10+ Best Mystery Books for 11-13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your tween? Dive into our curated selection of mystery books for 11-13-year-olds that promise suspense, intrigue, and hours of engrossing reading. Whether they love solving puzzles or embarking on thrilling adventures, there's a mystery here to captivate every young reader's imagination. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to keep them guessing until the last page!

Fun Mystery Books for 11-13-Year-Olds

• 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, competing to win a massive fortune. The story is filled with twists, turns, and a multitude of characters, each with their own secrets.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers with complex puzzles and an intriguing mystery. This book enhances problem-solving skills and keeps readers engaged until the last page.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and young detectives who enjoy solving mysteries alongside the characters.

• 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 crisis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes teamwork, intelligence, and perseverance. The characters' unique abilities inspire readers to appreciate their own talents.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love brain teasers and stories about friendship and courage.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo Pine and his family, who run a smugglers' inn, find themselves entangled in a mystery involving old maps, treacherous thieves, and ghostly occurrences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a cozy mystery that combines elements of adventure and fantasy, perfect for sparking imagination and encouraging a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy atmospheric settings and ghost stories mixed with their mysteries.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Emily and her new friend James rush to uncover the secrets of a mysterious book before the clues are destroyed forever. It's a citywide adventure that tests their problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to the thrill of solving puzzles and decoding messages, wrapped in an exciting urban adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and code-breakers who thrive on excitement and challenges.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous friends, Cassandra and Max-Ernest, discover the Symphony of Smells, a box of vials that leads them to investigate a magician's notebook and a mysterious cult.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a blend of humor, mystery, and adventure, making it a fun and engaging read that encourages lateral thinking and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love secrets and conspiracies, and who have a good sense of humor.

Educational Mystery Books for 11-13-Year-Olds

• 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 mathematics to solve the mystery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, art history, and pattern recognition.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly integrates art, history, and mystery, making it a fascinating read that educates while it entertains.
  • Perfect for: Young sleuths and art lovers who enjoy puzzles and mysteries intertwined with real historical elements.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley and his friends must solve every clue and figure out every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route out of the extraordinary, high-tech library created by the eccentric game maker, Luigi Lemoncello.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, knowledge of literature and library skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, engaging story that promotes the importance of libraries and teamwork in solving challenges.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and readers who love fun, interactive adventures within a literary context.

• 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 is nowhere to be found. They embark on a tense and thrilling investigation across London to find him.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Deductive reasoning, emotional awareness, and geography.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping plot and a unique protagonist, who provides a fresh perspective on solving mysteries due to his unique way of thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fast-paced mysteries and exploring different cities through literature.

• The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery by Nancy Springer
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Enola Holmes, the much younger sister of detective Sherlock Holmes, embarks on a thrilling adventure through Victorian London to find her missing mother.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, critical thinking, and independence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a strong, intelligent female protagonist who uses her wit and knowledge of ciphers to solve mysteries.
  • Perfect for: Fans of historical mysteries and strong female leads.

• Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Legal, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Theodore Boone finds himself dragged into the legal world early as he uncovers a dangerous secret linked to a high-profile murder trial in his town.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the legal system, ethical decision-making, and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides young readers with an exciting introduction to the complexities of the legal system, wrapped in a thrilling narrative.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young lawyers and detectives who thrive on suspense and courtroom drama.

Challenging Mystery Books for 11-13-Year-Olds

• The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Three children, Giuseppe, Frederick, and Hannah, from different backgrounds in a bustling city, find their lives intertwined as they each battle their own personal struggles and search for a missing treasure that could change their fortunes forever.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves together three complex storylines, requiring readers to keep track of multiple characters and plot threads.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich, layered story that enhances comprehension skills and appreciation for historical settings mixed with a touch of fantasy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy intricate plots and historical adventures.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: After receiving mysterious notes that predict the future, sixth-grader Miranda begins to see the world around her in a new light and uncovers the unexpected connections between the people in her life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story involves complex concepts of time travel and the interconnectivity of events, which demands critical thinking and attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of mystery and science fiction in a way that captivates and stimulates the mind, while also exploring the themes of friendship and growth.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy thought-provoking stories and puzzles.

• 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 house holds many secrets, including talking cats and paintings she can enter.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blend of fantasy elements with a mysterious plot requires readers to engage with and discern between what is real and what is imagined.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating read that encourages creativity and curiosity, perfect for those who love a good mystery with a fantastical twist.
  • Perfect for: Imaginative readers who delight in stories where the ordinary meets the extraordinary.

• The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Reuben discovers an extraordinary antique watch that has the power to make its wearer invisible. He soon finds himself swept up in an adventure that involves a hidden message and a dangerous enemy.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate plot and the scientific and philosophical questions posed by the story demand a high level of engagement and intellectual curiosity from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is an enthralling mix of suspense and mystery, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Readers who thrive on complex plots and enjoy science fiction elements in their mysteries.

• The Lost Property Office by James R. Hannibal
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Jack Buckles, endowed with an extraordinary sensory ability, discovers the secretive world of the Lost Property Office in London and must use his skills to uncover a hidden artifact and save his kidnapped father.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of historical elements, combined with a fast-paced, complex plot, requires readers to absorb a lot of information and make connections quickly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an exciting blend of history, mystery, and fantasy, encouraging readers to explore and appreciate different genres while solving puzzles along the way.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who love history and mysteries with a supernatural twist.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there, young detectives! If you love diving into a good mystery book, you know how thrilling it can be to solve puzzles and uncover secrets alongside your favorite characters. But did you know that you can enhance your reading experience and develop great reading habits at the same time? Here are some fun exercises tailored for 11-13-year-olds to help you become a super sleuth in reading!

• Create a Detective's Notebook
  • What it is: Keep a special notebook where you jot down clues and predictions while reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances your attention to detail and helps you connect the dots in the story.
  • Tips: Update your notebook after every reading session to keep your thoughts fresh.

• Map the Mystery
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline based on the events of the mystery.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the story’s setting and sequence of events, making the plot easier to follow.
  • Tips: Use colored pencils or markers to differentiate between characters and clues.

• Character Connection Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that shows how different characters are connected.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of character relationships and motives.
  • Tips: Add to your chart as you learn more about each character.

• Guess Who?
  • What it is: Write down your guesses about the mystery’s resolution before finishing the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and reasoning based on the evidence provided.
  • Tips: Compare your initial guesses with the actual outcome to see how your detective skills have improved.

• Discussion Detective
  • What it is: Discuss the book with friends or family members who are also reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and provides different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Ask each other questions about the plot, characters, and possible twists.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your mystery books more but also sharpen your detective skills. So grab your magnifying glass and your favorite mystery novel, and let the adventure begin! Happy reading, young detectives!