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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner to keep your 12-year-old glued to their seat? Dive into the world of mystery with our curated selection of detective books for 12-year-olds! From sleuthing protagonists to puzzling plots, these books promise to captivate and engage young minds. Keep reading to discover our top picks of detective books that are just right for tweens eager for adventure and intrigue.

Fun Detective Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs are brought together to solve the puzzle of Samuel W. Westing's will, which promises to turn all of them into millionaires if they can figure out who is responsible for his death.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing puzzle that also teaches critical thinking and problem-solving in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and mysteries.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • 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 they must stop a plot that could have global consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes teamwork, intelligence, and perseverance through a captivating story filled with unique characters and mind-bending twists.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about secret missions and clever heroes.

• Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Detective Fiction
  • Synopsis: Teen detective Nancy Drew embarks on a quest to find a missing will and uncovers more than she bargains for, solving multiple mysteries along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the joys of detective work and the importance of persistence and courage.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring detectives and fans of classic mystery stories.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous friends, Cassandra and Max-Ernest, stumble upon the secret of the Symphony of Smells and launch into a thrilling adventure involving a magical magician, a notebook, and a missing magician.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and mysterious read that engages young readers' imaginations and encourages them to think outside the box.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love secret codes, puzzles, and offbeat humor.

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim board the London Eye, but when the ride ends, Salim has mysteriously vanished. The siblings must work together to solve the mystery of what happened to Salim.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping, fast-paced mystery that also deals with family dynamics and the challenges of different cognitive perspectives.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy suspenseful stories and learning about diverse characters and perspectives.

Educational Detective Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: At a smuggler's inn, Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, encounters a strange group of guests who each have a secret that is somehow connected to the inn itself. As objects begin to go missing, Milo and his friend Meddy must decode the guests' secrets to discover the truth.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, critical thinking, understanding diverse cultures and histories
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating mystery wrapped in layers of storytelling, with a strong focus on the importance of heritage and identity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy intricate plots and learning about different backgrounds and histories.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Emily and her new friend James rush to uncover the secrets of a mysterious book before the clues are destroyed forever. They are thrown into a world of puzzles and ciphers, racing against time and villains.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cryptography, problem-solving, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with the thrill of solving puzzles and introduces readers to the basics of cryptography.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and aspiring cryptologists.

• The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery by Nancy Springer
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: When Enola Holmes, the much younger sister of detective Sherlock Holmes, discovers her mother has disappeared, she sets out to find her, becoming a super-sleuth in her own right.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, deductive reasoning, independence
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fresh take on the Sherlock Holmes universe through the eyes of a smart, resourceful young girl, encouraging independence and sharp thinking.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Sherlock Holmes and strong female protagonists.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting is stolen, two sixth-graders, Petra and Calder, combine their talents in art and math to solve the mystery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art history, pattern recognition, logical reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully integrates art and mathematics into a compelling mystery, making it educational and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives who have an interest in art and math.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid gamer and fan of all games—video, board, trivia—and he and his classmates are chosen to spend the night in the new town library, designed by the world-renowned game maker Luigi Lemoncello. The fun turns into a game of escape where clues lead to fantastic discoveries.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, knowledge of literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun-filled adventure that promotes teamwork and problem-solving through interactive play and literary knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Gamers and book lovers who enjoy fast-paced puzzles and challenges.

Challenging Detective Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In Victorian London, sixteen-year-old Sally Lockhart attempts to unravel the mystery behind her father's death and a cursed ruby. Her investigation leads her into the dark underbelly of the city.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex historical details with advanced vocabulary that demands a higher level of reading comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping, atmospheric mystery that also provides a rich historical context, enhancing both the reading experience and knowledge of Victorian England.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical settings and complex mystery plots.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: As Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that predict the future, she must unlock the mystery of who is sending them and why. The story cleverly intertwines elements of time travel with everyday life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot involves abstract concepts such as time travel and causality, which require sophisticated thinking to fully grasp.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking blend of science fiction and mystery that encourages critical thinking and a deeper understanding of friendship and time.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love science fiction elements combined with a compelling mystery.

• The Clockwork Sparrow by Katherine Woodfine
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in a luxurious department store in Edwardian London, Sophie Taylor must uncover the mystery behind the theft of the priceless Clockwork Sparrow.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features intricate plot twists and a detailed setting that requires readers to pay close attention to both historical detail and narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book combines rich historical detail with an engaging mystery, providing both entertainment and educational value.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate a strong historical setting in their mysteries.

• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Bonnie and her cousin Sylvia navigate treacherous adventures as they try to save their home from the evil machinations of their governess, Miss Slighcarp.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of Victorian-style language and complex narrative structures make this a more demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure with elements of danger and heroism, ideal for developing a young reader's analytical and inferential skills.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy stories with rich descriptions and brave characters.

• The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Seven girls at a Victorian boarding school must solve the mystery of their headmistress's sudden death, all while trying to maintain the illusion that everything is as it should be.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story's plot is complex, involving multiple characters with distinct motivations and secrets.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is a delightful mix of humor and mystery, offering a unique narrative voice and a plot that keeps readers guessing.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good laugh with their mysteries and appreciate strong, independent female characters.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the thrilling world of detective books, you're in for a treat. Not only are these books packed with suspense and mystery, but they also offer a fantastic opportunity to develop some great reading habits. Here are a few exercises tailored just for 12-year-olds to make the most out of their detective reading adventures.

• Set a Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps create consistency and builds a reading habit.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into your daily schedule.

• Summarize the Mystery
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of the mystery after each reading session.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the plot.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and focus on main events and clues.

• Predict the Outcome
  • What it is: Guess who the culprit is and predict plot twists.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and analytical skills.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and see how they evolve as you read more.

• Discuss With Friends or Family
  • What it is: Share your thoughts and theories about the book with others.
  • How it helps: Improves verbal skills and helps see different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to discuss the book regularly, perhaps after each significant event.

• Create a Detective Notebook
  • What it is: Maintain a notebook to jot down clues, character traits, and timelines.
  • How it helps: Keeps you organized and deeply engaged with the story.
  • Tips: Use different sections or tabs for characters, clues, and plotlines.

• Draw the Scene
  • What it is: Sketch scenes from the book to visualize the setting and action.
  • How it helps: Enhances memory and helps you connect visually with the story.
  • Tips: You don't have to be a perfect artist; simple sketches can be very effective.

• Read Out Loud
  • What it is: Read passages or chapters aloud to yourself or others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps process the information better.
  • Tips: Try to express the emotions of the characters as you read.

These exercises are not just about making you a better reader; they're about making the whole experience of reading detective books more immersive and fun. So, grab your magnifying glass and your favorite detective novel, and start your reading adventure!