5th and 6th Graders: Mysteries and Thrillers

This list includes titles from the Hartford School 2026 suggested summer reading list, as well as recommendations from staff at the Mount Laurel Library. Remember, you do not need to choose a title from the list; you can fulfill your summer reading obligations by reading any middle grade book.

Updated May 13, 2026
M
Mount Laurel Library
Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
Small spaces
Arden, Katherine
Paper Book
'Don't panic. That's the first rule of survival. Never panic.' Simple enough - until your school trip turns into a waking nightmare. After rescuing a book from the river, eleven-year-old Ollie discovers an unsettling ghost story about the sinister Smiling Man, a...
The mystery of locked rooms
Currie, Lindsay
Paper Book
*Instant New York Times and USA Today bestseller!* Crack the codes. Find the treasure. Escape the house. From the acclaimed author of Scritch Scratch and What Lives in the Woods comes an action-packed adventure...
The Last Resort
Kelly, Erin Entrada
Paper Book
The next evolution in storytelling from New York Times bestselling, Newbery Medal Winning author Erin Entrada Kelly! Twelve-year-old Lila has two goals for the summer: 1. Win back the friends who ditched her for being "too dramatic" 2. Stop being so dramatic ...
Ali Cross
Patterson, James
Paper Book
The son of Alex Cross follows in his father's footsteps in this exciting new thriller for young readers from globally bestselling author James Patterson James Patterson's blockbuster Alex Cross series has sold over 100 million copies, and now he's bringing those thrills to a...
The Sherlock Society
Ponti, James
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller! In the tradition of Nancy Drew, four kids and one grandfather in Miami tackle a decades-old mystery in this first book full of "atmosphere, history, and lively humor" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) in the Sherlock Society middle...
City of ghosts
Schwab, Victoria
Paper Book
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria (V.E.) Schwab (The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue) comes a sweeping, spooky, evocative adventure, perfect for fans of Stranger Things. An instant bestseller! Ever since Cass almost drowned (okay, she did drown, but she doesn't...

Library staff! You can create and contribute to lists. Contact your catalog administrator or log in here.