries and secrets buried deep within the city.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel is rich with complex characters, intricate plot twists, and a deep exploration of post-war Spanish society.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, atmospheric novel that transports readers to another time and place while engaging them in a deeply personal quest.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate literary depth and historical settings alongside their mysteries.

• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Crime
  • Synopsis: Journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander are swept up in a high-stakes investigation into a wealthy family's dark secrets, leading to a complex web of corruption and intrigue.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story involves a sophisticated plot with mature themes and complex issues such as corruption, violence, and family dynamics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an intense, captivating mystery with strong, compelling characters. Readers can explore themes of justice and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Mature teens interested in intense, character-driven stories and complex investigations.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the thrilling world of murder mystery books, it's a great idea to develop some solid reading habits to enhance your experience. Here are a few exercises tailored for 15-year-olds that will not only improve your reading skills but also make your reading sessions more enjoyable and effective. Let's get started!

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

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
  • How it helps: Minimizes distractions and enhances your focus on the book.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are also reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club or join one online.

• Map the Plot
  • What it is: Sketch out the main plot points or create a timeline as you read.
  • How it helps: Helps in keeping track of twists and turns in a mystery novel.
  • Tips: Use a notebook or a digital tool to update plot points after each reading session.

• Predict the Ending
  • What it is: Try to guess who the culprit is and how the story will conclude.
  • How it helps: Engages your analytical thinking and deepens interest in the storyline.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and see how close you were at the end.

• Character Charts
  • What it is: Make a list or chart of characters and their relationships to each other.
  • How it helps: Helps keep track of characters, which is crucial in complex mystery plots.
  • Tips: Update your chart as new characters are introduced.

• Reflect on the Reading
  • What it is: Spend a few minutes after reading to reflect on what happened in the book.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and memory of the story.
  • Tips: Keep a notebook handy specifically for this purpose.

Developing these habits will not only make your journey through each mystery book more intriguing but also enhance your overall reading skills. Remember, the key is consistency, so try to incorporate these exercises into your daily reading routine. Happy sleuthing through your mystery reads!