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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your tween? Dive into our latest roundup of mystery books for 12-year-olds, where suspense and intrigue come to life in every story. Whether they love solving puzzles or uncovering secrets, there's a book on our list that's sure to captivate their imagination and keep them guessing until the last page. Keep reading to discover our top picks of mystery books for 12-year-olds that can't be missed!

Fun Mystery Books for 12-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 game involves uncovering secrets and forming unlikely partnerships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing puzzle that promotes critical thinking and deduction skills, wrapped in a compelling narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and lovers of puzzles and mind games.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: At a smuggler's inn, Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, encounters a strange group of guests who each have a story that is mysteriously connected to the house.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines ghost stories and mystery in a unique setting, encouraging readers to piece together clues and delve into a richly woven narrative.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy 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 stop a plot that could have global consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers with puzzles and riddles while exploring themes of friendship and courage.
  • Perfect for: Intelligent young readers who love solving puzzles and rooting for underdog heroes.

• 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 is part of a game where books are hidden and clues to find them are revealed through puzzles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling chase that combines real-world book hunting with clever puzzles, perfect for nurturing a love of books and reading.
  • Perfect for: Avid readers and young puzzle solvers who dream of real-life adventures.

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim board the London Eye, but when the pod comes back, Salim doesn’t get off. They embark on a tense and thrilling investigation across London to find him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an engaging mystery that also touches on the themes of family and the challenges of different perspectives and abilities.
  • Perfect for: Young sleuths who enjoy fast-paced mysteries and learning about different ways of seeing the world.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Humor
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid game fan, especially of the creations of game maker Luigi Lemoncello. When Kyle wins a coveted spot to be one of the first to enter an amazing new library designed by Lemoncello, he finds out it’s a hidden escape game, with puzzles and clues that lead to an unexpected twist.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exhilarating adventure inside the world's most fabulous library, promoting problem-solving and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Gamers and puzzle enthusiasts who appreciate a humorous twist in their mystery-solving adventures.

Educational Mystery Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art
  • Synopsis: When a Vermeer painting goes missing, Petra and Calder combine their talents to solve an international art scandal.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, art history, pattern recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It integrates art history with a compelling mystery, encouraging readers to think about the importance of perception and perspective.
  • Perfect for: Young art lovers and budding detectives who enjoy puzzles and mysteries.

• 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 the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they uncover a mystery involving a statue that may or may not be the work of Michelangelo.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, history, budget management
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an adventure that combines history and mystery in an iconic setting, fostering independence and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who dream of independence and have a keen interest in history and art.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous young friends, Cassandra and Max-Ernest, discover a mysterious box and get involved in a thrilling adventure to foil the sinister plans of a magician.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, cryptography, chemistry
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with codes, puzzles, and secrets that keep readers engaged and guessing.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who love secret societies, mysterious codes, and unexpected twists.

• 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, deductive reasoning, independence
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a strong, intelligent female protagonist who uses her wit and the science of deduction to solve mysteries.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Sherlock Holmes and young readers looking for a strong female lead in a historical setting.

• The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Ruthie and Jack discover a magical key that allows them to shrink in size and explore the famous Thorne Rooms at the Chicago Art Institute, where they stumble upon a series of clues that lead them to a hidden artifact.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art history, problem-solving, imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: It magically blends history with adventure, providing a gateway to learning about art and architecture.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who enjoy art, mystery, and the idea of magical adventures within historical settings.

Challenging Mystery Books for 12-Year-Olds

• 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.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex plots and historical details that require attentive reading and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a glimpse into early 20th-century London through an engaging mystery, enhancing historical knowledge and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical settings and intricate plot twists.

• The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Apprentice apothecary Christopher Rowe faces a series of cryptic clues and deadly secrets in 1665 London.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes complex puzzles and codes, intertwined with historical elements that challenge the reader's problem-solving skills and historical understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines an exciting adventure with science and history, offering a stimulating reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Those who delight in puzzles and thrillers, with a touch of historical intrigue.

• The Gallery by Laura Marx Fitzgerald
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1928 New York, Martha O'Doyle navigates through a maze of secrets and lies to uncover the truth hidden in plain sight at a glamorous mansion.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot involves sophisticated themes of art, history, and social issues, demanding higher-level thinking and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating mystery that also explores important historical and social contexts, enriching the reader's understanding of the era.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in art history and mysteries that offer more than just suspense.

• The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle by Janet Fox
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: During World War II, Kat Bateson and her siblings are sent to a creepy Scottish castle where children are taught under mysterious circumstances, and Kat must uncover the castle’s dark secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative blends historical fiction with fantasy elements, layered with complex character development and a multifaceted plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a suspenseful and atmospheric read that also teaches about resilience and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love blending historical realism with magical elements.

• The Emperor's Riddle by Kat Zhang
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Cultural
  • Synopsis: During a family trip to China, Mia Chen must solve an ancient riddle to save her aunt and discover hidden treasures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story incorporates Chinese history and culture, challenging readers to understand and appreciate a different cultural perspective while solving the puzzles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that enriches knowledge about Chinese culture and history through a gripping narrative.
  • Perfect for: Adventurers and puzzle solvers who are curious about other cultures and histories.

• Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Theo discovers a hidden masterpiece in her late grandfather's painting and plunges into a deep mystery that involves art theft and secrets dating back to World War II.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as art history, the Holocaust, and moral questions, requiring mature understanding and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling mix of mystery and historical art intrigue, providing a thought-provoking look at important historical events.
  • Perfect for: Young art enthusiasts and historians who appreciate a mystery that teaches and entertains.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of mystery books, you're in for some thrilling adventures. To get the most out of your reading experience, especially if you're around 12 years old, here are some fun exercises to develop your reading habits. These exercises will not only enhance your understanding but also make your reading time even more exciting!

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and steady progress through books.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into your daily schedule without feeling overwhelming.

• Create a Mystery Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Write down new or interesting words you encounter in your mystery books.
  • How it helps: Enhances your vocabulary and understanding of the genre.
  • Tips: Use a notebook dedicated to this task and try to use the new words in your daily conversations or writing.

• Discuss With Friends or Family
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Try to discuss the book as you read it, not just at the end.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Make predictions about the plot or the mystery’s resolution before you finish the book.
  • How it helps: Engages your analytical thinking and keeps you invested in the storyline.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how accurate you were after finishing the book.

• Map Out the Story
  • What it is: Create a visual map or timeline of the events as you read.
  • How it helps: Helps in keeping track of complex plots and numerous characters typical in mystery novels.
  • Tips: Use a large piece of paper or a digital tool to easily modify your map as the story progresses.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Assume the role of one of the characters and think about what you would do in their situation.
  • How it helps: Deepens your connection with the characters and enhances empathy and understanding.
  • Tips: Choose different characters in different chapters to vary your perspective.

These exercises are designed to make your journey through each mystery book more engaging and productive. By practicing them, you'll not only improve your reading skills but also enjoy every twist and turn in your mystery adventures. So, grab your detective hat and let's crack those books open! Happy reading!