Best Children's Mystery, Detective, & Spy Books of 2025

Holes by Louis Sachar is a modern classic that follows the misadventures of Stanley Yelnats, who is sent to a boys' detention center for a crime he didn't commit. The boys at Camp Green Lake spend all day digging holes, but Stanley soon realizes that there's more to their punishment than meets the eye. This inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment, social commentary, tall tale, and magic realism is well-crafted and thought-provoking. Holes is a must-read for kids and adults alike, and it's easy to see why it won the Newbery Medal and National Book Award.

Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park is a thrilling adventure that takes readers on a scavenger hunt through Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. The book follows Jake, Amber, and Wes as they search for hidden codes, riddles, and maps left behind by Jake’s grandfather. Along the way, they learn about survival skills, natural history, and the importance of friendship. This page-turner is perfect for young readers who love mystery adventures like the Hardy Boys and movies like National Treasure. The author’s illustrations add an extra layer of excitement to the story, making it hard to put down. Overall, Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park is a delightful read-aloud adventure that both kids and parents will enjoy.

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies is a heartwarming children's chapter book about siblings Evan and Jessie who launch a lemonade-selling competition during their last days of summer vacation. The story explores the bond between brother and sister and subtly touches on the importance of understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses. The book is a clever blend of humor, math wizardry, and business know-how, making it suitable for reluctant readers. Overall, the book is a funny, fresh, and engaging read, with likeable characters and a valuable lesson on sibling relationships.

This box set of the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories Books 1-4 is a perfect gift for young readers who enjoy thrilling mysteries. The reissued editions of the books with their gorgeous covers take readers back to the era in which the series was first published. Written by various authors under the pen name Carolyn Keene, the series has been a classic for years. Mildred Wirt Benson wrote 23 of the original 30 books, and other authors who adapted the "Carolyn Keene" moniker include Leslie McFarlane, James Duncan Lawrence, Walter Karig, and Nancy Axelrod. This box set is a must-have for collectors and a great way to introduce new readers to the girl sleuth.

Adventure in Grand Canyon National Park: A Mystery Adventure (National Park Mystery Series) is a thrilling book that takes young readers on a wild scavenger hunt deep into the Grand Canyon. The story follows three friends as they uncover an ancient mystery left behind by Jake's grandfather, encountering new dangers and testing their friendship along the way. The book is filled with over fifty illustrations and is guaranteed to keep readers hooked until the very end. This installment of the National Park Mystery Series is perfect for young readers who love adventure, mystery, and the great outdoors.

The Hardy Boys Starter Set is a perfect gift for young detectives or fans of the classic mystery series. This set includes the first five books, including The Tower Treasure, The House on the Cliff, The Secret of the Old Mill, The Missing Chums, and Hunting for Hidden Gold. The books are packaged together in a beautifully designed slipcover, making it a collectible item for book lovers. Written by various authors under the pen name Franklin W. Dixon, the series has been entertaining readers for decades. Overall, this set is a great addition to any child's bookshelf and a must-read for mystery lovers.

The Secret Lake: A children's mystery adventure is an exciting time travel story that follows siblings Stella and Tom as they embark on a quest to solve the mystery of their elderly neighbor's lost dog. As they uncover clues, they find themselves transported back in time almost 100 years to their home and its gardens, where they make both friends and enemies and discover startling connections between the past and present. With short, gripping chapters and many twists and turns, this book is a firm favorite with both boys and girls aged 8-11. Overall, The Secret Lake is a modern children's classic that is sure to captivate young readers.

The Legend of the Star Runner is a thrilling chapter book for children aged 8-12 that combines visual storytelling with puzzles to solve. The adventure follows Timmi Tobbson and his friends as they search for a long-lost pirate ship buried beneath the city streets. The book is divided into 31 chapters, each ending with a puzzle that requires readers to find and interpret visual clues. The book also contains beautiful color illustrations that enhance the storytelling experience. The absence of bad language makes it a great choice for parents looking for a clean read for their kids. Overall, this book is an excellent choice for young explorers and sleuths who love a good mystery to solve.

Shadow Jumper: A Mystery Adventure Book for Children and Teens Aged 10-14 by J M Forster is a thrilling read for middle-graders. The story follows Jack Phillips, who is allergic to sunlight and is confined to the shadows. When his condition worsens, he embarks on a mission to find his missing scientist dad, uncovering shocking secrets along the way. The book deals with contemporary themes such as isolation, divorce, and difficult health conditions in a relatable manner. The heartwarming message about the power of friendship to fight adversity makes it a unique and touching tale. Highly recommended for young readers.

The Mysterious Benedict Society Paperback Boxed Set is a collection of the New York Times bestselling series that includes The Riddle of Ages. This paperback gift set is perfect for children who love to read about friendship and adventure. It features the three original books in the series, along with the prequel, The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict, and the all-new The Riddle of Ages. Trenton Lee Stewart, the author of this series, has done an amazing job of creating a world that is both mysterious and fascinating. The books are engaging and perfect for children who love to read. Overall, this boxed set is a must-have for any young reader who loves a good mystery.