Get ’em Sleuthin’ With Mystery Novels for Kids

Parents can revel in nostalgia with this update to the classic series about four children who enter a world of adventure, freedom and self-reliance after discovering an abandoned boxcar. 

In “The Power Down Mystery,” a storm leaves young sleuths Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny with no power or internet. The four orphans need to work together to get to the bottom of things—all while totally unplugged.

Sherlock Sam, or Samuel Tan Cher Lock, is a 10-year old kid detective in Singapore. He’s got a trusty robot named Watson that follows him around the city. He also has his friend group, known collectively as the Supper Club, to help him prove that with teamwork they can solve any cases. 

In this edition of the popular chapter book series, people are hearing mysterious sounds at one of the city’s most-loved historical attractions, and Sherlock and Watson find themselves in the middle of a thrilling ghost mystery. 

The book offers a fresh, cross-cultural twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories. It’s perfect for middle-grade readers and those interested in stories that incorporate logic and problem solving.

One of our favorite mystery novels for kids is “The Baker Street Peculiars.” This must-read graphic novel tells the story of Sherlock Holmes’ three assistants: Rajani Malakar, Molly Rosenberg and Humphrey Forbes-Davenport. Set in 1933 London, the trio uses the science of deduction to help Holmes solve mysteries.

In the middle of their investigation, the assistants realize that the biggest mystery of all might be the real identity of the detective who brought the three of them together. This upbeat book delivers a fresh, supernatural twist on the world of Sherlock Holmes.

“Hidden Pictures” gives a contemporary makeover to the classic Nancy Drew mystery series to appeal to today’s kids. In this audio edition, teen super sleuth Nancy and her best friends, Bess and George, must solve a photographic mystery at the local museum after two people visiting the town go missing, only to show up in old photographs on display at the museum, seemingly frozen in time. There’s also a rumor that a former partner cursed the photographer of the pictures, but the young detectives are sure that there’s another explanation. Will they solve the mystery before it’s too late? Middle-grade mystery readers and older kids will have a lot of fun finding out in this audiobook

In this first book of the Sisters Grimm series, orphaned sisters Sabrina and Daphne learn they are related to the famous Brothers Grimm. Plus they discover that their book full of fairy tales is a history book filled with events from the past. 

What ensues is a magical whodunnit in which readers can follow the girls as they try to stop a giant from rampaging through the town. To achieve this, Sabrina and Daphne must also find out which fairy tale character set the giant loose in the first place. Was it Mayor Charming (formerly Prince Charming)? Or was it the Three Not-So-Little Pigs? This book will send your kid on a roller coaster of surprises, adventure and laughs.

This audio installment of the Hardy Boys Adventures series takes brother detectives Frank and Joe deep into the Florida Keys.

It begins when marine biologist from the Bayport Aquarium invites the two on a mission to save sharks in the archipelago. But their mission changes after the doctor goes missing from their research vessel.

The boys’ investigation gets them involved in the politics around establishing a resort on Lookout Key. What follows is a journey that introduces the brother detectives to enthusiastic liars and mysterious politicians. The book is full of humour and mystery with a satisfying ending for readers, making it an excellent read for young children.

An orphaned Hugo fights to survive while secretly living in the walls of a Paris train station in this charming, old-world tale. 

Working as a clock keeper and keeping his living situation a secret, his young life is already challenging, but when he meets a bookish girl and an older man who runs the station toy booth, Hugo’s life and his secrets are put in jeopardy. 

Filled with lessons about forgiveness and perseverance, this audbook will also show your kid the redeeming power of friendship.