10+ Best Mystery Books for 10-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner to keep your young reader hooked? Look no further! Our guide to mystery books for 10-12-year-olds is packed with thrilling choices that are sure to captivate their imagination and keep them guessing with every turn of the page. Dive in as we explore various lists of mystery books that are ideal for tweens eager for adventure and intrigue. Keep reading to discover your child's next favorite read!

Fun Mystery Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs are brought together to solve the mystery of Samuel W. Westing's death, guided by clues he left behind in his will. They pair up and race to find the answer for a massive inheritance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing puzzle that encourages critical thinking and problem solving, wrapped in a thrilling narrative.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and playing detective.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claudia and her brother Jamie run away to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they become entangled in a mystery involving a statue that may be one of Michelangelo's sculptures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with historical intrigue and is a celebration of sibling camaraderie and independence.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of adventure and enjoy art and history.

• Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Classic
  • Synopsis: Teen detective Nancy Drew embarks on a quest to find a missing will after the death of a lonely old man. Her investigation leads her to uncovering more than just the legal document.
  • Why we recommend this book: Nancy Drew's sharp wit and perseverance make her a great role model, and the story itself offers a fun introduction to classic mystery.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring detectives and fans of timeless tales.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, 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: This book encourages teamwork and problem-solving skills, wrapped up in an exciting and suspenseful story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love riddles, secret missions, and working in teams.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover the Symphony of Smells, a box of vials containing magical scents that leads them to a mysterious cult and a secret that must never be revealed.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of humor and mystery, perfect for engaging reluctant readers and sparking a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who enjoy a good secret and quirky characters.

Educational Mystery Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: During a snowy winter, 12-year-old Milo Pine and his family, who run a smugglers' inn, find themselves entangled in a mysterious gathering of guests who are not what they seem. As objects begin to go missing, Milo and his friend Meddy must unravel the secrets of the guests and the house itself.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, critical thinking, understanding diverse backgrounds and stories
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale that combines mystery with a cozy, atmospheric setting, perfect for readers who enjoy puzzles and character-driven stories.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives who love a good whodunit in a unique setting.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Emily and her new friend James rush to uncover the mysterious puzzles hidden in books scattered across San Francisco, set up by the creator of the Book Scavenger game. Their quest becomes even more urgent when they realize they are on the trail of an exclusive, unpublished manuscript.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Literary knowledge, problem-solving, teamwork, and geographical navigation
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of cryptography, treasure hunting, and literature, providing a dynamic and interactive reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and aspiring adventurers who enjoy a literary twist.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Humor
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley, an avid game fan, along with other kids, gets the chance to spend the night in the new town library, designed by the famous game maker Luigi Lemoncello. The fun begins when they must solve clues and secret puzzles to find the hidden escape route.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, teamwork, knowledge of library systems and literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, clever puzzle that promotes the importance of libraries and teamwork in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Game enthusiasts and library lovers who enjoy a challenging, interactive mystery.

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim board the London Eye, but when the pod comes back around, Salim doesn’t exit. The siblings embark on a thrilling race against time to find Salim, using Ted's unique perspective to solve the clues.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of Asperger syndrome, problem-solving, family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique perspective through the eyes of a protagonist with Asperger syndrome, wrapped up in a suspenseful mystery.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in a mystery that offers both a puzzle and insights into different ways of thinking.

• Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Southern Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mo LoBeau, a rising sixth-grader, leads an exciting adventure to solve a murder mystery in her small town with her best friend Dale. The duo faces various challenges and uncovers long-hidden secrets that could change their lives forever.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social relationships, critical thinking, understanding of cultural and regional diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming, witty mystery with memorable characters and a deep sense of community.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a mix of humor, mystery, and a touch of Southern charm.

Challenging Mystery Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Three children, Giuseppe, Frederick, and Hannah, find their lives intertwined when they discover a hidden treasure that could change their fates forever. Set against a backdrop of a bustling turn-of-the-century American city, their journey is filled with danger, adventure, and mystery.
  • Why this book is challenging: It weaves together complex narratives of three protagonists, each with distinct backgrounds and stories, requiring readers to keep track of multiple plot lines and historical context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich, multi-layered story that enhances understanding of historical settings, teamwork, and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy intricate plots and historical settings.

• The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: When the headmistress and her brother suddenly die at dinner, seven girls at a Victorian-era boarding school decide to cover up the deaths to avoid being sent home or worse. Their scheme leads them into a world of hidden clues and dastardly deeds.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features Victorian-era language and societal norms, which are less familiar to modern readers, alongside a plot that requires understanding of subtle clues and implications.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous, cleverly crafted mystery that promotes independence and quick thinking, all set in an engaging historical context.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who delight in plots that involve schemes and subterfuge within a historical setting.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting goes missing, two sixth-graders, Petra and Calder, combine their talents in art and puzzle-solving to crack the case. They delve into a world where art and illusion intersect, leading to a thrilling chase across museums and through the pages of history.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts of art history, the mathematics of pentominoes, and philosophical questions, which are uncommon in typical children’s literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book encourages readers to see connections between disciplines like mathematics and art, fostering a multidimensional approach to problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Art lovers and young detectives who enjoy puzzles that challenge their intellect and creativity.

• The Shadows by Jacqueline West
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: When eleven-year-old Olive and her parents move into the old stone house on Linden Street, she finds that the paintings hanging on the walls hold a bizarre and dangerous secret. Olive must uncover the mysteries of the house and its magical inhabitants to save herself and her new friends.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative combines elements of fantasy with complex themes of loneliness and bravery, requiring readers to engage deeply with the text and its underlying messages.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends mystery with fantasy, providing a captivating story that encourages imagination and courage in facing fears.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories where the real world meets the magical and where young protagonists overcome fears to uncover secrets.

• The Wig in the Window by Kristen Kittscher
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Humor
  • Synopsis: Best friends and aspiring spies Sophie Young and Grace Yang stumble upon a suspicious scene in their neighborhood. As they delve deeper, they discover a conspiracy that is more complicated and dangerous than they ever imagined.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features sophisticated themes of espionage and social dynamics, wrapped in a fast-paced, complex plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is full of humor and suspense, ideal for readers who enjoy a good laugh while solving puzzles and navigating the complexities of friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young sleuths who appreciate a mix of spy adventure, mystery, and humor in their reading choices.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there, young detectives! 🕵️‍♤️🕵️‍♀️ If you're diving into the world of mystery books, you're in for a thrilling ride. To make the most of your reading experience, here are some exercises designed to enhance your sleuthing skills and deepen your love for reading. These will not only make your reading sessions more engaging but also help you develop good reading habits.

• Create a Detective's Notebook
  • What it is: A special notebook for recording clues and suspects in the mystery.
  • How it helps: Helps you keep track of all the details and improves your attention to detail.
  • Tips: Update your notebook after each reading session to keep all clues fresh in your mind.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club or discuss the book with friends who are reading the same mystery.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to predict the ending together and discuss why you think that’s the case.

• Map It Out
  • What it is: Draw maps or diagrams of the story settings or crime scenes.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize and remember the story better, making connections easier.
  • Tips: Use colored pencils or markers to highlight different areas or clues.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before finishing the book, try to predict the resolution or next plot twist.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and attention to textual clues.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and see how close you were once you finish the book.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Choose a character you relate to or find interesting and write a short story from their perspective.
  • How it helps: Improves empathy and understanding of character development.
  • Tips: Focus on a character’s motives and feelings based on their actions in the book.

• Time Yourself
  • What it is: Set a timer and read uninterrupted for a set period.
  • How it helps: Builds concentration and stamina for reading longer passages.
  • Tips: Start with short, manageable times and gradually increase as you get more comfortable.

These exercises are not just about making reading fun; they're about turning you into a super sleuth in your own right. So grab your magnifying glass (or maybe just your favorite bookmark!) and get started. Happy reading, and remember, every detective needs their tools—make these exercises yours!