Best Historical Mysteries & Thrillers Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg is a timeless classic that won the Newbery Medal for its intriguing storyline. Claudia and her brother Jamie run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art where they stumble upon a mystery involving a beautiful statue with an unknown maker. The book is a perfect blend of adventure, mystery, and sibling bonding, making it a must-read for teens and young adults. The unique setting of the museum and the clever plot twists keep readers engaged until the very end. Overall, this book is a delightful read that will leave a lasting impression on its readers.

I Must Betray You is a gripping historical thriller by Ruta Sepetys, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray. Set in communist Romania in 1989, the novel follows the story of Cristian Florescu, a seventeen-year-old boy who is blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer. Cristian risks everything to unmask the truth behind the regime, give voice to fellow Romanians, and expose to the world what is happening in his country. The book is a haunting reminder of a nation defined by silence, pain, and the unwavering conviction of the human spirit. Highly recommended for fans of historical mysteries and thrillers.

The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard is a thrilling epic fantasy that takes readers on a journey of power, betrayal, and rebellion. Set in a world where blood determines social status, Mare Barrow, a Red, discovers she has a superhuman ability and is forced to play the role of a lost Silver princess. As she delves deeper into the Silver world, Mare risks everything to help the Scarlet Guard, a growing Red rebellion. With a gasp-worthy twist and engaging characters, this inventive and character-driven novel is an unexpected and worthy addition to any genre fan's reading list.

The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson is a thought-provoking YA novel that delves into the issue of racism in America. The story follows Madison Washington, a biracial teenager who has been passing for white her entire life. When her school decides to host its first integrated prom, Madison finds herself caught in the middle of racial tensions and bullying. The novel expertly explores internalized and externalized anti-Blackness and the horrors that result from it. Jackson's writing is bone-chilling, and the book is a powerful commentary on the structural racism still present in society. Overall, The Weight of Blood is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the impact of racism on young people today.

Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam is a powerful YA novel in verse that tells the story of Amal Shahid, a sixteen-year-old boy who is wrongfully incarcerated. The book explores themes of prejudice, racism, and the flawed justice system. Zoboi and Salaam's spellbinding lyricism creates a moving and profound story that is a must-read for fans of Jason Reynolds, Walter Dean Myers, and Elizabeth Acevedo. This book is an important, powerful, and beautiful novel that should be an essential purchase for any library that serves teens.

Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson is a heart-wrenching story about the disappearance of Monday Charles, as seen through the eyes of her best friend, Claudia. The book delves into issues of race, class, and gender, shedding light on the disappearance of black and brown girls that often goes unnoticed. Jackson's narrative style is spellbinding, moving between past and present to build up to a devastating conclusion. The book is a thought-provoking thriller that examines abuse, gentrification, and marginalization of people of color with nuance and sensitivity, making it a must-read for any young adult interested in social justice issues.

Patron Saints of Nothing is a National Book Award Finalist and a powerful coming-of-age story that deals with grief, guilt, and the risks a Filipino-American teenager takes to uncover the truth about his cousin's murder. Jay Reguero travels to the Philippines to find out what happened to his cousin Jun, who was murdered as part of President Duterte's war on drugs. As he uncovers the truth, he is forced to reckon with the many sides of his cousin before he can face the whole horrible truth and the part he played in it. This book is a gripping portrayal of the struggle to reconcile faith, family, and immigrant identity.

Truly Devious: A Mystery by Maureen Johnson tells the story of Stevie Bell, a true-crime aficionado, who is determined to solve the unsolved kidnapping and murder case of the wife and daughter of the founder of Ellingham Academy. However, as she begins her first year at the prestigious academy, she finds herself entangled in a web of mysteries, as the past resurfaces and death revisits the school. This book is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and E. Lockhart, and its interwoven mysteries will keep readers on their toes. Overall, Truly Devious is a well-written and intriguing mystery that stands out in the genre.

Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse is a remarkable historical novel set in Amsterdam during World War II. The story follows Hanneke, a teenage girl who works on the black market delivering illegal goods to her customers. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when she is asked to find a Jewish girl who has gone missing. As she delves deeper into the search, she uncovers secrets that lead her to join the resistance and confront the horrors of the Nazi regime. Hesse's writing is beautiful and the plot is intricately woven, making Girl in the Blue Coat an exceptional read that portrays themes of love, loss, and bravery.

Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas is a Printz Honor Book that explores Black boyhood and manhood through the eyes of seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter, the son of a former gang leader. Maverick deals for the King Lords to help his family, but everything changes when he becomes a father. Despite facing unexpected joys and pains of fatherhood, the death of a friend, and another unexpected pregnancy, Maverick tries to prove that he's different. This poignant and searing exploration of loyalty, revenge, and responsibility is a must-read for anyone who enjoyed The Hate U Give.