First Chapter Friday: Mystery Books for Young Adults

One of the most exciting changes in the young adult genre over the last decade or so is the rapid increase in mystery books for young adults. It’s long been Steph’s favorite genre, and after graduating from Nancy Drew (especially that 1980s staple, The Nancy Drew Files with actual murder as the crime), she devoured whatever mystery novels she could find on her teachers’ shelves, which included a lot of Mary Higgins Clark. We both enjoyed reading mysteries when we were in high school, but often ended up borrowing from our moms. (Anyone else’s mom a big fan of Diane Mott Davison’s culinary-themed mysteries?)

For our first few years in the classroom, it was hard to find quality mystery novels written for teenagers, so we, too, loaded up on Mary Higgins Clark and John Grisham. Thankfully, that is no longer the case: the mystery book for young adults market is thriving, so we’re sharing some of our favorite YA mystery novels, most of which make for a great First Chapter Friday.

Side note before we get started: Given that the content of mystery novels can include triggers for some students, be mindful of your own students’ experiences and provide content warnings as needed.

Seven Mystery Books for Young Adults

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Advertised as Gossip Girl meets Get Out, this thriller tells the story of Devon and Chiamaka, Black students in the predominantly white Niveus Private Academy who begin receiving anonymous texts that threaten to reveal their darkest secrets and unravel the images they have created for themselves.

In addition to addressing issues of race, class, and sexuality, the novel kept us turning pages until we reached the last one.

One of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus

Any novel written by Karen McManus: McManus has become one of the most prolific writers in the mystery books for young adults market, with six novels published and another on the way. One of Us Is Lying is definitely the best one (and a major page-turner), but you might want to pre-read it before recommending it to your students: the resolution of the mystery (no spoilers here!) is a bit more troubling and mature than most teen mysteries.

As far as mystery books for young adults go, this is a winner, but we decided that while it was a book we would stock on our shelves, we would refrain from using for First Chapter Friday.

Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley

This fantastic novel tells the story of Daunis Fontaine, who feels an outsider to both her parents’ cultures: her mother is white, while her father is a member of the Ojibwe tribe. As close as Daunis is to the tribe, her father isn’t named on her birth certificate, so she cannot become an official, enrolled tribe member. Her life is deeply connected to the tribal community and the local youth hockey team.

After tragedy strikes, Daunis agrees to work undercover for the FBI as they investigate the production and distribution of meth that is wreaking havoc upon several native communities. It’s a good mystery but also explores more significant themes and exposes readers of all ages to a culture they are likely less familiar with.

Content warning: this book contains scenes depicting and discussing rape.

The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series by Holly Jackson

This popular series should be high on your list of mystery books to recommend to students: we found it to be one of our more successful First Chapter Friday recommendations. Pippa Fitz-Amobi decides, for her senior project, to investigate the local murder of a high school senior (allegedly by her boyfriend, who killed himself soon after) five years prior.

If you’ve listened to season one of the Serial podcast, you’ll feel right at home in the story, and in addition to weaving a compelling mystery, Jackson includes emails, investigation logs, maps, and other “texts” that make for a fun and unique reading experience (this is a great audiobook for reluctant readers). As an adult reader (who is well-versed in the mystery genre) and a big fan of the first book, Steph found the second and third less plausible, but our students loved the entire trilogy.

The Inheritance Games series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Barnes’s series has major The Westing Game vibes, telling the story of Avery Grambs, who is determined to survive high school long enough to get a college scholarship and leave. When billionaire Tobias Hawthorne leaves Avery nearly his entire fortune, she is shocked since she has no idea who he is.

As per the terms of his will, she must move into his riddle-and-puzzle-filled mansion, living with the descendants he disinherited in her favor. There are games to be played while navigating the dysfunctional family relationships. We’ve only read the first one, but the series is immensely popular.

The Mysterious Benedict Society series by Trenton Lee Stewart

When a local newspaper asks, “Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?” dozens of children respond, taking a series of unique tests (which readers get to take along with them). The four children who are selected (two girls and two boys, full of charm and unique personalities) must prepare for an undercover mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened.

The first book is a fun read and the beginning of a series, and we watched the Disney+ series with Kate’s son who loved it (who are we kidding . . . we all loved it and had the theme song down pat!).

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

Stevie Bell begins her first year at Ellingham Academy determined to solve the cold case of what happened to early-20th-century tycoon Albert Ellingham’s wife and daughter, who were famously kidnapped just after the school’s opening. The only clue left behind at the time was a riddle signed “Truly, Devious,” but just as Stevie begins her investigation, it seems “Truly, Devious” is back, and Stevie must investigate new deaths along with the original kidnappings.

The novel goes back and forth between past and present, and in addition to being a compelling mystery, Stevie’s new friend group at Ellingham Academy are delightful. The original trilogy is better than the standalones that follow, but they are all worth reading.

Have your students read and loved any of these titles? More importantly, what have we missed? Steph is always looking to add a few mystery books for young adults to her TBR! Reach out to us at [email protected] or on Instagram @threeheads.works, and if you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to our monthly First Chapter Friday Nearpods: we send out FIVE free quick and easy First Chapter Friday activities each month that we think you and your students will love.