10+ Best Murder Mystery Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for a young teen? Dive into the thrilling world of murder mystery books for 13-year-olds, where suspense and intrigue make each chapter impossible to put down. Whether your teen is a budding detective or a mystery lover, these books promise to keep them glued to the pages. Keep reading to discover our top picks of murder mystery books for 13-year-olds that are sure to captivate their imagination and sharpen their sleuthing skills!

Fun Murder Mystery Books for 13-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 control his vast fortune to whoever can figure out the answer.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing puzzle that promotes critical thinking and deduction skills, wrapped in a fun and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle lovers who enjoy complex plots and quirky characters.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo Pine and his family, who run a smuggler's inn, encounter a group of odd guests who each have a secret that leads to a thrilling treasure hunt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with a dash of fantasy, making it an intriguing read that encourages imagination and problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who love stories with ghosts, smugglers, and hidden treasures.

• 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 they must stop a plot that could have global consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features clever puzzles and tests, promoting teamwork and intellectual curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, strategic games, and teamwork-based adventures.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Emily and her new friend James race around San Francisco solving puzzles to uncover the secret work of a famous book publisher.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to the thrill of puzzle-solving and decoding, enhancing their analytical skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy scavenger hunts and deciphering codes in a big-city setting.

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim board the London Eye, but when the pod comes back, Salim isn't on it. The siblings must work together to solve the mystery of what happened to him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers suspense and a fast-paced plot while depicting family relationships and the importance of seeing things from different perspectives.
  • Perfect for: Mystery lovers who enjoy fast-paced, real-world scenarios and learning about different ways of thinking.

Educational Murder Mystery Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art
  • Synopsis: When a valuable Vermeer painting is stolen, two sixth-graders, Petra and Calder, combine their talents in art and puzzle-solving to try to recover the painting and catch the thief.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, attention to detail, art history, and pattern recognition.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly integrates art history with a compelling mystery, encouraging readers to think critically and observe the finer details of both art and literature.
  • Perfect for: Young art lovers and budding detectives who enjoy stories that make them think and look beyond the obvious.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This is the story of two adventurous kids, Cass and Max-Ernest, who discover a mysterious box that leads them on a thrilling and dangerous journey to uncover a secret society.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, creativity, and secret codes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with humor, adventure, and secret codes, making it an engaging read that stimulates the imagination and wit.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who delight in mysteries with a touch of the supernatural and a good dose of humor.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claudia and her brother Jamie run away to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they become entangled in a mystery involving a statue that may be one of Michelangelo's sculptures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, historical knowledge, and self-reliance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a fascinating art mystery and teaches valuable lessons about independence and resourcefulness.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and art enthusiasts who dream of solving mysteries and uncovering historical secrets.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid gamer and a fan of all kinds of games. He and other kids win a night at the new town library designed by the world-famous game maker Luigi Lemoncello. However, what starts as a fun, overnight event turns into a thrilling escape challenge where winning means finding the secret exit.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logic, teamwork, and library skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fast-paced, brain-teasing adventure that celebrates libraries and the joy of solving puzzles.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and library lovers who enjoy a good challenge and teamwork-based quests.

• 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 decides to become a sleuth herself. She embarks on a journey to London to find her mother and proves to be a highly capable detective in her own right.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, deductive reasoning, and independence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to a smart, resourceful female protagonist and provides a fresh perspective on the world of Sherlock Holmes.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Sherlock Holmes and strong female characters who enjoy historical settings and clever mysteries.

Challenging Murder Mystery Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: The story is narrated by a 15-year-old boy named Christopher who has autism. He discovers the neighbor's dog dead and decides to investigate the murder, uncovering long-hidden family secrets along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel presents the narrative through the perspective of someone with autism, which involves complex and unique viewpoints and language that challenge the reader's understanding of normal social and emotional cues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides insight into the mind of someone with a different cognitive profile while offering a gripping mystery.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in psychology and mysteries that offer a different narrative perspective.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in the late 1970s, this novel follows sixth-grader Miranda as she receives mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and eventually lead her to prevent a tragic death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story incorporates elements of time travel, complex plot structures, and abstract concepts that require advanced comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly mixes elements of science fiction with a compelling mystery, encouraging readers to think critically about time and sequence.
  • Perfect for: Sci-fi enthusiasts and young detectives who enjoy thought-provoking narratives and complex storylines.

• The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: When Candice finds a letter in her grandmother's attic, she becomes embroiled in a decades-old town mystery that involves a quest for a fortune left behind by an enigmatic philanthropist.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel weaves together multiple timelines and tackles complex themes such as racial tension, social justice, and historical injustice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful blend of mystery and historical context that educates while it entertains.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate mysteries that are not only engaging but also deepen their understanding of historical and social issues.

• The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Reuben discovers an extraordinary antique watch that has the power of invisibility. He soon finds himself swept up in an adventure that involves a dangerous enemy who seeks the watch for malevolent purposes.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features intricate plot twists and a sophisticated theme involving the ethical dilemmas of using power.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that combines clever problem-solving with moral questions, ideal for fostering both excitement and ethical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who love thrilling mysteries and ethical dilemmas.

• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in an alternative 19th-century England, two cousins, Bonnie and Sylvia, navigate a series of misadventures involving deceitful governesses and ferocious wolves as they try to protect their family estate from unscrupulous schemers.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel uses a rich, descriptive language and a complex narrative that includes a mix of adventure, suspense, and a detailed historical setting.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a strong sense of atmosphere with suspenseful plotting, offering a captivating read that also enhances vocabulary and historical understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings with a twist of mystery and adventure.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! 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 experience, especially at the age of 13, it's great to develop some smart reading habits. Here are a few exercises that can help you do just that:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps in completing books systematically.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the plot and characters.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and sweet; try to stick to three to four sentences.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it or have read it.
  • How it helps: Provides different perspectives and deepens understanding.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club where each of you can share insights and predictions.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next after each chapter or major plot twist.
  • How it helps: Enhances analytical thinking and engagement with the story.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them were right as you progress.

• Connect the Dots
  • What it is: Identify clues or hints that the author might have given early in the book.
  • How it helps: Improves attention to detail and critical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Keep a note of any peculiar details or dialogues that seem important.

• Create a Character Map
  • What it is: Make a chart or list of characters and their relationships to each other.
  • How it helps: Helps keep track of the characters, which is especially useful in complex stories.
  • Tips: Update your character map as new characters are introduced.

Using these exercises, you'll not only enjoy your murder mystery books more, but you'll also sharpen your reading and analytical skills. So, grab your detective hat and let the reading adventure begin! Happy sleuthing!