In my experience, adding high-quality mystery novels to your classroom library is a surefire way to get more students reading. In today’s post, we’re diving into the thrilling world of YA mystery novels—perfect for engaging your students and sparking their imaginations. Whether they love puzzling plots or uncovering dark secrets, these 15 captivating titles are sure to keep your classroom library buzzing with excitement. Each book offers not only an intriguing storyline, but also relatable characters and valuable themes that resonate with today’s readers. From solving whodunits to navigating complex relationships, these novels provide rich narratives that will inspire students to think critically and immerse themselves in the reading experience.
Mystery novels have a unique way of drawing readers in, challenging them to piece together clues and predictions along the way. By adding these titles to your classroom library, you’re not only enhancing your students’ literary options but also promoting essential skills like analytical thinking and empathy. Whether your students are seasoned readers or just beginning their literary journey, these handpicked mysteries will encourage them to engage with stories in a whole new way. Let’s explore these must-have mysteries that will inspire your students to become avid readers and budding detectives.
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#1: One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus
At first, I felt like this book was trying to be a mix of The Breakfast Club and Gossip Girl, and honestly, that’s still a pretty fair description. But after devouring it in one day, I was hooked on the characters, and though I didn’t love the ending, it was a fun, fast-paced YA read that I’d recommend.
- Age Recommendation: 14+
- My Full Review
- Common Sense Media Review
“Pay close attention and you might solve this.
On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention. Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule. Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess. Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing. Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher. And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High’s notorious gossip app. Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention, Simon’s dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn’t an accident.
On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he’d planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who’s still on the loose?
Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them.”
#2: Firekeepers Daughter by Angeline Boulley
An unflinching, pulse-pounding YA mystery. While the slow start and some plot points didn’t sit well with me, the rich cultural details, mystery-driven pacing, and important themes about Native American issues made it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
- Age Recommendation: 16+
- My Full Review
- Common Sense Media Review
“Eighteen-year-old Daunis Fontaine has never quite fit in, both in her hometown and on the nearby Ojibwe reservation. She dreams of a fresh start at college, but when family tragedy strikes, Daunis puts her future on hold to look after her fragile mother. The only bright spot is meeting Jamie, the charming new recruit on her brother Levi’s hockey team.
Yet even as Daunis falls for Jamie, she senses the dashing hockey star is hiding something. Everything comes to light when Daunis witnesses a shocking murder, thrusting her into an FBI investigation of a lethal new drug.
Reluctantly, Daunis agrees to go undercover, drawing on her knowledge of chemistry and Ojibwe traditional medicine to track down the source. But the search for truth is more complicated than Daunis imagined, exposing secrets and old scars. At the same time, she grows concerned with an investigation that seems more focused on punishing the offenders than protecting the victims.
Now, as the deceptions―and deaths―keep growing, Daunis must learn what it means to be a strong Anishinaabe kwe (Ojibwe woman) and how far she’ll go for her community, even if it tears apart the only world she’s ever known.”
#3: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
This fast-paced YA novel exceeded my expectations, with a gripping plot, strong protagonist, and intriguing mixed-media format that kept me hooked. While it’s best suited for high school readers due to its mature themes like violence, drugs, and sex, it’s a compelling and twisty read that I devoured in two sittings.
- Age Recommendation: 14+
- My Full Review
- Common Sense Media Review
“Everyone in Fairview knows the story.
Pretty and popular high school senior Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then killed himself. It was all anyone could talk about. And five years later, Pip sees how the tragedy still haunts her town.
But she can’t shake the feeling that there was more to what happened that day. She knew Sal when she was a child, and he was always so kind to her. How could he possibly have been a killer?
Now a senior herself, Pip decides to reexamine the closed case for her final project, at first just to cast doubt on the original investigation. But soon she discovers a trail of dark secrets that might actually prove Sal innocent . . . and the line between past and present begins to blur. Someone in Fairview doesn’t want Pip digging around for answers, and now her own life might be in danger.”
#4: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Fun, quick read, but has so much more substance than first meets the eye. Takes you on a thrilling ride from the moment you open the book. One of my favorite full class novels to teach. You can check out my unit plan here if you’re interested in teaching it as well. (And really, you should! It was consistently a student favorite.)
- Age Recommendation: 12+
- My Full Review
- Common Sense Media Review
“A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.
Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.”
#5: The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe
I really enjoyed this one—it was fast-paced, sharp, and filled with memorable characters. While it has some mature content, making it more suitable for older teens, the well-executed concept and emotional depth make it a great read, and I can’t wait to see how it translates to the screen. (Coming to Netflix at some point!)
- Age Recommendation: 14+
- My Full Review
- Common Sense Media Review
“Nora O’Malley’s been a lot of girls. As the daughter of a con-artist who targets criminal men, she grew up as her mother’s protégé. But when her mom fell for the mark instead of conning him, Nora pulled the ultimate con: escape.
For five years Nora’s been playing at normal. But she needs to dust off the skills she ditched because she has three problems:
#1: Her ex walked in on her with her girlfriend. Even though they’re all friends, Wes didn’t know about her and Iris.
#2: The morning after Wes finds them kissing, they all have to meet to deposit the fundraiser money they raised at the bank. It’s a nightmare that goes from awkward to deadly, because:
#3: Right after they enter the bank, two guys start robbing it.
The bank robbers may be trouble, but Nora’s something else entirely. They have no idea who they’re really holding hostage . . .”
#6: Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
I loved this book’s immersive 1888 England setting, the chemistry between Thomas and Audrey Rose, and the witty banter, but the gruesome details make it better suited for older teens. Despite a disappointing ending, the strong narration and compelling characters left me eager to explore the rest of the series.
- Age Recommendation: 14+
- My Full Review
- Common Sense Media Review
“Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord’s daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life. Against her stern father’s wishes and society’s expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle’s laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine.
When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her back to her own sheltered world.”
#7: Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
This captivating mystery had me hooked with its divine setting, flashbacks, and an incredible YA protagonist, Stevie. While I wished it were more of a standalone, the compelling story and amazing audiobook narration make it a must-read.
- Age Recommendation: 14+
- My Full Review
- Common Sense Media Review
“Ellingham Academy is a famous private school in Vermont for the brightest thinkers, inventors, and artists. It was founded by Albert Ellingham, an early twentieth century tycoon, who wanted to make a wonderful place full of riddles, twisting pathways, and gardens. “A place,” he said, “where learning is a game.”
Shortly after the school opened, his wife and daughter were kidnapped. The only real clue was a mocking riddle listing methods of murder, signed with the frightening pseudonym “Truly, Devious.” It became one of the great unsolved crimes of American history.
True-crime aficionado Stevie Bell is set to begin her first year at Ellingham Academy, and she has an ambitious plan: She will solve this cold case. That is, she will solve the case when she gets a grip on her demanding new school life and her housemates: the inventor, the novelist, the actor, the artist, and the jokester.“
#8: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
This book was ridiculously enjoyable, with a gripping plot that kept me guessing until the end, despite some minor flaws. Barnes’ storytelling completely pulled me in, and I am now easily hooked on the series.
- Age Recommendation: 14+
- My Full Review
- Common Sense Media Review
“Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why—or even who Tobias Hawthorne is.
To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man’s touch—and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes. Unfortunately for Avery, Hawthorne House is also occupied by the family that Tobias Hawthorne just dispossessed. This includes the four Hawthorne grandsons: dangerous, magnetic, brilliant boys who grew up with every expectation that one day, they would inherit billions. Heir apparent Grayson Hawthorne is convinced that Avery must be a conwoman, and he’s determined to take her down. His brother, Jameson, views her as their grandfather’s last hurrah: a twisted riddle, a puzzle to be solved. Caught in a world of wealth and privilege with danger around every turn, Avery will have to play the game herself just to survive.”
#9: Promise Boys by Nick Brooks
This fast-paced YA mystery is captivating, with brilliant full-cast audiobook narration that makes it a fun and immersive experience. With a mix of murder, mystery, and a touch of romance, it’s perfect for high school readers (9th grade and up), and I highly recommend it.
- Age Recommendation: 14+
- My Full Review
- Common Sense Media Review
“The prestigious Urban Promise Prep school might look pristine on the outside, but deadly secrets lurk within. When the principal ends up murdered on school premises and the cops come sniffing around, a trio of students―J.B., Ramón, and Trey―emerge as the prime suspects. They had the means, they had the motive . . . and they may have had the murder weapon. But with all three maintaining their innocence, they must band together to track down the real killer before they are arrested. Or is the true culprit hiding among them?”
#10: Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson
Tiffany D. Jackson masterfully weaves a compelling narrative in Monday’s Not Coming, exploring the complexities of young friendships and the truths we often overlook about those closest to us. With an unreliable narrator in Claudia Coleman, this impactful story is not only a gripping read but also a timely reminder of the importance of speaking up against systemic issues, leaving a lasting impression. I can’t wait to follow up with Jackson’s next work.
- Age Recommendation: 14+
- My Full Review
- Common Sense Media Review
Monday Charles is missing, and only Claudia seems to notice. Claudia and Monday have always been inseparable—more sisters than friends. So when Monday doesn’t turn up for the first day of school, Claudia’s worried.
“When she doesn’t show for the second day, or second week, Claudia knows that something is wrong. Monday wouldn’t just leave her to endure tests and bullies alone. Not after last year’s rumors and not with her grades on the line. Now Claudia needs her best—and only—friend more than ever. But Monday’s mother refuses to give Claudia a straight answer, and Monday’s sister April is even less help.
As Claudia digs deeper into her friend’s disappearance, she discovers that no one seems to remember the last time they saw Monday. How can a teenage girl just vanish without anyone noticing that she’s gone?”
#11: The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson
This book was a lot of fun! A great amateur detective mystery. Lots of twists and turns. I actually didn’t even guess the real suspect at all even though it made perfect sense in the end. I liked the unlikely duo and how their friendship formed.
- Age Recommendation: 14+
- My Full Review
- Common Sense Media Review
“Last summer, Alice Ogilvie’s basketball-star boyfriend Steve dumped her. Then she disappeared for five days. She’s not talking, so where she went and what happened to her is the biggest mystery in Castle Cove. Or it was, at least. But now, another one of Steve’s girlfriends has vanished: Brooke Donovan, Alice’s ex–best friend. And it doesn’t look like Brooke will be coming back. . .
Enter Iris Adams, Alice’s tutor. Iris has her own reasons for wanting to disappear, though unlike Alice, she doesn’t have the money or the means. That could be changed by the hefty reward Brooke’s grandmother is offering to anyone who can share information about her granddaughter’s whereabouts. The police are convinced Steve is the culprit, but Alice isn’t so sure, and with Iris on her side, she just might be able to prove her theory.
In order to get the reward and prove Steve’s innocence, they need to figure out who killed Brooke Donovan. And luckily Alice has exactly what they need—the complete works of Agatha Christie. If there’s anyone that can teach the girls how to solve a mystery it’s the master herself. But the town of Castle Cove holds many secrets, and Alice and Iris have no idea how much danger they’re about to walk into.”
#12: Catfishing on CatNet by Naomi Kritzer
I finally tackled this book from my TBR, and to my surprise, it was delightful! Even as someone who isn’t typically a sci-fi fan, I loved the well-researched concept, relatable characters, and the heartwarming “found family” theme, making it a solid 4-star read overall!
- Age Recommendation: 12+
- My Full Review
“Because her mom is always on the move, Steph hasn’t lived anyplace longer than six months. Her only constant is an online community called CatNet―a social media site where users upload cat pictures―a place she knows she is welcome. What Steph doesn’t know is that the admin of the site, CheshireCat, is a sentient A.I.
When a threat from Steph’s past catches up to her and ChesireCat’s existence is discovered by outsiders, it’s up to Steph and her friends, both online and IRL, to save her.”
#13: The Ivies by Alexa Donne
I struggled to get into this book at first, but once I did, it really picked up speed! While I appreciated the strong themes and clever plot, I found the characters unlikable, making it a mixed bag; however, it could be a fun choice for mystery lit circles with its twists and drama that will keep teens engaged.
- Age Recommendation: 14+
- My Full Review
“Everyone knows the Ivies: the most coveted universities in the United States. Far more important are the Ivies. The Ivies at Claflin Academy, that is. Five girls with the same mission: to get into the Ivy League by any means necessary. I would know. I’m one of them. We disrupt class ranks, club leaderships, and academic competitions…among other things. We improve our own odds by decreasing the fortunes of others. Because hyper-elite competitive college admissions is serious business. And in some cases, it’s deadly.
Alexa Donne delivers a nail-biting and timely thriller about teens who will stop at nothing to get into the college of their dreams. Too bad no one told them murder isn’t an extracurricular.”
#14: The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas
The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas is a thrilling and suspenseful read that expertly combines mystery with deep emotional undertones. With well-developed characters and unexpected twists, it keeps you guessing until the very end, making it a must-read for fans of YA thrillers.
- Age Recommendation: 14+
“There are no more cheerleaders in the town of Sunnybrook.
First there was the car accident–two girls dead after hitting a tree on a rainy night. Not long after, the murders happened. Those two girls were killed by the man next door. The police shot him, so no one will ever know his reasons. Monica’s sister was the last cheerleader to die. After her suicide, Sunnybrook High disbanded the cheer squad. No one wanted to be reminded of the girls they’d lost.
That was five years ago. Now the faculty and students at Sunnybrook High want to remember the lost cheerleaders. But for Monica, it’s not that easy. She just wants to forget.
Only, Monica’s world is starting to unravel. There are the letters in her stepdad’s desk, an unearthed, years-old cell phone, a strange new friend at school. . . . Whatever happened five years ago isn’t over. Some people in town know more than they’re saying. And somehow, Monica is at the center of it all.
There are no more cheerleaders in Sunnybrook, but that doesn’t mean anyone else is safe.”
#15: House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
House of Hollow by Krystal Sunderland is a beautifully eerie tale that weaves together mystery, family secrets, and a touch of the supernatural. With its lush prose and captivating plot, it draws you into a haunting world that lingers long after the last page is turned!
Age Recommendation: 12+
“Iris Hollow and her two older sisters are unquestionably strange. Ever since they disappeared on a suburban street in Scotland as children only to return a month a later with no memory of what happened to them, odd, eerie occurrences seem to follow in their wake. And they’re changing. First, their dark hair turned white. Then, their blue eyes slowly turned black. They have insatiable appetites yet never gain weight. People find them disturbingly intoxicating, unbearably beautiful, and inexplicably dangerous.
But now, ten years later, seventeen-year-old Iris Hollow is doing all she can to fit in and graduate high school on time–something her two famously glamourous globe-trotting older sisters, Grey and Vivi, never managed to do. But when Grey goes missing without a trace, leaving behind bizarre clues as to what might have happened, Iris and Vivi are left to trace her last few days. They aren’t the only ones looking for her though. As they brush against the supernatural they realize that the story they’ve been told about their past is unraveling and the world that returned them seemingly unharmed ten years ago, might just be calling them home.”
Grab My Done-For-You Mystery Unit
Looking to inspire a love for reading while exploring the thrilling world of mystery? This blog post introduces 15 young adult mystery novels that not only captivate students’ imaginations but also align perfectly with a comprehensive mystery unit designed for classroom use. This engaging unit empowers students to delve into the genre through independent reading, book clubs, and literature circles, providing them with the essential tools to analyze and discuss compelling mysteries. With activities like a themed book tasting and a mystery case file project, students will actively engage with the texts while developing critical thinking skills.
Whether you’re looking to supplement your existing curriculum or introduce a standalone unit, these resources are adaptable and easy to implement, ensuring your students stay excited and engaged throughout their reading journey. Each novel on this list offers unique twists and intriguing plots, making them perfect selections for your classroom library. Get ready to ignite your students’ curiosity and passion for reading as they uncover the secrets hidden within these captivating mysteries.
Click here to check out the unit!
As you explore these 15 young adult mystery novels for your classroom library, remember that each book offers a unique opportunity for your students to engage with compelling narratives while honing their critical thinking skills. By incorporating this genre into your curriculum, you can ignite a passion for reading that will last a lifetime.
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Happy reading!
