Introducing our curated list of 17 good mystery Books for 13 year olds! If you have a young reader who loves a good mystery, then this list is for you. From classic whodunits to thrilling detective stories, our collection has something for every mystery lover.

These books are engaging, age-appropriate, and perfect for developing critical thinking skills, as young readers work to unravel the puzzles and solve the mysteries within. So, whether your child is an avid reader or just starting to explore the mystery genre, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for mystery books that are sure to keep them guessing until the very end.

Good Mystery Books For 13 Year Olds

The Westing Game written by Ellen Raskin

“The Westing Game” is a mystery novel written by Ellen Raskin. The story follows a group of sixteen heirs who are invited to live in the luxurious Sunset Towers apartment complex. The residents are surprised to learn that they are all potential heirs to the fortune of a wealthy businessman named Sam Westing, who has recently died under mysterious circumstances.

In order to claim their inheritance, the heirs are tasked with solving the puzzle of Westing’s death by following clues he has left behind. The game turns dangerous as the heirs begin to suspect each other, and several attempts are made on their lives. With unexpected twists and turns, “The Westing Game” is a cleverly crafted mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

The Secret Series written by Enid Blyton

“The Secret Series” is a classic mystery series written by Enid Blyton, featuring a group of four children who solve mysteries in their local community. In this thrilling series, siblings Peggy, Mike, and Nora team up with their friend Jack to form the “Secret Society,” a group dedicated to solving mysteries and catching criminals. From uncovering secret codes and chasing down thieves to unmasking criminals and rescuing kidnap victims, the group finds themselves in all sorts of exciting situations.

With its engaging characters, intriguing mysteries, and fast-paced action, “The Secret Series” is a must-read for any young reader who loves a good mystery. This beautifully presented boxed set contains all five books in the series: “The Secret Island,” “The Secret of Spiggy Holes,” “The Secret Mountain,” “The Secret of Killimooin,” and “The Secret of Moon Castle.”

One of Us Is Lying written by Karen M. McManus

“One of Us Is Lying” is a New York Times bestselling young adult mystery novel written by Karen M. McManus. The story is set in a high school where five students are sent to detention, but only four make it out alive. Simon, the creator of a notorious gossip app at school, dies during detention under suspicious circumstances, leaving the four remaining students as prime suspects.

Each of the students has something to hide, and as the investigation unfolds, their secrets begin to unravel. The novel is a gripping page-turner that explores the themes of betrayal, secrets, and revenge. It has been praised for its fast-paced plot, compelling characters, and unexpected twists and turns. If you’re a fan of thrilling mystery novels, “One of Us Is Lying” is definitely worth checking out.

Holes written by Louis Sachar

“Holes” is a young adult novel written by Louis Sachar, which won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1999. The story follows Stanley Yelnats, a teenage boy who has been unjustly accused of a crime and sent to a juvenile detention center called Camp Green Lake. The camp is located in the middle of the desert, and the boys are forced to dig holes every day as part of their punishment.

As Stanley begins to uncover the truth about the camp’s sinister purpose, he realizes that there may be a link between his family’s curse and the camp’s mysterious past. “Holes” is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that tackles themes of injustice, perseverance, and redemption. It has been praised for its clever plot, well-developed characters, and engaging writing style. If you’re looking for a compelling and meaningful read, “Holes” is definitely worth checking out.

Good Mystery Books for Teens

We Were Liars written by E. Lockhart

The story follows a wealthy and privileged Sinclair family, who spend their summers on a private island off the coast of Massachusetts. The main character, Cadence Sinclair Eastman, is the granddaughter of the family’s patriarch and is haunted by a mysterious accident that happened two summers ago. She struggles to piece together the events leading up to the accident, and the truth about what really happened begins to emerge.

“We Were Liars” is a captivating and suspenseful novel that has been praised for its masterful plot twists and lyrical writing style. It explores themes of love, family, loss, and betrayal in a unique and compelling way. If you’re looking for a gripping and thought-provoking read, “We Were Liars” is definitely worth checking out.

The Nancy Drew Files series written by Carolyn Keene

“The Nancy Drew Files” is a series of young adult mystery novels written by Carolyn Keene, a pseudonym used by a number of different authors. The series follows the adventures of the iconic teen detective Nancy Drew as she solves a range of mysteries and crimes. Unlike the original “Nancy Drew” series, which was published in the 1930s and 1940s, “The Nancy Drew Files” was first released in 1986 and updated to reflect contemporary times.

Each book in the series features a different mystery for Nancy to solve, with plotlines ranging from stolen art to high-tech crime to international espionage. The series has been praised for its engaging writing style, strong female protagonist, and clever plot twists. If you’re a fan of mystery novels or looking for an exciting and empowering read, “The Nancy Drew Files” is definitely worth checking out.

Greenglass House written by Kate Milford

The story is set in a creaky old inn called Greenglass House, located in a small town that attracts a diverse group of visitors, including smugglers and pirates. The main character, Milo, is the adopted son of the innkeepers and is looking forward to a quiet Christmas vacation. However, things take a mysterious turn when a group of unexpected guests arrive at the inn, each with their own secrets and agendas.

As a series of strange occurrences unfold, Milo must use his wits to unravel the clues and uncover the truth behind the mysteries of Greenglass House. “Greenglass House” has been praised for its atmospheric setting, intricate plot, and well-developed characters. It is a delightful and engaging read for anyone who loves mystery novels or stories with a touch of whimsy.

Truly Devious written by Maureen Johnson

The story follows Stevie Bell, a true crime enthusiast who has been accepted to the prestigious Ellingham Academy, a private school in Vermont that was founded by a wealthy industrialist named Albert Ellingham. The academy is famous for its innovative curriculum and quirky students, but it’s also notorious for a crime that happened there in the 1930s: the kidnapping and murder of Ellingham’s wife and daughter.

Stevie is determined to solve the cold case, but as she delves deeper into the mystery, she realizes that the present-day threats at Ellingham Academy may be connected to the past. “Truly Devious” has been praised for its complex plot, well-drawn characters, and sharp writing style. It’s a page-turning mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end. If you’re a fan of young adult mysteries or true crime stories, “Truly Devious” is definitely worth checking out.

Mystery Books for 12-13 year olds

A to Z Mysteries written by Ron Roy

“A to Z Mysteries” is a popular children’s book series written by Ron Roy. The series follows the adventures of three young friends, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose, as they solve a variety of mysteries in their hometown of Green Lawn. Each book in the series features a mystery that corresponds to a letter of the alphabet, from “The Absent Author” to “The Zombie Zone”.

The mysteries range from missing items to stolen treasure to haunted houses, and the trio uses their detective skills and teamwork to crack each case. “A to Z Mysteries” has been praised for its engaging writing style, well-crafted plotlines, and relatable characters. The series is a great choice for young readers who love mysteries or are just starting to explore chapter books.

The Boxcar Children series written by Gertrude Chandler Warner

The series follows the adventures of four orphaned siblings, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny, who run away from their grandfather’s custody and make a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar in the woods. The children are resourceful and self-reliant, using their ingenuity to solve problems and make a life for themselves.

Over the course of the series, the children encounter a variety of challenges and mysteries, from lost dogs to hidden treasure to strange happenings at a carnival. “The Boxcar Children” has been praised for its wholesome values, charming characters, and engaging storytelling. The series is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of generations of young readers. It’s a great choice for children who enjoy adventure stories or are looking for a wholesome and heartwarming read.

Nate the Great written by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

“Nate the Great” is a beloved children’s book series written by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. The series follows the adventures of Nate, a young detective who solves mysteries with the help of his trusty dog, Sludge. Nate is a clever and determined sleuth who uses his powers of observation and deduction to crack cases, ranging from lost pets to missing paintings to stolen snacks.

Along the way, Nate encounters a cast of colorful characters, from his best friend Annie to his arch-nemesis Rosamond. “Nate the Great” has been praised for its engaging storytelling, relatable characters, and fun illustrations. The series is a great choice for young readers who love mysteries or are just starting to explore chapter books. Nate’s witty banter with his friends and his humorous mishaps will keep kids laughing and engaged from start to finish. If you’re looking for a fun and entertaining read for your child, “Nate the Great” is a classic series that will never go out of style.

Murder on the Orient Express written by Agatha Christie

The story is set on the luxurious Orient Express train, where wealthy passengers from all over Europe are traveling. The main character, renowned detective Hercule Poirot, is also on board and is reluctantly drawn into the investigation when one of the passengers is found murdered in his cabin. With no shortage of suspects, Poirot uses his sharp mind and keen intuition to unravel the mystery and uncover the killer’s identity.

“Murder on the Orient Express” is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The book has been praised for its intricate plot, richly drawn characters, and atmospheric setting. It’s a must-read for mystery fans and a great introduction to the work of Agatha Christie.

Mystery Books for 14 year-old Boy

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

“The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a collection of twelve short stories featuring the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his trusty assistant Dr. Watson. The stories were first published in 1892 and have since become classic works of detective fiction.

The stories cover a range of mysteries, from stolen jewels and missing persons to blackmail and murder. Sherlock Holmes uses his incredible powers of deduction to solve each case, often leaving the police baffled with his ability to unravel even the most complex of crimes.

The book has been widely adapted for stage, screen, and television, with countless actors portraying the iconic detective over the years. The stories have also influenced the development of the detective genre, inspiring generations of writers and readers alike with their clever plots and unforgettable characters.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

“The Maze Runner” by James Dashner is a thrilling novel that follows the story of a group of boys trapped in a mysterious maze with no memory of their past. The protagonist, Thomas, wakes up in the maze and finds himself surrounded by a group of boys who call themselves “Gladers.” The boys are trying to solve the maze and find a way out before their food and supplies run out.

As Thomas becomes more involved in the Gladers’ efforts to escape, he begins to uncover secrets about the maze and his own past. The story is filled with suspenseful moments and unexpected twists, as the Gladers race against time to find a way out of the maze and uncover the truth about their predicament.

The book is the first in a trilogy and has been widely praised for its action-packed plot and engaging characters. It has also been adapted into a successful film franchise, with the first movie released in 2014. The Maze Runner is a must-read for fans of science fiction and dystopian literature, and is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Mystery Books for 12 year olds Girl

The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

“The Secret of the Old Clock” by Carolyn Keene is the first book in the classic Nancy Drew mystery series. The novel follows the story of Nancy Drew, a teenage amateur sleuth, as she investigates the mysterious disappearance of an elderly woman’s will.

When Nancy learns that a wealthy heiress has left her fortune to the wrong people, she is determined to track down the missing will and restore justice. Along the way, she encounters a cast of colorful characters, including a conniving caretaker, a bumbling detective, and a group of deceitful relatives.

The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd

“The London Eye Mystery” by Siobhan Dowd is a gripping mystery novel that follows the story of 12-year-old Ted, who is on a quest to find his missing cousin, Salim. Salim disappears from a pod on the London Eye observation wheel, leaving no trace behind.

Ted, who has a unique and fascinating way of seeing the world, is determined to solve the mystery of his cousin’s disappearance. With the help of his older sister, Kat, and a host of other characters, Ted uses his extraordinary powers of observation to unravel the clues and uncover the truth.

The book has been praised for its clever and suspenseful plot, as well as its portrayal of neurodiversity through Ted’s character. It is a great read for both children and adults who love mysteries, and it is sure to keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett

“Chasing Vermeer” by Blue Balliett is a thrilling mystery novel that follows the story of two sixth-graders, Petra and Calder, who become entangled in a dangerous art heist. When a famous painting by the Dutch artist Vermeer is stolen from a Chicago museum, Petra and Calder are determined to solve the mystery and recover the missing artwork.

As they follow the clues and unravel the secrets hidden within the painting, Petra and Calder soon find themselves drawn into a web of intrigue and danger. With the help of a mysterious woman named Ms. Hussey, they must use their wits and ingenuity to outsmart the art thieves and save the painting from destruction.

In conclusion, the world of mystery books is an exciting and engaging one, full of suspense, intrigue, and compelling characters. The 19 Good Mystery Books for 13 Year Olds & Others that we have explored cover a wide range of styles and themes, from classic whodunits to modern thrillers and everything in between.

Whether you are a young reader just discovering the joys of the mystery genre, or an adult looking for a gripping page-turner, there is something on this list for everyone. These books offer an opportunity to exercise the mind, test the imagination, and experience the thrill of the unknown.

In a world where technology often dominates our free time, reading a good mystery book provides a refreshing escape into a world of suspense and intrigue. So, pick up one of these books, settle into a cozy reading spot, and prepare to be transported on a thrilling journey full of twists, turns, and unexpected surprises.