Mystery books are a great way to spark a child’s curiosity and keep them engaged in reading. With puzzles, clues, and suspenseful plot twists, these books challenge readers to think critically and solve the mystery along with the characters. Here are the 10 best mystery books for kids that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
1. Encyclopedia Brown series by Donald J. Sobol
Encyclopedia Brown is a boy detective who solves crimes and puzzles in his neighborhood. With his trusty notebook and sharp mind, Encyclopedia Brown is a fun and engaging character that kids will love to follow as he uncovers the truth behind each mystery.
2. Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene
Nancy Drew is a teenage sleuth who solves mysteries and crimes with her intelligence, bravery, and determination. With her quick thinking and sharp eye for detail, Nancy Drew is a role model for young girls who want to become detectives.
3. The Hardy Boys series by Franklin W. Dixon
The Hardy Boys are teenage brothers who solve mysteries and crimes in their hometown. With their resourcefulness and courage, the Hardy Boys are a great example of how teamwork and determination can help solve even the most difficult cases.
4. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
The Westing Game is a classic mystery novel that follows the lives of sixteen heirs who are competing for a fortune left by a millionaire named Samuel Westing. With puzzles, clues, and plot twists, this book will keep readers guessing until the very end.
5. The Secret Series by Enid Blyton
The Secret Series follows a group of children who solve mysteries and crimes in their hometown. With their quick wit and determination, these characters are great role models for young readers who want to become detectives.
6. The Mysterious Benedict Society series by Trenton Lee Stewart
The Mysterious Benedict Society is a group of gifted children who solve mysteries and crimes in their town. With puzzles, riddles, and brain teasers, this series is a fun and engaging way for kids to sharpen their problem-solving skills.
7. The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner
The Boxcar Children is a series of books that follows four orphaned siblings who solve mysteries and crimes in their town. With their resourcefulness and determination, these characters are great role models for kids who want to become detectives.
8. Cam Jansen series by David A. Adler
Cam Jansen is a young girl who has a photographic memory and solves mysteries with her incredible recall skills. With her intelligence and determination, Cam Jansen is a great character for kids who want to become detectives.
9. The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene
The Secret of the Old Clock is the first book in the Nancy Drew series and follows the young detective as she solves the mystery of a missing will. With puzzles, clues, and suspenseful plot twists, this book is a great introduction to the world of mystery books.
10. The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer
The Case of the Missing Marquess is the first book in the Enola Holmes series and follows the young sister of famous detective Sherlock Holmes as she solves the mystery of her missing mother. With a strong and determined protagonist, this series is a great example of how girls can be great detectives too.
Mystery books are a great way to encourage kids to think critically and solve problems. With these top 10 mystery books for kids, your child will be engaged in a world of clues and puzzles that will sharpen their minds and keep them entertained for hours on end.