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.
Bengali (Bangladesh) · 
English (United States) ·