Here are the top 30 bestselling mysteries & detectives books for 8 year olds. Please click Read Review to read book reviews on Amazon. You can also click Find in Library to check book availability at your local library. If the default library is not correct, please follow Change Library to reset it.
1. Serafina and the Twisted Staff (Serafina Book 2)
by: Robert Beatty Release date: Jul 12, 2016 Number of Pages: 384 Find in Library Read Review |
Late one night while prowling through the forest, Serafina encounters a strange and terrifying figure, and then she’s attacked by the vicious wolfhounds under his control. Even worse, she’s convinced that the stranger is not alone, that he has sent his accomplice into Biltmore in disguise.
A mysterious series of attacks test Serafina’s role as Biltmore’s protector, culminating in a tragedy that tears Serafina’s best friend, Braeden Vanderbilt, from her side. Heartbroken, she flees.
Deep in the forest, she comes face-to-face with the evil infecting Biltmore–and discovers its reach is far greater than she’d ever imagined. All the humans and animals of the Blue Ridge Mountains are in terrible danger. For Serafina to defeat this new evil before it engulfs her beloved home, she must search deep inside herself and embrace the destiny that has always awaited her.
2. The Secret Keepers
by: Trenton Lee Stewart, Diana Sudyka Release date: Sep 27, 2016 Number of Pages: 512 Find in Library Read Review |
A magical watch
3. Serafina and the Black Cloak
by: Robert Beatty Release date: Jun 14, 2016 Number of Pages: 320 Find in Library Read Review |
Serafina’s hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear, where she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must not only face her darkest enemy, but delve into the strange mystery of her own identity.
4. Encyclopedia Brown Box Set (4 Books)
by: Donald J. Sobol Release date: Oct 18, 2007 Number of Pages: 384 Find in Library Read Review |
A set of the first four books in the classic mystery series starring everyone’s favorite boy detective Encyclopedia Brown! Whether Encyclopedia is solving cases for his neighborhood friends or his chief-of-police dad, he always has an intriguing mystery to crack.
Set includes: Encyclopedia Brown: Boy Detective; Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Secret Pitch; Encyclopedia Brown Finds the Clues; and Encyclopedia Brown Gets His Man
5. Spy Ski School (Spy School)
by: Stuart Gibbs Release date: Oct 11, 2016 Number of Pages: 368 Find in Library Read Review |
Thirteen-year-old Ben Ripley is not exactly the best student spy school has ever seen–he keeps flunking Advanced Self Preservation. But outside of class, Ben is pretty great at staying alive. His enemies have kidnapped him, shot at him, locked him in a room with a ticking time bomb, and even tried to blow him up with missiles. And he’s survived every time.
After all that unexpected success, the CIA has decided to activate Ben for real.
The Mission: Become friends with Jessica Shang, the daughter of a suspected Chinese crime boss, and find out all of her father’s secrets. Jessica wants to go to ski school in the Rocky Mountains, so a select few spy school students are going skiing too–under cover, of course.
Ben might not be able to handle a weapon (or a pair of skis), but he can make friends easy peasy. That is, until his best friend from home drops in on the trip and jeopardizes the entire mission…
6. The Secret Zoo
by: Bryan Chick Release date: Dec 28, 2010 Number of Pages: 320 Find in Library Read Review |
Something strange is happening at the Clarksville City Zoo. Late at night, monkeys are scaling the walls and searching the neighborhood—but what are they looking for?
Noah, his sister Megan, and their best friends, Richie and Ella, live next door to the zoo. Megan is the first to notice the puzzling behavior of some of the animals. One day Megan disappears, and her brother and their friends realize it’s up to them to find her. Their only choice is to follow a series of clues and sneak into the zoo. But once inside, will they discover there’s much more to the Clarksville City Zoo than they could ever have guessed?
7. Treasure Hunters: Peril at the Top of the World
by: James Patterson, Chris Grabenstein, Juliana Neufeld Release date: Jul 04, 2016 Number of Pages: 384 Find in Library Read Review |
After their adventures in China and Germany, the Kidd family is ready for some rest and relaxation. But when you’re an ace treasure hunting team, there’s always another adventure waiting around the corner! This time, the Kidds head to Russia where a set of priceless paintings by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt has gone missing. Hot on the trail of the daring thieves, the Kidds race through the sinister streets of St. Petersburg and the wild Arctic tundra to track down the stolen treasure.
8. The Spy School Collection: Spy School; Spy Camp; Evil Spy School
by: Stuart Gibbs Release date: Oct 04, 2016 Number of Pages: 1024 Find in Library Read Review |
Can an undercover nerd become a superstar agent? Ben Ripley sure hopes so—and his life may depend on it!
When Ben Ripley is recruited to the CIA’s Academy of Espionage, it’s a dream come true. But as soon as he gets on campus, Ben finds out that Spy School is way more deadly than debonair. And given his total lack of coordination and failure to grasp even the most basic spying skills, Ben begins to wonder what he’s doing here in the first place.
Luckily, through a series of hilarious misadventures, Ben realizes he could actually become a halfway decent spy…if he can survive all the attempts being made on his life!
Ideal for newcomers to the series and loyal fans alike, this collection includes paperback editions of Spy School, Spy Camp, and Evil Spy School.
9. Theodore Boone Box Set (Kid Lawyer / The Abduction / The Accused / The Activist)
by: John Grisham Release date: May 19, 2015 Number of Pages: 1152 Find in Library Read Review |
Four pulse-pounding Theodore Boone mysteries in one amazing gift set!
In the small city of Strattenburg, there are many lawyers, and though he’s only thirteen years old, Theo Boone thinks he’s one of them. Theo knows every judge, policeman, court clerk—and a lot about the law. And he won’t stop until justice is served!
“John Grisham is about as good a storyteller as we’ve got.”—The New York Times Book Review
“Grisham is an absolute master!”—The Washington Post
10. Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics
by: Chris Grabenstein Release date: Jan 05, 2016 Number of Pages: 288 Find in Library Read Review |
Welcome, boys and girls, readers of all ages, to the first-ever Library Olympics! Kyle and his teammates are back, and the world-famous game maker Luigi Lemoncello is at it again!
This time Mr. Lemoncello has invited teams from all across America to compete in the first-ever LIBRARY OLYMPICS. But something suspicious is going on . . . books are missing from Mr. Lemoncello’s library. Is someone trying to censor what the kids are reading?! Now it’s not just a game—can Mr. Lemoncello find the real defenders of books and champions of libraries? In between figuring out mind-boggling challenges, the kids will have to band together to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Packed with puzzles, clues, and thrilling surprises, this is a deliciously fun, action-packed sequel to the New York Times bestselling Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library. Let the games begin!
11. Girl’s Best Friend (A Maggie Brooklyn Mystery)
by: Leslie Margolis Release date: Oct 25, 2011 Number of Pages: 288 Find in Library Read Review |
Dogs are disappearing in her neighborhood, and Maggie Brooklyn Sinclair knows all about it. After all, she has a semi-secret after-school gig as a professional (okay, amateur) dog walker. Maggie may have a lot of leads, but she never suspected her crush Milo could be involved. . . . Margolis’s fans are flocking to this stylish tween series featuring a clever and lovable new heroine.
12. Treasure Hunters: Secret of the Forbidden City
by: James Patterson, Chris Grabenstein, Juliana Neufeld Release date: Sep 14, 2015 Number of Pages: 448 Find in Library Read Review |
Bick and Beck Kidd are desperately trying to secure the ancient Chinese artifact that will buy their mother’s freedom from renegade pirates. But when the kidnappers force them to locate an even greater treasure–priceless paintings stolen by Nazis, the Kidds must rely on their own cunning and experience to outwit the criminals, all while their mom’s life is on the line.
13. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library
by: Chris Grabenstein Release date: Jun 24, 2014 Number of Pages: 336 Find in Library Read Review |
Kyle Keeley is the class clown and a huge fan of all games—board games, word games, and particularly video games. His hero, Luigi Lemoncello, the most notorious and creative gamemaker in the world, just so happens to be the genius behind the construction of the new town library. Lucky Kyle wins a coveted spot as one of twelve kids invited for an overnight sleepover in the library, hosted by Mr. Lemoncello and riddled with lots and lots of games. But when morning comes, the doors stay locked. Kyle and the other kids must solve every clue and figure out every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route!
Don’t miss bonus content in the back of the book—extra puzzles, an author Q&A, and more! And look for the next puzzle-packed adventure—Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics!
“Discover the coolest library in the world.” —James Patterson, #1 New York Times bestselling author
36 STATE AWARDS AND COUNTING — INCLUDING THE SUNSHINE STATE AWARD!
Starred Review, Booklist
* “An ode to libraries and literature that is a worthy successor to the original madman puzzle-master himself, Willy Wonka.”
Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
*”Full of puzzles to think about, puns to groan at . . . this solid, tightly plotted read is a winner for readers and game-players alike.”
14. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
by: E.L. Konigsburg, E.L. Konigsburg Release date: Sep 25, 2007 Number of Pages: 176 Find in Library Read Review |
Once settled into the museum, Claudia and Jamie, find themselves caught up in the mystery of an angel statue that the museum purchased at an auction for a bargain price of $250. The statue is possibly an early work of the Renaissance master Michelangelo, and therefore worth millions. Is it? Or isn’t it? Claudia is determined to find out. This quest leads Claudia to Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, the remarkable old woman who sold the statue and to some equally remarkable discoveries about herself.
15. Into the Lion’s Den (Devlin Quick Mysteries, The)
by: Linda Fairstein Release date: Nov 15, 2016 Number of Pages: 320 Find in Library Read Review |
Someone has stolen a page from a rare book in the New York Public Library. At least, that’s what Devlin’s friend Liza thinks she’s seen, but she can’t be sure. Any other kid might not see a crime here, but Devlin Quick is courageous and confident, and she knows she has to bring this man to justice—even if it means breathlessly racing around the city to collect evidence. But who is this thief? And what could the page—an old map—possibly lead to? With her wits, persistence, and the help of New York City’s finest (and, okay, a little bit of help from her police commissioner mother, too), Dev and her friends piece the clues together to uncover a mystery that’s bigger than anyone expected—and more fun, too.
With all of the heart-pounding excitement that made her internationally bestselling Alexandra Cooper series a hit, Linda Fairstein paves the way for another unstoppable heroine . . . even if she is only twelve.
16. Timmy Failure: The Book You’re Not Supposed to Have
by: Stephan Pastis, Stephan Pastis Release date: Sep 01, 2016 Number of Pages: 304 Find in Library Read Review |
This book was never meant to exist. No one needs to know the details. Just know this: there’s a Merry, a Larry, a missing tooth, and a teachers’ strike that is crippling Timmy Failure’s academic future. Worst of all, Timmy is banned from detective work. It’s a conspiracy of buffoons. He recorded everything in his private notebook, but then the manuscript was stolen. If this book gets out, he will be grounded for life. Or maybe longer. And will Timmy’s mom really marry Doorman Dave?
17. The Westing Game (Puffin Modern Classics)
by: Ellen Raskin Release date: Apr 12, 2004 Number of Pages: 192 Find in Library Read Review |
“A supersharp mystery…confoundingly clever, and very funny.” —Booklist, starred review
A bizarre chain of events begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing’s will. And though no one knows why the eccentric, game-loving millionaire has chosen a virtual stranger—and a possible murderer—to inherit his vast fortune, on things for sure: Sam Westing may be dead…but that won’t stop him from playing one last game!
Winner of the Newbery Medal
Winner of the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award
An ALA Notable Book
“Great fun for those who enjoy illusion, word play, or sleight of hand.” —The New York Times Book Review
“A fascinating medley of word games, disguises, multiple aliases, and subterfuges—a demanding but rewarding book.” —The Horn Book
18. Theodore Boone: The Scandal
by: John Grisham Release date: May 10, 2016 Number of Pages: 224 Find in Library Read Review |
When an anonymous tip leads the school board to investigate a suspicious increase in scores at another local middle school, Theo finds himself thrust in the middle of a cheating scandal. With insider knowledge and his future on the line, Theo must follow his keen instincts to do what’s right in the newest case for clever kid lawyer Theo Boone.
“Not since Nancy Drew has a nosy, crime-obsessed kid been so hard to resist.” —The New York Times
“Smartly written.” —USA Today
“Edge-of-your-seat drama, sophisticated plotting, and plenty of spunk.” —Chicago Sun-Times
“Classic Grisham.” —The Los Angeles Times
19. When You Reach Me (Yearling Newbery)
by: Rebecca Stead Release date: Dec 28, 2010 Number of Pages: 208 Find in Library Read Review |
By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, and they know who to avoid. Like the crazy guy on the corner.
But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a kid on the street for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then a mysterious note arrives, scrawled on a tiny slip of paper. The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows things no one should know. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.
20. The Secret Series Complete Collection
by: Pseudonymous Bosch Release date: Oct 02, 2012 Number of Pages: 2016 Find in Library Read Review |
Catch up on the adventures of Cass and Max-Ernest with The Secret Series Collection. This boxed set includes all five paperback novels in the New York Times bestselling Secret Series: The Name of this Book Is Secret; If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late; This Book Is Not Good for You; This Isn’t What It Looks Like; and You Have to Stop This.
21. Summer of the Woods (The Virginia Mysteries)
by: Steven K. Smith Release date: May 11, 2013 Number of Pages: 156 Find in Library Read Review |
“A perfect summer reading adventure!”
When ten-year-old Derek and eight-year-old Sam move with their family to Virginia, they have no idea what adventures the summer will bring. As the brothers explore their creaky old house and the deep surrounding woods, they uncover a sixty-year-old mystery of a valuable coin collection stolen from the local museum. Join the boys as they spend their summer running from danger and searching the woods, secret caves, rushing waters, and hidden passageways for treasure and the rare 1877 Indian Head cent coin!
The Virginia Mysteries – Adventures with a twist of history
Book 1 – Summer of the Woods
Book 2 – Mystery on Church Hill
Book 3 – Ghosts of Belle Isle
Book 4 – Secret of the Staircase
22. Jingle (Swindle #8)
by: Gordon Korman Release date: Sep 27, 2016 Number of Pages: 208 Find in Library Read Review |
Griffin Bing and his friends are NOT happy. Instead of going away for winter break, they’ve been signed up to volunteer at a local Christmas extravaganza . . . as elves.
It’s not easy being an elf. Not when Santa is bad news and Rudolph is being played by a Doberman who makes up his own rules wherever he goes.
But being an elf is nothing compared to being blamed when a prized Christmas possession — worth over ten million dollars — is stolen right from under your nose.
It’s time for these elves to get off the shelf and track down a Christmas thief!
23. Bunnicula in a Box: Bunnicula; Howliday Inn; The Celery Stalks at Midnight; Nighty-Nightmare; Return to Howliday Inn; Bunnicula Strikes Again; Bunnicula Meets Edgar Allan Crow (Bunnicula and Friends)
by: James Howe, C. F. Payne Release date: Aug 27, 2013 Number of Pages: 1136 Find in Library Read Review |
Something wicked this way hops… Join Harold, Howie, Chester, and of course, Bunnicula for seven thrilling adventures—all together for the first time in one fur-raising boxed set!
This complete collection includes paperback editions of Bunnicula, Howliday Inn, The Celery Stalks at Midnight, Nighty-Nightmare, Return to Howliday Inn, Bunnicula Strikes Again, and Bunnicula Meets Edgar Allan Crow.
24. Space Case (Moon Base Alpha)
by: Stuart Gibbs Release date: Oct 13, 2015 Number of Pages: 368 Find in Library Read Review |
Like his fellow lunarnauts—otherwise known as Moonies—living on Moon Base Alpha, twelve-year-old Dashiell Gibson is famous the world over for being one of the first humans to live on the moon.
And he’s bored out of his mind. Kids aren’t allowed on the lunar surface, meaning they’re trapped inside the tiny moon base with next to nothing to occupy their time—and the only other kid Dash’s age spends all his time hooked into virtual reality games.
Then Moon Base Alpha’s top scientist turns up dead. Dash senses there’s foul play afoot, but no one believes him. Everyone agrees Dr. Holtz went onto the lunar surface without his helmet properly affixed, simple as that. But Dr. Holtz was on the verge of an important new discovery, Dash finds out, and it’s a secret that could change everything for the Moonies—a secret someone just might kill to keep…
25. Harriet the Spy
by: Louise Fitzhugh Release date: May 08, 2001 Number of Pages: 320 Find in Library Read Review |
26. Spy School
by: Stuart Gibbs Release date: Apr 02, 2013 Number of Pages: 320 Find in Library Read Review |
Ben Ripley may only be in middle school, but he’s already pegged his dream job: C.I.A. or bust. Unfortunately for him, his personality doesn’t exactly scream “secret agent.” In fact, Ben is so awkward, he can barely get to school and back without a mishap. Because of his innate nerdiness, Ben is not surprised when he is recruited for a magnet school with a focus on science—but he’s entirely shocked to discover that the school is actually a front for a junior C.I.A. academy. Could the C.I.A. really want him?
Actually, no. There’s been a case of mistaken identity—but that doesn’t stop Ben from trying to morph into a supercool undercover agent, the kind that always gets the girl. And through a series of hilarious misadventures, Ben realizes he might actually be a halfway decent spy…if he can survive all the attempts being made on his life!
27. Lockwood & Co., Book Four The Creeping Shadow
by: Jonathan Stroud Release date: Sep 13, 2016 Number of Pages: 464 Find in Library Read Review |
28. Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls (The Baby-Sitters Club, No.2)
by: Ann M. Martin Release date: Apr 01, 2010 Number of Pages: 176 Find in Library Read Review |
Being a good baby-sitter isn’t always easy, and the vice-president of the Baby-Sitters Club, Claudia Kishi, is learning that the hard way. She and the other club members have started getting strange calls on the job. Is it the Phantom Caller, a jewel thief who’s been breaking into houses in the area? One thing is certain — the Club has to take action to protect their kids!
29. Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls (The Baby-Sitters Club, No.2)
by: Ann M. Martin Release date: Apr 01, 2010 Number of Pages: 176 Find in Library Read Review |
Being a good baby-sitter isn’t always easy, and the vice-president of the Baby-Sitters Club, Claudia Kishi, is learning that the hard way. She and the other club members have started getting strange calls on the job. Is it the Phantom Caller, a jewel thief who’s been breaking into houses in the area? One thing is certain — the Club has to take action to protect their kids!
30. The Candymakers
by: Wendy Mass Release date: Oct 03, 2011 Number of Pages: 480 Find in Library Read Review |
Logan, the candymaker’s son, who can detect the color of chocolate by feel alone?
Miles, the boy allergic to rowboats and the color pink?
Daisy, the cheerful girl who can lift a fifty-pound lump of taffy as if it were a feather?
Philip, the suit-and-tie-wearing boy who’s always scribbling in a secret notebook?
This sweet, charming, and cleverly crafted story, told from each contestant’s perspective, is filled with mystery, friendship, and juicy revelations.
Best Selling Books for 8 year olds:
- Action & Adventure
- Activities, Crafts & Games
- Animals
- Biographies
- Classics
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Computers & Technology
- Early Learning
- Education & Reference
- Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
- History
- Holidays & Celebrations
- Humor
- Literature & Fiction
- Mysteries & Detectives
- Religions
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Science, Nature & How It Works
- Sports & Outdoors
- Children’s Cookbooks
Recommended Books for 8 year olds:
- Action & Adventure
- Activities, Crafts & Games
- Animals
- Biographies
- Classics
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Computers & Technology
- Early Learning
- Education & Reference
- Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
- History
- Holidays & Celebrations
- Humor
- Literature & Fiction
- Mysteries & Detectives
- Religions
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Science, Nature & How It Works
- Sports & Outdoors
- Children’s Cookbooks
Best Selling Mysteries & Detectives Books for:
- 3 Year Olds
- 4 Year Olds
- 5 Year Olds
- 6 Year Olds
- 7 Year Olds
- 8 Year Olds
- 9 Year Olds
- 10 Year Olds
- 11 Year Olds
- 12 Year Olds
- Teen & Young Adults
Recommended Mysteries & Detectives Books for:
- 3 Year Olds
- 4 Year Olds
- 5 Year Olds
- 6 Year Olds
- 7 Year Olds
- 8 Year Olds
- 9 Year Olds
- 10 Year Olds
- 11 Year Olds
- 12 Year Olds
- Teen & Young Adults
Last updated: Monday, December 5, 2016 6:38 AM