6 Mystery Book Series We Loved as Kids (And Want Our Kids to Read)
There’s something so fun about rediscovering the books we loved growing up, especially when we get to introduce them to our own kids.
And when it comes to childhood reading memories, mystery books are right up there for us. We remember checking them out from the library, trying to solve the mysteries before the characters did, and getting hooked on a series because we just had to know what happened next.
So we’re rounding up six mystery book series we remember from childhood. Some are silly, some are clever, and some have just enough suspense to keep kids turning pages without being too scary.
If you’re looking for mystery book series for kids, these are some classics worth revisiting.
1. Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol
There’s something so satisfying about a mystery you can solve yourself, and that’s exactly what makes Encyclopedia Brown so much fun.
Leroy “Encyclopedia” Brown is a ten-year-old boy with a knack for solving mysteries. From neighborhood disagreements to stolen treasures, he uses his impressive knowledge and attention to detail to figure out what really happened.
The best part? Each short mystery gives readers a chance to solve the case before flipping to the back of the book for the answer.
These are especially fun for kids who love puzzles, riddles, and spotting little details that everyone else misses.
I still vividly remember a mystery involving a blind man, ice cubes, and an impossible challenge. It was a genius solve by Encyclopedia Brown!
Great for: Kids who enjoy short chapters, problem-solving, and feeling like a detective.
2. Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene
Is there a more iconic girl detective than Nancy Drew?
These books have been around for generations, and there’s a reason they’ve stuck. Nancy is smart, brave, independent, and always ready to investigate something suspicious.
From hidden staircases and mysterious letters to secret passages and missing treasures, her adventures are full of twists and clues.
We especially love the old-fashioned charm of the original stories. They have that classic mystery feeling that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and keep reading.
Great for: Readers who love adventure, suspense, secret passages, and a clever heroine.
3. The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Oh, The Boxcar Children. These books are such a nostalgic favorite!
The series begins with four orphaned siblings, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny, who make a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar. Eventually, the siblings go on to solve all sorts of mysteries together.
There’s something especially charming about these stories. Yes, there are mysteries to solve, but there’s also so much independence, resourcefulness, and sibling teamwork.
And honestly, wasn’t there something about reading how the children made meals, organized their boxcar, and took care of each other that made you want to try living in one yourself?
4. The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon
If you loved Nancy Drew, chances are you also remember The Hardy Boys.
Brothers Frank and Joe Hardy are constantly finding themselves in the middle of mysterious disappearances, suspicious characters, stolen objects, and dangerous adventures.
These books have a little more action and suspense than some of the other series on this list, but that’s part of the fun.
We love that they’re another classic series that has been passed down through generations. They’re the kind of books you might remember seeing on your parents’ or grandparents’ shelves before discovering them for yourself.
Great for: Kids who enjoy action, adventure, detective stories, and mysteries with higher stakes.
5. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
This series is a little newer than some of the classics on our list, but it absolutely deserves a spot.
Four gifted children are recruited for a secret mission that requires intelligence, courage, creativity, and teamwork. Each child brings something different to the group, and watching them solve puzzles and work together is half the fun.
These books are wonderfully imaginative, with clever riddles, unusual characters, and mysteries that keep you guessing.
They’re also full of friendship and the reminder that being different can be a wonderful strength.
6. The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids by Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones
Does anyone else remember these books?!
With titles like Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots, Werewolves Don’t Go to Summer Camp, and Ghosts Don’t Eat Potato Chips, this series is such a fun throwback.
The stories follow a group of elementary school kids who become convinced that the adults around them might secretly be supernatural creatures.
Is their teacher really a vampire? Could their camp counselor be a werewolf? The kids are determined to find out.
They’re silly, a little spooky, and full of imagination, making them especially fun around Halloween.
Great for: Kids who love funny mysteries, supernatural creatures, and just a tiny bit of spookiness.
Why We Still Love These Childhood Mystery Books
One of our favorite things about these series is how they invite kids to think, wonder, and use their imaginations.
They make reading feel like an adventure. And because they’re series, once your child finds one they love, there’s a whole stack of books waiting for them.
They’re also a reminder that sometimes the best recommendations are the ones we’ve loved for decades. You don’t always need the newest release or the prettiest book cover. Sometimes you just need a trip to the library and an old favorite.
So if you have a young reader who loves a good mystery, or you’re feeling nostalgic for the books you grew up with, give one of these series a try.
And now we want to know: Which childhood mystery book series are we missing? We know there have to be some good ones we’ve forgotten!
XO
The Threads Between Sisters
If your reader is just getting started with longer books, our book series for kids starting chapter books is a great place to begin.
And for more clever, cozy reads, see our favorite Eva Ibbotson books.
