Books for young mystery lovers

Books are listed, roughly, starting with those suitable for younger readers. Many of the books are parts of series- a good starting point to enjoy others in the series.

Grandad's Teeth by Rod Clement (picture book) (ages 4+)

"Help!" exclaims Grandad, "I've been robbed!" His teeth are missing and the mystery is stumping everyone. The police are called in and evidence examined but the culprit goes unpunished. The ripple effect makes everyone in town unhappy until new teeth are bought for Grandad. The parody of serious crimes adds humour that will only be understood by older children, but the ongoing mystery keeps kids guessing until the end. Finally, Gump, Grandad's dog, flashes a magnificent smile and solves the mystery.






 Where's the Big Bad Wolf? by Eileen Christelow (picture book) (ages 4+)

This is a wonderful retelling of the Three Little Pigs, with a dog detective thrown in. Police Detective Doggedly tells the story of the "low-down, no-good, chicken-chasing, pig-poaching rascal", the Wolf. Wolf promises to be good each time he's caught but can't stay out of trouble. He disguises himself as Esmeralda, an innocent, if rather large, sheep. Helping the pigs build some flimsy houses, Esmeralda aids in the search for the Wolf, who is missing after the scene of each crime. Kids will love that they've solved the puzzle first, knowing Esmeralda is a baddy in disguise and hoping the hopeless dog detective will soon catch on.





Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by James Howe (ages 5+) (series)

The first in a series in which family pets Harold (a dog) and Chester (a cat) suspect the new pet rabbit of being a vegetarian vampire. Harold is the story-teller and uses humour as well as some big words. The new vocabulary is cleverly explained and the book does not have the dumbing-down common in many beginning chapter books. Clues to the bunny’s true identity include a colour-less tomato (sucked dry?) and the presence of pointy fangs which worry Chester. The humour and originality make it a delightful book that adults will want to keep reading, too. Are we dealing with an innocent baby bunny, or something more sinister?

The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base (ages 5+)

The mystery that accompanies the gorgeous illustrations in this picture book is a stolen meal. Turning eleven, Horace the elephant plans a celebration with all his animal friends. After the games are played, (eleven in all, with drawings kids will pore over) they discover with horror that the birthday dinner has been stolen. ‘“But who”, they cried, could possibly have managed such a theft?”’ Horace saves the day by preparing more food but the friends never discover who the culprit was. The author then challenges young readers to solve the puzzle, using a clever code written on the final page.  Other puzzles include finding animals hidden on each page. All the answers are provided, thankfully.This one’s a keeper!

The Blue Steeler – Jack Russell: dog detective by Darrel & Sally Odgers
(ages 5 -8) (series)

For animal loving, emerging readers, this is Jack’s ninth book. Told from Jack’s perspective, this canine detective helps animal friends solve various mysteries (unsurprisingingly, often involving missing food!). Lassie-style, he manages to communicate and enlist help from human best friend, Sarge. The writing is not corny or condescending as found in some books aimed at younger readers. “Jack’s facts” and “Jack’s glossary” help the reader through the mystery and also add humour. At times the wordplay can be a bit much but will probably delight kids… some of the possible solutions to the mystery are just “impawsibale”, according to Jack. Satisfyingly, Jack gets his man and all returns to normal in Doggeroo, until next time!

Who Stole New Year’s Eve? 
(a Chickadee Court Mystery) by Martha Freeman

(ages 7 +) (series)

In the fifth mystery in this series, kid sleuths Alex Parakeet and friends are on the case of stolen ice sculptures. Clues abound and readers also learn more about the group of friends at Chickadee Court. Alex learns that the “mystery of girls” cannot be easily solved, as jealousies provide interest and a deeper understanding of the main characters.  Set against a backdrop of the holiday season, the trademark humour also adds to the enjoyment.

Five Have a Mystery to Solve by Enid Blyton 
( a Famous Five book) (ages 5-12) (series)

Though many parents cringe at the ever-enthusiastic dialogue, unbelievable plots and jolly marmalade eating, I think we are missing the point. It's pure adventure, with less emphasis on clue solving and more on getting in and out of trouble with ones friends. In true Famous Five style, the children are unhindered by parents or care-givers of any kind and in this book they are asked to stay with a 9-year-old boy to look after him while his Gran is away. It’s not long until they are tempted to investigate nearby mysterious Whispering Island, though forbidden to do so. Their boat drifts away, leaving them stranded and their young charge Wilfred hires another boat (alone!) to search for them. A series of lucky coincidences later, the Five and their new friend uncover a smuggling ring but are captured, only to mount an exciting escape. All I know is that when I returned this copy to the library my own children asked me, “did you get any more Famous Five, Mum?”

Encyclopedia Brown, boy detective by Donald J Sobol (ages 7-10) (series)

As Leroy Brown solves a series of puzzles, young readers are challenged to do the same. Leroy speedily helps his Police Chief dad solve crimes after asking precisely the right question, (and therefore providing clues for readers). With tough sidekick Sally, Leroy also runs a neighbourhood detective agency for kids, often dealing with a local bully. Following a familiar formula, books stand alone, making reading the series easy for puzzle lovers.

Open for Business by Moya Simons (a Walk Right in Detective Agency book) (series) (ages 7- 10)

Friends David and Bernice set up their own detective agency and solve a series of minor cases and one more serious one in which they find out details about an adopted girl’s birth parents. Written with humour from the point of view of note-taking David, the story uses a well-worn formula but creates a fun story that also tackles a tricky topic. Kids will be keen to revisit these two likeable characters and learn more about their friendship and adventures in future instalments.

Geronimo and the Gold Medal Mystery by Geronimo Stilton ( a Geronimo Stilton book) (ages 6-10) (series)

Geronimo reintroduces himself in each book, making it easy for kids to pick at random from the extensive series. Following the familiar pattern, Geronimo gets a request for help in this book, this time from his sister, Thea.  As usual Geronimo, a keen journalist at the Rodent’s Gazette, finds himself out of his comfort zone but is always willing to help his friends and family. Geronimo must head to Greece to cover the Olypmic Games. On route he meets his old friend (he has so many!) Hercule Poirat, travelling in disguise. Hercule reaveals that something bad is happening at the Olympics and Geronimo agrees to help investigate. Interleaved into the mystery are facts about Greece, Greek history and the Olympics. Children will love looking at the flags of the Olympic nations, for example, and teachers will love this added sneaky educational aspects.  Geronimo solves the mystery of the cheating athlete; fair play is a common theme in this series. Kids love the detailed illustrations that bring the story and the factual elements alive; they get to see the map of Geronimo’s hometown, New Mouse City, and the ins and outs of his office and staff. The fonts used manage to express the emotions characters are feeling; this is another wonderful beginning chapter book starring Geronimo Stilton.

Ruby Redfort: Look Into My Eyes by Lauren Child (ages 9-13) (series)

Meet sassy 13-year-old undercover agent Ruby Redfort. With an amazing talent for cracking codes, Ruby begins working as a spy for Spectrum. Readers will enjoy solving the codes and clues along with Ruby. This book follows a familiar formula in which Ruby successfully foils the the plans of an evil gang, along with her sidekick. Action-packed and entertaining, it's suitable for more advanced readers and sets up the series in style.

Dead Man’s Cove (a Laura Marlin Mystery) by Lauren St John (9 +) (series)

Rescued from an orphanage by a mysterious uncle, Laura goes to live in Cornwall. Fortunately for readers, her new life on the coast is full of mystery and adventure. A natural sleuth, Laura must uncover the secrets that Uncle Calvin is hiding. Beautiful settings and an intrepid heroine make this a compelling read that will appeal more to girls.

Nancy Drew: Girl Detective  #15 - Framed by Carolyn Keene (ages 9+) (series)



This famous series was created in the 30's and has been ghostwritten by various authors ever since. In this modern incarnation, "Girl Detective", (2004-2012) Nancy recounts her mysteries in the first person and uses a mobile phone! Framed sees Nancy trying to help a prince, no less, who is visiting her neighbourhood. She believed he has been framed when he is arrested for stealing a valuable painting. Purists may prefer to look back to earlier Drew novels.

When you reach me  by Rebecca Stead (ages 9+)

A Newbury Medal winning book about a young girl, set in New York in the 70's. Miranda receives notes from a homeless man that appear to predict the future. Clues are presented to readers through the notes, leading to a thrilling conclusion and a revelation of the identity of the note-writer. Dealing with themes of friendship and redemption, this time-twisting novel is both charming and exciting.





Alex Rider: Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz (ages 10+) (series)






In the first in the action-packed series, Alex must investigate when his uncle dies in a car crash, while apparently not wearing his seatbelt. After finding bullet holes in the car wreck, Alex finds out Uncle Ian in fact worked for MI6. In its emulation of James Bond, the book is very violent. Alex finds himself in some very dangerous situations and behaves violently in order to stay alive; this book is not suitable for younger readers. However, I don't think Alex will be giving up spying and mystery solving in favour a schoolboy's existence anytime soon.















A Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket (series) (ages 10+)


The first in a series of thirteen books about the orphaned Baudelaire siblings who have lost their parents in a house fire. The mystery of their parents' deaths is not solved in this book, but we do meet Count Olaf, an evil relative with designs on their inheritance. The bizarre and downright awful things that happen to the children are so cleverly told that it seems more like a wonderful adventure than the tale of life-threatening evil that it in fact is. The mysterious narrator, Snicket, adds his own observations and a personal interest to the story, only intriguing and hooking readers further. The fantastic settings add appeal but may scare younger children. The combination of loveable young characters and the series of insanely imaginative predicaments they face make this a series children will want to reread.






The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin (ages 10+)

Newbury Medal winner and a favourite with critics, this novel for older mystery lovers sets readers the challenge along with 16 would-be heirs to a huge fortune: who murdered millionaire Sam Westing? A complicated puzzle with multiple characters, suitable for older readers... prepare to be stumped and only read if you'll enjoy being so!