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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner that will keep your 12-year-old glued to their seat? Look no further! Our latest blog post dives into the exciting world of Murder Mystery Books for 12-Year-Olds, offering a variety of captivating stories that promise to spark their imagination and sharpen their detective skills. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to intrigue any young sleuth!

Fun Murder Mystery Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This intriguing puzzle involves sixteen heirs who gather to hear the will of self-made millionaire Samuel W. Westing. They are paired and given clues to solve who among them is Westing's murderer.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing mystery that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, perfect for keeping young readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives who love puzzles and games.

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim board the London Eye, but when the pod comes back around, Salim doesn’t step off. The siblings embark on a thrilling adventure to solve the mystery of what happened to Salim.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a suspenseful read with a unique protagonist who approaches problems in a distinctively logical way due to his Asperger syndrome, promoting understanding and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fast-paced mysteries and learning about diverse characters.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, finds the inn's guests aren't who they seem to be, and he becomes entangled in an old smuggling mystery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of mystery and fantasy, providing a magical and mysterious environment that stimulates the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like ghost stories and mysteries with a touch of the supernatural.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Science Fiction, Adventure
  • 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 solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book challenges young readers with complex riddles and puzzles, enhancing their problem-solving skills and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Intelligent young readers who love solving puzzles and cracking codes.

• 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 set up by a publisher. However, they soon find themselves caught in a real-life mystery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly combines literature, puzzles, and adventure, encouraging readers to solve mysteries alongside the protagonists.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who enjoy books and games, and who are perhaps aspiring writers or cryptologists themselves.

Educational Murder Mystery Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting is stolen, two young friends, Petra and Calder, use their problem-solving skills and knowledge of art to try to recover the painting.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, appreciation of art, and pattern recognition.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the world of art and mystery through an engaging and intellectually stimulating plot.
  • Perfect for: Kids who have an interest in art and enjoy puzzles and mysteries.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous young friends, Cassandra and Max-Ernest, discover the secret of a magician's notebook and embark on a thrilling adventure involving a mysterious box of smells and a missing magician.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical thinking, creativity, and curiosity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with codes, puzzles, and secrets that keep readers engaged and guessing.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who love a good secret and are fans of interactive mysteries.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley, an avid game fan, wins a coveted spot to be one of the first to enter an amazing new library created by game designer Mr. Lemoncello. However, leaving the library is not as easy as entering, and Kyle must solve every clue and figure out every secret puzzle to find the escape route.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, and knowledge of literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the excitement of a game with the thrill of a mystery, making it a fun and engaging read.
  • Perfect for: Young gamers and puzzle enthusiasts who enjoy dynamic characters and a fast-paced storyline.

• The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Ruthie and Jack discover a magical key that shrinks them so they can explore the famous miniature Thorne Rooms at the Chicago Art Institute. As they go from room to room, they uncover a series of clues that lead them on a historical adventure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, critical thinking, and imagination.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical journey that combines history with mystery, providing both entertainment and educational value.
  • Perfect for: Young history buffs and fans of magic and miniatures.

• The Shadows by Jacqueline West
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal
  • Synopsis: When eleven-year-old Olive and her parents move into a creepy old house, she finds a pair of old glasses that allow her to see into the house's shadowy past and interact with the house's magical paintings.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, historical curiosity, and bravery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of paranormal activity and mystery, engaging readers with its intriguing plot and mysterious atmosphere.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like spooky stories with a side of mystery and a touch of the supernatural.

Challenging Murder Mystery Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Three children from different backgrounds—a street musician, a maid, and a clockmaker's apprentice—find their lives intertwined as they each discover a mysterious, magical artifact in their city. Together, they must solve the puzzle before the evil forces close in.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex characters and multiple interwoven plot lines that require attention to detail and the ability to follow nuanced narratives.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a rich, multi-layered story that enhances critical thinking and empathy, as readers explore diverse social backgrounds and challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical settings and are looking for a more sophisticated mystery.

• The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Reuben discovers an extraordinary antique watch with a secret power. He soon learns that the watch is sought after by a sinister figure known as The Smoke, and Reuben must navigate a series of clues and secrets to save himself and possibly his city.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, incorporating secret codes, intricate puzzles, and a deep, thought-provoking plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that combines mystery with a touch of fantasy, encouraging readers to think critically and solve problems creatively.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who love a good puzzle and a gripping story.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in the late 1970s, this novel follows Miranda, a sixth grader in New York City, who starts receiving mysterious notes that predict the future. These notes lead her to believe that only she can prevent a tragic death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story's structure is influenced by complex themes of time travel and existential questions, which are interwoven with the mystery.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book cleverly blends elements of science fiction with a compelling mystery, providing a unique reading experience that stimulates both the imagination and intellect.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and mystery solvers who appreciate a thought-provoking twist.

• Room One: A Mystery or Two by Andrew Clements
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ted Hammond, a sixth-grade boy living in a small Nebraska town, stumbles upon a face in the window of an abandoned farmhouse. This discovery leads him on a quest to solve a mystery that could save his struggling community.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with real-life issues such as rural depopulation and economic decline, wrapped within a mystery narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a realistic portrayal of community challenges while fostering a sense of curiosity and determination to uncover the truth.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in real-life mysteries and those who enjoy stories about community and resilience.

• The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Set in Victorian England, this book follows the adventures of seven girls at a boarding school who find themselves suspects in the sudden death of their headmistress. They must work together to prove their innocence and uncover the real culprit.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot twists, period language, and satirical tone require advanced reading skills and an understanding of historical context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and clever mystery that promotes teamwork and critical thinking, all while providing a glimpse into Victorian society.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of comedy, mystery, and historical settings.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the intriguing world of murder mystery books, I've got some fun exercises to enhance your reading experience. These activities are designed to help you become a more engaged and thoughtful reader. Let's check them out!

• Create a Suspect List
  • What it is: As you read, keep a list of all the characters who could potentially be the culprit.
  • How it helps: This keeps you engaged and helps improve your analytical thinking as you weigh the motives and opportunities of each character.
  • Tips: Update your list as new clues are revealed in the story.

• Map the Story Setting
  • What it is: Draw a map or layout of the story’s setting based on the descriptions in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances your understanding of the story and helps you visualize the action more vividly.
  • Tips: Refer to the book for descriptions and revisit your map as you learn more about different locations.

• Predict the Ending
  • What it is: Write down your predictions about the story's ending and who the murderer might be.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to think critically about the plot and evidence presented.
  • Tips: Keep revising your predictions as you read more of the book.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Form a reading group or discuss the book with friends who are also reading it.
  • How it helps: Helps you gain different perspectives and enhances your comprehension through discussion.
  • Tips: Try to cover different aspects of the book in your discussions, such as character motives, plot twists, and potential clues.

• Write a Book Review
  • What it is: After finishing the book, write a review summarizing your thoughts and how you felt about the mystery.
  • How it helps: Helps you articulate your thoughts and provides a reflection on what you learned or enjoyed.
  • Tips: Include what you liked, what you didn’t, and whom you would recommend the book to.

These exercises aren't just about making reading fun; they're about deepening your understanding and appreciation of the story. So, grab your detective hat and let's crack the case of becoming a better reader! Happy sleuthing!