Few readers can resist the thrills of a good mystery book, because – of course – the curiosity of wanting to know the truth keeps us turning the page nonstop. A well-written mystery story knows its audience, and gives us just enough clue to keep us guessing, while not being painfully obvious.
That is why there is a particular genre of books for children’s mystery, which is simpler in language and less intense in subject matter, to suit younger audiences. With the March Holidays just around the corner, it might be a good idea to explore some of these gripping titles and develop your young’un’s English vocabulary and comprehension skills!
From Sherlock Holmes spin-offs to quirky stories from the little red dot itself, here are 7 mystery books to check out!
Note: These books are from a selection of recommended readings for Primary 5 GEP students. Depending on your child’s reading level, they will most likely be suitable for children in Primary 4 to 6.
1. Sherlock Sam and the Missing Heirloom in Katong (A. J. Low)
Familiar with the Sherlock Holmes series? Well, here’s a fresh take on it, with a family-friendly and local twist to it! Sam Tan Cher Lock (aka Sherlock Sam) uses his keen senses and quick-thinking abilities to solve various mysteries set in sunny Singapore. In this particular story, Auntie Kim Lian’s treasured Peranakan cookbook is missing, and it is up to Sherlock Sam and the Supper Club to get to the bottom of the matter – or they may never get to enjoy that mouth-watering ayam kuah beluak again!
Blending tons of fun with relatable themes, young readers in Singapore are sure to be entertained while at the same time being educated about cultural icons in Singapore. Do pick this up in your local bookstore and support your local writers too!
2. The A.B.C. Murders (Agatha Christie)
You can’t miss mentioning Agatha Christie in any mystery book list. The A.B.C. Murders is the prolific writer’s 12th book in the Hercule Poirot series but often considered one of the best and well-known of the lot.
Detective Hercule Poirot gets down to work investigating the murders: Alice Asher was bludgeoned to death in Andover, Better Bernard was strangled in Bexhill, and Sir Carmichael Clarke, the third victim, was shot dead in Churston. Who will be the next victim, and can Hercule Poirot stop the killer before it’s too late?
Probably more suited to upper primary and tween readers, this book will keep you on your toes and guessing throughout this well fleshed-out novel.
3. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler (E.L. Konigsburg)
Claudia is a runaway child with a plan. Taking along her younger brother (knowing that he has enough allowance saved up), they go to the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art to spend the night.
But once there, they discover a beautiful statue with a mystery of its own. Who was the artist and how did it end up in the museum for just $250? Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, the former owner of the statue, may hold the key to the answers.
This book is evidence that not every good mystery book has to revolve around murder or violent crimes, and its well-developed characters will relate strongly to young readers of a similar age.
4. The Fibonacci Revelation (Radhika Puri)
Those looking to explore more literature from Singapore will be keen to look into this mystery novel, described as a “Da Vinci Code set in Singapore”. Math-lovers will enjoy geeking out to the mathematical themes of this story, and maybe learn a thing or two along the way!
Clara and Owen find a mysterious coded poem on an old photo from the archives, one depicting the 1954 National Service riots in Singapore. As they look into the matter, they notice how all the clues were somehow connect by the Fibonacci sequence. Secrets from the past slowly become revealed, unveiling Singapore’s dark past.
5. The Tattooed Potato and Other Clues (Ellen Raskin)
Dickory Dock is described as an art student who applies for a job as an assistant to an artist, Garson. But when the police asks the carefree and eccentric Garson to help solve a few mysteries, it seems that Garson has some secrets himself. Dickory finds herself embroiled in the detective work, uncovering the truth behind Garson, the art works, and the past.
Mystery meets comedy in this rather poignant book. Beyond the mystery and plot, this book made up of a series of shorter, connected stories delves into themes of identity, exploring them with heartfelt maturity that speaks to tween audiences.
6. The Baker Street Boys: The Case of the Haunted Horrors (Anthony Read)
A Russian spy ring and murderer are some things the Baker Street Boys never imagined themselves getting involved with – but that they did. It all started when an ex-army officer sees something strange going on during his night watch at the waxworks exhibition, and Wiggins and Beaver decided to check things out for themselves by spending a night there.
The Baker Street Boys is actually a Sherlock-inspired spin-off, an ode to the Baker Street Irregulars mentioned in a few of the original Sherlock stories. Sherlock fans will have much to love from this series – and for those unfamiliar with the classic detective, this will be a wonderful introduction!
7. The Secret Notebooks of Sherlock Holmes (June Thomson)
If you simply can’t get enough of Sherlock Holmes, here’s another pastiche of the great detective stories to get your hands on. In this collection of stories, readers are treated to previously untold tales of Sherlock Holmes in Dr Watson’s manuscripts, discovered a hundred years later stashed deep in the vault of a bank.
What mysteries surround a criminal’s aluminium crutch, an Italian Cardinal’s death, a pair of gamblers, and the Transylvanian mind-reader? You’ll have to find out yourself by diving deep into the writings of Watson, and reliving the action of those days.
Conclusion
As a parent, if you need to motivate your child to improve their vocabulary, reading abilities, or even story writing skills, mystery books are a great go-to. Don’t say we didn’t warn you – your child might even become addicted to reading!
Here’s another way that might help your child level up their English skills: joining us at Future Academy for Primary School English Tuition! Experienced and passionate tutors lead each of our English tuition classes, offering effective breakdowns of skills and engaging lessons to keep children motivated and excited to learn. If you have an older child, don’t forget to also check out our IP English tuition classes and IP Math tuition classes.
Let your child look forward to learning with confidence again, and enquire today to register for a class!