Five Good Children’s Mysteries

I thoroughly enjoyed reading mysteries when I was a child, and Enid Blyton was a firm favourite. I am delighted that this genre seems to be particularly popular at the moment, and intrigued that a fair number of them are set in the past. I love Robin Stevens’ ‘Murder Most Unladylike’ series, but have tried here to list books which do not involve murders as I am aware that some children (or parents) might prefer this. (My apologies if I have inadvertently included any book which does contain a murder).

The Case of the Lighthouse Intruder – Kereen Getten

Fayson is sent to stay with her much wealthier cousins on a private island, and they try to find out the identity of a mysterious intruder. I liked the Jamaican setting, and the development of the friendships. It was also good to watch Fayson realise that being rich does not necessarily make people happy or solve all problems. Age interest 8+.

The Highland Falcon Thief – M. G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman

This is another book with a great setting – a luxurious steam train. I found it fun to follow Harrison’s investigations of the theft of a jewel on the train. I also much appreciated Elisa Paganelli’s illustrations. The book received a great amount of praise when it was published in 2020, and is the first in a series. Age interest 7-11.

Peril on the Atlantic – A.M. Howell

A 1936  voyage on the Queen Mary provides yet another wonderful setting. British Alice and American Sonny have to race against time to find out who is sabotaging the ship’s attempt to set a record for crossing the Atlantic in the shortest time. I found it thrilling. Age interest 8-12.

Friends and Traitors – Helen Peters

I loved this mystery set during the Second World War with two girls discovering a traitor at a stately home. There is added depth because the girls are from very different classes (a wealthy school girl and a maid), and realistically they are shown as initially being hostile. Age interest 9-12.

The Good Turn – Sharna Jackson

While the two novels above are historical, this one shows how the past can affect the present as two girls and a boy work together to find out who is living in a derelict building. I was impressed by the book’s skilful combination of appealing first-person narration, adventure, and a consideration of important social and racial issues. Age interest 9-11.

We hope you find something inspiraing to read!