Murder Mystery Books for Preteen

[Chatwin]

Looking for recommendations for a 12 yo girl, she loves murder mystery books, has read all the Enola Holmes and Murder Most Unladylike series. Any suggestions for something in that vein, possibly slightly more challenging read?

How do the original Sherlock Holmes books fair?

Agatha Christie is always a great start and not all that gory so should be suitable for a 12yo. Peril at End House, Death in the Clouds, Evil under the Sun are my personal favourite Poirot stories, and the Tommy and Tuppence books are all good fun

Ruby Redfort series gripped my 11 yr old

I enjoyed Sherlock Holmes stories around that age, I can't see why she wouldn't/shouldn't enjoy them.

I was also going to suggest that I’m sure I was reading Agatha Christie by that age. And also Sherlock Holmes. A couple of the Holmes books can be a bit scary in places but I survived. The Hound of the Baskervilles gave me chills, but The Speckled Band is quite clever.

Some of the Sherlock Holmes books are decidedly racist, if you give them to her you may want to read them/a summary too so you can talk about them with her.

I did a comparison on the normal and children's versions of Sherlock Holmes books.

In the children's versions the language is simplified (probably not necessary for a 12yo), some historical explanations added (like what a Handsom Cab is, and references to prostitution and drugs removed.

At 12 I think it would be better to read the original version.

@rifling

At 12 I think it would be better to read the original version.

The originals are definitely better. However they do raise issues that may need explanation and discussion (and especially putting into a historical context how opinions have changed)

I read the Lord Peter Wimsey books, by Dorothy L Sayers at that age.

What about the Sally Lockhart books by Phillip Pullman - i'm not sure what age they are aimed at

@VittysCardigan

What about the Sally Lockhart books by Phillip Pullman - i'm not sure what age they are aimed at

I'd second this - I'd say they're absolutely suitable for a 12 year old.

I read Agatha Christie at that age but I agree, some of the outdated attitudes, as with Holmes, are troublesome.

Nancy Drew?

Gail Carriger Finishing School series. First one is Etiquette and Espionage. Not exactly murder mystery but definitely a similar vibe to Enola Holmes

Original Sherlock Holmes is suitable, clever and well written.

@RiaOverTheRainbow

Some of the Sherlock Holmes books are decidedly racist, if you give them to her you may want to read them/a summary too so you can talk about them with her.

Yes this was my concern, I've not read them. And it's not my 12 yo so don't want to buy something inappropriate!

Similar to what Dd 13 likes with spy/detective themes and female lead. Some of her recent reads
12 minutes to midnight
The Windsor knot
Ally carter books
Holly Jackson books
Sleuth or dare
Mrs smith spy school

I have just posted a thread looking for more ideas.

Three investigators books Robert Arthur Junior

However they do raise issues that may need explanation and discussion (and especially putting into a historical context how opinions have changed)

I think any keen reader knows that attitudes change over the years and that Victorian novels are not going to be the same as modern ones. By all means, mention this but I think it is really important for children (and adults!) to read things they disagree with or come into contact with uncomfortable opinions.

Laurie King's Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes books might be good if she likes the whole Holmes vibe and strong female protagonists.

Elly Griffiths A Girl called Justice books. Sge also writes adult crime books.

I came to the thread as I’m searching too (for a slightly younger child). Some great ideas

However I have to pick up anyone saying racism is a matter of opinion - it’s not. And there are better ways to learn about the past and confront bigotry than having it shoved in your face when you’re reading or looking to be entertained particularly if you are affected by racism in the here and now. Books don’t have to be “cancelled” but saying they are required is daft. There are lots of other great options without offensive content.

My 10 yr old enjoys the same and has read a couple of Georgette Heyer’s murder mysteries and really enjoyed them. They are a bit more challenging but still have wit and ‘sparkle’.