Mystery novels are a genre of fiction that typically involve a crime or puzzle that needs to be solved. These novels often feature a detective or amateur sleuth as the main character who is tasked with investigating the crime or puzzle and uncovering the truth.
Top 10 Teenagers Mystery Books
Mystery novels can be set in a variety of settings, from small towns to big cities, and can involve a wide range of crimes, including murder, theft, and espionage. The mystery aspect of these novels often involves clues that are left throughout the story, allowing readers to try and solve the crime or puzzle themselves before the final reveal.
Mystery novels often have a suspenseful and tension-filled atmosphere, as the protagonist must navigate dangerous situations and confront suspects and witnesses to uncover the truth. These novels can also explore themes of justice, morality, and the human condition, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking.
All Your Twisted Secrets by Diana Urban
“All Your Twisted Secrets” is a young adult mystery/thriller novel written by Diana Urban. The story follows a group of six high school seniors who are invited to a scholarship dinner at a restaurant, only to find themselves trapped in a locked room with a bomb and a syringe of poison. As they try to figure out how to escape, they discover that one of them has been planning this all along and has a dark secret to reveal.
The novel explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. It also delves into the pressure and expectations that teenagers face, as well as the consequences of choices made in the past.
The book received positive reviews for its fast-paced plot and well-developed characters. It has been compared to popular YA thrillers such as “One of Us is Lying” and “Gone Girl”. Overall, “All Your Twisted Secrets” is a gripping and suspenseful read that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas
“The Cheerleaders” is a young adult thriller novel written by Kara Thomas. The story follows a high school student named Monica, who is still grieving the loss of her older sister, Jen, who died five years earlier. Jen was a cheerleader, and her death, along with the deaths of four other cheerleaders, was ruled a tragic accident. But when Monica starts to investigate the deaths, she begins to uncover disturbing secrets that suggest that the cheerleaders’ deaths may not have been accidents after all.
As Monica delves deeper into the mystery, she begins to uncover a web of lies, deceit, and manipulation that has haunted her town for years. The novel explores themes of grief, sisterhood, and the dark side of teenage life.
“The Cheerleaders” has been praised for its well-crafted plot and complex characters, and it has been compared to popular YA thrillers such as “Pretty Little Liars” and “13 Reasons Why”. The book keeps readers guessing until the very end, and the twists and turns will keep them on the edge of their seats. Overall, “The Cheerleaders” is a gripping and intense read that will leave readers reeling.
The Diviners by Libba Bray
“The Diviners” is a young adult fantasy novel written by Libba Bray. Set in the 1920s, the story follows Evie O’Neill, a young girl who has a supernatural gift of being able to read people’s secrets by holding an object that belongs to them. After causing a scandal in her hometown, Evie is sent to live with her uncle in New York City.
Once in New York, Evie becomes involved in a series of murders that seem to be connected to the occult. She teams up with a group of other young people who have supernatural abilities, including Theta, who can make things appear out of thin air, and Memphis, who has the ability to heal with his touch. Together, they use their powers to try to stop the killer before it’s too late.
“The Diviners” has been praised for its atmospheric setting and well-developed characters. The book combines elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and horror to create a unique and engaging story. The novel also explores themes of identity, discrimination, and the fear of the unknown. The book is the first in a series and has been followed by three sequels, each of which continues the story of the characters and their supernatural abilities. Overall, “The Diviners” is a captivating and thrilling read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis
“The Female of the Species” is a young adult contemporary novel written by Mindy McGinnis. The story follows three high school students: Alex Craft, Jack Fisher, and Peekay, who are brought together by a series of violent events in their small town. Alex is a loner who is haunted by the murder of her sister, while Jack is a popular jock and Peekay is a preacher’s kid.
As the three of them become closer, they begin to confront the dark truths about their town and the people in it. The novel explores themes of revenge, justice, and the ways in which violence and sexism intersect.
“The Female of the Species” has been praised for its raw and honest portrayal of teenage life, as well as its complex and nuanced characters. The book is told from multiple perspectives, allowing readers to see the events of the story through different lenses. The novel also tackles difficult issues such as rape culture, toxic masculinity, and victim blaming in a thoughtful and sensitive way. Overall, “The Female of the Species” is a powerful and thought-provoking read that will leave a lasting impact on readers.
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
“Firekeeper’s Daughter” is a young adult contemporary novel written by Angeline Boulley. The story follows the life of Daunis Fontaine, a young Ojibwe woman who lives on the reservation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Daunis is half Ojibwe and half white, and she often feels torn between her two worlds. When her uncle is murdered and she becomes involved in an FBI investigation, Daunis finds herself navigating a complex web of secrets and betrayals.
As Daunis delves deeper into the investigation, she begins to uncover a plot that could put her community and her family in danger. The novel explores themes of identity, culture, and the struggles of indigenous peoples in the modern world.
“Firekeeper’s Daughter” has been praised for its rich and immersive depiction of Ojibwe culture and its complex and well-developed characters. The book is a powerful and timely exploration of the challenges faced by indigenous peoples in contemporary society, and it offers a nuanced and thoughtful perspective on issues such as identity, cultural appropriation, and the legacy of colonialism. Overall, “Firekeeper’s Daughter” is a deeply moving and thought-provoking read that will leave a lasting impression on readers.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is a young adult mystery novel written by Holly Jackson. The story follows high school student Pippa Fitz-Amobi, who decides to investigate a murder case for her senior project. Five years earlier, a popular girl named Andie Bell disappeared and was presumed murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who later killed himself. But Pippa isn’t convinced that Sal was guilty, and she sets out to uncover the truth about what really happened to Andie.
As Pippa delves deeper into the case, she begins to uncover a web of secrets and lies that puts her in danger. The novel explores themes of justice, truth, and the power of perseverance.
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” has been praised for its fast-paced and engaging plot, as well as its well-drawn and complex characters. The book also includes a variety of multimedia elements, such as text messages and newspaper articles, that add to the immersive and interactive experience of reading the story. The novel has been compared to popular mystery series such as “Veronica Mars” and “Riverdale”. Overall, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is a thrilling and suspenseful read that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe
“The Girls I’ve Been” is a young adult thriller novel written by Tess Sharpe. The story follows Nora O’Malley, a teenage girl who has a talent for conning people. When she and her ex-boyfriend and her girlfriend are taken hostage during a bank robbery, Nora must use all of her skills to get herself and her friends out alive.
As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Nora’s past as the daughter of a con artist has equipped her with the tools she needs to navigate dangerous situations. The novel explores themes of identity, survival, and the power of friendship.
“The Girls I’ve Been” has been praised for its fast-paced and suspenseful plot, as well as its well-drawn and complex characters. The book also features flashbacks that provide insight into Nora’s past and the events that shaped her into the person she is today. The novel has been described as a gripping and empowering read that challenges traditional gender roles and expectations. Overall, “The Girls I’ve Been” is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest
“I Am Princess X” by Cherie Priest is a young adult novel that follows the story of best friends Libby and May, who create a comic book character named Princess X. Libby and May’s friendship is cut short when Libby dies in a car accident. Three years later, May begins to see Princess X’s image and messages all over Seattle, and she believes that Libby may still be alive.
May teams up with a tech-savvy boy named Trick to follow the clues left by Princess X and solve the mystery of Libby’s disappearance. Along the way, they encounter dangerous people who are also after Princess X and must use their skills and wits to stay ahead of them.
As May and Trick uncover more about Princess X’s story and Libby’s past, they realize that there is a deeper conspiracy at play, and their lives may be in danger. They must race against time to save themselves and uncover the truth behind Libby’s disappearance.
“I Am Princess X” is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that explores themes of friendship, grief, and perseverance. It is a unique blend of mystery, technology, and comics that will keep readers engaged until the very end.
Jackaby by William Ritter
“Jackaby” by William Ritter is a young adult novel that takes place in 19th century New England and follows the story of Abigail Rook, a young woman who has recently arrived in the city of New Fiddleham. Abigail is searching for adventure and finds herself in need of a job. She soon meets R.F. Jackaby, an eccentric investigator who claims to have the ability to see supernatural creatures.
Abigail is skeptical of Jackaby’s claims at first, but she soon realizes that he is telling the truth when they come across a murder scene that is clearly the work of a non-human creature. Jackaby and Abigail team up to solve the mystery, and Abigail quickly finds herself embroiled in a world of magic and mystery.
As they investigate the case, Jackaby and Abigail encounter a wide range of supernatural creatures, including trolls, shape-shifters, and ghosts. They must use their combined skills and knowledge to unravel the clues and stop the killer before they strike again.
“Jackaby” is a thrilling and entertaining novel that combines elements of mystery, fantasy, and historical fiction. The characters are well-drawn and engaging, and the world-building is rich and immersive. The novel is a great choice for readers who enjoy fast-paced and action-packed stories with a touch of the supernatural.
I Killed Zoe Spanos by Kit Frick
“I Killed Zoe Spanos” by Kit Frick is a young adult novel that follows the story of Anna Cicconi, a teenager who has come to the small town of Herron Mills to work as a nanny for the summer. Anna becomes obsessed with the disappearance of a local girl named Zoe Spanos, who looks eerily similar to her. When Zoe’s body is later found, Anna is convinced that she is somehow connected to the murder.
The novel is told through two timelines: the present-day summer in which Anna is working as a nanny, and the previous fall when Zoe disappeared. Through these timelines, readers gradually uncover the truth about what happened to Zoe and Anna’s role in her death.
As Anna delves deeper into the mystery of Zoe’s disappearance, she begins to experience blackouts and strange visions. She starts to wonder if she is somehow responsible for Zoe’s death and begins to question her own sanity.
“I Killed Zoe Spanos” is a gripping and suspenseful novel that explores themes of identity, guilt, and the fallibility of memory. The characters are well-developed, and the story is full of twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The novel is a great choice for fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries.
