Best Mysteries & Detective Stories Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 12, 2023

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Mysteries and detective stories are popular genres among teens and young adults. These books offer a thrilling experience as readers try to solve the mystery alongside the characters. From classic whodunits to modern thrillers, there is a wide range of options available for every type of reader. Some popular series include the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books, as well as the more recent "Gone" series by Michael Grant and "Truly Devious" series by Maureen Johnson. These books not only offer entertainment but also help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

If He Had Been with Me Cover #TOP 1
If He Had Been with Me
ftb score rating icon 9.9
The Hawthorne Legacy (The Inheritance Games, 2) Cover #TOP 2
The Hawthorne Legacy (The Inheritance Games, 2)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
The Inheritance Games (The Inheritance Games, 1) Cover #TOP 3
The Inheritance Games (The Inheritance Games, 1)
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Mysteries & Detective Stories Books for Teens & Young Adults

Nowlin, Laura
Sourcebooks Fire
Nov 1, 2019
If He Had Been with Me Cover
If He Had Been with Me

If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin is a contemporary teen romance novel that explores the complexities of love, regret, and the impact of relationships. Autumn and Finn were once inseparable, but now they try their best to ignore each other. However, the nagging thought that maybe they should be together doesn't stop Autumn from feeling something every time they cross paths. As they approach the end of high school, Autumn is forced to confront the possibility that life could have been different if they had never parted ways. This emotional and captivating book is perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Jenny Han.

Barnes, Jennifer Lynn
Aug 2, 2022
The Hawthorne Legacy (The Inheritance Games, 2) Cover
The Hawthorne Legacy (The Inheritance Games, 2)

The Hawthorne Legacy (The Inheritance Games, 2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a thrilling sequel to the beloved bestselling The Inheritance Games. In this book, heiress Avery Grambs has to find the man who might hold the answers to all of her questions—including why Tobias Hawthorne left his entire fortune to Avery, a virtual stranger, rather than to his own daughters or grandsons. Barnes is a master of puzzles and plot twists, and this book will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Overall, The Hawthorne Legacy is a must-read for fans of mysteries and detective stories.

Barnes, Jennifer Lynn
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Jul 27, 2021
The Inheritance Games (The Inheritance Games, 1) Cover
The Inheritance Games (The Inheritance Games, 1)

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a New York Times bestseller that tells the story of Avery Grambs, a high school student who unexpectedly inherits a fortune from a billionaire she never met. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into the Hawthorne House, a mansion filled with puzzles, riddles, and secrets. The catch? The Hawthorne family believes Avery is a con artist and will stop at nothing to take her down. The novel is filled with thrilling twists, high-stakes treasure hunts, and family secrets. Overall, The Inheritance Games is a gripping and entertaining read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Barnes, Jennifer Lynn
Aug 30, 2022
The Final Gambit (The Inheritance Games, 3) Cover
The Final Gambit (The Inheritance Games, 3)

The Final Gambit is the latest installment in The Inheritance Games series, which has sold over one million copies. The book follows Avery Kylie Grambs as she tries to survive and inherit billions by living in Hawthorne House. However, a visitor's arrival changes everything, and Avery and the Hawthorne brothers find themselves in a dangerous game against an unknown and powerful player. The book is filled with secrets, puzzles, and plot twists that keep the reader engaged until the very end. Overall, The Final Gambit is an entertaining and thrilling read that is perfect for fans of romantic mysteries and thrillers.

One of Us Is Lying (One of Us Is Lying, 1)

McManus, Karen M.
Feb 28, 2023
One of Us Is Lying (One of Us Is Lying, 1) Cover
One of Us Is Lying (One of Us Is Lying, 1)

"One of Us Is Lying" by Karen M. McManus is a captivating novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book follows five high school students who walk into detention, but only four come out alive. The death of Simon, the school’s notorious gossip, sets off a chain of events that leads to a thrilling investigation. The four remaining students become suspects in his murder, and everyone has secrets to keep. McManus’s writing is gripping, and the plot twists keep readers guessing until the very end. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery and wants to unravel the secrets of the Bayview Four."

Barnes, Jennifer Lynn
Sep 27, 2022
The Inheritance Games Collection Cover
The Inheritance Games Collection

The Inheritance Games Collection is a thrilling and suspenseful trilogy that follows Avery Grambs, a high school student who unexpectedly inherits billionaire Tobias Hawthorne's fortune. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into the Hawthorne House, where every room is filled with puzzles, riddles, and codes. However, the Hawthorne family is not happy about Avery's inheritance and believes she is a conwoman. With twists, secrets, and dangerous stakes, this series is perfect for fans of One of Us Is Lying and Knives Out. Overall, the Inheritance Games Collection is a captivating and unique mystery series that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Barnes, Jennifer Lynn
Aug 29, 2023
The Brothers Hawthorne (The Inheritance Games, 4) Cover
The Brothers Hawthorne (The Inheritance Games, 4)

The Brothers Hawthorne by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a thrilling addition to the Inheritance Games trilogy. It follows the story of Grayson and Jameson Hawthorne, two brothers with different personalities and goals. Grayson is tasked to take care of his half-sisters' trouble, while Jameson is challenged to infiltrate an exclusive underground gambling club in London. The brothers, along with their siblings and a girl who inherited their grandfather's fortune, find themselves playing twisted games on opposite sides of the world. Barnes expertly weaves together family secrets, high stakes, and a touch of romance to create an engaging and captivating novel. Fans of Barnes's previous works will not be disappointed.

Konigsburg, E.L.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Apr 1, 1998
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Cover
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

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.

Harry Potter Hardcover Boxed Set: Books 1-7

J. K. Rowling
Scholastic Inc.
Oct 16, 2007
Harry Potter Hardcover Boxed Set: Books 1-7 Cover
Harry Potter Hardcover Boxed Set: Books 1-7

HARRY POTTER BOXED SET 1-7 includes the seven phenomenal Harry Potter hardcover books by best selling author J. K. Rowling. These books are housed in a collectible trunk-like box with sturdy handles and privacy lock. Bonus decorative stickers are included in each boxed set.

Deonn, Tracy
Nov 8, 2022
Bloodmarked (2) (The Legendborn Cycle) Cover
Bloodmarked (2) (The Legendborn Cycle)

Bloodmarked (2) (The Legendborn Cycle) is a captivating contemporary fantasy book for teens and young adults. Tracy Deonn's sequel to Legendborn is a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and magic, making it ideal for fans of Cassandra Clare and Margaret Rogerson. Bree is now a Medium, Bloodcrafter, and Scion with newfound power, but she is also in danger as the ancient war between demons and the Order intensifies. Bree's fight to save Nick and her friends is filled with unpredictable powers and enemies, making the book a page-turner. Tracy Deonn's writing is refreshing and engaging. Overall, Bloodmarked (2) (The Legendborn Cycle) is a must-read for all fantasy lovers.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is best known for her detective novels and short stories?

Born in Torquay in 1890, Agatha Christie became, and remains, the best-selling novelist of all time. She is best known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, as well as the world's longest-running play – The Mousetrap.

Editor's Notes

During our mysteries & detective stories book for teens & young adults research, we found 1,000+ mysteries & detective stories book for teens & young adults products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 132,041 customer reviews through our big data system to write the mysteries & detective stories books for teens & young adults list. We found that most customers choose mysteries & detective stories books for teens & young adults with an average price of $10.09.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.