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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner that will keep your 12-year-old glued to their seat? Look no further! Our guide to mystery thriller books for 12-year-olds is packed with picks that are sure to captivate young readers with twists, turns, and suspense at every corner. Keep reading to discover our top recommendations and find the perfect thrilling read for your young bookworm!

Fun Mystery Thriller Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: An eccentric millionaire named Samuel W. Westing has left behind a will that challenges sixteen heirs to solve the secret of his death. The winner will inherit his vast fortune.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing puzzle that involves critical thinking and deduction, perfect for keeping young readers engaged and improving their problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and playing detective.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, encounters a series of odd, mysterious guests each bearing secrets linked to the inn itself.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with a cozy, atmospheric setting, encouraging readers to immerse themselves in a complex narrative that celebrates curiosity and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with a magical twist and intricate plots.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Emily and her new friend James embark on a thrilling hunt across San Francisco to solve puzzles that lead to an unpublished novel hidden by the creator of the Book Scavenger game.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes not only a love for mysteries but also a passion for books and reading, incorporating real-life settings that can inspire geographical and cultural curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous spirits who enjoy scavenger hunts and decoding ciphers.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Humor
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid gamer and fan of all kinds of games. He wins a coveted spot to be one of the first to enter an exciting new library created by game maker Luigi Lemoncello. The catch? He must escape the library by solving various puzzles and riddles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, fun-filled adventure that encourages creative problem-solving and highlights the importance of teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Gamers and puzzle enthusiasts who appreciate a good challenge and a humorous story.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the mysterious Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must stop a plot that could have global consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features clever protagonists using their unique talents to solve problems, fostering a sense of intelligence, bravery, and the value of friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like stories about secret missions and tests of wit and courage.

Educational Mystery Thriller Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting goes missing, Petra and Calder combine their talents in art and puzzle-solving to crack an international art scandal.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, pattern recognition, art history, and geometry
  • Why we recommend this book: It intertwines mystery with lessons in art history and introduces young readers to the world of visual patterns and mathematical concepts.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives 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 a mysterious box that leads them into a secretive and dangerous adventure involving a magician’s notebook and a centuries-old secret.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, critical thinking, chemistry, and history
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with codes, puzzles, and secrets that keep readers engaged and challenge their thinking skills.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who love cracking codes and unraveling mysteries.

• 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 a mysterious statue possibly sculpted by Michelangelo.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Resource management, historical knowledge, and analytical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a blend of adventure and education, teaching about art history and museum workings in an engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who dream of mystery and escape, and those interested in art and history.

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: When Ted's cousin Salim disappears on the London Eye, Ted and his sister Kat become detectives in their own right, using Ted's unique perspective to solve the mystery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observational skills, understanding of human behavior, and geography
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping, fast-paced mystery that also portrays the challenges and strengths of neurodiversity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy contemporary settings and are curious about different ways of seeing the world.

• The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Ruthie and Jack discover a magical key that allows them to shrink in size and explore the famous Thorne Rooms at the Chicago Art Institute, where they find themselves swept into a thrilling adventure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art appreciation, history, and imaginative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines real art and historical facts with a magical adventure, encouraging exploration and discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who are fascinated by art, history, and magical adventures.

Challenging Mystery Thriller Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Apothecary by Maile Meloy
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: In 1952, fourteen-year-old Janie Scott moves from Los Angeles to London, where she meets a mysterious apothecary and his son Benjamin. Together, they become entangled in a plot involving espionage, alchemy, and a nuclear threat.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates complex themes of global politics and historical conflicts, intertwined with elements of fantasy and alchemy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich blend of history, mystery, and magic, providing a multifaceted reading experience that challenges and entertains.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical settings with a magical twist and those interested in Cold War history.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future. These notes lead her on a journey of understanding regarding time travel and friendships in her changing world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, involving time travel and subtle clues that require careful attention and critical thinking to piece together.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book cleverly combines elements of science fiction with real-life issues, making it a compelling read that encourages deep thinking about time, friendship, and fate.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy science fiction and mysteries that make them think critically about the plot and characters.

• The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Three children, Giuseppe, Frederick, and Hannah, find their lives intertwined as they each seek their own form of freedom and adventure in a bustling city filled with mystery and danger.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book weaves together three distinct storylines, each with its own set of challenges and mysteries, requiring readers to keep track of complex plots and character developments.
  • Why we recommend this book: It is a captivating tale that combines historical elements with a touch of fantasy, encouraging readers to explore themes of friendship, courage, and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who like stories with multiple protagonists and those interested in historical settings with a fantastical twist.

• The Shadows by Jacqueline West
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: When eleven-year-old Olive and her parents move into a creepy old house, she finds a set of peculiar paintings that hold the keys to mysterious and magical secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative combines elements of art, fantasy, and mystery with complex themes such as identity and the nature of reality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of art and mystery, engaging readers with its imaginative plot and magical adventures.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy spooky stories with a strong female lead and a rich, imaginative setting.

• The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Seven girls at a Victorian boarding school must cover up the sudden death of their headmistress while solving the mystery of her murder to maintain their newfound independence.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features sophisticated language and a complex plot involving multiple characters with distinct personalities and motives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a humorous yet suspenseful tale that promotes teamwork and independence among a diverse group of characters, all while providing a thrilling mystery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a blend of humor, mystery, and historical settings, and those who enjoy stories about strong, independent young women.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of mystery thriller books and you're around 12 years old, you're in for some exciting reading adventures. To get the most out of your books and develop some solid reading habits, here are a few exercises that can help. These are not just fun but will also enhance your understanding and enjoyment of what you read.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your life.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Mystery Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Make 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 keep track of words and their meanings.

• Discuss with Friends or Family
  • What it is: Talk about the book with others who are reading it or have read it.
  • How it helps: Improves your comprehension and gives you different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to discuss the book as soon as you finish it to keep details fresh.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to guess what will happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances your analytical skills and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many come true as you read.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the events in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps you keep track of the plot and improves your ability to sequence events.
  • Tips: Update your map as you read through the book.

• Character Charts
  • What it is: Create charts that describe different characters and their relationships.
  • How it helps: Deepens your understanding of character development and dynamics.
  • Tips: Include quotes from the book to illustrate your points.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write short summaries of each chapter after you read them.
  • How it helps: Aids in retention and helps you grasp the main points of the story.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focused on key details.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make your journey through mystery thrillers more thrilling but also more rewarding. You'll find yourself becoming a more skilled and thoughtful reader, ready to tackle any mystery that comes your way. Happy reading!