Tween Murder Mysteries!

Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce

12-year-old Myrtle Hardcastle, an aspiring detective in Victorian England who suspects her neighbor’s death wasn’t natural. With humor and historical charm, this witty whodunit is great for readers 10+.

What We Saw by Mary Downing Hahn

Two best friends who witness a suspicious meeting that leads to a deadly mystery. This tense, thoughtful thriller explores fear, secrets, and moral dilemmas for readers 9–13.

Wretched Waterpark by Kiersten White

A gothic, quirky mystery where siblings investigate strange disappearances at a creepy waterpark. Filled with dry humor and eerie twists, it’s ideal for ages 8–12 who enjoy offbeat mysteries.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

A fast-paced puzzle where sixteen heirs race to solve riddles and uncover a murderer to win a fortune. A Newbery Medal classic for readers 10+ who love smart mysteries.

The 39 Clues series

Siblings Amy and Dan Cahill on a globe-trotting treasure hunt for powerful family secrets. Packed with adventure and puzzles, it’s perfect for ages 8–12.

Lockwoods & Co by Jonathan Stroud

Young ghost-hunters tackle deadly hauntings in a haunted London. With suspense, humor, and friendship, it’s a spooky hit for readers 10+.

Enola Holmes by Nancy Springer

Sherlock’s clever younger sister solving mysteries in Victorian London. A fresh, adventurous take for readers 10+ who love smart heroines.

Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham

Theodore, 13-year-old legal whiz navigates a murder trial in his town. A suspenseful, accessible courtroom mystery for readers 8–12.

Midnight at the Barclay Hotel by Fleur Bradley

A cozy mystery set in a historic hotel where guests become amateur detectives after a famous actress’s death. Atmospheric and engaging for middle-grade readers.

Belly Up by Stuart Gibbs

12-year-old Teddy investigates a suspicious hippo death at a zoo. Humorous, fast-paced, and full of animal antics, it’s perfect for middle-grade mystery fans.

Ruff vs Fluff by Spencer Quinn

A charming mystery told by a dog and a cat teaming up to solve neighborhood oddities. Ideal for readers 8–12 who enjoy animal-led detective stories.

Space Case by Stuart Gibbs

A fun, fast-paced mystery set on a moon base where 12-year-old Dash must solve a suspicious death before the station falls apart, blending humor, science, and suspense in an out-of-this-world adventure.

Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage

Spunky Mo LoBeau works to solve a murder in her Southern hometown. With humor and heart, it’s a clever, warm mystery for ages 9–12.

The Dollhouse Murders by Sheila Turnage

A young girl uncovers dark family secrets when a dollhouse begins reenacting a decades-old murder. Perfect for middle grade readers who enjoy suspense with a supernatural twist.

A Pocket Full of Murder by R.J. Anderson

A clever girl works to solve a puzzling crime in her town. Combining suspense and humor, it’s a fast-paced mystery perfect for ages 9–13.