10+ Best Mystery Books for 11-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner to captivate the young detective in your life? Dive into our latest roundup of mystery books for 11-12-year-olds, where suspense and intrigue leap off every page! Whether they love unraveling puzzles or embarking on thrilling adventures, we've got a selection that's bound to spark their curiosity. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to keep them guessing until the very last page!

Fun Mystery Books for 11-12-Year-Olds

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs are brought together to solve the puzzle of Samuel W. Westing's will, which promises to control his vast fortune to whomever can figure out the answer.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing puzzle that promotes critical thinking and deduction skills, wrapped in a thrilling narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle lovers.

• 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 nothing is as it seems.
  • Why we recommend this book: Encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and the use of intellect over brute force.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, codes, and secrets.

• 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 or may not be the work of Michelangelo.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a historical art mystery, sparking interest in both history and art.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and budding art historians.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, finds himself in the middle of a mystery involving the peculiar guests at the Greenglass House, each with secrets of their own.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a cozy, atmospheric mystery that enhances creative thinking and storytelling skills.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy ghost stories and tales of smugglers.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Emily and her new friend James discover an unusual book, which they realize is part of a game set up by the eccentric creator of Book Scavenger, a game where books are hidden in cities all over the country.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes literacy and problem-solving through the thrill of a treasure hunt.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love books and enjoy scavenger hunts.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover the Symphony of Smells, a box of vials with scents that lead them to a mysterious and secretive people, and a dangerous secret.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of codes, puzzles, and secrets that engage young minds in creative thinking.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love secrets and solving mysteries.

Educational Mystery Books for 11-12-Year-Olds

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting is stolen, two sixth-graders, Petra and Calder, combine their talents in art and mathematics to solve the mystery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, critical thinking, art history, and pattern recognition.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly combines real-world art intrigue with a compelling mystery, encouraging readers to see connections and patterns everywhere.
  • Perfect for: Young sleuths who have an interest in art and puzzles.

• 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 has seemingly vanished into thin air. The siblings must work together to solve the mystery of what happened to Salim.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Deductive reasoning, understanding of Asperger syndrome, family dynamics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thrilling mystery solved through the unique perspective of a protagonist with Asperger's, offering insights into different ways of thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fast-paced mysteries and learning about diverse characters.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley, an avid gamer and all-around fan of all forms of games, wins a coveted spot to be one of the first to experience an overnight stay at the new town library, designed by the famous game maker Luigi Lemoncello. The fun and games turn serious when Kyle and the other kids must solve puzzles to escape.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logic, problem-solving, teamwork, and library skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun-filled adventure that promotes teamwork and problem-solving within the magical setting of a library full of games and puzzles.
  • Perfect for: Game enthusiasts and young detectives who love cracking codes and solving puzzles.

• The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery by Nancy Springer
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: When Enola Holmes, the much younger sister of detective Sherlock Holmes, discovers her mother has disappeared, she sets off to London to find her, becoming embroiled in a mystery involving a missing marquess.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, deductive reasoning, independence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to a strong, intelligent female protagonist and provides a fresh perspective on the Sherlock Holmes universe.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Sherlock Holmes and readers who like historical settings with a twist of mystery.

• The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone, illustrated by Greg Call
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Ruthie and Jack discover a magical key that shrinks them so they can explore the famous Thorne Rooms at the Chicago Art Institute. During their adventures, they uncover a mystery spanning several generations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art appreciation, history, and imagination.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines magic and mystery with real historical art, making it a thrilling adventure that also educates.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love art, history, and magical adventures.

Challenging Mystery Books for 11-12-Year-Olds

• The Clockwork Sparrow by Katherine Woodfine
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in a luxurious department store in Edwardian London, young Sophie Taylor must unravel the mystery behind the theft of the priceless Clockwork Sparrow.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex historical details with intricate plot twists, requiring readers to pay close attention and think critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a glimpse into a historical era rich with detail, while delivering a suspenseful, page-turning mystery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate historical settings and a strong female lead in their mysteries.

• The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In 17th century London, apprentice apothecary Christopher Rowe must use ancient codes and puzzles to discover who is behind the murderous threats to the apothecaries.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes complex puzzles and ciphers interwoven with historical content, challenging readers to solve mysteries alongside the protagonist.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action, science, and history in a thrilling adventure that also educates about the era.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy puzzles and historical intrigue.

• Murder Is Bad Manners (also known as Murder Most Unladylike) by Robin Stevens
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: At an English boarding school in 1934, two students, Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong, form a secret detective agency and soon find themselves with a real murder to solve.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book requires understanding of complex social interactions and historical context, enhancing comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a cleverly plotted murder mystery that also deals with issues of friendship and cultural differences.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like classic whodunits with a twist of school life and historical setting.

• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in an alternative 19th-century England overrun by wolves, cousins Bonnie and Sylvia, along with their friend Simon, must thwart their evil governess's plot to steal their inheritance.
  • Why this book is challenging: The alternative history setting and rich language provide a more complex reading experience that requires imagination and inference.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting adventure with brave and resourceful characters, blending mystery with a bit of historical fantasy.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy stories about bravery and battling against odds.

• The Gallery by Laura Marx Fitzgerald
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1929 New York, maid Martha O'Doyle becomes embroiled in a mystery involving a reclusive heiress, a series of hidden paintings, and a secret that could change history.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative includes a complex interplay of historical elements, art history, and social issues, requiring readers to make connections and infer deeper meanings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a captivating look at art and history through a gripping mystery, encouraging critical thinking and engagement with historical contexts.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by art, history, and mystery.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there, young detectives! Diving into the world of mystery books is like embarking on a thrilling adventure, right from the comfort of your own room. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some fun exercises designed just for you. These will not only enhance your enjoyment but also sharpen your sleuthing skills!

• Create a Detective's Notebook
  • What it is: A special notebook where you jot down clues, character traits, and plot twists.
  • How it helps: Keeps you engaged and helps you solve the mystery alongside the protagonist.
  • Tips: Update your notebook after each reading session to keep details fresh.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the events as they happen in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the story's structure and how events unfold.
  • Tips: Use symbols or different colors to mark significant events or clues.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before reading a chapter, write down a prediction about the plot or the mystery's resolution.
  • How it helps: Enhances analytical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Compare your predictions with the actual outcomes to see how well you're tuning into the author's clues.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Choose a character you relate to or find interesting and write about why.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of characters and their motivations.
  • Tips: Try to see the story from your chosen character's perspective and predict their next move.

• Discussion Group
  • What it is: Form a book club or discussion group with friends who are also reading the book.
  • How it helps: Allows sharing of different perspectives and enhances comprehension.
  • Tips: Prepare a few questions or discussion topics for each meeting to keep the conversation lively.

So, grab your magnifying glass and your favorite mystery book, and get ready to play detective! These exercises will not only make your reading time more enjoyable but will also build skills that are useful both inside and outside the world of books. Happy sleuthing!