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Murder mystery for teens

14 replies

madasamarchhare · 19/08/2019 18:08

My dd loves a murder mystery book but has not yet tried any adult ones. She’s 14 but quite mature, I just don’t know what author to start her on. Maybe one that’s easy to follow and not too graphic.
She’s thoroughly enjoyed the murder most unladylike series and has started rereading them but I’d like to expand.
Any good suggestions gratefully received.

OP posts:
Paddington68 · 19/08/2019 19:07

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.

User10fuckingmillion · 19/08/2019 19:30

Agatha Christie all the way!
Murder on the Orient Express is good

madasamarchhare · 19/08/2019 20:05

Turning her nose up at Agatha Christie. Don’t know why. Thanks for the suggestions.

OP posts:
Comefromaway · 19/08/2019 20:06

Has she read Theodore Boon? My dd enjoyed No 1 Ladies Detective Agency.

DancelikeEmmaGoldman · 20/08/2019 08:32

Devastation Road is a YA mystery by Australian writer Joanna Baker, it’s just been re-released because a sequel coming. It’s a terrific book.

Kerry Greenwood’s Phyrne Fisher series might appeal. There is some sex, but it’s not explicit (more of the, “they went to bed and when they got up in the morning”), sort.

Alan Bradley’s series, which starts with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, feature an 11 year old sleuth called Flavia. Not YA, but engaging and unusual.

Harlan Cohen, who writes thrillers for adults, has started a YA series, as have Kathy Reichs and John Connolly.

Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody series and her Vicki Bliss series are excellent fun. Lots of action, very funny and short in both sex and explicit violence.

And while they might seem a bit old-fashioned for a modern teenager, I read Mary Stewart’s romantic suspense books at her age and love them still.

ElizabethinherGermanGarden · 20/08/2019 08:34

Has she already read One of Us Is Lying? YA murder mystery with multiple narrators - basically The Breakfast Club with death. Just read it as it was 99p on kindle and enjoyed it.

Lucyslampost · 20/08/2019 08:42

Seconding One of Us is Lying, and also Two Can Keep a Secret, also by Karen McManus.

My 14 year old niece really enjoyed A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson recently.

DancelikeEmmaGoldman · 20/08/2019 08:49

Maureen Johnson has a new YA crime series. I’ve not read them, but really enjoyed her previous fantasy series. First one is called Truly Devious.

Laurie King’s Sherlock Holmes series, featuring a very intelligent and adventurous young woman as a foil to Holmes, is a terrific.

She might even enjoy the original Sherlock Holmes by Conan Doyle.

Another series I liked was Catherine Jinks’ Evil Genius books. Perhaps more sci-fi/thriller than straight mystery, but hugely entertaining.

Ellmau · 20/08/2019 19:16

Katherine Woodfine's Sinclairs mysteries might work for her.

Maybe try Josephine Tey?

DancelikeEmmaGoldman · 21/08/2019 10:00

Just to add - I downloaded the Maureen Johnson book and I’m enjoying it. Interesting premise and terrific characters.

MarthaDunstable · 21/08/2019 10:02

Original Sherlock Holmes was a big hit with both my teens at that age - has she seen TV Sherlock?

Ellmau · 21/08/2019 20:37

Robert Barnard's books might be good for her.

MrsScrubbingbrush · 22/08/2019 21:49

Another vote for all the books recommended by Lucyslampost and would add 13 Minutes by Sarah Pinborough to the list.

DD1 (nearly 14) really enjoys a good murder!

Would also recommend THUG (The Hate U Give) it's not a murder mystery but a fantastic story dealing with racism and the aftermath of a murder.

RubySlippers77 · 24/08/2019 22:33

Has your DD tried the Gower St Detective series?

www.fantasticfiction.com/k/m-r-c-kasasian/gower-street-detective/

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