Detective stories for children and teens

Detective stories for children and teens

From disappearing toys and missing pets to art thefts, coded messages and murder investigations, detective stories give children plenty to puzzle over. This selection moves from illustrated mysteries for younger children to lively school adventures and genuinely teenage thrillers. Along the way, clues, red herrings and unexpected witnesses encourage close reading and lively discussions about how mysteries are solved. This list features books by Julia Donaldson, Malorie Blackman, Sharna Jackson, Beth Lincoln, Janice Hallett, Karen M. McManus, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Joelle Wellington, and Cynthia Murphy.

Detective stories for children and teens – our recommendations

Detective story picture books for 3-7 year olds

Detective Catz and the Missing Nut by Marjoke Henrichs

As Detective Catz struggles to crack his first case he doesn’t realise how much he has achieved. But his friends encourage him, and readers will learn the value of perseverance and kindness. This uplifting picture book story promotes empathy, determination and self-confidence, making it ideal to read and share with nursery and EYFS children.

The Detective Dog by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie

Nell has a remarkable nose for stories as well as smells. Every Monday she goes to school with Peter, where she listens to the children reading aloud. When their classroom books disappear, Nell puts her detective skills to work and follows the trail. Julia Donaldson’s rhyming story and Sara Ogilvie’s energetic illustrations turn a missing-books mystery into an affectionate celebration of libraries and reading. This picture book for 3+ year olds provides a lively starting point for conversations about clues, favourite books and how stories are shared.

Hermelin: The Detective Mouse by Mini Grey

Something odd is happening on Offley Street: familiar possessions keep vanishing. Fortunately, the mysterious Hermelin is exceptionally good at noticing things and tracking them down. The neighbours are delighted to receive typewritten messages about their recovered belongings, but they have yet to meet the detective himself. Mini Grey fills the pages with notices, lettering and wonderfully detailed illustrations that invite children to inspect the scene. The revelation that their neighbourhood sleuth is a mouse adds another amusing turn to this picture-book investigation. Highly recommended.

Penelope Snoop, Ace Detective by Pamela Butchart, illustrated by Christine Roussey

Penelope Snoop takes her detective duties very seriously, especially when Sidney the Smelly Sock Snake goes missing. Together with Carlos the dog, she launches an exuberant search that leads much further than expected, all the way into outer space. Christine Roussey’s bold, playful artwork gives the investigation its comic energy, while the missing favourite toy provides a familiar starting point. Young children can enjoy following Penelope’s questions, spotting details and imagining what might happen when the next clue appears.

Sherlock Bones and the Mischief in Manhattan by Tim Collins

Sherlock Bones and Dr Jane Catson aid New York police in solving a masked villain’s chaotic riddles in this animal detective mystery. From Manhattan to Niagrowl Falls and Mount Ruffmore, they unravel clues and puzzles to unmask the culprit. This fifth Sherlock Bones book will grab young readers with clever artwork, problem-solving challenges and activities, offering a uniquely engaging mystery that 7-9-year-olds will feel they are right at the heart of.

Priya Mistry and the Paw Prints Puzzle by Babita Sharma, illustrated by Ali Pye

Priya Mistry has a mystery to solve in her family’s corner shop. Strange paw prints have appeared on the floor, and something may be heading for the food. Armed with her special mission kit, Priya sets out to identify the unexpected visitor. Ali Pye’s illustrations bring the shop and its curious clues to life, making this a cheerful introduction to detective stories for 3+ year olds. The everyday setting also gives children plenty to notice as they consider who, or what, could have left the tracks.

Not an Alphabet Book: The Case of the Missing Cake by Eoin McLaughlin, illustrated by Marc Boutavant

A delicious chocolate cake has disappeared, so Bear abandons his planned alphabet lesson and begins questioning possible culprits from A to Z. Every letter brings another character, object or place into the investigation. Marc Boutavant’s illustrations contain clues worth looking at closely, including some that complicate Bear’s account of events. Eoin McLaughlin combines an alphabet book with a playful whodunnit, inviting children to compare what the narrator says with what the pictures reveal. It is particularly entertaining to share aloud in EYFS and revisit for missed details.

Penelope Snoop, Super Sleuth by Pamela Butchart, illustrated by Christine Roussey

Penelope is back on the case when her treasured shiny seashell vanishes. Carlos the dog joins her as she searches for the missing object, and their investigation carries them through an imaginative underwater adventure. Pamela Butchart gives her determined young detective another wonderfully outsized problem to pursue, while Christine Roussey’s vibrant illustrations make every stage of the search inviting to inspect.

Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum by Hannah Tunnicliffe and Erica Harrison

When chaos erupts during the Bleat Mondrian exhibit, retired Detective Stanley is dragged back into action. Nothing’s stolen, but something doesn’t add up, and Stanley soon finds himself in deeper trouble than expected. This quirky graphic novel follows the dogged sleuth through a mystery packed with humour, art references, and a touch of chaos. With nods to Piet Mondrian, it’s a clever, fun introduction to art and an imaginative start to a series for 5+ year olds.

Priya Mistry and the Lost Treasure by Babita Sharma, illustrated by Ali Pye

Lost property is turning up all around Priya Mistry’s family corner shop, and the young detective has a new puzzle on her hands. With her mission kit ready, Priya sets about finding the owners of the mysterious belongings. Her imagination takes the search through scenes inspired by fairy-tale parties and pirate ships, adding colour and surprise to a recognisable everyday problem. Babita Sharma and Ali Pye make this picture-book mystery an enjoyable way to talk about careful observation, asking questions and returning things to their rightful owners.

Moomin and the Midsummer Mystery by Richard Dungworth, based on the original stories by Tove Jansson

Midsummer has brought an unexpected puzzle to Moominvalley. Moominpappa’s notebook and fountain pen have gone missing, and the Moomins must search for clues among their friends and surroundings. Based on Tove Jansson’s much-loved characters and stories, Richard Dungworth’s gentle mystery combines familiar faces, summer adventures and the distinctive world of the Moomins. The missing objects provide an accessible investigation for younger children, with opportunities to follow clues, make predictions and enjoy the family’s discoveries.

Harry and the Guinea Pig by Nancy Lambert, illustrated by Saba Joshaghani, based on characters created by Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham

Harry, the much-loved black-and-white dog, is accustomed to being the centre of attention. When a neighbour’s guinea pig comes to stay, he finds himself overlooked as everyone fusses over the visitor. Matters become even more complicated when Harry accidentally lets the guinea pig escape at school. Fortunately, his keen nose gives him the chance to track down the missing pet and save the day. Written by Nancy Lambert and illustrated by Saba Joshaghani in the style of the original Harry books, this warm and humorous picture-book mystery explores jealousy, determination and the importance of making amends.

Reggie Rabbit and the Metro Mice by Swapna Reddy, illustrated by Becka Moor

Reggie Rabbit, a detective in Bearburgh City, teams up with his parakeet partner Pipsquark when a mouse named Mo asks for help. Cracks in the metro tunnels are putting the Metro Mice’s homes at risk, but the mouse community is not keen to accept help from outsiders. As tensions rise underground, Reggie must earn their trust as well as solve the mystery in this accessible and clever blend of graphic novel and first chapter book. Perfect for KS1 readers, this is the fourth book in Swapna Haddow’s fast-paced and engaging detective series. If there were a checklist for less confident 7+ year old readers, these books would tick every box – and then some.

Detective Stanley and the Green Thumbed Thief by Hannah Tunnicliffe

Detective Stanley is called in when rare plants start disappearing from Narlybone Gardens. With Parker Pine alongside him, he follows visual clues hidden in the artwork to track down the thief. The mystery unfolds through detailed illustrations rather than long text, inviting inquisitive 5–9 year olds to spot evidence on every page. Designed for emerging readers, it cleverly bridges picture books and comics while focusing on careful retrieval, inference and problem solving. Highly recommended.

A Mystery at the Incredible Hotel by Kate Davies, illustrated by Isabelle Follath

A prestigious baking competition is approaching at the Incredible Hotel, but a treasured recipe disappears just when it is needed. Stefan has been preparing for the event, and his friend Matilda decides to investigate the theft. The hotel’s colourful guests and staff provide plenty of possible suspects as Matilda looks for a sensible explanation. Kate Davies and Isabelle Follath combine an intricate hotel setting with an inviting picture-book mystery, encouraging children to examine the illustrations and think about how a detective distinguishes clues from accusations.

Watts & Whiskerton by Meg McLaren

Meet Watts and Whiskerton – an endearing dog and cat detective duo – in this charmingly illustrated series debut for 5+ year-olds. When aspiring writer and reluctant detective Watts, visits Whiskerton Manor, he teams up with Pearl Whiskerton to unravel complicated mysteries. From upended rose bushes to unexpected dinosaur bones, young readers will love the relatable characters and puzzles to solve. It’s an ideal first-chapter book reading for KS1 children. Read our full review.

Watts & Whiskerton: The Great Glacier Hotel Heist by Meg McLaren

In their third adventure in the illustrated first chapter book series, dog detective Watts and his cat partner Pearl head to a glacier hotel for a well-earned holiday. The relaxing break doesn’t last long. The prized Ice Crystal vanishes and Watts’s parents are blamed. Determined to clear their names, Watts and Pearl dig into the locked-room mystery, questioning guests, staff and anyone acting suspiciously. This fun detective story for 5+ year olds blends snow, skiing, teamwork and plenty of illustrated inferential clues.

Watts & Whiskerton: Sabotage at the Fete Cake Bake by Meg McLaren

Detective dog Watts and his feline sidekick, Pearl, investigate a sabotaged baking competition at the village fete. When cake batter floods the ovens, they race to uncover the culprit and their motive. Perfect for young readers aged 5+, this fun-filled mystery features vibrant illustrations and encourages teamwork and problem-solving, making it an ideal pick for budding detectives.

Watts & Whiskerton: Mischief on the Midnight Express by Meg McLaren

Watts and Pearl are guarding stolen gold aboard the supposedly secure Midnight Express when the train stops in a snowy forest and the fortune vanishes. Suspicion falls on security goose Patsy Caboose, but the clues do not fit. This highly illustrated first chapter book mystery offers 5+ year olds suspects in every carriage, a lively animal detective partnership and a tantalising case to crack before the sleeper train reaches its final stop. The fourth in a high-interest series that’s perfect for newly independent readers in KS1.

The Birthday Cake Thief by Vashti Hardy, illustrated by Agnes Saccani

Hana has always wanted a pet, so the arrival of a cat at her bedroom window seems like a dream come true. Ace, however, is no ordinary cat. He is a detective recruiting Hana to the Moonlight Mystery Agency, where their first case involves tracking down the missing birthday cake belonging to Spark, a bionic unicorn. Perfect for 6+ year olds, Vashti Hardy’s accessible mystery combines magical characters, clues and gentle adventure, with Agnes Saccani’s illustrations helping newly independent readers through the story.

Buck & Ears Pirate Detectives by Jennifer Bell, illustrated by Sarah Horne

Buck and his rabbit shipmate Ears are dreadful pirates until Captain Bloodfang gives them a high-stakes case: find her missing mermaid chef by following clues, or end up in pirate stew. It’s a funny illustrated mystery for 6+ year olds – ideal for newly independent readers – with puzzles to solve alongside the story and Sarah Horne’s lively and engaging comic artwork. Highly recommended for KS1.

Detective stories for children aged 7-12

Betsey Biggalow the Detective by Malorie Blackman, illustrated by Diane Ewen

Betsey Biggalow is ready to investigate whatever puzzles come her way. In this illustrated collection of stories, everyday problems offer opportunities for the young detective to ask questions, watch carefully and think through possible explanations. Malorie Blackman’s humorous storytelling keeps Betsey’s personality at the centre of each adventure, and Diane Ewen’s pictures help bring the situations to life. The shorter story format makes this an inviting bridge between picture books and longer mysteries for children developing confidence with chapter books.

Christmas Chaos by Serena Patel

When Santa’s sleigh goes missing right before the school’s festive fayre, Anisha jumps straight into detective mode. With her friend Milo and her lively family in tow, she follows a trail of clues to crack the Christmas mystery in time. Packed with humour, teamwork, and festive chaos, this story celebrates family, friendship, and clever problem-solving. Illustrated by Emma McCann, it’s another fast-paced fun instalment in the Anisha, Accidental Detective series for 7-11 year olds.

The Lucky House Detective Agency by Scarlett Li

When strange accidents start hitting Felix’s family’s Chinese takeaway, he and his friend Isaac set up a detective agency to get to the bottom of it. Their investigation leads to an ancient coin, a curious link to local history, and more trouble than they bargained for. With help from the sharp-eyed Nina, the trio uncover secrets buried in their seaside town. A lively, clue-filled start to a mystery series rooted in friendship, food and British-Chinese heritage.

Murder at Hotel Marvelo by Ruth Lauren, illustrated by Federica Frenna

Finnian Marvelo lives in a hotel that caters for magical guests, which is fun until a wizard, Henry Gravelaxe, is found dead in the spa. When the police point the finger at Finnian’s parents, Ida and Caspian, Finnian teams up with Juniper and Teddy to question guests and chase clues through the building. But their strict new guardian, Mrs Weatherly, wants them back at school and not playing detectives. The hotel’s rules also block magic inside, so they have to rely on observation, teamwork and testing alibis to clear their family. It’s a refreshingly surprising, original mystery for 8+ year olds. Highly recommended.

Cruise Ship Kid by Emma Swan

Silver lives full-time on a cruise ship, and when some pricey watches vanish, she reckons cracking the case might finally help her make some mates. Told through her diary – with quizzes, ship facts, and other fun bits – this mystery is packed with personality. Inspired by the author’s own sea-soaked childhood, it’s the first in a new detective series for readers aged 8 and up who like fun whodunnits. Highly recommended.

Lockett & Wilde: The Ghosts of the Manor by Lucy Strange, illustrated by Pam Smy

Matilda Lockett has spent years pretending to communicate with spirits as part of her aunt and uncle’s theatrical performances. But when the family visits Beauchamp Manor to investigate a haunting, Matilda discovers that she really can see ghosts. There she meets Edgar Wilde, a ghost boy with a talent for supernatural detective work, and the pair begin uncovering the manor’s secrets. Pam Smy’s atmospheric illustrations provide additional clues in this entertaining gothic mystery. Combining eccentric characters, genuine hauntings and cosy crime, the adventure offers 9-12 year olds an unusual and engaging detective story.

Sandy Fin: Mystery of the Phantom Diver by Martin Stewart

Sandy and his friend Lily start asking questions when strange things begin happening along the coast at Portwhistle in this aquatic adventure for 8+ year olds. An escaped convict, unusual mounds on the beach and sightings of a phantom diver all suggest that something isn’t adding up. Their investigation takes them between land and sea, blending rich coastal detail with intriguing detective work. Illustrated in black and white, this middle-grade series is ideal for KS2 children who enjoy page-turning mysteries.

InvestiGators by John Patrick Green

Alligator detectives Mango and Brash are on the case in their first fast-paced, laugh-out-loud adventure. When a famous chef goes missing, the duo go undercover in a bakery packed with puns, pastries, and plenty of clues. The bright, comic-style artwork bursts with detail, and the quick dialogue keeps the story moving. With its mix of humour, mystery, and teamwork, this outstanding graphic novel is a hit with primary school readers who love animal heroes and funny whodunits.

Nina Peanut: Mega Mystery Solver by Sarah Bowie

Nina Peanut, detective and ghost hunter, investigates a mysterious haunted shoe while running for class captain against the nasty Megan Dunne. What could possibly go wrong? Blending laugh-out-loud fun – we loved Mr Hairyson – with themes of friendship and politics, it will appeal to less confident readers who enjoy school-based stories and mysteries. Teachers of less able writers will find Nina Peanut invaluable for modelling story sequencing. If your KS2 children like Dog Man, Tom Gates, or Lottie Brooks, they’ll love this. Expect this heavyweight full-colour graphic novel romp to regularly disappear from your bookshelf.

Daisy and the Trouble with Burglars by Kes Gray, illustrated by Nick Sharratt and Garry Parsons

Daisy is convinced she can help after a spate of burglaries causes trouble around her neighbourhood. Her friends Gabby and Dylan become fellow investigators, although there is one major restriction: Daisy is not allowed to go beyond the end of her road. Kes Gray builds comedy from Daisy’s determination to uncover the culprit despite the rules she has been given. This cheerful chapter-book mystery brings together friendships, local clues and a detective whose enthusiasm makes even an ordinary street feel full of possibilities.

Rockstar Detectives by Adam Hills

Charley and George have an unusually busy schedule: they are making music, travelling and trying to solve a crime. When a valuable painting is stolen and suspicion falls on them, the friends must find out what really happened. Comedian Adam Hills combines a touring pop act with a fast-moving art mystery, giving the pair plenty to investigate in unfamiliar places. Their friendship drives the story as they look for evidence that can clear their names and return them to the stage.

Death at the Museum by Janice Hallett, illustrated by Marta Kissi

Ava and Luke find themselves drawn into a mystery involving a body discovered at a museum. As they investigate, documents and other pieces of evidence help them examine a case whose roots lie in the past. Janice Hallett uses the pleasure of assembling information to make the reader part of the enquiry, while Marta Kissi’s illustrations add another dimension to the story. Children who enjoy codes, correspondence and the challenge of piecing together different accounts will find plenty to discuss as the siblings pursue the truth.

The Swifts: A Gallery of Rogues by Beth Lincoln, illustrated by Claire Powell

Shenanigan Swift returns for an adventure involving stolen art, family secrets and a trip to Paris. The Swifts are an eccentric family, and Shenanigan’s curiosity once again leads her towards a mystery that demands quick thinking and close attention. Beth Lincoln mixes mischievous comedy with clues and reversals, and Claire Powell’s illustrations complement the family’s larger-than-life world. The Parisian setting adds fresh colour to a story in which the young detective must work out whom to trust and what the evidence is really telling her.

School for Fireflies by Erica Gomez

Best friends Siddy and Zadie are starting their first year at a school for magic – exciting enough on its own! But when they stumble upon a decades-old mystery and a missing diary, their curiosity gets the better of them. As they dig deeper, they realise the clues might lead to the truth about Siddy’s father’s disappearance. Erica Gomez’s debut blends magic, mystery, and friendship into a spellbinding adventure, perfect for young detectives with a knack for uncovering secrets.

Cinnamon Crumb, Baking Detective: The Great Cake Caper by Harry Woodgate

Cinnamon Crumb lives in Marzipan, a town full of famed bakers, but she cannot even manage toast without burning it. Detective work suits her better. At the Great Cake Carnival, rivals Victoria Sponge and Madeleine Macaron are battling for the Twelve Tier Crown, and both decide Cinnamon is useful. Victoria asks her to spy on Madeleine. Madeleine asks her to spy on Victoria. Cinnamon says yes to both, then sabotage creeps into the contest and she is stuck in the middle. Illustrations appear on nearly every page in this deliciously clandestine, cookery-sprinkled mystery that’s bound to appeal to 8+ year olds. Highly recommended.

The Detention Detectives by Lis Jardine

Jonno, Lydia and Daniel come together through detention and soon find themselves investigating a disturbing mystery at their school. The three pupils have different personalities and perspectives, which makes their unlikely detective team part of the appeal. As the investigation grows, they must decide which clues matter and how to work together. Lis Jardine blends the familiar difficulties of settling into secondary school with an increasingly urgent case, creating a lively adventure built around friendship, courage and problem-solving.

The Good Turn by Sharna Jackson

Josephine Williams, known as Josie, is keen to make a difference. She and her friends set up their own group and become caught up in an investigation after signs of unusual activity appear around an abandoned factory. Sharna Jackson combines an urban mystery with questions about responsibility, friendship and what it means to help other people. The children follow what they have noticed and gradually uncover a wider story. For 9-11 year olds, this is an opportunity to enjoy an absorbing mystery with a strong sense of community.

The Mona Lisa Mystery by Pat Hutchins, illustrated by Laurence Hutchins

A school trip to Paris takes a surprising turn when Morgan notices a suspicious bearded man following the class’s bus. More unsettling encounters follow, and the pupils soon find themselves close to a plot involving one of the world’s most famous paintings. Pat Hutchins uses the excitement of a trip abroad to build a steadily developing art-theft mystery. Children can follow Morgan’s observations and consider how one apparently small detail might connect to the next as the class becomes entangled in the case.

American Mystery by Anthony Kessel

In the third Don’t Doubt the Rainbow book, Edie Marble heads to Canada to see her grandfather – only to stumble upon a decades-old family mystery. Strange messages from an unknown number send her on a trail from Toronto to Washington, the Outer Banks, and Dartmoor. As she pieces things together, she must trust her instincts and sharpen her detective skills. A gripping mystery-adventure that explores perception, resilience, and the power of thinking for yourself. Perfect for ages 11+.

Murder for Two (A Tariq Twins Mystery) by Niyla Farook

Twins Ani and Riri reunite after years apart to solve a murder. When their father is accused of a café owner’s death, the siblings – one an aspiring detective, the other reserved and bookish – must overcome their differences to clear his name. This debut mystery blends family dynamics and crime-solving through an engaging narrative and a distinctive voice. It’s ideal for UKS and KS3 mystery fans.

Detective stories for teens aged 13+

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

Five students walk into detention at Bayview High, but only four leave alive. The death turns the surviving teenagers into suspects, each carrying secrets that could change the way the case is understood. Karen M. McManus tells the story through different perspectives, inviting readers to weigh the evidence and question the versions of events they are given. School relationships, reputations and digital rumours all complicate a murder investigation in which almost everyone has something they would prefer to keep hidden.

Nothing More to Tell by Karen M. McManus

Brynn returns to her former school and finds herself revisiting the unsolved killing of a teacher she admired. An internship at a true-crime television show provides a reason to investigate, but the people connected to the case have their own reasons to stay silent. Tripp, who was involved in discovering the body, is especially difficult for Brynn to ignore. Karen M. McManus builds the mystery around conflicting memories, secrets and the question of how far a teenager can trust an account of events.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Avery Grambs is astonished to learn that billionaire Tobias Hawthorne has left her a vast fortune, despite apparently having no connection to her. Moving into Hawthorne House brings her into a world of coded messages, hidden passages and relatives determined to understand the will. The Hawthorne grandsons are particularly interested in the puzzle. Jennifer Lynn Barnes turns the sprawling mansion into an elaborate mystery whose clues are woven through family history, riddles and the uneasy relationships between those who stand to gain or lose.

The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Avery’s search for answers continues as the mystery surrounding the Hawthorne fortune becomes more personal. Discoveries about Tobias Hawthorne’s past and the elaborate games he left behind create further questions about Avery’s place in the family. The brothers who share the mansion remain central to the puzzles, each with different loyalties and secrets. Jennifer Lynn Barnes maintains the series’ combination of clues, coded messages and family drama, rewarding readers who like to keep track of competing theories across a continuing mystery.

Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington

After losing the future she had planned, Adina Walker receives an invitation into the privileged world of the Remington family. Their exclusive competition, the Finish, promises a chance to recover what she has lost, but the challenges are far more dangerous than they first appear. Joelle Wellington builds a tense young adult thriller around hidden agendas, social power and the price of admission to an elite circle. As the stakes rise, Adina must read the people around her as closely as the rules of the game.

The Blonde Dies First by Joelle Wellington

Devon Harris and her sister Drew are drawn into events that begin with a gathering and a Ouija board. Soon it seems that their lives are following the pattern of a horror film, with an increasingly frightening threat to the people around them. Joelle Wellington plays with the familiar rules of the slasher mystery, giving Devon the task of recognising what is happening and working out how to survive it. The mixture of investigation, dark humour and supernatural suspense makes this a distinctive teenage genre crossover.

All the Cursed Creatures by Amie Jordan

Sage is summoned to Stone City, a hidden supernatural capital, to investigate a string of vampire murders and secure her position as a detective. But after an argument with Oren, she takes the case on alone while trying to keep a personal secret from being exposed. As the investigation deepens, corruption in the city and rivalries between supernatural groups come into focus. Oren and P race to reach Sage before the case and her secret collide. A gripping, page-turning finale to the blockbuster All the Hidden Monsters series for 14+ year olds. Highly recommended.

Paint Me Like Your Dead Girls by Cynthia Murphy

Fliss Keller wants to become a crime reporter, and a set of disturbing portraits gives her an extraordinary story to investigate. The paintings appear connected to a serial killer and to deaths that seem to be echoing an earlier pattern. As Fliss looks for the truth, the connection between images, victims and possible copycat crimes grows more unsettling. Cynthia Murphy’s young adult thriller makes the process of following leads central to the suspense, bringing together an aspiring journalist, visual clues and a dangerous investigation.

Keep Your Friends Close by Cynthia Murphy

Chloe Roberts appears to have everything going for her at Morton Academy. She is a leading contender for Head Girl and hopes to secure a prominent position in the school’s secretive society, Jewel and Bone. But when her best friend Nikhita betrays her, Chloe’s carefully constructed world begins to unravel. Then she discovers the mysterious Book of Crime and Punishment, a record of students’ misdeeds and their supposed penalties. As entries in the book begin to correspond with murders involving members of the society, Chloe must uncover the truth before she becomes the next target. Cynthia Murphy’s dark academic thriller combines dangerous friendships, school rivalries and a chilling murder investigation.

Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson

Teenager Tandy Angel becomes an investigator when her wealthy parents are found murdered and suspicion falls on the family. Determined to understand what happened, she begins examining the lives and secrets of the people closest to her, including her siblings. James Patterson’s young adult thriller is built around Tandy’s first-person account and the uneasy question of how well she knows those she loves. As she puts pieces of the case together, her own place within the investigation becomes increasingly important.

Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine

Olivia’s birth is tied to a notorious killing at Camp Lost Lake, while Reagan has spent years living with the accusation that her mother was responsible. Both teenagers return to questions surrounding the murders, each approaching the past from a very different position. When the camp becomes dangerous again, their investigations begin to converge. Danielle Valentine creates a tense young adult mystery about unreliable accounts, family histories and the need to uncover what really happened at a place with a violent reputation.

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Detective resources for teachers

• Oak National Academy provides a free 16-lesson Year 6 Sherlock Holmes unit exploring detective fiction, Victorian settings, clues, characterisation and persuasive letter writing. Downloadable resources include slides, worksheets and quizzes.
• For KS3, Oak National Academy’s Year 7 Sherlock Holmes unit contains 22 lessons based on The Speckled Band and The Boscombe Valley Mystery. Activities cover prediction, inference, evaluating evidence, creating newspaper reports and comparing detective stories.
• Little Tiger’s Agent Zaiba Investigates teaching guide contains four lessons for Years 2-4, based on Annabelle Sami’s detective stories. Activities explore motives, suspects, clues, settings and resolutions through discussion, drama and creative writing.
• Authorfy’s Annabelle Sami masterclass uses Agent Zaiba Investigates to introduce mystery-story conventions, dialogue and character development. Teachers can access author videos, a downloadable extract, writing challenges and classroom activities, including secret codes and newspaper reports.
• Hachette Schools provides downloadable teaching notes for Enid Blyton’s The Secret Seven. The activities develop reading comprehension, creative writing, teamwork and problem-solving, and encourage primary pupils to create their own detective clubs.
• BookTrust’s Serena Patel workshop introduces Years 3-4 pupils to the Anisha, Accidental Detective series, with an author question-and-answer session and downloadable mystery-story planning and plotting sheets. For older pupils in Years 5-7, Sharna Jackson’s crime-writing masterclass explores the inspiration behind her detective fiction and includes a classroom resource sheet.
• Teachwire offers Pie Corbett’s free KS2 mystery story Watch Out, with downloadable PDFs, a PowerPoint and classroom activities. Pupils investigate the story through close reading, comprehension, inference, discussion, drama and writing their own versions.
• Teach Primary describes a whole-school detective project in which children investigate mysterious events, develop questioning and reasoning skills, and work collaboratively to solve problems. The article includes practical ideas for organising detective-themed activities across different year groups.
• The University of Dundee’s Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science provides practical investigative activities for primary and secondary pupils. Resources include Operation Raptor Rescue, Crime Lab Chemistry, A Christmas Crime and a forensic science activity pack, with guidance on suitable ages and classroom materials.
• STEM Learning includes a four-part Teachers TV series showing how Year 6 pupils investigate a simulated crime scene. Activities demonstrate collecting evidence, examining fingerprints and fibres, chromatography, DNA fingerprinting and presenting conclusions, providing ideas for cross-curricular science and detective projects.

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