mysteries

The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 24, 2023

The Mona Lisa Vanishes tells of an astonishing theft while tracing the background of the world’s most famous painting. The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary ...

Code of Silence and Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 10, 2023

A heart-pounding mystery series, with hidden twists and turns at every corner and a powerful message. Note: this is a guest review. See below for ...

The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 27, 2023

The Lost Library is thin on theme, but warm hearted and family-friendly. The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. Feiwel and Friends, 2023, ...

Ultraviolet by R. J. Anderson

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 29, 2023

A first-person psychological thriller inside one young woman's remarkable consciousness. Ultraviolet, by R. J. Anderson. Carolrhoda Lab, 2011, 303 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, Ages 14-upRecommended ...

Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mysteries (Books 1 & 2) by Claudia Gray

By Hayley Morell | Aug 15, 2023

Mysteries involving Jane Austen characters? That is the premise of Claudia Gray's recent mystery series suitable for mature teen readers as well as adults. As ...

The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson

By Janie Cheaney | May 30, 2023

Noting one important consideration, The Firefly Summer is an enjoyable light read with a theme of family solidarity. The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson. Simon ...

The Silence of Bones by June Hur

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 31, 2023

Can Seol figure out what happened to her brother even as she investigates a murder? The Silence of Bones is a gritty, historical mystery for ...

Unbreakable by Rebecca Barone

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 14, 2022

Unbreakable makes the complicated story of unlocking the Enigma code accessible for young readers. Unbreakable: The Spies Who Cracked the Nazis' Secret Code by Rebecca ...

*The Red Palace by June Hur

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 17, 2022

Eighteenth century Korea comes to life in The Red Palace, a gripping—and gritty—historical mystery for teens. *The Red Palace by June Hur. Feiwel and Friends, ...

Quick Summer Reads: Treasure Tracks, High Score, and Wretched Waterpark

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 9, 2022

Three entertaining novels for the adventure-seeker, the heist-lover, and the doom-aficionado. Treasure Tracks by S. A. Rodriguez. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2022, 214 pages. Reading Level: ...

*Tree Street Kids: Lions to the Rescue! and Mystery in Crooked Creek Woods

By Megan Saben | Aug 4, 2022

The Tree Street Kids series continues as Jack, Ellison, Roger, Ruthie and Midge develop new and better friendships, and also solve a mystery. Tree Street ...

Spineless by Samantha San Miguel

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 14, 2022

A sickly young man finds both adventure and wisdom in Spineless, an enjoyable debut novel set in turn-of-the-century Florida. Spineless by Samantha San Miguel. Union ...

Trapped in Terror Bay by Sigmund Brouwer

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 21, 2022

Trapped in Terror Bay takes readers into the mystery of the ill-fated Arctic voyage of the Franklin Expedition, 1845. Trapped in Terror Bay: Solving the ...

Bestselling YA: A Look at the 2022 Market

By Janie Cheaney | May 18, 2022

Aside from one graphic-novel romance series, novels about death and murder dominate the current YA scene. Where's hope? What are kids reading these days? As ...

Murder on the Baltimore Express by Suzanne Jermain

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 11, 2022

Plotted like a step-by-step thriller, Murder on the Baltimore Express tells how Abraham Lincoln almost didn't become president. Murder on the Baltimore Express: The Plot ...

Homer on the Case by Henry Cole

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 11, 2021

Homer, a literate homing pigeon, uses his unusual skills to solve a mystery, in this gentle story for young middle-graders. Homer on the Case by ...

Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 11, 2021

Chapter-book readers will enjoy meeting Aven Green, the no-armed protagonist of the "Life of a Cactus" books. Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling, with ...

Loot and Sting by Jude Watson

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 21, 2021

Loot and Sting are light-hearted "heist" novels for middle grades. Loot and Sting by Jude Watson. Scholastic, 2015 (Loot) and 2017 (Sting). 272 pages (both). ...

City Spies Series by James Ponti

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 21, 2021

City Spies is a fun, middle grades mystery series featuring undercover teen spies from around the world, each with a special talent. City Spies Series ...

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 3, 2021

Add Pride and Premeditation, a “Jane Austen Murder Mystery” to your YA shelf for a light, amusing summertime diversion. Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price. ...

Thornwood by Leah Cypess

By Janie Cheaney | May 14, 2021

Thornwood recasts the tale of Sleeping Beauty as a castle-bound mystery, with twists and turns at every corner. Thornwood by Leah Cypress. Delacorte Press, 2021, ...

The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 8, 2021

An intriguing mystery for middle grades: what happens when someone gets on the London Eye, a closed system, and doesn't get off? The London Eye ...

The Golden Age Detective Stories

By Hayley Morell | Apr 7, 2021

This is an abridged version of the article Reading the Golden Age that originally appeared in our Fall 2020 Quarterly. Who murdered ____? Is it ...

Sports Beat Mysteries by John Feinstein

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 12, 2020

Feinstein's Sports Beat Mysteries are great fun for teen sports lovers. Sports Beat Mystery Series by John Feinstein. Yearling. Last Shot: Mystery at the Final ...

Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth Bunce

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 10, 2020

Premeditated Myrtle introduces a precocious 12-year-old Victorian detective with a trusty governess sidekick. Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth Bunce. Algonquin Young Readers, 2020, 355 pages. Reading ...

Finally, Something Mysterious by Doug Cornett

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 10, 2020

Finally, Something Mysterious kicks off a middle-grader mystery series set in Bellwood, a small town with more than its share of eccentrics. Finally, Something Mysterious ...

Fuzzy Mud by Louis Sachar

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 5, 2020

Are you brave enough to rescue a bully from a hazardous substance, at your own risk? A thought-provoking middle grades read from the author of ...

The Mutant Mushroom Takeover by Summer Rachel Short

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 5, 2020

Bioluminescent fungi, a strange death, and zombie-like side effects threaten Maggie and Nate's small town. Can they solve the mystery in time to save the ...

Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian Goerz

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 13, 2020

Shirley & Jamila are an odd couple who learn a lot about friendship while solving neighborhood crimes. Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian ...

Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen by Marthe Jocelyn

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 18, 2020

The Aggie Morton series introduces young readers to a young Agatha Christie, already solving crimes in her seaside home town. The Body under the Piano ...

Sunnyside Plaza by Scott Simon

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 12, 2020

The mentally-challenged adults of Sunnyside Plaza step out of their comfort zone to solve a mystery. Sunnyside Plaza by Scott Simon. Little, Brown, 2020, 192 ...

In the Hall With the Knife by Dana Peterfreund

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 6, 2020

In the Hall With the Knife kicks off a mystery series for teens based on the venerable board game, Clue. In the Hall with the ...

Skyjacked by Paul Griffin

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 14, 2019

Five high school students and one air-traffic intern will be severely tested as their private plane is Skyjacked. Skyjacked by Paul Griffin. Scholastic, 2019, 227 ...

Last in a Long Line of Rebels by Lisa Lewis Tyre

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 3, 2019

In this light-hearted middle-grade novel, a southern "Rebel" digs into her heritage with surprising and enlightening results. Last in a Long Line of Rebels by ...

The Mysterious Benedict Society Series by Trenton Lee Stewart

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 12, 2019

The Mysterious Benedict Society is a clever middle grades mystery series perfect for puzzle-loving tween and young teen readers. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton ...

Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier

By Hayley Morell | Jun 22, 2018

Mysterious maps, sea creatures, and an island kingdom where dark secrets threaten to emerge . . . All the makings for an excellent story. Isle ...

The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 30, 2018

Matthew, housebound because of his OCD, uses his detailed observations of his neighbors to help solve the disappearance of a toddler in this middle grades ...

The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill

By Hayley Morell | Apr 28, 2018

Watch out Chicago, there’s a new amateur sleuth in town for this jazz age mystery! The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill. ...

Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix

By Alysha | Jan 18, 2018

Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix. Katherine Tegan Books, 2015. 304 pages. Ages 12-15 Reading Level: Young Adult Ages 12-15 Recommended For: Young Adult 15+ ...

The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson and Bobbi Behr

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 2, 2018

A fun middle-grade series mixes classic mystery elements with wacky situations and wordplay. The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson and Bobbi Behr. MacMillan Imprint, 2017, ...

*Disappeared by Francisco X. Stork

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 12, 2017

Disappeared offers teens a complex look at making moral choices amid drug crime and kidnapping along the Mexican border. *Disappeared by Francis X. Stork. Scholastic, ...

Beneath by Roland Smith

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 9, 2017

A unique YA series-opener, Beneath takes us below the streets of New York City where trouble is brewing. Reading level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended ...

Mystery Book List for Elementary, Tweens, and Teens!

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 7, 2017

Calling all mystery lovers! Mystery book list for all ages! Whether or not you're planning to see Murder on the Orient Express this month, you likely have ...

Retro Reads: *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 6, 2017

A middle grades mystery that has become a modern classic: The Westing Game is just as engaging as ever! *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. ...

Dame Agatha: Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 6, 2017

A Scene of Terror Sitting alone in the dark house, I gripped the book tightly, desperate to finish and petrified at the same time. Was ...

The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 23, 2017

The Pearl Thief is a prequel to the award-winning Code Name Verity, but it lacks the same sophistication and character development. The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein. ...

The School Ship Tobermory series by Alexander McCall Smith

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 26, 2017

The School Ship Tobermory series takes a crew of likable middle-graders to exotic ports in pursuit of adventure. School Ship Tobermory and The Sands of ...

The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 19, 2017

A town where qualities disappear every seven years is the setting for The Disappearances, a clean, thought-provoking teen mystery. The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy. ...

Panda-monium by Stuart Gibbs

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 18, 2017

Panda-monium offers plenty of hi-jinks, animal facts, and quirky characters as Teddy solves the mystery of the theft of a prized giant panda. Panda-monium by ...

The Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 1 (and book giveaway!)

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 8, 2017

At last count, thirty families and individuals (and a few classes) have signed up to receive daily chapters of my latest in-progress novel. (If you ...

Howard Wallace, P.I. by Casey Lyell

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 22, 2017

A 7th-grade detective and his feisty sidekick sets up shop in this new mystery series with a distinctive, humorous voice. Howard Wallace, P.I. by ...

Lois Lane: Triple Threat by Gwenda Bond

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 9, 2017

The third volume of this series about teenage reporter Lois Lane maintains the action level and ups the emotional ante. Triple Threat (Lois Lane #3) ...

Cruel Beauty: a Redeemed Reader Discussion

By Alysha | Mar 30, 2017

Some of the staff here at Redeemed Reader decided to discuss Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge as it relates to the story of Beauty and ...

*A Little Taste of Poison by R. J. Anderson

By Hayley Morell | Feb 23, 2017

The stakes are higher than ever for Isaveth Breck, plucky heroine of A Pocketful of Murder, when the future of her city is threatened. ...

*A Pocket Full of Murder by R. J. Anderson

By Hayley Morell | Feb 23, 2017

A plucky girl sets out to prove her father's innocence —aided by a street boy— in this magical murder mystery. A Pocket Full of Murder (Uncommon ...

If the Magic Fits by Susan Maupin Schmid

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 22, 2017

This light-hearted fantasy mystery is perfect for girls who like spunky housemaids, personable princesses, and delightful dresses. If the Magic Fits (100 Dresses #1) by ...

By Megan Saben | Dec 30, 2016

A modest, well-read boy detective solves crimes great and small in these classic mysteries. Enjoy this post from the archives! (originally published July 8, 2015) ...

The Mysterious Howling (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #1) by Maryrose Wood

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 29, 2016

Miss Penelope Lumley has been hired by Lord and Lady Ashton as governess to their three strange children in this delightful series opener. A review ...

*The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 21, 2016

A magic watch, a family secret, a mysterious city dictator, and one brave boy make for a great read in this clever, inventive mystery. One ...

The Candymakers and the Chocolate Chase by Wendy Mass

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 12, 2016

Logan, Miles, Daisy, and Philip are off on a hunt to find the mystery chocolate in this fun follow-up to The Candymakers. The Candymakers and ...

The Candymakers by Wendy Mass

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 12, 2016

Four children simultaneously solve a mystery and learn about teamwork in this sweet, chocolate-y mystery. The Candymakers by Wendy Mass. Little, Brown, 2010. 480 pages. ...

Steeplejack by A. J. Hartley

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 7, 2016

A classic mystery unfolds in this historical fantasy for teens, with an appealing heroine, a multi-racial cast of characters, and an exotic setting. Steeplejack by ...

A Complicated Case by Ulf Nilsson

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 30, 2016

A funny, chapter book mystery for newly independent readers! A Complicated Case (Detective Gordon) by Ulf Nilsson and illustrated by Gittee Spee. Gecko Press, 2016. ...

The Unmapped Sea (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #5) by Maryrose Wood

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 6, 2016

Miss Penelope Lumley starts to solve some of the Ashton Place mysteries while on holiday by the sea in this fifth volume of the series. ...

The Interrupted Tale (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #4) by Maryrose Wood

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 6, 2016

Volume 4 of this funny middle grades series has Penelope, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia back in London attempting to save the Swanburne School for Poor ...

The Unseen Guest (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #3) by Maryrose Wood

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 6, 2016

Volume 3 of this funny middle grades series has Penelope, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia back in London attempting to save the Swanburne School for Poor ...

The Hidden Gallery (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #2) by Maryrose Wood

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 6, 2016

Miss Penelope Lumley and her three young charges are off to London in this humorous, satisfying follow-up to the first in the series. The Hidden ...

By Janie Cheaney | May 4, 2016

Tru and Nelle by G. Neri. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016, 336 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-12 Bottom Line: Based ...

Romance + Reading = Love

By Hayley Morell | Feb 12, 2016

Once Upon a Time... ... there was a little girl who loved stories and fairytales. She discovered Andrew Lang’s colored fairy books and read through them—pretty ...

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 16, 2015

Continuing our series of middle-grade fiction touted as possible Newbery winners: Janie: Kenneth Oppel is best known for light-hearted steampunk fantasy, like the Airborn series ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 26, 2015

Woof (a Bowser and Birdie Novel) by Spencer Quinn. Scholastic, 2015. 293 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 9-13 Bottom Line: ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 16, 2015

Fallout (Lois Lane) by Gwenda Bond. Capstone, 2015. 202 pages Reading Level: Young adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12 and up Bottom Line: Fallout ...

*The Father Brown Reader: Stories from Chesterton adapted by Nancy Carpentier Brown

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 23, 2015

*The Father Brown Reader: Stories from Chesterton adapted by Nancy Carpentier Brown, illustrated by Ted Schluenderfritz. Hillside Education, 2007. 147 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 ...

The Queen’s Shadow by Cybele Young

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 5, 2015

The Queen’s Shadow: A Story About How Animals See by Cybele Young. Kids Can Press, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 8-10 Recommended ...

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 20, 2015

Absolutely Truly by Heather Vogel Frederick. Simon & Shuster, cheap 2014. 354 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ed ages 10-12 Recommended For: ages 10-12 and ...

By Megan Saben | Feb 18, 2015

George Washington’s Breakfast by Jean Fritz, illustrated by Paul Galdone (cover image by Tomie DePaola). Putnam & Grosset, 1969. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ...

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 4, 2014

*The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. Dutton Children’s Books, 1978. 182 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 10-12) and up ...

The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Kevin Cornell

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 1, 2014

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure by ...

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 1, 2014

Space Case by Stuart Gibbs. Simon & Schuster, 2014. 337 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10. Maturity Level: 4 (ages 11-12) Moon Base Alpha ...

*Somebody on This Bus is Going to Be Famous by (our very own) J. B. Cheaney

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 9, 2014

*Somebody on This Bus Is Going to Be Famous by J. B. Cheaney. Sourcebooks, 2014. 304 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades (8-12)Recommended For: Ages 10-12 Bottom ...

Greenglass House by Kate Milford

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 8, 2014

Greenglass House by Kate Milford. Clarion, 2014, 384 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades (ages 10-12) Recommended for: Ages 10 and up The Greenglass House is ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 19, 2014

This post originally appeared in a different format as part of our 2014 Summer Reading Challenge. The content has been adapted slightly to fit our new ...

Spy Catchers of Maple Hill

By Betsy Farquhar | May 8, 2014

Spy Catchers of Maple Hill by Megan Frazer Blakemore. Bloomsbury, 2014. 320 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12Recommended for: ages 10-12 One-Sentence Summary: Young Hazel Kaplansky, ...

Solving Mysteries with Science (and a disappointing collective biography)

By Megan Saben | Sep 19, 2013

One Minute Mysteries: 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! by Eric Yoder and Natalie Yoder. Science Naturally, 2013. When I was growing up, ...

The Real Sherlock Holmes

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 9, 2013

Arthur Conan Doyle published the first Sherlock Holmes story in a British periodical in 1887, to moderate interest. Three novels and fifty-odd short stories later, ...

Spunky Siblings

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 16, 2012

Brother-Sister duos are a staple in children’s publishing ever since the Bobbsey Twins—a way of stretching the appeal, I suppose. These new series try to ...

Mystery Under the Stars

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 22, 2012

. . . In which we crack the spines of two middle-grade novels that have been getting a lot of favorable press: both are mysteries, ...

Mr. and Mrs. Bunny: Detectives Extraordinaire! by Mrs. Bunny, translated from the Rabbit by Polly Horvath

By Janie Cheaney | May 8, 2012

Mr. and Mrs. Bunny: Detectives Extraordinaire! by Mrs. Bunny, translated from the Rabbit by Polly Horvath, illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Schwartz & Wade, 2012, 248 ...

Detectives: Hard Boiled and Four-Legged

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 18, 2012

Ever since Edgar Allen Poe, one of the most reliable publishing genres has been the mystery or detective novel. I'm not a huge fan myself, ...

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 2, 2011

The Brixton Brothers, by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Adam Rex, published by Simon & Schuster. The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity (2009), 179 ...