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

Are you on the hunt for page-turners that will keep your 12-year-old on the edge of their seat? Look no further! Our latest roundup of suspense books for 12-year-olds is packed with thrilling adventures that are perfect for young readers craving a good mystery. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to captivate and engage!

Fun Suspense Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where the boys build character by spending all day, every day digging holes exactly five feet wide and five feet deep. There is more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake, and Stanley tries to dig up the truth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of an intriguing mystery and a survival story that keeps readers guessing. It also addresses themes of friendship, justice, and fate.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy puzzles and mysteries wrapped up in adventure.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Science Fiction, Adventure
  • 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 nothing is as it seems.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book challenges young minds with complex puzzles and mysteries, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love brain teasers and secret missions.

• 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 story connected to the inn’s past. As objects begin to go missing, Milo and his friend Meddy must uncover the secrets of the Greenglass House.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a cozy, atmospheric mystery that encourages readers to piece together clues alongside the protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy ghost stories and tales of hidden treasures.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Emily and her new friend James discover an unusual book, which they realize is part of a game created by the eccentric book publisher Garrison Griswold. However, when Griswold is attacked, the game turns into a critical puzzle that leads them across San Francisco.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of cryptography, puzzles, and adventure, making it a thrilling read that also educates about literary history.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle lovers, especially those who appreciate books about books.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of the very strange will of the very wealthy Samuel W. Westing. According to his will, the potential heirs could inherit millions if they solve the secret of his death.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever puzzle mystery that engages readers with witty, challenging clues that test their deduction skills.
  • Perfect for: Fans of intricate plots and mind-bending puzzles.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley and his friends must solve every clue and figure out every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route out of the extraordinary library created by the famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fast-paced, whimsical adventure that celebrates libraries and promotes teamwork and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Gamers and any young reader who loves a good, fun challenge.

These books are not only thrilling but also great tools to foster a love for reading and critical thinking in young readers. Enjoy the adventure!

Educational Suspense Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Suspense
  • Synopsis: Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim board the London Eye, but when the pod comes back down, Salim has mysteriously disappeared. The siblings must work together, using Ted's unique way of viewing the world, to solve the mystery of what happened to Salim.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, understanding perspectives, geography of London
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping, fast-paced mystery that also gives insights into different ways of thinking, particularly through the lens of Ted's autism spectrum perspective.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love a good mystery and are interested in seeing how different minds approach problem-solving.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art, Suspense
  • Synopsis: When a precious Vermeer painting disappears, Petra and Calder combine their talents to solve an international art scandal. As they get deeper into the mystery, they must rely on their problem-solving skills and knowledge of Vermeer's art to crack the code.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, art history, pattern recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly integrates art history with a suspenseful mystery, encouraging readers to think about the importance of art and its impact on society.
  • Perfect for: Young sleuths and art enthusiasts who enjoy puzzles and mysteries.

• The Name of this Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Suspense
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous young friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover a mysterious box that leads them on a thrilling adventure involving a magician's diary, a spooky deserted spa, and an ancient secret society.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Secret codes, critical thinking, creative problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, engaging book that uses humor and mystery to keep readers hooked while subtly teaching them about cryptography and history.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love secrets, codes, and unraveling mysteries with a touch of supernatural intrigue.

• Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Legal Thriller, Suspense
  • Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Theodore Boone dreams of being a great trial lawyer. Theo finds himself dragged into the middle of a high-stakes legal battle that may put him—and those he loves—in danger.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the legal system, strategic thinking, ethics
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the intricacies of the legal system through an engaging and suspenseful storyline.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young lawyers and readers who enjoy stories about justice and courtroom drama.

• The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Suspense
  • Synopsis: Young Reuben discovers an extraordinary antique watch that has the power to make its keeper invisible. Thrust into danger, he is drawn into a battle against a sinister figure known only as The Smoke, who controls the fate of the city.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Courage, friendship, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a deep moral storyline, exploring themes of power, corruption, and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thrilling adventures with a bit of fantasy and ethical dilemmas.

Challenging Suspense Books for 12-Year-Olds

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery, Suspense
  • Synopsis: As Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future, she must unravel the clues around her to prevent a tragic death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, involving time travel and multiple storylines that intersect in unexpected ways.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking blend of science fiction and mystery that encourages critical thinking and exploration of profound themes like friendship and destiny.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy puzzles and stories that make them think deeply about time and human connections.

• The Apothecary by Maile Meloy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Suspense
  • Synopsis: In 1952, Janie Scott moves from Los Angeles to London where she befriends a local boy named Benjamin Burrows who dreams of becoming a spy. Together, they discover Benjamin's father is part of a secret guild of apothecaries tasked with protecting an ancient book of magical formulas.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines historical events with magical elements, requiring readers to differentiate between historical facts and fictional fantasy.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a gripping, imaginative story that also educates about post-war Europe while engaging readers with its magical elements.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history, magic, and espionage.

• The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Two abandoned Irish siblings, Molly and Kip, work as servants at a creepy, crumbling English manor house and discover that the house and its family are cursed by a malevolent force that preys upon the greed and dark secrets of its inhabitants.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into complex themes of greed, family secrets, and moral dilemmas, wrapped up in a suspenseful, ghostly tale.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a spooky read that manages to be both thrilling and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to consider the consequences of their choices.
  • Perfect for: Fans of ghost stories and moral mysteries.

• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Suspense
  • Synopsis: In an alternative 19th-century England overrun by wolves, cousins Bonnie and Sylvia fight to save themselves from an evil governess and reclaim Bonnie's family estate.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features rich, descriptive language and a complex plot involving social commentary and a dystopian setting unusual for historical fiction.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book combines adventure with a touch of horror and a strong sense of justice, making it a compelling and enriching read.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy alternative history and stories about young heroes fighting against the odds.

• The Shadows by Jacqueline West
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Suspense
  • Synopsis: Olive Dunwoody moves into a strange old house filled with paintings that seem to harbor dark secrets and quickly finds herself tangled in a mysterious adventure.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot involves a complex interplay between the real world and the magical, with puzzles that challenge the boundaries of both.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical mystery that stimulates the imagination and challenges readers to think outside the box.
  • Perfect for: Young fantasy lovers and mystery solvers who enjoy stories where art and reality intersect.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the thrilling world of suspense books and you're around 12 years old, you're in for some edge-of-your-seat excitement! To get the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises designed to enhance your skills and deepen your involvement with the books. These simple activities will not only make reading more fun but also help you develop good reading habits that will last a lifetime.

• 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 motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• 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 reading it too.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club where everyone shares their thoughts.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a comfortable space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Improves concentration and makes reading time special.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and maybe some snacks!

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read.
  • How it helps: Increases engagement and enjoyment of the book.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to picture the setting and characters.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Keeps you intrigued and actively thinking about the storyline.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many come true as you read.

Remember, the key to becoming a great reader is to keep it fun and engaging. These exercises aren't just tasks; they're stepping stones to a lifelong adventure in reading. So grab your suspense novel, pick a cozy corner, and let the mystery unfold! Happy reading!