Middle-grade mysteries as good as The Westing Game
My sister wrote to the blog with an excellent question: What are other middle-grade mysteries that are as good as Ellen Raskin’s classic The Westing Game (1978)? This is a great question, but an impossible one, because there aren’t any books as good as The Westing Game. It stands alone thanks to Raskin’s wit, wordplay, and twists. It was the favorite for me and my sister when we were kids. I remember reading it over and over, letting enough time pass in between so that I didn’t remember every detail of the mystery and could solve it along with the characters. I also enjoyed Raskin’s other books, especially The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon (I Mean Noel), which I mentioned in another post.
Although I can’t promise to provide books quite as amazing as The Westing Game, I can suggest a number of engaging, clever, and funny mysteries for young readers.
Masterpiece by Elise Broach and Kelly Murphy (2008)
Masterpiece is the story of a kid, a beetle, and an art heist. This and the next two books belong to the popular middle-grade sub-genre of art mysteries! The beetle, Marvin, is an accomplished artist, but the kid mistakenly gets credit for his work. The two work together to solve the mystery and catch the thief.
Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald (2014)
When Theodora’s grandfather dies, he leaves behind a mystery involving a painting hidden behind another painting. She tries to determine the origin of the art, while fearing that her grandfather may not have always been on the right side of the law.
The Van Gogh Deception series by Deron R. Hicks (started in 2010)
Set in Washington, D.C., this action-packed mystery begins with a kid waking up in the National Gallery with no memory of who he is or how he got there. He must race to discover his true identity while solving an art forgery case.
The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson (2018)
Candice finds an old letter in her grandmother’s attic and uncovers a mystery involving a treasure. With a neighbor, she aims to solve the clues and find the money, though they’ll need to uncover secrets about her family to do so. I loved how friendship was portrayed in this beautiful (and critically acclaimed) book.
Winterhouse series by Ben Guterson and Chloe Bristol (started in 2018)
This series is packed with old-fashioned charm, mystical magic, and puzzles galore. Orphan Elizabeth is sent alone to the Winterhouse Hotel by her guardians. She is intrigued by the hotel and the family that founded it. When she discovers a book of puzzles in the library, she begins to collect clues about the hotel and its secrets.
Greenglass House series by Kate Milford (started in 2014)
In Agatha Christie style, a handful of strangers end up stranded in Greenglass House during a storm, and all seem to be keeping secrets. Milo, the son of the owners, works with Meddy (the cook’s daughter) to uncover the truth and solve the mysteries. Spooky and gothic fun.
Charlie Thorne series by Stuart Gibbs (started in 2019)
Stuart Gibbs in a prolific author of middle-grade mysteries, and my kid recommends all of them to fans of the genre. In the Charlie Thorne series, Gibbs focuses on a young genius whom the CIA enlists to help crack a code.
Wells and Wong series by Robin Stevens (started in 2014)
Set at a 1930s boarding school, this series is about a detective agency formed by friends Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong. For their first case, they find the body of their science teacher, which subsequently disappears. Has there been a murder or not?
Mo and Dale mysteries by Sheila Turnage (started in 2012)
Mo, an orphan, and Dale are best friends who live in Tupelo Landing, North Carolina. They solve mysteries in their town, which the local police do not particularly appreciate, all while trying to answer the biggest question of them all: Who are Mo’s parents?