Mystery books for 5+

Flap books are nothing new, but Perrin’s use of multiple flaps-inside-flaps makes this book a real immersive adventure. A perfect book for a 4 to 5 year old who will love the mystery and the magic of the illustration.

Can Maera and Grandad solve the mystery of the vanishing lake? A lovely starting point for chats about imagination and amazing natural phenomena, with gorgeous illustrations to pore over.

Full of mystery and adventure, Skeleton Keys will stretch vocabularies and imaginations. Children will love the outlandish story with monster chases and ghoulish beheadings, which is ultimately about friendships, fitting in and being confident in yourself.

Suzie’s invention has sent her into space! Can she and the spaceship crew solve the mystery of the missing moons? Pacy and exciting, this young chapter book is perfect for newly confident readers.

Can amateur detective Reggie Rabbit solve the mystery of the missing carrots? An enjoyable, humorous heist, told with comic book style illustrations. 

When Benji and his friends discover a damaged oak tree in Willow Wish Woods, they form the Woodland Explorers Club and vow to protect the forest and its inhabitants. Celebrating friendship, teamwork and caring for the environment, this magical, nature-inspired mystery contains a wealth of interesting wildlife facts. 

This heartwarming book about a food bank shortage is marvellous on so many levels. The intriguing mystery has touches of humour and is underpinned by a wealth of information about food poverty, expressed in a straightforward manner.

Funny and fast-paced, this entertaining story is bursting with mystery, sweets and ancient magic. The enthralling plot, wacky characters and larger-than-life villains are brought to life by witty black-and-white illustrations. 

When random items are being stolen from around the neighbourhood, nine year-old Callie and her best friend Grace set out to catch the thief. The arrival of a stray bird on the scene adds an extra tier of mystery and magic, acquiring Callie’s family a new pet and her detective team a rather unusual sidekick.

Perfect for animal lovers and mystery fans alike, this gentle series stars a Deaf character and her beloved dog. Can Lizzie and Lucky find Ruby, the star magician’s rabbit?

Can Lily and Tom help their new friend find the special treasure her mother left for her? An engaging historical mystery, set in a dyslexia-friendly way.

Amelia and Webster must find out who is stealing objects from the museum – and why. Action-packed fun told in a comic strip style with bold colour illustrations. 

Can Hana and her new cat friend solve the mystery of who has stolen the unicorn’s birthday cake? A sweet magical story with colour pictures and a dyslexia-friendly setting. 

Stanley the Detective dog is brought out of retirement for one last intriguing case in this highly illustrated and hilarious mystery story. 

When Sav and Liam hear a cat meowing in the upstairs flat, they decide it must be a ghost, so go to investigate. An engaging, heart-warming mystery, ideal for reluctant and dyslexic readers. 

Meet Dot, a lively little girl who’s big on solving mysteries, in this fun and sparky chapter book about friendship, laughter and spreading a bit of kindness.

Mango and Brash, two alligator detectives, have an assignment to go undercover at Batter Down bakery when chef Gustavo Mustachio goes missing – and when a customer orders a person-sized birthday cake, the mystery deepens!

Kate, an aspiring investigative journalist, stumbles across an intriguing case on a trip with her father to the North Pole. Hannah Peck’s super-creative joy of a book has mystery, humour, brilliant illustrations and a smorgasbord of puns and wordplay.

In a town full of people with powers, will Sara ever find her superpower? Solving the mystery of the stolen football trophy might help. The first in a hilarious series for young readers.