10+ Best Mystery Books for 13-14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner that will keep your young teen hooked? Look no further! Our carefully curated guide to mystery books for 13-14-year-olds is packed with thrilling adventures that are just right for curious young minds. From suspenseful plots to intriguing characters, these books promise to captivate and engage. Keep reading to discover our top picks for mystery books that are sure to be a hit with your teen!

Fun Mystery Books for 13-14-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, competing for a massive fortune by figuring out who among them is his murderer.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing puzzle that promotes critical thinking and problem-solving, wrapped up in a thrilling mystery.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and anyone who loves a good puzzle.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, encounters a strange group of guests who each have a secretive past, leading to a treasure hunt of mysteries at the Greenglass House.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines ghost stories and adventure, making it a captivating read that sparks imagination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy ghost stories and mysteries with a touch of the supernatural.

• 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 crisis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages teamwork and intellectual bravery, showcasing the power of young minds when they work together.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and secret missions, and who think differently.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Emily and her new friend James discover an unusual book, which is part of a game created by a famous publisher that leads them on an exciting adventure across San Francisco.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced adventure that celebrates the joy of reading and problem-solving through a literary scavenger hunt.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love books and enjoy scavenger hunts and decoding clues.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art
  • Synopsis: Two sixth-graders, Petra and Calder, find themselves at the center of an art scandal. They must use their problem-solving skills to chase down the truth about a stolen masterpiece.
  • Why we recommend this book: It integrates art history with mystery, encouraging readers to see connections and patterns in real life.
  • Perfect for: Young sleuths who have an interest in art and puzzles.

• 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 adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of humor and mystery, engaging readers with codes, puzzles, and secrets that keep the pages turning.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love a mystery that's both funny and suspenseful.

Educational Mystery Books for 13-14-Year-Olds

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: When Ted and Kat's cousin Salim disappears from the London Eye, the siblings embark on a thrilling adventure to solve the mystery of his disappearance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical thinking, understanding of Asperger's syndrome, sibling dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping mystery while also offering insights into different ways of thinking and perceiving the world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy contemporary mysteries and learning about diverse characters.

• 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, must use her wits and disguise skills to find her missing mother in Victorian England.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, critical thinking, independence
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to historical settings and feminist themes through the eyes of a clever protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Fans of strong female leads and historical mysteries.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley and his friends must solve puzzles and riddles to find their way out of the extraordinary library created by the eccentric game maker, Mr. Lemoncello.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, knowledge of literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the excitement of a game with the thrill of a mystery, making it a fun and engaging read.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and those who appreciate a good library adventure.

• Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Southern Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mo LoBeau, a rising sixth grader, launches into action to solve a murder mystery in her small town with the help of her best friend, Dale.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social relationships, community dynamics, dialect understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming mystery that captures the essence of a small southern town with humor and grace.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy mysteries with a strong sense of place and memorable characters.

• Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Legal Drama
  • Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Theodore Boone finds himself dragged into a high-stakes legal battle when he uncovers a dangerous secret linked to a murder trial.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the legal system, ethical decision-making, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique glimpse into the legal world through the eyes of a smart, morally driven young protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in law, justice, and thrilling courtroom drama.

Challenging Mystery Books for 13-14-Year-Olds

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Science Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: As Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future, she must unravel the clues to prevent a tragic death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, incorporating elements of time travel and predestination, which require careful and thoughtful reading to fully understand.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking blend of mystery and science fiction that encourages readers to think about time, fate, and friendship in new ways.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy science fiction and puzzles, and those who like stories that make them think deeply about the plot.

• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Christopher, a fifteen-year-old with an extraordinary brain, decides to investigate the murder of a neighbor's dog, uncovering secrets that turn his world upside down.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel is written from the perspective of a protagonist with autism, presenting a unique narrative voice and perspective that can be challenging but enlightening.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling view into the mind of someone who sees the world differently, wrapped in a gripping mystery.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in psychology and social issues, and readers looking for a mystery that is also a deep, character-driven story.

• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In 1899 Texas, Calpurnia Tate is a curious girl navigating the challenges of society's expectations for women while exploring the natural world around her.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as gender roles and scientific inquiry during the turn of the 20th century, requiring readers to think critically about historical context and societal issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book combines a historical setting with a spirited protagonist's quest for knowledge, encouraging readers to explore their interests despite societal boundaries.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and historians, and readers who appreciate strong female characters challenging societal norms.

• A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story into a darker and more enchanted tale, facing witches, warlocks, and a destiny they cannot avoid.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book intertwines various fairy tales with dark and complex themes, requiring a mature understanding from the reader to grasp the nuanced storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling, inventive take on classic fairy tales with a twist, perfect for those who think they know all there is about fairy tales.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fairy tales looking for a darker, more thrilling version of the stories they thought they knew.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where the boys are forced to dig holes every day in the hot sun; soon Stanley realizes there's more than character improvement at play.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves together multiple storylines spanning different generations, all converging in a complex plot that challenges readers to make connections across the narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of adventure and mystery with memorable characters and a compelling plot that keeps readers guessing.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories that combine history, mystery, and a fight for justice.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of mystery books and you're around 13-14 years old, you're in for a thrilling ride! To get the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises that can help you develop good reading habits. These exercises are not just about reading more, but reading better and enjoying every bit of the mystery!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps in building a consistent reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner or area in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances your reading experience by making it more enjoyable and comfortable.
  • Tips: Make sure your reading nook is well-lit and free from distractions.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you are reading with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves your understanding and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you during these discussions.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to guess what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances your analytical thinking and keeps you engaged with the narrative.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them were right as you progress.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Create a visual map or timeline of the events in the book as you read.
  • How it helps: Helps you keep track of complex plots and characters, which is common in mystery books.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols for different types of events or characters to make your map visually engaging.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of different characters in the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens your understanding of the characters and their motivations.
  • Tips: Focus on major events in the story and how they might impact the characters emotionally and psychologically.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

Reading mystery books is not just about solving the mystery in the story, but also about discovering your own favorite ways to read and enjoy books. These exercises will not only improve your reading skills but also make the whole experience a lot more fun. So, grab your magnifying glass (metaphorically speaking!) and start your reading adventure! Happy sleuthing through the pages!