10+ Best Mystery Books for 12-13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your tween? Look no further! Our roundup of mystery books for 12-13-year-olds is packed with tales that are sure to keep them glued to the pages, eager to solve puzzles and unravel secrets. Whether they're into spooky manors or high-stakes adventures, there's something here that will capture their imagination. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that promise suspense, excitement, and a whole lot of fun!

Fun Mystery Books for 12-13-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. The heirs form teams and follow clues to discover who among them is Westing's murderer.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing puzzle that promotes critical thinking and problem-solving, wrapped in a suspenseful mystery.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and young detectives who enjoy a challenging mystery.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo Pine and his parents are surprised when unusual guests arrive at their inn, Greenglass House. The guests are not what they seem, and soon Milo is drawn into an old mystery surrounding the house.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines ghost stories and treasure hunts, encouraging readers to explore themes of identity and discovery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love ghost stories and mysteries with a touch of fantasy.

• 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 solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of clever puzzles and riddles that will keep readers engaged and thinking creatively.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love solving puzzles and riddles, and stories about secret missions.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Emily and her friend James discover an unusual book, which is part of a game created by a famous publisher. They soon find themselves racing against time to solve a mystery that involves hidden books and cryptographic puzzles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes literacy and problem solving through a scavenger hunt that combines real-world and fictional elements.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy scavenger hunts, codes, and mysteries.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover the Symphony of Smells, a box of vials with scents that lead them to a mysterious woman and a secret that must be protected from dangerous villains.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging read that stimulates curiosity and imagination with its quirky characters and secretive plot.
  • Perfect for: Curious adventurers who enjoy stories with secret societies and cryptic puzzles.

Educational Mystery Books for 12-13-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 to solve an international art scandal.
  • 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 carefully.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives who have an interest in art and puzzles.

• 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 embroiled in a mystery involving an angel statue that may be the work of Michelangelo.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, historical knowledge, self-sufficiency, and budgeting
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure and mystery with a unique setting that sparks curiosity about art and history.
  • Perfect for: Kids who dream of adventure and are fascinated by museums and history.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley and his friends must solve puzzles and riddles to find their way out of the extraordinary library designed by the famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, library skills, and knowledge of literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, fun-filled adventure that celebrates libraries and promotes gamesmanship and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and library lovers who enjoy a good challenge.

• 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 ride ends, Salim has mysteriously vanished. The siblings must work together to solve the mystery of what happened to Salim.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Deductive reasoning, emotional intelligence, and understanding of Asperger syndrome
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers suspense and a realistic portrayal of family dynamics and disabilities, wrapped in a gripping mystery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like fast-paced thrillers and learning about different perspectives and challenges.

• The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery by Nancy Springer
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Enola Holmes, the much younger sister of detective Sherlock Holmes, embarks on a quest to find her missing mother but finds herself involved in the kidnapping of a young marquess.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, problem-solving, and independence
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a strong, intelligent female protagonist and provides an exciting look at Victorian England through a fresh, youthful perspective.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Sherlock Holmes who enjoy historical settings and strong female leads.

Challenging Mystery Books for 12-13-Year-Olds

• The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Three children, Giuseppe, Frederick, and Hannah, find their lives intertwined when they discover a magical green violin, a hidden treasure, and a clockwork automaton. Together, they face dangers and unravel a mystery that could change their lives forever.
  • Why this book is challenging: It weaves together complex narratives and historical details that require careful reading and understanding of the period.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich, multi-layered story that encourages readers to think about friendship, courage, and destiny.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy intricate plots and historical settings with a touch of magic.

• The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Seven girls at a Victorian-era boarding school must solve the mystery of their headmistress's sudden death to maintain their freedom from parents and guardians. The girls must use their wits and various talents to keep the authorities at bay and uncover the murderer.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features sophisticated humor and a complex plot involving multiple characters, requiring readers to track various storylines and motives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a witty, engaging mystery that promotes teamwork and critical thinking, all while providing a humorous take on Victorian society.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate humor mixed with a good mystery and historical setting.

• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Cousins Bonnie and Sylvia, along with their friend Simon, fight against the cruel Miss Slighcarp who has taken over Willoughby Chase. They face wolves and other dangers in a bid to reclaim their home.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of dense, descriptive prose and the historical setting require advanced reading skills and historical knowledge.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with suspense and provides a dramatic, atmospheric setting that captures the reader's imagination.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy stories with rich descriptions and brave characters.

• The Inquisitor's Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: In medieval France, three children with special gifts and a dog named Gwenforte, believed to have been resurrected, become entangled in a mission to save precious books from being burned. They face knights, kings, and danger at every turn.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as faith, prejudice, and resilience, intertwined with historical elements and multiple narratives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of history and legend, encouraging readers to think about tolerance, knowledge, and courage.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by history and enjoy stories that blend realism with magical elements.

• The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Miss Penelope Lumley is hired as a governess at Ashton Place and discovers that her three young charges have been raised by wolves. She must solve the mystery of their past and teach them to be proper children, all while uncovering the secrets of Ashton Place.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative includes a sophisticated use of language and literary references that require a higher level of comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and mysterious tale that encourages linguistic playfulness and problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy mysteries with quirky characters and a touch of the wild.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of mystery books and you're around 12-13 years old, you're in for a thrilling ride! To make the most out of your reading adventures, here are some fun exercises that will not only improve your reading habits but also enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the mysteries you're about to unravel. Let’s get started!

• Create a Detective Notebook
  • What it is: A special notebook where you can jot down clues, character suspects, and plot twists.
  • How it helps: Keeps you engaged and helps you solve the mystery alongside the protagonist.
  • Tips: Update your notebook after each reading session to keep track of all the details.

• Character Maps
  • What it is: Draw maps or charts that show how different characters are connected.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding complex relationships and motivations in the story.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols for different types of relationships or traits.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Pause at pivotal moments in the story to predict what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Enhances analytical thinking and engagement with the plot.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many you got right at the end of the book.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club or discuss the book with friends who are also reading it.
  • How it helps: Allows for different perspectives and deeper understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Try to cover specific chapters or sections for each discussion to avoid spoilers.

• Scene Reenactment
  • What it is: Act out key scenes from the book either alone or with friends.
  • How it helps: Deepens your connection with the characters and the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the reenactment more fun and realistic.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only sharpen your detective skills but also find yourself more immersed in the world of mystery books. So, grab your magnifying glass (figuratively, of course) and let the mysteries begin! Happy reading!