RA RA Read: Middle Grade Mysteries

When I'm looking for mysteries for middle grade readers I'm looking for just that - mysteries. The kids generally aren't interested in complex characters, literary writing, or heartfelt messages. They want a dang MYSTERY. Preferably with clues and, depending on the kid, an actual murder. These are some of my most-recommended series and authors.

Clues and Codes: Mysteries to Solve

• Titles and Series
• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett (trilogy)
• Drew Leclair gets a clue by Katryn Bury
• Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School by Andrew Clements (series)
• London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
• Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein (series)
• The Detective's Assistant by Kate Hannigan (historical fiction)
• Club CSI by David Lewman (series)
• Maggie Brooklyn by Leslie Margolis (series)
• Framed by James Ponti (series)
• Shredderman; Sammy Keyes by Wendelin Van Draanen (series)
• Eddie Red Undercover by Marcia Wells (series)

Mysteries with Adventure and Danger

• Authors
• Willo Davis Roberts
• Titles and Series
• 39 Clues by various authors (multiple series)
• Ring of Rocamadeur by Michael Beil (series)
• Swallowtail Legacy by Michael Beil (series)
• Camp Murderface by Josh Berk (series)
• Mighty Muskrats by Michael Hutchison (series)
• Impossible clue by Sarah Rubin
• Kat Wolfe Investigates by Lauren St. John
• Emperor's riddle by Kat Zhang

Caper Mysteries

• Titles and Series

• Great Greene Heist by Varian Johnson
• Swindle by Gordon Korman (series)
• Loot by Jude Watson (series)

Mysteries with Humor and Quirk

• Titles and Series
• Brixton Brothers by Mac Barnett (series)
• Science Fair by Dave Barry
• Belly up by Stuart Gibbs (series)
• Mudshark by Gary Paulsen
• Smells like dog by Suzanne Selfors
• 
  

Mysteries with actual corpses and/or ghosts

• Titles and Series
• Strike three, you're dead by Josh Berk (series)
• Forgotten girl by India Hill Brown
• Sunnyside Plaza by Scott Simon