10+ Best Mystery Books for 12-14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your young reader? Dive into our latest blog where we explore the best mystery books for 12-14-year-olds. These captivating reads are sure to keep tweens and early teens engrossed from the first page to the last. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise suspense, intrigue, and a whole lot of fun!

Fun Mystery Books for 12-14-Year-Olds

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of the extremely wealthy Samuel W. Westing’s will, only to find out that the will is a puzzle they must solve to inherit his fortune.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing puzzle that encourages critical thinking and deduction, wrapped in a fun and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle enthusiasts who love to piece together clues.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo Pine and his parents are surprised when odd, secretive guests arrive at their inn, Greenglass House. The mystery deepens as items start to go missing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines ghost stories, smuggling tales, and a mysterious setting to create a suspenseful read that keeps young readers hooked.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy ghost stories and mysteries with a touch of fantasy.

• 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 disaster.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and the use of intelligence in overcoming obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Intelligent young readers who love solving puzzles and cracking codes.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Emily and James embark on an exciting adventure across San Francisco, hunting for hidden books and solving puzzles left by the creator of the Book Scavenger game.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of cryptography, problem-solving, and adventure, making reading an interactive and thrilling experience.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous spirits and young sleuths who enjoy books and games.

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim board the London Eye, but he doesn’t come out after his ride. They embark on a quest across London to find him, using Ted's unique way of thinking to solve the mystery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the importance of different perspectives and approaches in solving problems, all within an exciting urban adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fast-paced mysteries and learning about different ways of thinking.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley and his friends must solve puzzles and find clues to escape from the new, high-tech library created by the world-famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creative problem-solving and critical thinking in a fun, game-like setting.
  • Perfect for: Gamers and any young reader who loves a good, interactive challenge.

Educational Mystery Books for 12-14-Year-Olds

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art
  • Synopsis: When a precious Vermeer painting disappears, Petra and Calder combine their talents to solve an international art scandal.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, attention to detail, art history, and pattern recognition.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever puzzle that weaves real art history into its mystery, making it educational as well as entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Young art enthusiasts and budding detectives who enjoy connecting the dots between history and mystery.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover a mysterious box that leads them into a secretive and dangerous adventure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, creativity, and secret codes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of humor, suspense, and secret codes that keep readers engaged while they unravel the mysteries alongside the characters.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, secrets, and adventures that challenge their minds.

• 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 uncover the secret behind a mysterious statue.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Resource management, historical inquiry, and analytical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a fascinating art mystery and teaches valuable lessons about independence and learning.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and mystery lovers who dream of uncovering secrets in unusual settings.

• Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Legal, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Theo Boone thinks he knows everything about the law, but he finds himself in the middle of a high-stakes murder trial.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the legal system, strategic thinking, and ethics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thrilling look into the courtroom drama through the eyes of a kid just like them, making complex legal concepts accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young lawyers and fans of courtroom drama.

• 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 quest to find her missing mother, uncovering more than just family secrets.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, deductive reasoning, and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a strong, intelligent female protagonist who uses her wit and the societal constraints of her time to solve mysteries.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings and clever, resourceful heroines.

Challenging Mystery Books for 12-14-Year-Olds

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sixth-grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and could potentially prevent a tragic death. The notes lead her on a journey that intertwines friendship, time travel, and poignant life lessons.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves complex narrative structures and themes of time travel, which require the reader to think critically about the sequence and impact of events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly blends scientific concepts with a gripping narrative, encouraging readers to ponder over the possibilities of time and space while staying grounded in the emotional realities of middle-school life.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy science fiction and mysteries that make them think deeply about both the plot and the human condition.

• The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: When Candice finds a letter in her grandmother’s attic, she becomes engrossed in a quest to uncover the truth behind a million-dollar inheritance. It leads her to delve into a town's dark past and her own family's secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel tackles complex issues of racial discrimination and social justice intertwined with a multigenerational family saga.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's not only a compelling mystery but also a powerful look at America's historical and ongoing struggles with race and identity, providing young readers with important context and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and social justice, who love piecing together puzzles from the past.

• The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Seven girls at a Victorian-era boarding school find themselves unexpectedly on their own after their headmistress and her brother are suddenly poisoned. Instead of reporting the deaths, they decide to cover them up and run the school themselves, leading to a series of comical events as they seek to solve the murder mystery.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features sophisticated humor, a large ensemble of characters, and Victorian social customs, all of which require a higher level of comprehension and attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of humor, mystery, and historical setting that encourages critical thinking and feminist perspectives on leadership and independence.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy strong female characters, historical settings, and a good laugh mixed with their mysteries.

• The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, illustrated by Ian Schoenherr
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Set in medieval Europe, Boy, a hunchbacked goatherd with a secret past, joins a pilgrim on a quest to gather holy relics. The journey reveals miraculous occurrences and dark truths that challenge Boy’s understanding of the world and himself.
  • Why this book is challenging: The medieval setting and the interweaving of historical details with fantastical elements create a rich, layered narrative that demands a sophisticated understanding from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that combines adventure, history, and magic in a way that captivates and educates, offering insights into faith, redemption, and what it means to be human.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love historical adventures with a touch of magic and mystery.

• 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 endure hardships under the cruel Miss Slighcarp who has taken over Willoughby Chase. They must use their wits and courage to survive and uncover her nefarious plans.
  • Why this book is challenging: The alternative historical setting combined with complex themes of resilience, betrayal, and bravery requires readers to engage deeply with both the plot and the characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure with strong female protagonists, offering suspense and a rich narrative that encourages resilience and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy thrilling adventures and overcoming adversity through cleverness and bravery.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there, young detectives! Diving into the world of mystery books can be thrilling, and to make the most of your reading experience, I've got some exercises that will sharpen your sleuthing skills and help you develop great reading habits. Let's check them out:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps in achieving consistent reading progress.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Mystery Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Keep a list of new or interesting words you find in your mystery books.
  • How it helps: Enhances your vocabulary and understanding of the genre.
  • Tips: Use a notebook or a digital app to jot down words along with their meanings.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the mystery books you are reading with friends.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club or join one that focuses on mystery genres.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Make predictions about the plot or the mystery’s resolution before finishing the book.
  • How it helps: Engages your analytical thinking and attention to detail.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and compare them with the actual outcomes.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the events in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding the sequence of events and the structure of the plot.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols to mark significant events or clues.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Pick a character you relate to or find interesting and write about them.
  • How it helps: Deepens your connection to the story and enhances empathy.
  • Tips: Consider why the character behaves in certain ways and how you would react in their situations.

Alright, now that you've got some cool exercises to try, grab your favorite mystery book and start exploring! Each of these activities is designed to boost your reading skills and make your adventure through mystery novels even more engaging. Happy reading, super sleuths!