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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner that will keep a 14-year-old glued to the edge of their seat? Look no further! Our roundup of mystery books for 14-year-olds offers a variety of captivating stories that are just the right blend of suspense and intrigue. Whether they're seasoned sleuths or new to the genre, there's something here that will spark their imagination and keep those pages turning. Keep reading to discover our top picks for mystery books that are sure to be a hit with young teens!

Fun Mystery Books for 14-Year-Olds

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing's will, only to find that they must solve the secret of his death by clues given to them in pairs.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever puzzle wrapped in a mystery that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, making it a captivating read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love puzzles and brain teasers.

• Spy School by Stuart Gibbs
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Spy Fiction
  • Synopsis: Middle school student Ben Ripley discovers he's been recruited into a junior CIA academy, leading him into a world of espionage and intrigue.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with suspense, providing a fun and thrilling introduction to the spy genre.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young spies and readers who enjoy fast-paced stories with a good dose of humor.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: During a snowy winter, Milo Pine and his parents, who run a smugglers' inn, find themselves entangled in a mystery involving old maps, treacherous thieves, and ghost stories.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its intricate plot and well-developed characters make it a deeply engaging read that also enhances imaginative thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy ghost stories and mysteries with a touch of fantasy.

• 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 stop a global crisis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of riddles and puzzles that challenge the mind, making it an intellectually stimulating experience.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy solving puzzles and participating in adventures that test their intellect and resourcefulness.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art
  • Synopsis: When a famous Vermeer painting goes missing, two sixth-graders, Petra and Calder, combine their talents to solve an art heist mystery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly integrates art history and mathematical concepts within a compelling mystery narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in art and puzzles, and those who enjoy a mystery that makes them think.

• 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 hiding books and solving complex puzzles across the country.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes critical thinking and problem-solving through deciphering codes and following clues, all wrapped up in an exciting adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle lovers who are also fans of books and reading.

Educational Mystery Books for 14-Year-Olds

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim board the London Eye, but he mysteriously vanishes during the 30-minute ride. They embark on a thrilling investigation across London to solve the mystery of what happened to Salim.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Deductive reasoning, geography of London, understanding of Asperger's syndrome
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a gripping mystery with a portrayal of neurological diversity, encouraging empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in fast-paced mysteries and learning about different perspectives.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sixth-grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that predict the future and must piece together the clues to prevent a tragic death.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of time travel and its implications, narrative structure
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking blend of mystery and science fiction with a twist that encourages deep thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy puzzles and time-travel stories.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley wins a chance to stay overnight in the new library designed by his hero, game designer Luigi Lemoncello. The fun turns into a high-stakes game as Kyle and other kids must solve puzzles to find their way out.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, knowledge of literature, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging and interactive adventure that promotes literacy and cooperation among peers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love games, libraries, and collaborative challenges.

• The Name of this Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover a mysterious box that is part of a magician's legacy and embark on a quest to foil a dangerous organization.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Code-breaking, critical thinking, chemistry
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with codes, puzzles, and intriguing characters, making it a fun and educational read.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who delight in secrets and solving mysteries.

• Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Mo LoBeau, who washed ashore in a hurricane eleven years ago, and her best friend Dale turn detectives when a murder occurs in their small town and Dale's family becomes the prime suspect.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social studies, critical thinking, character development
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a charming and witty narrative with a strong sense of community and a twisty plot.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a Southern setting and a mix of humor and mystery.

Challenging Mystery Books for 14-Year-Olds

• 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 and a love for lists and patterns, decides to investigate the mysterious death of a neighborhood dog, uncovering secrets that turn his world upside down.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel presents a unique narrative perspective that mirrors the protagonist's mental processes, including behavioral and emotional challenges associated with his condition.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides insight into a different way of thinking and problem-solving, encouraging empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a mystery that offers a deep, personal perspective and challenges their views on normalcy and intelligence.

• And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Ten strangers are lured to an isolated island mansion where they are picked off one by one according to a chilling nursery rhyme until there are none.
  • Why this book is challenging: Christie's complex plot and the psychological depth of the characters offer a sophisticated twist on the traditional mystery genre.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a masterclass in suspense and plot development, perfect for advanced readers who enjoy seeing how every detail fits into a larger, intricate puzzle.
  • Perfect for: Those who love classic thrillers and the challenge of predicting the outcome as the tension builds.

• The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1950s England, precocious chemist and aspiring detective Flavia de Luce embarks on solving a murder that occurred in her own backyard, using her knowledge of poison and an acute sense of curiosity.
  • Why this book is challenging: The protagonist's advanced chemical knowledge and the complex narrative, rich with period details, make for a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: Flavia's sharp wit and the vivid setting provide a compelling twist on the murder mystery genre, making it both educational and deeply engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a knack for science and history, and those who appreciate a strong, intelligent female lead.

• The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in a magical alternate Paris in 1889, a diverse team of young experts with unique talents must forge together to find an ancient artifact amidst the dark underbelly of a world brimming with secret societies and colonial tension.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features a complex world-building with elaborate puzzles and codes interwoven with historical and cultural references.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of a heist with the depth of historical intrigue, offering a rich, multicultural tapestry that is both enlightening and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fantasy and mystery with a strong dose of intellectual challenge and cultural exploration.

• Paper Towns by John Green
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: After an all-night adventure, Quentin Jacobsen follows a series of clues left by Margo Roth Spiegelman, his mysterious neighbor, who disappears, leaving him to question everything he knows about her and himself.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores complex themes of identity, perception, and the impact of human connections, requiring readers to think deeply about the characters and their motivations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating mystery wrapped in the questions of adolescence and self-discovery, making it a profound read for young adults.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in a story that combines an intriguing mystery with the challenges of growing up.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of mystery books, you're in for some thrilling adventures. But how can you enhance your reading experience and develop good habits while enjoying these captivating stories? Here are some fun and effective exercises tailored for 14-year-olds that can help make reading a habit and improve comprehension skills.

• Create a Mystery Glossary
  • What it is: Compile a list of new or interesting words you find in your mystery books.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the genre-specific terms.
  • Tips: Use a notebook or a digital app to add words as you read along.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Write down your predictions about the plot after reading a chapter.
  • How it helps: Improves analytical thinking and engagement with the story.
  • Tips: Revisit your predictions after finishing the book to see how accurate you were.

• Character Mapping
  • What it is: Create a map or chart of the relationships between characters.
  • How it helps: Helps keep track of complex plots and subplots in mystery novels.
  • Tips: Update the map as new characters are introduced or relationships evolve.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club or discussion group with friends who are also reading the same book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and different perspectives.
  • Tips: Prepare a few questions or discussion points before each meeting.

• Scene Setting Visualization
  • What it is: Sketch or describe scenes from the book to visualize the setting.
  • How it helps: Increases immersion into the story and aids memory of the plot.
  • Tips: Use details from the author’s descriptions to make your visualizations as accurate as possible.

Remember, the key to becoming a better reader is consistency and engagement. Try out these exercises while you explore the mysterious and intriguing worlds created by your favorite authors. Not only will these activities enhance your reading skills, but they'll also make your adventure through mystery novels even more enjoyable. Happy sleuthing!