10 Best Mystery Thriller Books for 12 Year Olds

Did you know that immersing young readers in mystery thriller books can boost their problem-solving skills and ignite a lifelong love for reading?

For 12-year-olds, the right book can unlock a world of suspense and adventure that captivates their imagination.

In this post, we’ll explore 10 of the best mystery thriller books for 12 year olds, ensuring your young reader has thrilling tales to dive into.

Get ready to discover stories that will keep them guessing until the very last page.

10 Best Mystery Thriller Books for 12 Year Olds

1. Two Degrees 

Author: Alan Gratz 

Publication Year: 2022

Summary: This thrilling eco-mystery follows three kids battling extreme climate disasters. 

Akira is trapped in a raging wildfire in California, Owen and George face a deadly hurricane in Florida and Natalie is caught in a powerful flood in Canada. 

Their survival stories unfold in parallel, showing how climate change impacts different parts of the world. 

Alan Gratz weaves a fast-paced heart-pounding narrative that keeps readers on edge while delivering a powerful message about the environment. 

With gripping action and strong emotional depth, this book is a perfect mystery thriller book for 12 year olds who love suspense and stories with real-world stakes.

2. Eyes of the Forest

Author: April Henry 

Publication Year: 2021

Summary: Bestselling author R.M. Haldon has vanished and the only person who might be able to find him is high schooler Bridget, his biggest fan. 

She works at the bookstore where Haldon’s books are sold and knows his stories better than anyone. 

But when she starts digging into his disappearance, she realizes there are dangerous people involved. 

As the mystery unravels, Bridget finds herself in more danger than she ever imagined. 

With a sharp twisty plot and relatable characters, Eyes of the Forest is a must-read for young mystery lovers who enjoy a mix of suspense and adventure.

3. I Am Still Alive

Author: Kate Alice Marshall

Publication Year: 2018

Summary: Jess barely survives a plane crash that strands her in the Canadian wilderness. 

Alone, injured and grieving the loss of her father, she must figure out how to survive. 

With no supplies and winter closing in, she learns to hunt, build shelter and fend off wild animals. 

But survival gets even harder when she realizes the people responsible for her father’s death might come back for her. 

This gripping survival thriller is packed with tension, emotional depth and a strong female protagonist. 

Readers who love Hatchet or The Hunger Games will be hooked from the first page.

4. Kill Her Twice

Author: Stacey Lee

Publication Year: 2024

Summary: Set in 1930s Hollywood, this gripping mystery thriller book follows Lulu Wong, a Chinese American stuntwoman turned amateur detective. 

When her best friend a famous actress is found dead and the police rule it an accident, Lulu refuses to accept their conclusion. 

She begins her own investigation uncovering dark secrets about the film industry, hidden betrayals and dangerous enemies. 

Stacey Lee blends historical fiction with a fast-paced mystery, creating an atmospheric and suspenseful read. 

With a strong fearless heroine and a twisty plot, Kill Her Twice is perfect for 12 year old readers who love smart engaging thrillers.

5. Legend

Author: Marie Lu 

Publication Year: 2011

Summary: In a dystopian future, the United States has split into warring factions. 

June, a brilliant soldier from an elite family is tasked with hunting down Day, the country’s most wanted criminal. 

But when their paths cross, she discovers that everything she believed about the government is a lie. 

The two must work together to uncover the truth before it’s too late. 

Filled with action, suspense,and a touch of romance, Legend is a high-stakes mystery thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. 

Marie Lu’s storytelling is fast-paced and immersive, making this a must-read for 12 year old mystery lovers.

6. NEED

Author: Joelle Charbonneau

Publication Year: 2015

Summary: A new social media site called NEED promises to grant any wish if users complete a simple task. 

When high school students in a small town start receiving strange requests, they think it’s a harmless game. 

But soon, the tasks turn dangerous and people begin dying. 

Kaylee, one of the first to sign up realizes something sinister is behind the site. 

She races to uncover the truth before more lives are lost. 

NEED is a chilling thought-provoking thriller that explores the dangers of social media and human greed. 

Fast-paced and eerie, it’s perfect for 12 year old fans of psychological mysteries.

7. The Screaming Staircase

Author: Jonathan Stroud

Publication Year: 2013

Summary: In an alternate London, ghosts are real and deadly. 

Only kids can see them, making young ghost hunters the first line of defense. 

Lucy Carlyle joins Lockwood & Co., a small but determined agency to investigate a mansion with a dark history. 

As they face chilling spirits, a dangerous mystery unfolds putting their lives on the line. 

Packed with humor, action and spine-tingling suspense, The Screaming Staircase is a must-read for 12 year old fans of supernatural mysteries. 

Jonathan Stroud’s sharp storytelling and witty characters make this an unforgettable thrilling adventure.

8. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

Author: Holly Jackson

Publication Year: 2019

Summary: Five years ago, high school senior Andie Bell was murdered and her boyfriend Sal took the blame before dying by suicide. 

Case closed or is it? 

For her senior project, Pip investigates the crime and quickly realizes there’s more to the story. 

As she uncovers dark secrets and hidden dangers, she realizes someone will do anything to keep the truth buried. 

Fast-paced and filled with shocking twists, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a gripping whodunit that keeps readers hooked until the very last page. 

Perfect for 12 year old fans of true crime and detective stories.

9. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library

Author: Chris Grabenstein

Publication Year: 2013

Summary: Kyle Keeley loves games so when he wins a chance to spend the night in the town’s new library built by eccentric game maker Mr. Lemoncello, he’s thrilled. 

But the next morning he and the other kids realize they’re trapped inside. 

The only way out? To solve a series of clever puzzles using their wits and knowledge of books. 

This fast-paced mystery blends adventure, humor and brain-teasing fun, making it a great choice for young readers. 

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library is a celebration of books and curiosity, perfect for fans of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

10. The Mysterious Benedict Society

Author: Trenton Lee Stewart

Publication Year: 2007

Summary: Four gifted kids – Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance are recruited for a secret mission by the mysterious Mr. Benedict. 

Their task? Infiltrate the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, a school hiding a sinister secret. 

Using their intelligence, bravery and teamwork, they must outwit the school’s dangerous leader before it’s too late. 

Filled with mind-bending puzzles, quirky characters and plenty of suspense, The Mysterious Benedict Society is a clever engaging mystery that challenges young readers to think outside the box. 

It’s a thrilling read for 12 year old fans of adventure and brainy heroes.

Last Word on the Best Mystery Thriller Books for 12 Year Olds

The above mystery thriller books for 12 year olds offer the perfect mix of suspense, adventure and unforgettable characters.

Whether it’s uncovering dark secrets in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder or solving mind-bending puzzles in The Mysterious Benedict Society, each book delivers an exciting experience that keeps young readers engaged.

These thrilling stories not only entertain but also sharpen problem-solving skills and spark curiosity.

Perfect for independent reading or family book nights, these mystery thriller books for 12 year olds are sure to captivate any young mystery lover.