Books matching: young adult mystery
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Unflinching, inventive, and absolutely gripping - Sadie is a dark, heart-wrenching mystery that lingers long after the last page. Highly recommended for podcast fans and anyone ready for an emotional, thought-provoking ride. Just be sure you’re prepared for tough themes and a story that doesn’t flinch from reality.
'Sadie' by Courtney Summers is a gripping YA novel that follows the story of Sadie, a teenage girl on a mission to avenge her sister's death. The book is structured with dual storylines - one from Sadie's perspective as she embarks on a dangerous journey to find her sister's killer, and the other from the viewpoint of a journalist creating a podcast about Sadie's disappearance. Through these alternating narratives, the reader gets a glimpse into Sadie's harrowing life filled with abandonment, abuse, and the search for justice.
The writing style of 'Sadie' is unique and engaging, utilizing the podcast format to provide additional insights and perspectives into the story. The book delves into dark and serious topics such as drug addiction, sexual abuse, and family dysfunction, offering a thought-provoking and emotionally taut mystery that keeps readers on edge until the end.
I’m going to steal the light from his eyes. I want to watch it go out. You aren’t supposed to answer violence with more violence but sometimes I think violence is the only answer. It’s no less than he...September 2018•336 pages - #2
A charming, witty, and fast-paced steampunk romp - ideal for fans of whimsical adventure and clever heroines, but may not click if you want serious or dark fare. Worth a read for its sheer fun and creative flair!
In "Etiquette & Espionage" by Gail Carriger, readers are transported to a steampunk-style Victorian England where young Sophronia Temminnick finds herself at Madame Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality, which is actually a school for espionage on a giant airborn dirigible. As Sophronia navigates through her training, she faces sticky situations, solves mysteries, and thwarts evil geniuses' plans, all while showcasing her precociousness and curiosity. The book is filled with wit, humor, and an engaging plot that keeps readers entertained from start to finish, making it a delightful read for fans of Harry Potter and Series of Unfortunate Events.
The book introduces a cast of interesting characters, a quirky setting, and a light-hearted tone that makes it a fun and engaging read. Carriger's writing style shines through, offering a blend of humor, sophistication, and social progressiveness that appeals to both young adult and adult readers. The story unfolds in a world where espionage meets Victorian manners, creating a unique and imaginative setting that sets the stage for a promising series filled with mystery and adventure.
Sophronia intended to pull the dumbwaiter up from the kitchen to outside the front parlor on the ground floor, where Mrs. Barnaclegoose was taking tea. Mrs. Barnaclegoose had arrived with a stranger i...February 2013•321 pages - #3
A gripping, character-driven YA mystery that’s addictive and twisty - perfect for fans of fast reads and sharp teen sleuths, even if it doesn’t answer every question by the end.
'Confessions of a Murder Suspect' by James Patterson is a young adult thriller mystery that follows the story of Tandy Angel, who, along with her siblings, becomes a suspect in the murder of their parents. The plot revolves around the investigation into the murder, with Tandy taking on the role of narrator and speaking directly to the reader, creating an engaging and personal connection. As the mystery unfolds, Tandy delves into her family's secrets, her own past, and the dynamics among the siblings, all while trying to unravel the truth behind her parents' deaths. The writing style is fast-paced, with a gripping narrative that keeps readers hooked until the very end, exploring themes of trust, family, and self-discovery.
I have some really bad secrets to share with someone, and it might as well be you—a stranger, a reader of books, but most of all, a person who can’t hurt me. So here goes nothing, or maybe everything....September 2012•379 pages - #4
A haunting, hypnotic classic that’s all about atmosphere, secrets, and psychological tension - a must-read for lovers of gothic drama and slow-burn suspense, but might not grab you if you crave action or straightforward heroines.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a gothic mystery novel that revolves around the second Mrs. de Winter, who marries the wealthy widower Maxim de Winter and moves to his grand estate, Manderley. The shadow of Maxim's late wife, Rebecca, looms large over the household, with the housekeeper Mrs. Danvers and other characters adding to the mysterious and suspenseful atmosphere. The story is filled with plot twists, dark secrets, and a haunting sense of doom that keeps readers engaged until the shocking ending.
Last night I dreamed I went to Manderley again. It seemed to me I stood by the iron gate leading to the drive, and for a while I could not enter, for the way was barred to me. There was a padlock and...January 1938•449 pages - #5
A super engaging and twisty YA mystery that lives up to the hype - perfect for anyone who loves small town secrets, ambitious sleuths, and a fast-paced, cleverly told story.
In 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' by Holly Jackson, high school senior Pippa Fitz Amobi takes on a cold case to prove the innocence of Sal Singh in the murder of his girlfriend Andie Bell. With a mix of diary entries, interviews, and investigative work, the story unfolds as Pip delves into dark secrets and dangerous truths, blurring the lines between past and present while facing obstacles and threats to her life.
The book is a smart and suspenseful YA mystery where Pip's determination to uncover the truth leads her through twists and turns, uncovering layers of the case that go beyond a simple murder mystery. Through creative storytelling techniques and engaging plot development, the author keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Pip navigates through a complex investigation that challenges her perceptions and puts her in harm's way.
Their home was like the town’s own haunted house; people’s footsteps quickened as they walked by and their words strangled and died in their throats. Shrieking children would gather on their walk home...December 2019•421 pages - #6
A Study in Charlotte is a witty and dark YA homage to Sherlock Holmes, blending mystery, messed-up teens, and nods to the classics. Not perfect, but a solid pick for fans of modern whodunits and character-focused retellings - just be ready for some heavy themes and Holmesian drama.
In "A Study in Charlotte," the modern-day descendants of Holmes and Watson, Charlotte Holmes and James Watson, meet at a New England boarding school and find themselves framed for murder. The story blends a Holmesian mystery with young adult romance, offering a fresh twist where Charlotte is portrayed as a troubled drug user and Jamie as a rugby player. The plot progresses with a mix of Sherlock Holmes references and a dark, contemporary narrative, exploring themes of drug addiction, mystery-solving, and teenage relationships.
THE FIRST TIME I MET HER WAS AT THE TAIL END OF ONE OF those endless weekday nights you could only have at a school like Sherringford. It was midnight, or just after, maybe, and I’d spent the last few...March 2016•339 pages - #7
A witty and addictive YA mystery that will keep you guessing – but make sure you have the sequel on hand, because this cliffhanger won’t let you go!
In 'Truly Devious' by Maureen Johnson, the story follows Stevie Bell, a true crime enthusiast who gets accepted into the prestigious Ellingham Academy to pursue her dream of solving the decades-old murder and kidnapping that occurred at the school in 1936. The book alternates between the past events of 1936 and Stevie's present-day investigations, creating a compelling narrative full of mysteries and intriguing characters. However, the book ends on a major cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment to unravel the unresolved plot threads.
Stevie finds herself caught up in a web of mysteries as she delves into the historical murder disappearance at Ellingham Academy while navigating her own challenges in the present day. With engaging storytelling that intertwines past and present events, Johnson crafts a YA murder mystery that keeps readers hooked with its blend of riddles, puzzles, and questions. Despite some readers finding the ending unsatisfying due to the abrupt cliffhanger, the book's ability to keep readers on edge and craving more sets the stage for a promising series that blends elements of historical crime with modern-day investigations.
This resulted in a long pause. Stevie and her parents had had many conversations about the nature of truth and fact, and this might, on another day, have erupted into an argument. Not today. They seem...January 2018•453 pages - #8
Dark, twisty, and atmospheric, "Ninth House" is a gripping blend of murder mystery and magical academia - but its heavy themes and dense world-building aren’t for the faint of heart. Perfect for fans of edgy fantasy looking for something bold and adult.
In 'Ninth House' by Leigh Bardugo, the story revolves around Galaxy Alex Stern, a survivor dealing with a traumatic past who is recruited to oversee the mystical activities of the secret societies at Yale. As part of House Leathe, the ninth house, Alex becomes entangled in a web of dark secrets, disappearances, and murder on campus. The book delves into themes of trauma, magic, violence, and the power dynamics within the elite circles of Yale, creating a world where the supernatural intertwines with the everyday struggles of its characters. The writing style is described as dark, compelling, and filled with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the atmospheric setting of Yale University.
By the time Alex managed to get the blood out of her good wool coat, it was too warm to wear it. Spring had come on grudgingly; pale blue mornings failed to deepen, turning instead to moist, sullen af...October 2019•491 pages - #9
A fun, addictive YA mystery packed with drama and secrets - perfect for fans of teen thrillers, even if the ending is a touch predictable.
"One of Us Is Lying" by Karen M. McManus is a gripping murder mystery that unfolds in the aftermath of a classmate's death during detention. The story follows four students who find themselves under suspicion for the murder, each with their own motives and secrets. Through multiple perspectives, readers delve into the intricate web of lies, drama, and high school dynamics as they try to uncover the truth behind the tragic event. The book skillfully combines elements of suspense, teenage drama, and unexpected plot twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The writing style of "One of Us Is Lying" is praised for its fast-paced narrative, engaging multiple points of view, and clever use of alternating perspectives among the characters. The author effectively builds tension and intrigue by delving into the minds of each suspect, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience that explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the complexities of teenage life.
A sex tape. A pregnancy scare. Two cheating scandals. And that’s just this week’s update. If all you knew of Bayview High was Simon Kelleher’s gossip app, you’d wonder how anyone found time to go to c...May 2017•368 pages - #10
A beautifully written, haunting YA mystery that’s best experienced with as little prior knowledge as possible - perfect for those who love poetic prose and jaw-dropping twists, but might disappoint if you expect heart-pounding action or relatable characters.
'We Were Liars' by E. Lockhart is a story about a privileged family, the Sinclairs, who spend their summers on a private island off the coast of Massachusetts. The book follows Cadence, one of the Sinclair grandchildren, as she returns to the island after a traumatic accident during the summer of fifteen, trying to recover her memories. The plot revolves around the mystery of what happened to Cadence and her friends, known as the Liars, during that fateful summer. The writing style is described as beautifully written, haunting, and with a twist that keeps readers engaged until the end.
The novel is a coming-of-age story with elements of privilege, family dysfunction, love, friendship, and secrets. The narrative unfolds delicately, revealing the story bit by bit as Cadence remembers the events surrounding her accident. The book delves into themes of race, power, greed, and features a shocking twist ending that catches readers by surprise, making it a captivating and heartbreaking read.
Dad was a middling-successful professor of military history. Back then I adored him. He wore tweed jackets. He was gaunt. He drank milky tea. He was fond of board games and let me win, fond of boats a...May 2014•262 pages










