10+ Best Murder Mystery Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner to keep your young reader on the edge of their seat? Look no further than our guide to the best murder mystery books for 10-year-olds! Packed with suspense, intrigue, and just the right amount of challenge, these books are sure to captivate curious minds. Keep reading to discover our top picks for murder mystery books that are ideal for 10-year-old sleuths!

Fun Murder Mystery Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Ted and Kat's cousin Salim disappears from the London Eye, the two siblings must work together to solve the mystery of what happened to him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling ride that combines suspense with the dynamics of family relationships, making it both engaging and emotionally resonant for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and mysteries, and those interested in stories set in urban environments.

• 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 a mysterious institute. They must use their unique skills to solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, wrapped up in a fun and mysterious narrative that keeps the pages turning.
  • Perfect for: Young strategists and thinkers, as well as readers who enjoy stories about teamwork and friendship.

• Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Sleepover Sleuths by Carolyn Keene
  • Genre(s): Mystery
  • Synopsis: Young Nancy Drew and her friends form the Clue Crew to solve their very first case: a missing recipe book during a sleepover party.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces the basics of detective work in a fun and accessible way, sparking a love for reading and sleuthing.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring detectives and fans of classic characters reimagined in new adventures.

• Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective by Donald J. Sobol
  • Genre(s): Mystery
  • Synopsis: Leroy Brown, aka Encyclopedia Brown, is Idaville’s ten-year-old star detective. With an uncanny knack for trivia, he solves mysteries for the neighborhood kids and sometimes even for his detective dad.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each story presents a mystery that the reader can try to solve along with Encyclopedia, which makes it interactive and intellectually stimulating.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love to challenge their minds and enjoy solving puzzles alongside the protagonist.

• The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four orphaned siblings make a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar in the forest. They soon find themselves embroiled in various mysteries that they work together to solve.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes themes of independence and resourcefulness while delivering gentle mysteries that are perfect for younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about adventure, family, and self-reliance.

Educational Murder Mystery Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Enola Holmes, the much younger sister of detective Sherlock Holmes, embarks on a thrilling adventure to find her missing mother. Along the way, she becomes entangled in the disappearance of a young marquess, turning into a detective in her own right.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, attention to detail, historical context, and reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a strong, intelligent female protagonist who uses her wits and courage to solve mysteries, which can inspire both boys and girls.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Sherlock Holmes stories and young readers who enjoy historical settings.

• The Wig in the Window by Kristen Kittscher
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Best friends and aspiring spies Sophie Young and Grace Yang stumble upon a real-life mystery when they spy on their bizarre school counselor and uncover a sinister plot right in their own neighborhood.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, teamwork, social studies, and ethics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, funny, and suspenseful story that encourages readers to think about the moral implications of their actions.
  • Perfect for: Young sleuths who love spy tales and stories about friendship.

• The Shadows by Jacqueline West, illustrated by Poly Bernatene
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: When eleven-year-old Olive and her parents move into the old stone house on Linden Street, she quickly discovers that the house's previous owners left behind a lot more than dusty old furniture. The paintings on the walls hold secrets that Olive must uncover.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, art appreciation, problem-solving, and literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends mystery with fantasy in a unique setting, offering a captivating adventure that stimulates the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy magical realism and mysteries with a supernatural twist.

• The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone, illustrated by Greg Call
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Ruthie and Jack discover a magical key that allows them to shrink and explore the 68 miniature rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago, where they stumble upon a series of clues that lead to a hidden artifact.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art history, spatial thinking, problem-solving, and historical knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines an intriguing mystery with a magical adventure, all set against the backdrop of real historical art pieces.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who are interested in art and history.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting goes missing, Petra and Calder combine their talents to solve an international art scandal. As they delve deeper, they unravel a series of puzzles and codes intricately woven into the artwork.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical reasoning, pattern recognition, art appreciation, and critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking puzzle of a book that challenges readers to think differently about art and history.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives who have an interest in art and mysteries that involve puzzles and codes.

Challenging Murder Mystery Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, encounters a strange group of guests who all seem to have connections to the inn's past. As items start to go missing, Milo and his friend Meddy decide to unravel the mysteries surrounding the guests.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot involves complex narrative layers and a large cast of characters, each with their own secrets and backstories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale that combines elements of mystery and adventure, encouraging readers to piece together clues and think critically.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy intricate plots and character-driven stories.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Emily and her new friend James discover an unusual book, which they realize is part of a game hiding books and finding clues. Their excitement turns to concern when they learn about an attack on the game's creator, leading them on a dangerous quest.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features ciphers, codes, and complex puzzles that require analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book promotes not only reading but also the fun of playing along with the puzzle-solving aspect of the story.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and young readers who love games and mysteries.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Humor
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid gamer, especially when it comes to games designed by the famous game maker Luigi Lemoncello. When Kyle wins a coveted spot to stay overnight at the new town library—designed by Lemoncello—he and the other kids must solve every clue and figure out every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is filled with sophisticated puzzles, literary references, and a complex storyline that requires comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging read that promotes creativity, teamwork, and a love for libraries and books.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fast-paced, interactive mysteries and games.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs who are brought together to hear the will of the self-made millionaire Samuel W. Westing, learn that the fortune could be theirs if they can uncover the secret of his death. The will is a puzzle, the clues are provided, and the game is on.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is complex with a large cast of characters, each with motives and alibis that need to be tracked by the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: This classic mystery provides a brain-teasing puzzle as well as a fascinating insight into human motives and interactions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy solving mysteries and delving into intricate plots and character studies.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two eleven-year-olds, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover a mysterious box of vials labeled "The Symphony of Smells," which leads them to a magician's notebook. The notebook is the gateway to a thrilling adventure involving a secret society and a magical plot that could endanger their lives.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves deciphering codes, solving riddles, and understanding complex narrative twists.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book captures the imagination with its secret societies, magical elements, and the mysterious aura that surrounds the story.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who love secrets, puzzles, and stories of daring escapades.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there, young detectives! If you're diving into the intriguing world of murder mystery books, you're in for a thrilling ride. To make the most out of your reading adventures, here are some fun exercises designed to sharpen your detective skills and build great reading habits. Let's crack the code on how to become a super sleuth reader!

• Create a Detective's Notebook
  • What it is: A special notebook where you jot down clues, character suspects, and plot twists.
  • How it helps: Keeps you engaged and helps you keep track of all the intricate details of the mystery.
  • Tips: Use different colored pens or stickers to categorize clues and suspects.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps you remember key events and details.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and sweet—try to stick to three to four sentences.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Make predictions about the plot or the mystery’s resolution before you finish the book.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and anticipation skills.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them were right after you finish the book!

• Character Connection Chart
  • What it is: Draw a chart or a map that shows how different characters are connected.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding character relationships and motives.
  • Tips: Update your chart as new characters are introduced or as relationships evolve.

• Discuss With Friends or Family
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested in or are also reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to explain the story and characters; it will help clarify your thoughts.

• Scene Re-creation
  • What it is: Choose a scene from the book and reenact it, either by yourself or with friends.
  • How it helps: Boosts imagination and helps you connect emotionally with the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the reenactment more fun and engaging.

• Question the Author
  • What it is: Think of questions you would like to ask the author about the story, characters, or their writing process.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper thinking about the narrative and writing techniques.
  • Tips: You can write these questions in your detective's notebook or discuss them with others.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your enjoyment of murder mystery books but also develop skills that are crucial for any budding detective. So grab your magnifying glass, open your detective's notebook, and let the mystery solving begin! Happy reading, young sleuths!