10+ Best Sherlock Holmes Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect Sherlock Holmes books for 13-year-olds? Whether you're looking to introduce the world of detective fiction to a young reader or finding a new twist on classic tales, this guide has got you covered. Dive into our curated selections that promise to captivate and challenge budding detectives. Keep reading to discover the various lists of Sherlock Holmes books tailored just for 13-year-olds!

Fun Sherlock Holmes Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Crime, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are called to the eerie Baskerville Hall to investigate a curse that haunts a noble family and the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville. The duo must find out if this curse is truly supernatural or the work of a cunning murderer.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling blend of mystery and suspense with a dash of the supernatural. It's great for keeping readers on the edge of their seat and encourages critical thinking and deduction skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love a good mystery and spooky stories.

• The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Detective Fiction
  • Synopsis: This collection of twelve short stories introduces readers to some of the most famous cases solved by the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. John Watson.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each story is a quick, engaging read that showcases Holmes’s clever problem-solving skills. It’s perfect for improving attention to detail and analytical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy puzzles and problem-solving challenges.

• Young Sherlock Holmes: Death Cloud by Andrew Lane
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Fourteen-year-old Sherlock Holmes embarks on his first investigation to uncover the mystery behind a series of unexplained deaths that are shrouded in a sinister cloud of black smoke.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a younger Sherlock, making it relatable to teenage readers. It’s filled with action and adventure that can spark a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking to get into the Sherlock Holmes series and enjoy action-packed adventures.

• Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars: The Fall of the Amazing Zalindas by Tracy Mack and Michael Citrin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sherlock Holmes teams up with the Baker Street Irregulars, a group of street children, to solve the mysterious death of tightrope walkers at a London circus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a group of clever kids playing significant roles in solving the mystery, which can be very empowering and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who dream of adventure and enjoy stories where children are the heroes.

• Sherlock Holmes: Children's Collection by Stephanie Baudet, illustrated by Arianna Bellucci
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series adapts the classic tales of Sherlock Holmes for a younger audience, maintaining the intrigue and excitement of the original stories in a more accessible format.
  • Why we recommend this book: The adaptations are perfect for younger readers, making the complex plots and language of the original stories easier to understand and enjoy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers new to classic literature and those looking for a fun introduction to detective fiction.

Educational Sherlock Holmes Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Sherlock Holmes and the Shadwell Shadows by James Lovegrove
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Horror, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In this novel, Sherlock Holmes faces off against supernatural forces in the foggy streets of Victorian London, providing a darker, more eerie backdrop to his logical and deductive methods.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, historical context, vocabulary expansion
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends classic Sherlock Holmes detective work with elements of horror, offering a fresh twist that keeps readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Fans of mysteries with a supernatural twist and those interested in alternative historical settings.

• The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery by Nancy Springer
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: When Enola Holmes, Sherlock’s younger sister, discovers her mother has disappeared, she embarks on a journey to find her, uncovering more than just family secrets along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, historical knowledge, understanding of gender roles
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a strong female protagonist who uses wit and intelligence to solve mysteries, inspiring young readers, especially girls.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with strong female leads and historical settings.

• Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Detective Fiction
  • Synopsis: This is the first published story of Sherlock Holmes, where he and Dr. John Watson are introduced and take on their first case involving a series of mysterious and brutal deaths in London.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical reasoning, forensic science, Victorian literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It's the starting point for anyone new to Sherlock Holmes, offering a perfect mix of mystery and the introduction of legendary characters.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in the origins of Sherlock Holmes and classic detective stories.

• Sherlock Holmes and the Duke's Son by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, adapted by Jennifer Bassett
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Adapted Literature
  • Synopsis: Dr. Watson narrates this adapted tale where Holmes investigates the disappearance of the Duke of Holdernesse’s son, leading to a surprising and perilous adventure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Adaptation understanding, narrative skills, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: The adaptation makes the original Sherlock Holmes story more accessible and engaging for younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Middle schoolers who enjoy adventure stories and are starting to explore complex narratives.

• Sherlock Holmes and the Disappearing Diamond by Sam Hearn
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Children’s Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Sherlock Holmes is on the case again, this time investigating the mysterious case of a diamond that has vanished from a museum exhibit.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Deductive reasoning, attention to detail, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun and engaging mystery that encourages readers to think critically and pay attention to details.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love solving puzzles and mysteries.

Challenging Sherlock Holmes Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Sherlock Holmes and the Ice Palace Murders by Larry Millett
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in the cold, harsh winter of Minnesota, Sherlock Holmes is drawn into a complex case involving the disappearance of a wealthy young man during the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates historical elements and intricate plot twists that challenge the reader's deductive reasoning and attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique setting and a compelling mystery that diverges from the typical London backdrop, providing a fresh perspective on Holmes's adventures.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings and complex mystery plots.

• The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1915, young Mary Russell meets the retired Sherlock Holmes. Under his tutelage, she blossoms into a brilliant detective, embarking on thrilling adventures with Holmes at her side.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves advanced vocabulary and complex concepts of early 20th-century life, challenging young readers to expand their understanding and language skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a strong, intellectual female protagonist who partners with Holmes, providing inspiration and a role model for young readers, especially girls.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers interested in strong character development and historical narratives.

• Sherlock Holmes: The Breath of God by Guy Adams
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Horror, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: Holmes and Watson find themselves teaming up with other notable figures of their time, including Harry Houdini, to solve a case involving mysterious deaths and supernatural events.
  • Why this book is challenging: The inclusion of historical figures and supernatural elements requires readers to integrate knowledge of different genres and historical contexts.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book blends real historical figures with fictional adventures, offering a captivating mix that encourages historical research and imaginative thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy crossovers of historical figures and fictional plots.

• Sherlock Holmes and the King’s Evil by Donald Thomas
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In these five new tales, Sherlock Holmes confronts cases at the behest of royalty and the famous. From the slums of Whitechapel to the elegance of Mayfair, Holmes and Watson find themselves dealing with a variety of challenging situations and opponents.
  • Why this book is challenging: The stories contain complex language and historical references that require a good understanding of Victorian England.
  • Why we recommend this book: These new stories maintain the classic Holmes deductive approach while introducing more complex and morally ambiguous problems.
  • Perfect for: Teens who are fans of traditional Holmes stories but are looking for new challenges.

• Sherlock Holmes and the Needle’s Eye by Len Bailey
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Time Travel, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow Sherlock Holmes as he travels through time to solve biblical and historical mysteries, using his renowned observational skills and logical reasoning in different times and settings.
  • Why this book is challenging: The integration of biblical and historical settings with detective fiction requires readers to think critically about various time periods and contexts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories by combining elements of time travel with the meticulous detective work of Holmes.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy creative storytelling and exploring different historical periods through fiction.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the intriguing world of Sherlock Holmes books at 13, you're in for some thrilling detective adventures. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises designed to develop good reading habits. These will not only enhance your understanding but also make reading more enjoyable.

• 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 day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• 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.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are also reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives you different perspectives.
  • Tips: Organize a weekly book club meeting to discuss thoughts and opinions.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the story’s events and characters.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding complex plots and character relationships.
  • Tips: Use a large piece of paper and add to it as you read through the book.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to predict future events in the story based on clues and characters' actions.
  • How it helps: Improves analytical thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many you got right as you read.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out or imagine yourself as one of the characters.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of character motivations and actions.
  • Tips: Choose a character you relate to or find interesting for a deeper connection.

These exercises are not just about improving your reading skills; they're about making reading your own adventure. By setting goals, keeping a journal, and engaging with the content actively, you'll find yourself lost in the world of Sherlock Holmes, decoding mysteries right alongside the legendary detective. Happy reading!