Books for young people are usually about romance, growing up, and other easy topics. However, in recent years, there has been a rise in demand for more complex storylines for young adult books. So finally the mystery/thriller young adult books are coming to the limelight. Here are a few starter books for you.
One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus
High schools are usually the center of many young adult book plots. However, in this compelling book, it is also the center of mystery and intrigue. One of Us Is Lying is a tale of four high school students who find themselves involved in a murder investigation after detention. I mean, who gets murdered after detention, right? This book will get you deep into a web of lies and unexpected twists.
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
If you’re into the decades-long story trope, this book is for you. Truly Devious is the first book in a series that tells two mystery stories decades apart. Stevie Bell, a true-crime enthusiast, starts going to a prestigious academy where kidnapping and murder took place years ago. Stevie can’t help but delve into the cold case and she becomes entangled in a series of events that challenge her love of investigating.
The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Before her The Inheritance Games success, Jennifer Lynn Barnes wrote an older series called The Naturals. This is a story of a bunch of teenagers playing detectives using their extraordinary talent to solve FBI cold cases. The path to solving the crimes is full of danger, blurring the lines between intuition and evidence and keeping the reader on edge the whole time.
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
We Were Liars have been in bookstores for many years now. It’s no wonder this psychological thriller keeps attracting young readers with its mystery. The protagonist, Cadence Sinclair, navigates a mysterious accident that left her with amnesia. Throughout the book, the reader can uncover buried family secrets together with Cadence. It is an unforgettable journey into the dark corners of human nature.
Gone by Michael Grant
The first book in a series, Michael Grant’s Gone starts with a bang. An entire town’s population disappears without a trace, and only the children and teenagers are left behind. Imagine what a bunch of teenagers will do without adult supervision, and it’s here. However, everything gets even more complicated when supernature powers emerge, forcing the teenagers left behind to investigate the mystery of the adults disappearing.
These Mystery/Thriller Young Adult Books Attract Young Readers
Because they deal with heavier topics and issues, mystery/thriller young adult books get more younger people hooked. And even though these books are mostly written for a younger audience, the mystery, and thrill are just the same as regular thriller books.
These books are great ways to introduce difficult topics to young people. It can be a great conversation piece between you and your kids. You can read them at the same time and dissect them afterward.