10+ Best Murder Mystery Books for 11-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner that keeps your 11-year-old glued to the story, guessing whodunit until the very end? You're in luck! Our latest roundup features a captivating selection of murder mystery books for 11-year-olds, each brimming with intrigue and adventure. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to engage young minds and spark a love for reading.

Fun Murder Mystery Books for 11-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 siblings embark on a thrilling adventure to solve the mystery of his disappearance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale that enhances problem-solving skills and keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and fans of puzzles and brain teasers.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo Pine and his parents, who run a smugglers' inn, encounter a group of odd guests who are not what they seem. Soon, Milo is entangled in an old mystery that requires unraveling a lot of clues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines ghost stories and mystery in a snow-bound smugglers' inn setting, making reading both fun and intellectually stimulating.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love ghost stories and mysteries wrapped into one.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of the very strange will of Samuel W. Westing, which turns out to be a puzzle to solve who murdered him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges young minds with clever riddles and puzzles, all while weaving a complex plot of intrigue.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and young strategists who enjoy matching wits with a story.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Emily and her new friend James discover an unusual book, which is part of a game with a series of puzzles leading to a hidden treasure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages a love of books and puzzles, combining adventure with the thrill of a chase across San Francisco.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers and young treasure hunters.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting goes missing, Petra and Calder combine their talents to solve an art heist and uncover a century-old mystery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to the world of art and art history while engaging their detective skills.
  • Perfect for: Young art enthusiasts and mystery solvers who appreciate a cerebral challenge.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • 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 nothing is as it seems.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of mind-bending puzzles, brave adventures, and a unique set of characters that promote critical thinking and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and secret missions.

Educational Murder Mystery Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Case of the Missing Marquess 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 decides to run away to London to find her, becoming a sleuth in her own right.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, historical context, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to Victorian England through the eyes of a smart, resourceful young girl, blending historical facts with thrilling mystery.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Sherlock Holmes and readers who enjoy historical settings.

• The Wig in the Window by Kristen Kittscher
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Best friends and amateur sleuths Sophie Young and Grace Yang spy on their oddball middle school counselor and stumble upon a real crime that leads them into a series of unexpected and dangerous situations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship dynamics, analytical thinking, cultural awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, funny mystery that also deals with the complexities of friendship and identity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who like stories about friendship and amateur detectives.

• The Shadows by Jacqueline West, illustrated by Poly Bernatene
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: When eleven-year-old Olive and her parents move into an old, dark house, she finds that the paintings on the walls hold mysterious and dangerous secrets.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, courage, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of fantasy with mystery, engaging readers with its magical adventures and brave heroine.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy spooky stories and solving puzzles.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley, an avid game fan, and his classmates must solve every clue and figure out every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route out of the extraordinary, high-tech library built by the eccentric game maker Luigi Lemoncello.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logic, teamwork, library skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It is an exhilarating, interactive adventure that promotes critical thinking and collaboration.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and future librarians or anyone who loves a good game.

• The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone, illustrated by Greg Call
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Ruthie and her best friend Jack discover a magical key that shrinks them so they can explore the sixty-eight miniature rooms in the Art Institute of Chicago, where they find themselves mixed up in an art-related mystery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art history, imagination, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a magical journey through famous art pieces while weaving a compelling mystery.
  • Perfect for: Young art lovers and fans of magic and adventure.

Challenging Murder Mystery Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Name of this Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous young friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover a mysterious box and get involved in a thrilling adventure concerning a magician's notebook, a secret society, and a centuries-old mystery.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story features complex plots and a unique, secretive narrative style that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Why we recommend this book: It engages readers with its secretive elements and puzzles, enhancing their deductive reasoning and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love codes, secrets, and mysteries with a touch of humor.

• The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Reuben discovers an extraordinary antique watch that has the power to make its wearer invisible. He soon finds himself swept up in an adventure that involves a hidden message and a dangerous villain.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features an intricate plot with deeply layered narratives and complex character developments.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating tale that encourages perseverance and bravery while dealing with themes of friendship and the fight against evil.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thrilling adventures and complex mysteries.

• The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in 17th century London, young apothecary's apprentice Christopher Rowe must use every skill he's learned to discover the truth behind a series of murders, a mysterious cult, and a prophecy that threatens the city.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines historical elements with complex puzzles and codes, requiring readers to think critically and apply knowledge creatively.
  • Why we recommend this book: It immerses readers in historical settings while delivering a gripping, action-packed mystery.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and code-breakers who thrive on suspense and historical intrigue.

• Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms: Magic, Mystery, & a Very Strange Adventure by Lissa Evans
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Young Stuart Horten, ten-years-old and not-so-tall, moves to a new town and uncovers a clue that sets him off on the trail of his great-uncle's mysterious disappearance and leads to a world of magical inventions.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is filled with clever puzzles and magical elements that require logical thinking and imagination.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with magic and adventure, encouraging readers to solve problems and delve into a world of wonder.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and puzzle solvers who enjoy stories with a magical twist.

• The Clockwork Sparrow by Katherine Woodfine
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in a luxurious department store in Edwardian London, Sophie Taylor must unravel the mystery behind the theft of the priceless Clockwork Sparrow. As she delves deeper, she encounters danger and conspiracy.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot is intricate, featuring historical details that require understanding of a different era, along with solving a complex mystery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a glimpse into a historical period through an engaging mystery, fostering an interest in history and detective work.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by history and enjoy mysteries that involve high stakes and clever detective work.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of murder mystery books and you're around 11 years old, you're in for some thrilling adventures. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some great exercises to help you develop good reading habits. These will not only enhance your enjoyment but also improve your comprehension skills. Let's get started!

• Create a Detective's Notebook
  • What it is: A special notebook for observations and clues from the story.
  • How it helps: Encourages active reading and helps you keep track of complex plots and characters.
  • Tips: Write down any suspicious activity or character traits that could be a clue.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Form a small book club or discussion group with friends who are reading the same book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and different perspectives.
  • Tips: Meet weekly and discuss your theories about the mystery.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the events in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the sequence of events and logical flow of the plot.
  • Tips: Use different colors for different types of events or characters.

• Predict the Ending
  • What it is: Write down your predictions about the ending or who the culprit might be before finishing the book.
  • How it helps: Engages your analytical thinking and attention to detail.
  • Tips: Revisit and revise your predictions as you read more of the book.

• Character Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out or write dialogues imagining yourself as one of the characters.
  • How it helps: Deepens your understanding of the characters and their motivations.
  • Tips: Choose a character that you find most interesting or mysterious.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make your journey through murder mystery books more engaging but also sharpen your detective skills. So grab your magnifying glass and your favorite mystery book, and let the sleuthing begin! Happy reading!