10+ Best Thriller 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 their seat? Look no further! Our curated selection of thriller books for 14-year-olds is packed with stories that blend suspense, excitement, and just the right amount of mystery to keep young readers hooked. Whether they're into heart-racing adventures or mind-bending puzzles, we've got something that will catch their eye. Keep reading to discover our top picks for thriller books that are sure to captivate and thrill!

Fun Thriller Books for 14-Year-Olds

• The Maze Runner by James Dashner
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Thomas wakes up in a lift with no memory of his past, only to find himself in a strange world surrounded by other boys. Together, they must navigate a lethal maze that could lead them to freedom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, gripping tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It also encourages problem-solving and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Teens who love puzzles and adrenaline-pumping scenarios.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention center where boys are forced to dig holes daily in the hot sun; supposedly to build character, but he soon realizes they are looking for something buried.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with humor and a unique mystery, making reading fun and engaging. It also teaches the importance of history and personal integrity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with quirky characters and unexpected twists.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle Thriller
  • Synopsis: An eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing has died, and his will brings together an unlikely group of heirs who must solve the mystery of his death to inherit his fortune.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing puzzle that promotes critical thinking and deduction skills. The story is engaging and offers a variety of perspectives through a diverse cast of characters.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy solving mysteries and deciphering complex puzzles.

• City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Thriller
  • Synopsis: When Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder — much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book introduces readers to a captivating world filled with shadowhunters and demons. It's perfect for getting lost in a fantastical narrative that’s also grounded with relatable teen issues.
  • Perfect for: Young adults who love fantasy worlds with a dark twist and action-packed adventures.

• Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
  • Genre(s): Spy Thriller, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Alex Rider, a fourteen-year-old orphan, is thrust into the world of espionage after his uncle's death and must infiltrate the organization behind a deadly virus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling ride through the world of spies with plenty of gadgets and action. It’s a great way to introduce young readers to the spy genre.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in suspenseful stories with young protagonists who take charge of their destinies.

Educational Thriller Books for 14-Year-Olds

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller
  • 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 what happened to him.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Deductive reasoning, understanding of Asperger syndrome, family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling mystery that also gives insights into the mind of a protagonist with Asperger's, making it both educational and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy mysteries and learning about diverse characters.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: As Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future, she must piece together the clues and discover how they relate to a tragedy that hasn't yet occurred.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of time travel and its implications, narrative structure
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly combines elements of science fiction with a suspenseful plot and rich, believable characters.
  • Perfect for: Teens who love thought-provoking stories and puzzles.

• Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham
  • Genre(s): Legal Thriller, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Theodore Boone, a 13-year-old with dreams of becoming a great trial lawyer, finds himself dragged into the middle of a high-stakes legal battle that could make or break his career before it even starts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the legal system, ethical decision-making, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an exciting look into the complexities of the law through the eyes of a relatable young protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in law, justice, and thrilling courtroom drama.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art Thriller
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting goes missing, Petra and Calder combine their talents to solve an international art scandal.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art history, pattern recognition, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fascinating art puzzle that encourages readers to think about the importance of art and its impact on society.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and art lovers who enjoy a good mystery with an educational twist.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous young friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover a mysterious box and get caught up in a thrilling adventure involving an ancient secret society.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, creativity, secret codes
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with humor, adventure, and secret codes, making it not only exciting but also a brain-teasing experience.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love cracking codes and solving riddles.

Challenging Thriller Books for 14-Year-Olds

• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
  • Genre(s): Crime, Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander investigate a woman's disappearance from a wealthy family, uncovering secrets that have been hidden for decades.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex plots and deeply developed characters, requiring readers to maintain focus and think critically about the social issues presented.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, intellectually challenging novel that deals with real-world issues, providing a mature narrative that respects the intelligence of its readers.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking for a serious, thought-provoking thriller.

• I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells
  • Genre(s): Horror, Thriller, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: John Wayne Cleaver is a diagnosed sociopath obsessed with serial killers, but when a real murderer comes to his town, he must protect his identity while stopping the killer.
  • Why this book is challenging: This novel confronts dark themes and moral dilemmas, challenging readers to explore complex psychological landscapes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique protagonist and moral questions that are rarely addressed in YA literature, making it a fascinating read for mature teens.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in psychology and ethical questions within a thrilling context.

• Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Techno-Thriller
  • Synopsis: After a terrorist attack in San Francisco, teenager Marcus Yallow is wrongfully detained by the Department of Homeland Security but decides to take down the system using his hacking skills.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of surveillance, personal freedom, and civil rights, incorporating real technological concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's thought-provoking and relevant, encouraging readers to think about their role in society and how they interact with technology.
  • Perfect for: Tech-savvy teens and young advocates for civil liberties.

• Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith
  • Genre(s): Thriller, Horror, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Framed for a crime he didn't commit, 14-year-old Alex Sawyer finds himself trapped in a nightmarish prison known as Furnace Penitentiary.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intense, dark atmosphere and complex psychological elements make it a gripping but challenging read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines horror and thriller elements to create a compelling narrative that also explores deeper themes of hope and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy intense stories with strong emotional and psychological depth.

• The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
  • Genre(s): Horror, Thriller, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In the late 19th century, young apprentice Will Henry and his mentor, Dr. Pellinore Warthrop, study monstrous creatures that threaten humanity, delving deep into a series of chilling encounters.
  • Why this book is challenging: The sophisticated language, historical setting, and complex scientific concepts present a unique challenge to young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a blend of horror and science in a historical context, providing a dense and engaging reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by monsters and science, and who appreciate a historical setting.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of thriller books and want to get the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises tailored just for you. These will help you develop good reading habits, making your journey through each suspense-filled page even more thrilling!

• 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 engaged with your thriller book.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you finish reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the plot and characters.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and highlight key events.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are also reading it or have read it.
  • How it helps: Provides different perspectives and deeper understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club to make discussions more structured and regular.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Make predictions about what you think will happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Increases engagement and anticipation as you read through the book.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check them as you progress to see how accurate you were.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Create a visual map or timeline of events and character relationships.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize complex plots and subplots in thriller novels.
  • Tips: Use a piece of paper or digital tools like mind mapping software to draw your story map.

These exercises are not just about making reading a routine but also about enhancing your understanding and enjoyment of the books. Give them a try, and see how much more involved you feel in the world of each thriller you read. Happy reading!