Great Mysteries for Kids

Solve puzzles with kids like you in these librarian-recommended mysteries for kids.

Updated May 4, 2026
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Who stole the hazelnuts? : a forest mystery
Pfister, Marcus
Paper Book
A new book from the author of the bestselling Rainbow Fish series! The peace and quiet of the forest are shattered by a scream. Someone has stolen the squirrel's three hazelnuts! Who could have committed such a terrible crime? The squirrel begins his investigation, and no...
The mystery of the haunted dance hall
Cotter, Charis
Paper Book
Set in the '60s at a summer camp, The Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall is a spooky, atmospheric middle-grade story for fans of classic ghost stories, unlikely friendships and intriguing mysteries. Bee's mom has a job in New York City for the summer, so Bee is being sent...
The elephant detectives
Adamson, Ged
Paper Book
A charming, funny adventure about losing an elephant and finding a friend. Alan's elephant is missing! Edie the Elephant Detectives is on the case. But they just might be missing some important...
Pipsie, nature detective : the disappearing caterpillar
DeDonato, Rick
Paper Book
Pipsie loves everything wild--from dragonflies to oceans to tall, tall trees. She also loves solving mysteries. That's why she's a nature detective! When she and her turtle, Alfred, notice that their new friend, Frannie the caterpillar, has vanished, Pipsie is on the case. She grabs her...
Shirley & Jamila save their summer
Goerz, Gillian
Paper Book
This middle-grade graphic novel for fans of Roller Girl and Smile introduces Jamila and Shirley, two unlikely friends who save each other's summers while solving their neighborhood's biggest mysteries. Jamila Waheed is staring down a lonely summer in a new...
Midnight at the Barclay Hotel
Bradley, Fleur
Paper Book
Hunting ghosts and solving the case before checkout? All in a weekend's work. Read the novel that New York Times bestselling author, Chris Grabenstein calls, "My kind of mystery!" When JJ Jacobson convinced his mom to accept a surprise invitation to an all...
The unexplainable disappearance of Mars Patel
Chari, Sheela
Paper Book
Based on the Peabody Award-winning podcast, this tech-filled adventure series pits intrepid Mars Patel and his outcast friends against a brilliant, enigmatic billionaire as they race to figure out why kids are disappearing from their school. Mars Patel's friend Aurora has...
The midnight children
Gemeinhart, Dan
Paper Book
The #1 New York Times and Indie bestseller! * "A story of fierce friendship, bravery, loyalty, and finding--or making--a place to belong." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Equal parts Kate DiCamillo and Shirley Jackson, this book is unlike anything else...
The Swifts : a dictionary of scoundrels
Lincoln, Beth
Paper Book
#1 New York Times bestseller! "Knives Out feel by way of Lemony Snicket...This archly told, never muddled debut whodunit reveals a roster of distinct characters, a labyrinthine setting and plot, and a mystery that is as clever as its heroine." - Publishers Weekly...
How to catch a clover thief
Parsley, Elise
Paper Book
This hilarious tale about problem-solving and ingenuity from bestselling author-illustrator Elise Parsley celebrates nonfiction books as a way to build skills and smarts!   All Roy the wild boar wants is to enjoy his precious patch of delicious clover . . ....
The many mysteries of the Finkel family
Kapit, Sarah
Paper Book
Fans of the Penderwicks and the Vanderbeekers, meet the Finkel family in this middle grade novel about two autistic sisters, their detective agency, and life's most consequential mysteries. When twelve-year-old Lara Finkel starts her very own detective agency, FIASCCO (Finkel...
Cat food clues
Koch, Leanna
Paper Book
Dot's cat food keeps mysteriously disappearing! Can her owner and friends put the clues together and solve the cat food mystery?Stairway Decodables is a supplemental phonics resource that's perfect for supporting small group instruction, independent reading, or reading practice at home. This title...
Mistakes were made
Pastis, Stephan.
Paper Book
Want to aspire to greatness? Check out this edition of Timmy Failure's first adventure--featuring the bonus section "How to Draw Timmy and Total." He may be clueless, but the comically self-confident Timmy Failure is CEO of the best detective agency in town, perhaps even the...
Agent Lion
Soman, David
Paper Book
From the New York Times bestselling creators of Ladybug Girl, meet Agent Lion: a charmingly oblivious yet always-on-time detective! MS. FLAMINGO'S CAT, FLUFFY, IS MISSING...and there's only one detective who can crack the case! Meet Agent Lion--he works at Super Detective Agents...
Farm crimes! Cracking the case of the missing egg
Dumais, Sandra
Paper Book
This junior graphic novel for ages 6 to 9 follows a bumbling goat detective in a hilarious barnyard mystery A peaceful day on the farm turns to panic when Hen discovers her egg has been stolen! The only one who can crack the case? Billiam Van Hoof, the world...

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