mysteries
Spirit Sleuths by Gail Jarrow
By Janie Cheaney |
Spirit Sleuths wraps ghosts, mediums, seances, scams, and Houdini in a fascinating true tale. Spirit Sleuths: How Magicians and Detectives Exposed the Ghost Hoaxes by ...
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The Sherlock Society by James Ponti
By Janie Cheaney |
The Sherlock Society kicks off a fun mystery series by popular MG author James Ponti. The Sherlock Society (#1) by James Ponti. Aladdin (Simon & ...
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New Chapter Book Series: Bibsy Cross and Detective Sweet Pea
By Janie Cheaney |
Bibsy Cross, an irrepressible third-grader, and Sweet Pea, a hound with a nose for mystery, are the loveable protagonists of two new series for early ...
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*Mercy Watson is Missing! by Kate DiCamillo
By Megan Saben |
What could possibly entice Mercy Watson to wander away from home? And who will help Mr. and Mrs. Watson recover their beloved porcine pet? Mercy ...
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The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day
By Janie Cheaney |
The Mona Lisa Vanishes tells of an astonishing theft while tracing the background of the world’s most famous painting. The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary ...
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Code of Silence and Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker
By Betsy Farquhar |
A heart-pounding mystery series, with hidden twists and turns at every corner and a powerful message. Note: this is a guest review. See below for ...
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The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass
By Janie Cheaney |
The Lost Library is thin on theme, but warm hearted and family-friendly. The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. Feiwel and Friends, 2023, ...
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Ultraviolet by R. J. Anderson
By Janie Cheaney |
A first-person psychological thriller inside one young woman's remarkable consciousness. Ultraviolet, by R. J. Anderson. Carolrhoda Lab, 2011, 303 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, Ages 14-upRecommended ...
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Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mysteries (Books 1 & 2) by Claudia Gray
By Hayley Morell |
Mysteries involving Jane Austen characters? That is the premise of Claudia Gray's recent mystery series suitable for mature teen readers as well as adults. As ...
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The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson
By Janie Cheaney |
Noting one important consideration, The Firefly Summer is an enjoyable light read with a theme of family solidarity. The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson. Simon ...
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The Silence of Bones by June Hur
By Betsy Farquhar |
Can Seol figure out what happened to her brother even as she investigates a murder? The Silence of Bones is a gritty, historical mystery for ...
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Unbreakable by Rebecca Barone
By Janie Cheaney |
Unbreakable makes the complicated story of unlocking the Enigma code accessible for young readers. Unbreakable: The Spies Who Cracked the Nazis' Secret Code by Rebecca ...
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*The Red Palace by June Hur
By Betsy Farquhar |
Eighteenth century Korea comes to life in The Red Palace, a gripping—and gritty—historical mystery for teens. *The Red Palace by June Hur. Feiwel and Friends, ...
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Quick Summer Reads: Treasure Tracks, High Score, and Wretched Waterpark
By Janie Cheaney |
Three entertaining novels for the adventure-seeker, the heist-lover, and the doom-aficionado. Treasure Tracks by S. A. Rodriguez. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2022, 214 pages. Reading Level: ...
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*Tree Street Kids: Lions to the Rescue! and Mystery in Crooked Creek Woods
By Megan Saben |
The Tree Street Kids series continues as Jack, Ellison, Roger, Ruthie and Midge develop new and better friendships, and also solve a mystery. Tree Street ...
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Spineless by Samantha San Miguel
By Janie Cheaney |
A sickly young man finds both adventure and wisdom in Spineless, an enjoyable debut novel set in turn-of-the-century Florida. Spineless by Samantha San Miguel. Union ...
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Trapped in Terror Bay by Sigmund Brouwer
By Janie Cheaney |
Trapped in Terror Bay takes readers into the mystery of the ill-fated Arctic voyage of the Franklin Expedition, 1845. Trapped in Terror Bay: Solving the ...
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Bestselling YA: A Look at the 2022 Market
By Janie Cheaney |
Aside from one graphic-novel romance series, novels about death and murder dominate the current YA scene. Where's hope? What are kids reading these days? As ...
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Murder on the Baltimore Express by Suzanne Jermain
By Janie Cheaney |
Plotted like a step-by-step thriller, Murder on the Baltimore Express tells how Abraham Lincoln almost didn't become president. Murder on the Baltimore Express: The Plot ...
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Homer on the Case by Henry Cole
By Janie Cheaney |
Homer, a literate homing pigeon, uses his unusual skills to solve a mystery, in this gentle story for young middle-graders. Homer on the Case by ...
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Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling
By Janie Cheaney |
Chapter-book readers will enjoy meeting Aven Green, the no-armed protagonist of the "Life of a Cactus" books. Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling, with ...
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Loot and Sting by Jude Watson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Loot and Sting are light-hearted "heist" novels for middle grades. Loot and Sting by Jude Watson. Scholastic, 2015 (Loot) and 2017 (Sting). 272 pages (both). ...
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City Spies Series by James Ponti
By Betsy Farquhar |
City Spies is a fun, middle grades mystery series featuring undercover teen spies from around the world, each with a special talent. City Spies Series ...
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Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
By Janie Cheaney |
Add Pride and Premeditation, a “Jane Austen Murder Mystery” to your YA shelf for a light, amusing summertime diversion. Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price. ...
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Thornwood by Leah Cypess
By Janie Cheaney |
Thornwood recasts the tale of Sleeping Beauty as a castle-bound mystery, with twists and turns at every corner. Thornwood by Leah Cypress. Delacorte Press, 2021, ...
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The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
By Betsy Farquhar |
An intriguing mystery for middle grades: what happens when someone gets on the London Eye, a closed system, and doesn't get off? The London Eye ...
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The Golden Age Detective Stories
By Hayley Morell |
This is an abridged version of the article Reading the Golden Age that originally appeared in our Fall 2020 Quarterly. Who murdered ____? Is it ...
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Sports Beat Mysteries by John Feinstein
By Betsy Farquhar |
Feinstein's Sports Beat Mysteries are great fun for teen sports lovers. Sports Beat Mystery Series by John Feinstein. Yearling. Last Shot: Mystery at the Final ...
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Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth Bunce
By Janie Cheaney |
Premeditated Myrtle introduces a precocious 12-year-old Victorian detective with a trusty governess sidekick. Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth Bunce. Algonquin Young Readers, 2020, 355 pages. Reading ...
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Finally, Something Mysterious by Doug Cornett
By Janie Cheaney |
Finally, Something Mysterious kicks off a middle-grader mystery series set in Bellwood, a small town with more than its share of eccentrics. Finally, Something Mysterious ...
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Fuzzy Mud by Louis Sachar
By Betsy Farquhar |
Are you brave enough to rescue a bully from a hazardous substance, at your own risk? A thought-provoking middle grades read from the author of ...
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The Mutant Mushroom Takeover by Summer Rachel Short
By Betsy Farquhar |
Bioluminescent fungi, a strange death, and zombie-like side effects threaten Maggie and Nate's small town. Can they solve the mystery in time to save the ...
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Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian Goerz
By Janie Cheaney |
Shirley & Jamila are an odd couple who learn a lot about friendship while solving neighborhood crimes. Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian ...
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Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen by Marthe Jocelyn
By Janie Cheaney |
The Aggie Morton series introduces young readers to a young Agatha Christie, already solving crimes in her seaside home town. The Body under the Piano ...
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Sunnyside Plaza by Scott Simon
By Janie Cheaney |
The mentally-challenged adults of Sunnyside Plaza step out of their comfort zone to solve a mystery. Sunnyside Plaza by Scott Simon. Little, Brown, 2020, 192 ...
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In the Hall With the Knife by Dana Peterfreund
By Janie Cheaney |
In the Hall With the Knife kicks off a mystery series for teens based on the venerable board game, Clue. In the Hall with the ...
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Skyjacked by Paul Griffin
By Janie Cheaney |
Five high school students and one air-traffic intern will be severely tested as their private plane is Skyjacked. Skyjacked by Paul Griffin. Scholastic, 2019, 227 ...
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Last in a Long Line of Rebels by Lisa Lewis Tyre
By Janie Cheaney |
In this light-hearted middle-grade novel, a southern "Rebel" digs into her heritage with surprising and enlightening results. Last in a Long Line of Rebels by ...
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The Mysterious Benedict Society Series by Trenton Lee Stewart
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Mysterious Benedict Society is a clever middle grades mystery series perfect for puzzle-loving tween and young teen readers. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton ...
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Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier
By Hayley Morell |
Mysterious maps, sea creatures, and an island kingdom where dark secrets threaten to emerge . . . All the makings for an excellent story. Isle ...
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The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Matthew, housebound because of his OCD, uses his detailed observations of his neighbors to help solve the disappearance of a toddler in this middle grades ...
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The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill
By Hayley Morell |
Watch out Chicago, there’s a new amateur sleuth in town for this jazz age mystery! The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill. ...
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Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix
By Alysha |
Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix. Katherine Tegan Books, 2015. 304 pages. Ages 12-15 Reading Level: Young Adult Ages 12-15 Recommended For: Young Adult 15+ ...
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The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson and Bobbi Behr
By Janie Cheaney |
A fun middle-grade series mixes classic mystery elements with wacky situations and wordplay. The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson and Bobbi Behr. MacMillan Imprint, 2017, ...
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*Disappeared by Francisco X. Stork
By Janie Cheaney |
Disappeared offers teens a complex look at making moral choices amid drug crime and kidnapping along the Mexican border. *Disappeared by Francis X. Stork. Scholastic, ...
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Beneath by Roland Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
A unique YA series-opener, Beneath takes us below the streets of New York City where trouble is brewing. Reading level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended ...
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Mystery Book List for Elementary, Tweens, and Teens!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Calling all mystery lovers! Mystery book list for all ages! Whether or not you're planning to see Murder on the Orient Express this month, you likely have ...
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Retro Reads: *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
By Betsy Farquhar |
A middle grades mystery that has become a modern classic: The Westing Game is just as engaging as ever! *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. ...
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Dame Agatha: Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None
By Betsy Farquhar |
A Scene of Terror Sitting alone in the dark house, I gripped the book tightly, desperate to finish and petrified at the same time. Was ...
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The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Pearl Thief is a prequel to the award-winning Code Name Verity, but it lacks the same sophistication and character development. The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein. ...
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The School Ship Tobermory series by Alexander McCall Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
The School Ship Tobermory series takes a crew of likable middle-graders to exotic ports in pursuit of adventure. School Ship Tobermory and The Sands of ...
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The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy
By Janie Cheaney |
A town where qualities disappear every seven years is the setting for The Disappearances, a clean, thought-provoking teen mystery. The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy. ...
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Panda-monium by Stuart Gibbs
By Betsy Farquhar |
Panda-monium offers plenty of hi-jinks, animal facts, and quirky characters as Teddy solves the mystery of the theft of a prized giant panda. Panda-monium by ...
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The Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 1 (and book giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
At last count, thirty families and individuals (and a few classes) have signed up to receive daily chapters of my latest in-progress novel. (If you ...
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Howard Wallace, P.I. by Casey Lyell
By Janie Cheaney |
A 7th-grade detective and his feisty sidekick sets up shop in this new mystery series with a distinctive, humorous voice. Howard Wallace, P.I. by ...
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Lois Lane: Triple Threat by Gwenda Bond
By Janie Cheaney |
The third volume of this series about teenage reporter Lois Lane maintains the action level and ups the emotional ante. Triple Threat (Lois Lane #3) ...
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Cruel Beauty: a Redeemed Reader Discussion
By Alysha |
Some of the staff here at Redeemed Reader decided to discuss Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge as it relates to the story of Beauty and ...
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*A Little Taste of Poison by R. J. Anderson
By Hayley Morell |
The stakes are higher than ever for Isaveth Breck, plucky heroine of A Pocketful of Murder, when the future of her city is threatened. ...
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*A Pocket Full of Murder by R. J. Anderson
By Hayley Morell |
A plucky girl sets out to prove her father's innocence —aided by a street boy— in this magical murder mystery. A Pocket Full of Murder (Uncommon ...
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If the Magic Fits by Susan Maupin Schmid
By Janie Cheaney |
This light-hearted fantasy mystery is perfect for girls who like spunky housemaids, personable princesses, and delightful dresses. If the Magic Fits (100 Dresses #1) by ...
Read More *Encyclopedia Brown series by Donald J. Sobol
By Megan Saben |
A modest, well-read boy detective solves crimes great and small in these classic mysteries. Enjoy this post from the archives! (originally published July 8, 2015) ...
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The Mysterious Howling (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #1) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
Miss Penelope Lumley has been hired by Lord and Lady Ashton as governess to their three strange children in this delightful series opener. A review ...
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*The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart
By Betsy Farquhar |
A magic watch, a family secret, a mysterious city dictator, and one brave boy make for a great read in this clever, inventive mystery. One ...
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The Candymakers and the Chocolate Chase by Wendy Mass
By Betsy Farquhar |
Logan, Miles, Daisy, and Philip are off on a hunt to find the mystery chocolate in this fun follow-up to The Candymakers. The Candymakers and ...
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The Candymakers by Wendy Mass
By Betsy Farquhar |
Four children simultaneously solve a mystery and learn about teamwork in this sweet, chocolate-y mystery. The Candymakers by Wendy Mass. Little, Brown, 2010. 480 pages. ...
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Steeplejack by A. J. Hartley
By Janie Cheaney |
A classic mystery unfolds in this historical fantasy for teens, with an appealing heroine, a multi-racial cast of characters, and an exotic setting. Steeplejack by ...
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A Complicated Case by Ulf Nilsson
By Betsy Farquhar |
A funny, chapter book mystery for newly independent readers! A Complicated Case (Detective Gordon) by Ulf Nilsson and illustrated by Gittee Spee. Gecko Press, 2016. ...
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The Unmapped Sea (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #5) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
Miss Penelope Lumley starts to solve some of the Ashton Place mysteries while on holiday by the sea in this fifth volume of the series. ...
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The Interrupted Tale (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #4) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
Volume 4 of this funny middle grades series has Penelope, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia back in London attempting to save the Swanburne School for Poor ...
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The Unseen Guest (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #3) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
Volume 3 of this funny middle grades series has Penelope, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia back in London attempting to save the Swanburne School for Poor ...
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The Hidden Gallery (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #2) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
Miss Penelope Lumley and her three young charges are off to London in this humorous, satisfying follow-up to the first in the series. The Hidden ...
Read More Tru and Nelle by G. Neri
By Janie Cheaney |
Tru and Nelle by G. Neri. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016, 336 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-12 Bottom Line: Based ...
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Romance + Reading = Love
By Hayley Morell |
Once Upon a Time... ... there was a little girl who loved stories and fairytales. She discovered Andrew Lang’s colored fairy books and read through them—pretty ...
Read More Newbery Buzz: The Nest by Kenneth Oppel
By Janie Cheaney |
Continuing our series of middle-grade fiction touted as possible Newbery winners: Janie: Kenneth Oppel is best known for light-hearted steampunk fantasy, like the Airborn series ...
Read More Woof by Spencer Quinn
By Janie Cheaney |
Woof (a Bowser and Birdie Novel) by Spencer Quinn. Scholastic, 2015. 293 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 9-13 Bottom Line: ...
Read More Fallout (Lois Lane) by Gwenda Bond
By Janie Cheaney |
Fallout (Lois Lane) by Gwenda Bond. Capstone, 2015. 202 pages Reading Level: Young adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12 and up Bottom Line: Fallout ...
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*The Father Brown Reader: Stories from Chesterton adapted by Nancy Carpentier Brown
By Betsy Farquhar |
*The Father Brown Reader: Stories from Chesterton adapted by Nancy Carpentier Brown, illustrated by Ted Schluenderfritz. Hillside Education, 2007. 147 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 ...
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The Queen’s Shadow by Cybele Young
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Queen’s Shadow: A Story About How Animals See by Cybele Young. Kids Can Press, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 8-10 Recommended ...
Read More Absolutely Truly by Heather Vogel
By Janie Cheaney |
Absolutely Truly by Heather Vogel Frederick. Simon & Shuster, cheap 2014. 354 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ed ages 10-12 Recommended For: ages 10-12 and ...
Read More George Washington’s Breakfast by Jean Fritz
By Megan Saben |
George Washington’s Breakfast by Jean Fritz, illustrated by Paul Galdone (cover image by Tomie DePaola). Putnam & Grosset, 1969. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ...
Read More *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
By Janie Cheaney |
*The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. Dutton Children’s Books, 1978. 182 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 10-12) and up ...
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The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Kevin Cornell
By Betsy Farquhar |
This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure by ...
Read More Space Case by Stuart Gibbs
By Janie Cheaney |
Space Case by Stuart Gibbs. Simon & Schuster, 2014. 337 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10. Maturity Level: 4 (ages 11-12) Moon Base Alpha ...
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*Somebody on This Bus is Going to Be Famous by (our very own) J. B. Cheaney
By Betsy Farquhar |
*Somebody on This Bus Is Going to Be Famous by J. B. Cheaney. Sourcebooks, 2014. 304 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades (8-12)Recommended For: Ages 10-12 Bottom ...
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Greenglass House by Kate Milford
By Betsy Farquhar |
Greenglass House by Kate Milford. Clarion, 2014, 384 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades (ages 10-12) Recommended for: Ages 10 and up The Greenglass House is ...
Read More To Say Nothing of the Dog (Summer Reading for Grown-ups!)
By Betsy Farquhar |
This post originally appeared in a different format as part of our 2014 Summer Reading Challenge. The content has been adapted slightly to fit our new ...
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Spy Catchers of Maple Hill
By Betsy Farquhar |
Spy Catchers of Maple Hill by Megan Frazer Blakemore. Bloomsbury, 2014. 320 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12Recommended for: ages 10-12 One-Sentence Summary: Young Hazel Kaplansky, ...
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Solving Mysteries with Science (and a disappointing collective biography)
By Megan Saben |
One Minute Mysteries: 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! by Eric Yoder and Natalie Yoder. Science Naturally, 2013. When I was growing up, ...
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The Real Sherlock Holmes
By Janie Cheaney |
Arthur Conan Doyle published the first Sherlock Holmes story in a British periodical in 1887, to moderate interest. Three novels and fifty-odd short stories later, ...
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Spunky Siblings
By Janie Cheaney |
Brother-Sister duos are a staple in children’s publishing ever since the Bobbsey Twins—a way of stretching the appeal, I suppose. These new series try to ...
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Mystery Under the Stars
By Janie Cheaney |
. . . In which we crack the spines of two middle-grade novels that have been getting a lot of favorable press: both are mysteries, ...
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Mr. and Mrs. Bunny: Detectives Extraordinaire! by Mrs. Bunny, translated from the Rabbit by Polly Horvath
By Janie Cheaney |
Mr. and Mrs. Bunny: Detectives Extraordinaire! by Mrs. Bunny, translated from the Rabbit by Polly Horvath, illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Schwartz & Wade, 2012, 248 ...
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Detectives: Hard Boiled and Four-Legged
By Janie Cheaney |
Ever since Edgar Allen Poe, one of the most reliable publishing genres has been the mystery or detective novel. I'm not a huge fan myself, ...
Read More Brixton Brothers: Ace Detective
By Janie Cheaney |
The Brixton Brothers, by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Adam Rex, published by Simon & Schuster. The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity (2009), 179 ...
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