15 Mystery Novels for Young Adults That Readers Recommend
Looking for your next page-turner? These 15 YA mystery novels are highly recommended in online book clubs and reader communities. Each one offers suspense, twists, and unforgettable characters.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder — Holly Jackson
Holly Jackson’s bestseller follows Pip, a student who reinvestigates a small-town murder case thought to be solved. Presented through transcripts, notes, and case files, the multimedia style keeps the pace quick and the clues clear.
Readers consistently call it a page-turner because each chapter lands a reveal or a new question. It’s also the start of a trilogy, making it a reliable gateway into YA mystery novels.
Truly Devious (series) — Maureen Johnson
At Ellingham Academy, a decades-old kidnapping collides with a new crime. Stevie Bell arrives determined to solve both, and the series weaves timelines and puzzle pieces into a cohesive mystery.
Fans praise Stevie’s relatability and the layered plotting. If you want atmosphere, an elite-school setting, and long-arc clues, this series delivers.
One of Us Is Lying — Karen M. McManus
Five students enter detention; four walk out. The closed-circle setup peels back secrets and motives across multiple POVs, making it a frequent book-club discussion pick.
Whether readers love or critique its tropes, this title remains one of the most recommended YA mysteries and a strong entry point for the genre.
Five Survive — Holly Jackson
Six friends break down in an RV and realize they’re being targeted by a sniper. Told in near real time, it maintains relentless tension while forcing characters to confront what they’re hiding.
Readers call it claustrophobic and fast. If you want a high-stakes scenario with constant pressure, this delivers.
The Naturals (series) — Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Think “Criminal Minds” for teens. Cassie and other gifted profilers assist on cold cases, pushing into darker territory than typical school-based mysteries.
It’s a recurring recommendation for readers who want a procedural edge and psychological intensity in their YA mystery books.
The Inheritance Games (series) — Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Avery inherits a fortune from a stranger and must out-puzzle his family in a mansion full of riddles and secrets. The series frequently gets compared to Knives Out.
With its blend of puzzles, romance tension, and high-society drama, it’s a crossover hit for both teens and adults.
Murder Most Unladylike (series) — Robin Stevens
Two friends at a 1930s boarding school form a detective society and tackle real cases. It offers whodunit structure with a lighter, cozy tone.
Frequently recommended for readers who want clever mysteries without graphic content.
Girl, Stolen — April Henry
A blind teen is accidentally kidnapped when a car thief steals the vehicle she’s sitting in. The tight length and clear stakes make it a strong pick for reluctant readers.
April Henry’s standalones are widely praised for being accessible, fast, and suspenseful.
The Cheerleaders — Kara Thomas
Years after a town’s cheerleaders die under suspicious circumstances, new evidence surfaces. The story blends psychological depth with escalating stakes.
Readers highlight its character work and emotional punch, and often recommend the author’s Little Monsters as a follow-up.
The Fixer — Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Political scandals, cover-ups, and D.C. intrigue replace the usual campus setting. It’s a change of pace for readers who want YA mystery outside high-school walls.
Less hyped than the author’s other series, but a solid recommendation when you want something different.
None Shall Sleep — Ellie Marney
In the 1980s, two teens work with the FBI to profile serial offenders. The tone skews darker than most YA mysteries and is frequently compared to adult thrillers.
Recommended for readers comfortable with intense, psychological plots.
We Were Liars — E. Lockhart
An isolated island, an unreliable narrator, and a polarizing twist ending. It’s a staple recommendation when readers ask for YA mysteries that spark discussion.
Whether you love or dislike the reveal, it stays memorable and book-club friendly.
The Twin — Natasha Preston
After their mother’s death, twin sisters are reunited, but trust fractures quickly. Preston’s thrillers lean scary without heavy gore, making them popular with younger teens.
Short chapters and steady reveals keep the pages moving.
They Wish They Were Us — Jessica Goodman
A prep-school elite, a past murder, and a student determined to uncover what really happened. Glossy setting meets sharp stakes.
Readers recommend it for secrets-and-status tension and for fans of campus mysteries.
The Westing Game — Ellen Raskin
Sixteen heirs, a will full of riddles, and a timeless puzzle mystery that still hooks teen readers. Technically middle grade, but it appears on YA recommendation lists for its replay value and clever structure.
A dependable classic for readers who like clue-driven stories.
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