Mysteries for Early Elementary Students

Looking for mysteries for primary grade students, whether for shared or independent reading? Check out this selection of beginning reader, early chapter book, and graphic novel mysteries! Many books are the first in a series.

Updated August 21, 2025
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King and Kayla and the case of the missing dog treats
Butler, Dori Hillestad
Paper Book
King & Kayla are back on the case in this laugh-out-loud mystery from the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award-winning series. Kayla made peanut butter treats for Thor, Jillian's new puppy. But now the treats are missing, and King is under suspicion. Analytical Kayla...
The birthday party mystery
Manushkin, Fran
Paper Book
It's nearly Katie's birthday, and she learns she will be getting a special present. She's too excited to wait patiently for the gift to arrive, so she decides to investigate ahead of time. The clues might lead her to her present, but is it better to let this mystery go unsolved?
Hero dog!
Lysiak, Hilde
Paper Book
Real-life super-sleuth and media sensation Hilde Lysiak's reporting skills are put to the test in this fun early chapter book mystery series!Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text,...
Catastrophe
Winston, Sherri
Paper Book
Can Wednesday and her service dog, Woof, sniff out Mrs. Winter's missing cat before her big trip This is the first book of a fun full-color early chapter book series about the best detectives in the Midwest! Detective Tip #1 Try not to jump to conclusions. Wednesday and her...
Simon and Chester : super detectives!
Atkinson, Cale
Paper Book
Welcome to the world of Simon and Chester, ghost and boy duo extraordinaire. They like to kick butt and take names. They don't like chores. They are best friends. And they are about to solve the MYSTERY OF A LIFETIME. (Oh, and eat some snacks probably.) Join Simon and Chester in their first...
The case of the golden bone
Varon, Sara
Paper Book
Can Detective Sweet Pea sniff out the suspect and crack the case? From the creator of Robot Dreams, now an Oscar-nominated feature film, comes a new graphic novel series for young readers! Sweet Pea's got a pretty sweet life. The animals in her hometown of Parkville...

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