Here are the top 30 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. 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.
2. Mini Pie the Spy
by: Libby LaManna, Gemma Halliday Release date: Jul 31, 2014 Number of Pages: 89 Find in Library Read Review |
However, when Mother receives a mysterious phone call, Meggie, AKA Mini Pie the Spy, uses her fabulous detective skills to eavesdrop and soon finds herself wrapped up in the case of the Disappeared Keys.
Meggie tags along to clean houses with Mother and soon realizes she is in way over her head. How can she expect to solve a mystery when she’s constantly interrupted by tickly feather dusters and slippery egg yolks? Meggie fears she’s not cut out for the house cleaning business—so she sticks to what she does best: solving mysteries.
Mini Pie the Spy to the RESCUE!
3. Chase For Home: Chase Manning Mystery #2 (Chase Manning Mystery Series)
by: Steve Reifman Release date: Nov 21, 2014 Number of Pages: 149 Find in Library Read Review |
Riding high in fifth grade, Chase Manning joins the Apple Valley baseball team, and his clutch hitting leads the squad to within two victories of the school’s first league championship. Confidence is high—until Chase’s lucky batting glove turns up missing the day of the semifinal game. Unsure whether the theft represents a personal attack or an attempt to derail the entire baseball team, Chase must track down the culprit and find the glove before the team boards the bus at 3 o’clock. Surprising and suspense-filled plot twists fill the pages of this single-day, real-time mystery thriller.
About the Chase Manning Mystery Series
The Chase Manning Mystery Series features single-day, real-time thrillers that occur on an elementary school campus. Written for readers 8-12 years of age by National Board Certified Teacher Steve Reifman, the series launched with the award-winning Chase Against Time, in which fifth grader Chase Manning must investigate the mysterious disappearance of the cello that the school plans to auction off to save its prestigious music program. Chase Against Time has enjoyed rave reviews from children, parents, and teachers. Young readers love the book’s fast-paced, action-packed format while parents and teachers appreciate the book’s kid-friendly tone and content. Chase is now back in the eagerly anticipated sequel, Chase for Home.
Note for Elementary School Teachers and Parents
Chase Against Time and Chase for Home are Level Q on the Fountas & Pinnell scale. Both books are ideally suited to be used as read alouds and mentor texts during Reading Workshop and Writing Workshop units on mystery and “edge-of-seat” fiction because they include numerous examples of end-of-chapter cliffhangers, red herrings, suspects, motives, and other important mystery elements. If you are interested in teaching children how to craft their own mysteries, check out Steve’s e-book, The Ultimate Mystery Writing Guide for Kids.
4. Howard Wallace, P.I.
by: Casey Lyall Release date: Sep 06, 2016 Number of Pages: 272 Find in Library Read Review |
“What’s with the get-up? Is that the company uniform or something?”
“This? All P.I.s wear a trench coat.”
“Dude, that’s a brown bathrobe.”
I shrugged and straightened out my sleeves. “First rule of private investigation, Ivy: work with what you’ve got.”
Twelve-year-old Howard Wallace lives by his list of rules of private investigation. He knows more than anyone how to work with what he’s got: a bathrobe for a trench coat, a makeshift office behind the school equipment shed, and not much else—least of all, friends. So when a hot case of blackmail lands on his desk, he’s ready to take it on himself . . . until the new kid, Ivy Mason, convinces him to take her on as a junior partner. As they banter through stakeouts and narrow down their list of suspects, Howard starts to wonder if having Ivy as a sidekick—and a friend—is such a bad thing after all.
5. The Lost Celt
by: A. E. Conran Release date: Mar 15, 2016 Number of Pages: 264 Find in Library Read Review |
With the help of his best friend Kyler, and clues from his military history book, Mikey tracks down the stranger, and in the process learns about the power and obligations of friendship.
Full of heart, The Lost Celt throws a gentle light on some of the issues facing our veterans and their families, but it’s the humor and infectious camaraderie throughout this book that makes it so memorable.
6. Escape Velocity (H.I.V.E. Book 3)
by: Mark Walden Release date: Apr 19, 2011 Number of Pages: 357 Find in Library Read Review |
Students and staff at H.I.V.E.—the Higher Institute of Villainous Education—are horrified to discover that Dr. Nero has been captured by the forces of H.O.P.E.—the Hostile Operative Prosecution Executive—the world’s newest and most ruthlessly efficient security force. Otto decides that the only way to find Nero and the truth behind the lies is to escape H.I.V.E. But he’s also struggling with some newfound abilities: Can he really unconsciously interface with computers without physical contact? And if he can, what exactly do his new powers mean? In his search for answers, Otto must flee H.I.V.E., and take the risks that come with being a rogue agent. Then he just has to break into MI6…..
7. The Fairy Swarm (The Imaginary Veterinary)
by: Suzanne Selfors, Dan Santat Release date: May 03, 2016 Number of Pages: 240 Find in Library Read Review |
8. Cul-de-sac Kids Boxed Set
by: Beverly Lewis Release date: Apr 01, 1997 Number of Pages: 480 Find in Library Read Review |
9. The Lost Cipher
by: Michael Oechsle Release date: May 15, 2016 Number of Pages: 272 Find in Library Read Review |
10. The Mysterious Visitor (Trixie Belden)
by: Julie Campbell Release date: Aug 26, 2003 Number of Pages: 272 Find in Library Read Review |
From the Hardcover edition.
11. Alvin’s Secret Code (Puffin Novel)
by: Clifford Hicks Release date: Jul 01, 1998 Number of Pages: 160 Find in Library Read Review |
12. Clayton Stone, At Your Service
by: Ena Jones Release date: Jul 17, 2015 Number of Pages: 192 Find in Library Read Review |
13. Secrets of a Ghost’s Diary
by: Dawn Clifton Release date: Apr 28, 2014 Number of Pages: 128 Find in Library Read Review |
Every summer Carson settles into the island routine at his grandparents’ lighthouse, but this summer is different. Lured by a rumor that the lighthouse is haunted, Carson begins an investigation with his friend Levi and cousin Emma. Soon, they encounter the ghost. Hand-picked by the ghost to guard a diary from the 1800s, the trio begins investigating the old entries. Along the way, every uncovered secret produces more questions. But they aren’t the only ones on a quest for answers. After the final diary entry is stolen, they learn it contains the answer to why the ghost has been haunting them. What if it’s too late? What will the trio risk to reclaim the secret to their destiny?
Author and Novelist Dawn Marie Clifton, has created a fresh style in the mystery genre for kids and tweens. Readers who enjoy a range from laughing to thrilling suspense, are in for a treat!
14. Chase Under Pressure: (Chase Manning Mystery #3) (Chase Manning Mystery Series)
by: Steve Reifman Release date: May 08, 2015 Number of Pages: 99 Find in Library Read Review |
With huge prizes on the line at the state hamster race, the Apple Valley Elementary science team has been working overtime to prepare. Dash, the school’s little speedster, is in the best shape of her life, and confidence is high—until the hamster turns up missing the morning of the event. Fifth-grader Chase Manning must overcome an unsupportive principal, the visiting members of a rival school, and even his own teammates to identify the thief and find Dash before the competition begins. Expect the unexpected on the pages of this single-day, real-time mystery thriller.
About the Chase Manning Mystery Series
The Chase Manning Mystery Series features single-day, real-time thrillers that occur on an elementary school campus. Written for readers 8-12 years of age by National Board Certified Teacher Steve Reifman, the series launched with the award-winning Chase Against Time, in which fifth grader Chase Manning must investigate the mysterious disappearance of the cello that the school plans to auction off to save its prestigious music program. Its sequel, Chase for Home, was released in 2014. Both Chase Against Time and Chase for Home have enjoyed rave reviews from children, parents, and teachers. Young readers love the books’ fast-paced, action-packed format while parents and teachers appreciate the kid-friendly tone and content. Chase is now back in the eagerly anticipated third installment, Chase Under Pressure.
Note for Elementary School Teachers and Parents
Chase Against Time, Chase for Home, and Chase Under Pressure are Level Q on the Fountas & Pinnell scale. All three books are ideally suited to be used as read alouds and mentor texts during Reading Workshop units on mystery and “edge-of-seat” fiction because they include numerous examples of end-of-chapter cliffhangers, red herrings, suspects, motives, and other important mystery elements. If you are interested in teaching children how to craft their own mysteries, check out Steve’s e-book, The Ultimate Mystery Writing Guide for Kids.
15. The Tiara on the Terrace
by: Kristen Kittscher Release date: Jan 05, 2016 Number of Pages: 400 Find in Library Read Review |
In this funny, clever novel, perfect for fans of Pseudonymous Bosch and Gordon Korman and a companion to The Wig in the Window, tween sleuths Sophie Young and Grace Yang go undercover at Luna Vista’s Winter Sun Festival to catch a murderer before he—or she—strikes again.
Sophie Young and Grace Yang have been taking it easy ever since they solved the biggest crime Luna Vista had ever seen. But things might get interesting again now that everyone is gearing up for the 125th annual Winter Sun Festival—a town tradition that involves floats, a parade, and a Royal Court made up of local high school girls.
When Festival president Jim Steptoe turns up dead on the first day of parade preparations, the police blame a malfunctioning giant s’more feature on the campfire-themed float. But the two sleuths are convinced the mysterious death wasn’t an accident.
Young and Yang must trade their high tops for high heels and infiltrate the Royal Court to solve the case. But if they fail, they might just be the next victims.
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. Young Cam Jansen and the Pizza Shop Mystery
by: David A. Adler, Susanna Natti Release date: Oct 01, 2001 Number of Pages: 32 Find in Library Read Review |
From the Trade Paperback edition.
18. Lou Lou and Pea and the Mural Mystery
by: Jill Diamond, Lesley Vamos Release date: Oct 18, 2016 Number of Pages: 272 Find in Library Read Review |
Perfect for readers outgrowing Ivy & Bean and the Nancy Clancy books!
BFFs Lou Lou Bombay and Peacock Pearl love their PSPP (Post-School Pre-Parents) tea parties on Friday afternoons, where they recap the school week, chat about Pea’s latest fashions, and tend to Lou Lou’s burgeoning backyard garden. But when a series of small crimes crop up around El Corazon, their quaint and quirky town, right before the Dia de Los Muertos Parade, the girls must join forces (horticultural know-how and artistic genius) to solve the mystery.
Debut author Jill Diamond weaves a delightful romp, full of colorful characters and gentle intrigue, while artist Lesley Vamos punctuates the story with black-and-white illustrations throughout. Backmatter includes crafting activities and a glossary of Spanish terms!
19. Mike Stellar: Nerves of Steel
by: K. A. Holt Release date: May 11, 2010 Number of Pages: 272 Find in Library Read Review |
What could be worse?
Oh, yeah! The food stinks!
Loaded with laughs and fast-paced action, K. A. Holt’s first novel is set to give summer reading a cosmic blast of fun.
20. Secret of the Staircase (The Virginia Mysteries Book 4)
by: Steven K. Smith Release date: Oct 16, 2015 Number of Pages: 166 Find in Library Read Review |
Something’s lurking beneath the famous staircase at The Jefferson, Richmond’s historic downtown hotel. Back in 1895, when the hotel opened, real alligators roamed free in the courtyard fountains. That was ages ago … or was it? When young brothers Sam and Derek arrive at The Jefferson for an elegant wedding weekend with their parents, they love exploring the old hotel. But when the wedding rings go missing and Sam is blamed, the boys and their friends must hunt down the truth no matter where it leads. If they’re not careful, they might become dinner for the hotel’s most unusual guests. Recommended for ages 8-12.
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
Book 5 – Midnight at the Mansion
21. The Case of the Swirling Killer Tornado (Hank the Cowdog #25)
by: John R. Erickson, Gerald L. Holmes Release date: Aug 01, 1998 Number of Pages: 128 Find in Library Read Review |
22. Murder in the Middle Pasture (Hank the Cowdog)
by: John R. Erickson, Gerald L Holmes Release date: Oct 15, 2011 Number of Pages: 120 Find in Library Read Review |
23. Horus and the Curse of Everlasting Regret
by: Hannah Voskuil Release date: Aug 09, 2016 Number of Pages: 226 Find in Library Read Review |
Peter will do just about anything to escape being bullied by his stepbrothers and go to summer camp. Across town, Tunie and her pet bat, Perch, are working hard at the bakery and the local museum to support Tunie’s ailing father. When a business tycoon’s daughter is kidnapped, Peter and Tunie both decide they could do with some reward money; and after a chance meeting in the Ancient Egyptian Exhibit at the museum, they team up to solve the mystery together.
Things take a turn for the magical when they encounter a mummy called Horus at the exhibit. Together, this unusual trio will find themselves teaming up to rescue the girl and undo a centuries-old curse that just may be the key to it all.
Filled with enchantment, history, and a little bit of luck, Horus and the Curse of Everlasting Regret is a charming adventure and a story of true friendship.
24. May Leads the Way: Trouble Near Tofino (May the K9 Spy Book 3)
by: KC Frantzen, TW Vanya Release date: Nov 01, 2013 Number of Pages: 184 Find in Library Read Review |
May graduates K9 Spy boot camp and returns home to find her archenemy’s plan to destroy the USA is counting down. She leads her family to safety, but suddenly, their haven becomes a trap.
Join Agent May on her first official mission as she learns the secrets of Resolute Mountain, confronts enemy dolphins determined to seize a nuclear submarine, and discovers the trouble near Tofino.
25. Hank the Cowdog and Monkey Business (Hank the Cowdog (Pb))
by: John R. Erickson, Gerald L. Holmes Release date: Aug 01, 1998 Number of Pages: 110 Find in Library Read Review |
26. Hank the Cowdog and Monkey Business (Hank the Cowdog (Quality))
by: John R Erickson, Gerald L Holmes Release date: Oct 15, 2011 Number of Pages: 110 Find in Library Read Review |
27. The Curse of the Incredible Priceless Corncob (Hank the Cowdog)
by: John R. Erickson, Gerald L Holmes Release date: Oct 15, 2011 Number of Pages: 127 Find in Library Read Review |
28. The Team That Couldn’t Lose: Who is Sending the Plays That Make the Team Unstoppable? (Matt Christopher Sports Classics)
by: Matt Christopher, The #1 Sports Writer for Kids Release date: Sep 01, 1997 Number of Pages: 96 Find in Library Read Review |
29. Nate the Great and the Big Sniff
by: Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, Mitchell Sharmat, Martha Weston Release date: Jun 05, 2008 Number of Pages: 48 Find in Library Read Review |
30. Pink Orchids and Cheeseheads (The Further Confessions of April Grace Book 1)
by: KD McCrite Release date: Sep 17, 2015 Number of Pages: 276 Find in Library Read Review |
A slew of long-term, noisy wedding guests from Wisconsin who prefer sports to romance. A new friend who isn’t what she seems, and another one who is more than April Grace could hope for. The summer of 1987 at the Reilly home is off to a rousing, hilarious start to the further and continuing Confessions of April Grace!
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 6:37 AM