Alice Nuttall (she/her) is a writer, pet-wrangler and D&D nerd. Her reading has got so out of control that she had to take a job at her local library to avoid bankrupting herself on books — unfortunately, this has just resulted in her TBR pile growing until it resembles Everest. Alice's webcomic, writing and everything else can be found at https://linktr.ee/alicenuttallbooks. Her debut novel, The Zombie Project, is coming out in January 2025 with Chicken House.
Middle grade mystery is one of my favourite genres. You get the fun of solving an intricate puzzle, attempting to outwit a villain, and following a smart and engaging detective—without the violence, gore, or bleakness that can be a hallmark of crime stories aimed at adult readers. Mystery stories aimed at younger readers have been having a resurgence for the last few years, and the trend doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of slowing down, which means there are several long-running, established mystery series, as well as plenty of brand new stories to dive into.
Here are eight recent UK and U.S. middle grade mysteries to enjoy. For lovers of historical detective fiction, I have recommendations for two murder mysteries set around the Second World War, delving into the secrets of the codebreaking centre at Bletchley Park, as well as time-travel stories with intrepid explorers solving mysteries in the Victorian era.
There are also plenty of contemporary middle grade mysteries about unpicking dark family secrets, solving cold cases, and trying to clear loved ones’ names. Whether the young reader in your life likes high-energy hijinks or more understated, thoughtful tales, there’s a middle grade mystery story out there for them. Perfect for back-to school reading or gearing up for the end of the year, these new middle grade mysteries will provide plenty of inspiration for your reading lists.
8 Thrilling New Middle Grade Mystery Books
Alice Nuttall (she/her) is a writer, pet-wrangler and D&D nerd. Her reading has got so out of control that she had to take a job at her local library to avoid bankrupting herself on books — unfortunately, this has just resulted in her TBR pile growing until it resembles Everest. Alice’s webcomic, writing and everything else can be found at https://linktr.ee/alicenuttallbooks. Her debut novel, The Zombie Project, is coming out in January 2025 with Chicken House.
The Mizzy Mysteries: A Skeleton in the Closet by Clare Hatcher-Smith
Fans of the young detective genre will love this first book in a sparky new middle grade series. Mizzy has a lifelong dream of being a detective, but is often underestimated by those around her because of her Down Syndrome. During a family holiday, Mizzy finds her late great-aunt’s diaries and realises that her relative may have been murdered, so she sets out to solve the mystery and find out who the killer was.
People Like Stars by Patrice Lawrence
This stand-alone mystery follows three kids who are all connected by a shocking event in the past. Ayrton is sick of being restricted by his overprotective mum, who has been afraid for his safety ever since he was briefly kidnapped as a baby. Stanley is confused about why his family tries to pretend his grandmother doesn’t exist. Sen is living in an insecure housing situation, avoiding her landlady for fear of being thrown out. When the three children meet, they start to unravel the mystery of their respective pasts, and they work out how to move forward for themselves and their families.
Murder for Two by Niyla Farook
The UK middle grade mystery Murder for Two follows estranged twins, Ani and Riri, who reluctantly have to spend the summer together. The twins are very different, but have to learn to trust each other and work together when a local woman is murdered, and the police zero in on their dad as the prime suspect. With Ari’s reckless, adventurous streak and Riri’s cautious, analytical mind, the two girls are the only ones who can solve the case.
Wink, Murder by Rhian Tracey
Another WWII mystery based around the code-cracking centre at Bletchley Park, Wink, Murder follows Mary, a young girl with a knack for languages, who is brought in to help the code-breakers. Mary is sent undercover at the Ritz Hotel to pick up information, but soon finds herself in the middle of a dangerous plot that she must unravel before it puts her and the whole country in danger.
Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson
Tiffany D. Jackson brings her trademark twists and turns to middle grade with Blood in the Water. Set on Martha’s Vineyard, the story follows Kaylani, a young girl from Brooklyn who is enjoying her summer break with friends of her family, when a local boy is found dead. No one is sure whether it was an accident or murder, and Kaylani has to find out before she’s pulled into danger herself.
Sabotage at Sea by Alasdair Beckett-King
Fans of funny mysteries will love the fourth Montgomery Bonbon book by comedian and author Alasdair Beckett-King. Bonnie Montgomery, who moonlights as the world’s greatest detective Montgomery Bonbon, is taking a trip on a ship, the Dreadnowt, with her Grampa Banks. When the captain dies, having apparently been attacked by a giant squid, Bonnie has to bring out her alter ego and find out which of the other passengers committed the crime.
Time Tub Travellers: Circus Mystery by Claire Linney
Claire Linney’s Time Tub Travellers series explores Black British history with a twist of time travel and mystery. In this second book, Zula and Milo use their time-travelling bathtub to travel back to the Victorian era. They befriend Pablo Fanque, the first Black Briton to own a circus—but the friends soon realise that someone is trying to sabotage Fanque’s show. To keep history on track, and make sure they get home, Zula and Milo have to find the saboteur before it’s too late.
A Stocking Full of Spies by Robin Stevens
The third installment in Robin Stevens’s WWII spy mystery series, A Stocking Full of Spies, is the perfect read for anyone who’s already looking forward to Christmas. When their boarding school is bombed, young intelligence agents May and Nuala join up with their friend Eric to investigate the murder of a possible double agent. Diving deep into the secretive world of Bletchley Park, May, Nuala, and Eric must uncover the truth and prove a friend’s innocence before it’s too late.
Looking for more middle grade mysteries? Try some of The Best New and Recent Middle Grade Series, or Riveting Middle Grade Mysteries for Puzzle-Loving Kids.
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