There’s a special kind of thrill that comes from sinking into murder mystery books for young adults; the kind where you promise yourself “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s 2 AM! These stories aren’t just about solving crimes; they’re about secrets, lies, and the rush of uncovering the truth before the characters do. Whether you love twisty school scandals, small-town whodunits, or dangerous games of deception, this list is packed with page-turners you won’t want to put down.
25 Age Appropriate Murder Mystery Books For 13-18 Year Olds
Finding intriguing and age-appropriate books can become a back-breaking task. So, I’ve compiled a list of 25 gripping books for 13-18 year olds. They are ranked in order of their mystery level, from highest to lowest. These YA books keep the tension high without going overboard; perfect for readers who crave puzzles, high-stakes drama, and that heart-pounding moment when the final piece of the mystery clicks into place.
1. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Suitable for: Fans of teenage crime fiction, Readers aged 15–18
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is one of the addictive murder mystery books for beginners because of its fast pace and endless twists…Pippa Fitz-Amobi decides to investigate a murder everyone believes was solved years ago. The case seemed closed: a high school girl dead, her boyfriend the killer.
But as Pip digs deeper (through interviews, alibis, and hidden evidence), she realizes the truth is far more tangled. What begins as a simple school project turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse, with someone determined to stop her at any cost.
2. Sadie by Courtney Summers
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Suitable for: Fans of psychological thriller books, Readers aged 16–18
Sadie is one of those teen murder mystery novels that blurs the line between crime novels and human drama, pulling you deep into its emotional core. Saddie’s mother, Mattie dies and so, Saddie goes on a quest to find the murderer (a job that the police couldn’t do).
In the pursuit of tracking the man she believes to be responsible, Saddie follows a trail across small towns and dark secrets. Meanwhile, a radio host documents her journey, uncovering disturbing details that make the reader question whether he’s chasing a story or a tragedy in real time.
3. The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Suitable for: Fans of thriller books, Readers aged 16–18
Part heist, part hostage situation, The Girls I’ve Been is an adrenaline-fueled YA mystery book about a con artist’s daughter who must outwit bank robbers while her own dangerous past threatens to catch up to her.
Nora’s childhood was all about helping her mother run cons. She thinks she has escaped that life, but apparently not! It all comes back, and she gets caught up in a bank with her ex-boyfriend and new girlfriend. Now she has to apply every manipulative skill she has learnt in order to survive.
4. These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Suitable for: Fans of teenage crime fiction, Readers aged 15–18
What makes These Shallow Graves an all time favorite is its ability to merge depth and danger. Jo Montfort, a wealthy young woman, dreams of becoming a journalist, but when her father dies in what appears to be an accident, she suspects foul play.
Teaming up with an ambitious reporter, Jo ventures into the city’s underworld, uncovering secrets that could destroy her family’s reputation. Jennifer Donnelly’s historical detail makes the streets of 1890s New York come alive, while the suspenseful investigation keeps the pages turning.
5. I Killed Zoe Spanos by Kit Frick
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Suitable for: Fans of YA mystery books, Readers aged 15–18
In a summer drenched with secrets, Anna arrives in the Hamptons to work as a nanny; only to be mistaken for Zoe Spanos, a local girl who disappeared months earlier. When Zoe’s body is found, Anna confesses to the crime… but nothing is that simple.
Told in a dual timeline and interspersed with podcast transcripts, I Killed Zoe Spanos is one of the most addictive mystery novels for young adults, featuring unreliable narrators. Kit Frick masterfully builds tension until every character feels like a suspect, keeping the reader guessing until the shocking finale.
6. Little Monsters by Kara Thomas
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Suitable for: Teens who enjoy dark mysteries, Readers aged 15–18
Little Monsters is a tense, character-driven story perfect for readers who like gripping emotional stakes as much as plot twists. Kacey thought moving in with her father to a quiet town would mean a fresh start. But her new best friend suddenly disappears, and she becomes the prime suspect in a small-town mystery, where has something to hide.
Kara Thomas beautifully captures the fragile trust between friends and how easily it can break. Themes like jealousy, loyalty, and betrayal are handled with utmost care. Kacey’s journey of unraveling the truth will keep you on the edge, with the realization that some truths are even more dangerous than lies.
7. The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Suitable for: Fans who enjoy clever puzzles/historical intrigue, Readers aged 12–15
With themes of friendship, courage, and justice, The Parker Inheritance is one of the best YA mystery books for teens who enjoy both heart and intrigue. When Candice finds a mysterious letter in her grandmother’s attic, she uncovers a decades-old puzzle tied to her family’s past and the history of their small Southern town.
She makes a new friend, Bradson, who helps her discover hidden clues. Varian Johnson beautifully captures the themes of racism, love, and betrayal. He also blends the fun of a treasure hunt and the seriousness of social history in a seamless manner. The alternating timelines and historical connections give younger readers an engaging yet meaningful entry point into mystery fiction.
8. Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Suitable for: Fans of books set in boarding schools, Readers aged 14–17
With its mix of high school drama, eccentric characters, and true-crime vibes, Truly Devious appeals to readers who like puzzles, dark atmospheres, and clever twists. Ellingham Academy is not only famous for its eccentric genius students but also for a murder mystery that has never been solved.
When Stevie Bell enrolls, she’s determined to crack the historic case, but a present-day murder on campus throws her into the middle of a dangerous game. Maureen Johnson creates an intricate, layered mystery with dual timelines and plenty of clever clues, making it one of the most gripping murder mysteries for tweens.
9. One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Suitable for: Fans of teen crime dramas, Readers aged 14–17
I recently watched the show that goes by the same name and it blew my mind! Five high school students walk into detention and only four walk out alive. The creator of Bayview High’s gossip app dies under suspicious circumstances, and the other four students become prime suspects. Each has a secret worth killing for, or so it seems.
One of Us Is Lying is told through multiple perspectives and that’s what makes it special. The novel is part whodunit, part high school drama, exploring themes of gossip, truth, and the danger of assumptions. With short chapters and cliffhangers, it’s perfect for readers looking for a fast-paced plot.
10. The Agency: A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Suitable for: Fans of Victorian-era spy mysteries, Readers aged 13–16
The mix of espionage and sleuthing offers a fresh twist for fans of good mystery books for 13-year-olds who want more than a simple whodunit. Imagine an orphan getting trained as a spy! Yes, set in Victorian London, Mary Quinn is groomed as a spy in an investigative agency.
Her first assignment is to go undercover at a wealthy merchant’s house, filled with smuggling, deceit, and dangerous liaisons. Y.S. Lee makes sure that The Agency: A Spy in the House has everything from adventure to romance, from period setting to resourceful heroine.
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11. Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Suitable for: Fans of quirky small-town mysteries, Readers aged 11–14
In Tupelo Landing, North Carolina, eleven-year-old Mo LoBeau has enough on her plate running a café with her adoptive parents and solving the mystery of her own “upstream mother.” But when a detective comes to town investigating a murder, Mo and her best friend Dale decide to crack the case themselves.
Three Times Lucky is more than just a mystery; it’s a light yet engaging puzzle. It has humor, Southern charm, and even a heartfelt friendship. The townsfolk are eccentric, the motives are hidden, and Mo’s narration is razor-sharp. While the stakes are real, the tone stays warm and inviting, making it ideal for younger YA mystery book lovers.
12. City Spies by James Ponti
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Suitable for: Fans of action-packed spy adventures, Readers aged 11–14
City Spies is like a James Bond version for the kids, covering themes of trust, loyalty and teamwork. It’s especially for the lovers of clever problem-solving and high-stakes action. The writing of James Ponti will make you really invested in the case solving and the globe-trotting settings.
Twelve-year-old hacker Sara Martinez is facing juvenile detention; until she’s recruited by MI6 for a covert team of kids from around the world. Together, they embark on missions involving international espionage, dangerous tech, and yes, a few dead bodies along the way.
13. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Suitable for: Fans of puzzle-filled mysteries, Readers aged 12–15
It all starts with millionaire Samuel W. Westing’s death. Sixteen heirs gather for the reading of his will, only to realise that they must play a game first. The one who can solve the puzzle, can get Westing’s fortune. But is there more to Westing’s death than they think?
Ellen Raskin’s The Westing Game is a masterclass in misdirection, with clues hidden in wordplay, character quirks, and seemingly unrelated details. If you love brain teasers and clever twists, this murder mystery will intellectually stimulate you and build intrigue in all the right ways.
14. Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
Suitable for: Fans of cozy historical mysteries, Readers aged 11–14
Twelve-year-old aspiring detective Myrtle Hardcastle lives in Victorian England, where crime is everywhere; if you know where to look. When a wealthy neighbor dies under suspicious circumstances, Myrtle is certain it’s murder. Now she just needs to prove it… without getting grounded.
Bunce’s writing has a way to balance period setting with lighthearted wit. And that makes Premeditated Myrtle both atmospheric and accessible. Themes of curiosity, persistence, and justice are woven into a charming whodunit that young readers can solve alongside Myrtle.
15. Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmed
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
Suitable for: Fans of social justice mysteries, Readers aged 14–17
Safiya Mirza finds the body of a murdered boy in an abandoned house, and the injustice of his death haunts her. The police take little interest in solving the case; so she takes it upon herself to dig in more. The boy’s past leads her to discover threads of racism, prejudice, and buried secrets.
Told through multiple perspectives and media clippings, this is less about the “who” and more about the “why,” blending a socially charged narrative with investigative grit. Samira Ahmed keeps readers questioning motives and morality, making it a compelling, thought-provoking mystery.
16. The Body in the Woods by April Henry
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
Suitable for: Fans of teen sleuth teams, Readers aged 13–16
Three teen members of a Portland Search and Rescue team stumble upon the body of a young girl in the woods. When the police focus on the wrong suspect, Alexis, Nick, and Ruby decide to investigate on their own.
Every person has strengths and secrets that complicate the case but also help it. If you’re looking for a fast-paced and clue-driven read, The Body in the Woods is perfect, with its short chapters and high tension.
17. Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
Suitable for: Fans of domestic suspense, Readers aged 15–18
You might mistake Helen’s life as picture-perfect in the beginning but all this changes when she meets Rachel. Rachel is not just intrusive and unpredictable but also strangely fascinated by Helen’s life.
When Rachel disappears, Helen gets pulled into a web of lies, hidden relationships, and dark pasts. The mystery here is more psychological than procedural, with the tension coming from characters’ shifting loyalties and what they choose to hide. Greenwich Park is the perfect YA murder mystery book for readers ready to step into the world of adult thrillers without losing pace or emotional stakes.
18. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
Suitable for: Fans of puzzles and high-society intrigue, Readers aged 13–17
Avery Grambs inherits billions from a stranger; but to claim her fortune, she must live in his sprawling mansion, surrounded by his suspicious (and possibly dangerous) family. Every room hides a puzzle, every clue a hint to why she was chosen.
As tensions rise, Avery must figure out which family members are allies and which would rather see her gone, permanently. This is a page-turner for fans of riddles, romance, and dangerous games.
19. Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
Suitable for: Fans of boarding school whodunits, Readers aged 10–14
At Deepdean School for Girls, Hazel Wong finds a teacher’s body; but when she returns with her friend Daisy Wells, the body has vanished. The two form their own detective agency, determined to crack the case before the killer strikes again.
With its charming British setting, witty banter, and sharp clues, this series opener blends the feel of a classic Agatha Christie with the energy of a modern YA mystery.
20. Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Suitable for: Fans of art-based mysteries, Readers aged 13–17
A valuable Vermeer painting gets stolen and this leads to a series of weird coincidences and cryptic letters. Petra and Calder, two unlikely friends get swept into the world of art and forgery. They follow puzzles and hidden patterns to uncover the thief’s identity.
Chasing Vermeer is the perfect pick for younger readers who love solving riddles and cracking codes. Clever, atmospheric, and tinged with a sense of wonder, this book is a unique blend of mystery and interactivity.
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21. Greenglass House by Kate Milford
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Suitable for: Fans of sassy amateur detectives, Readers aged 12–15
If you like slow-burn mysteries with layered secrets and magical settings, Greenglass House is perfect for you. I read it on a cold winter night with a mug of hot chocolate and thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s the kind of story you want to savor slowly, like a favorite winter dessert.
This book is about Milo, who thinks it will be quite a winter break. But unexpected guests show up at his house with suspicious luggage. With new friend Meddy, Milo begins unraveling tangled tales, hidden identities, and the mystery of missing objects.
22. Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van Draanen
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Suitable for: Fans of sassy amateur detectives, Readers aged 12–16
The character of thirteen-year-old Sammy Keynes is bold, stubborn, and a little mischievous. One afternoon, while spying through her binoculars (as one does), she spots a man stealing from a hotel room. Now she’s the police’s best witness… except no one believes her. Well, no one except the thief, who’s now very aware that Sammy is watching.
Wendelin Van Draanen’s writing makes this feel like a personal read, like a best friend is talking to you. Sammy’s voice is so humorous and has so much attitude, and talks about surviving middle school, dodging trouble, and outsmarting grown-ups who underestimate her. Perfect for readers who like their mysteries fast-paced, fun, and full of personality.
23. The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency: The Case of the Missing Moonstone by Jordan Stratford
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)
Suitable for: Fans of historical detective adventures, Readers aged 14–18
The mix of real historical figures, gentle humor, and light suspense makes it a treat for curious minds who enjoy learning while sleuthing. Imagine if two of history’s most brilliant minds, Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer, and Mary Shelley, the creator of Frankenstein, met as curious, determined girls in 1826 London. That’s the delightful “what if” at the heart of The Case of the Missing Moonstone.
When a precious heirloom is stolen, the newly formed Wollstonecraft Detective Agency sets out to crack the case. Along the way, Ada’s razor-sharp logic meets Mary’s flair for drama, leading to disguises, clever deductions, and plenty of witty exchanges.
24. Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐ (2/5)
Suitable for: Fans of beginner detective stories, Readers aged 13–15
I still remember reading Nate the Great aloud with my younger cousin, and by the end, he was inspecting the living room like a miniature detective, convinced our dog had hidden his socks.
Nate doesn’t waste any time; he jumps straight into clues. For him, no case is small, and so he helps his friend Annie find her missing picture. The humor is gentle and the storytelling straightforward, which makes it a great read for people who love a clear step-by-step deduction.
25. Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds by David A. Adler
Mystery Level: ⭐⭐ (2/5)
Suitable for: Fans of beginner sleuth stories, Readers aged 13–16
The last in the list is a short and snappy book which has quite a straightforward plot. Cam Jansen’s photographic memory is her biggest strength, and so, when a jewelry store gets robbed, she is the ideal person to solve the case. Alongside her loyal friend Eric, she retraces the events, matches clues to her mental snapshots, and slowly zeroes in on the culprit.
While the mystery itself is fairly simple, what makes Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds charming is its accessibility. It’s a great pick for readers just stepping into the world of mystery novels, offering them a puzzle that’s easy to follow yet satisfying to solve. David A. Adler also balances suspense with lighthearted moments, making the story approachable without ever feeling too heavy.
Finally, the world of murder mystery books for young adults is so vast and diverse that you’ll always have something to read. Tales range from bustling city setups to snow-covered ones. These novels don’t just take you to another world but also make you think critically and step into someone else’s shoes. So pick your next read, follow the trail of clues, and see if you can solve the case before the final twist.
FAQs
1. What age group are YA murder mystery books for?
Typically for readers aged 13–18, though some can appeal to slightly younger or older teens depending on the content.
2. What are good murder mystery books for 13 -18 year olds?
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson, One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus, Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson, Sadie by Courtney Summers, and The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas are some of the best ones.
3. Are there any upcoming mysteries for YA to watch out for?
Yes, The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson and The Rules of Us by Jennifer Niven are highly anticipated for YA mystery fans.
