IBC Awards 2025 judges announced!

Mystery chapter books

Intrigue, suspense and adventure abound in this engaging collection of inclusive mystery chapter books that are sure to keep young readers guessing til the very end.

Our carefully chosen list features stories with plucky young detectives and puzzling mysteries, all with relatable settings, fun illustrations and diverse casts of characters.

Whether they are budding sleuths or simply love a good whodunit, our exciting selection offers the best inclusive mystery titles for newly independent readers.

7+years

Meet the Maliks Twin Detectives: The Cookie Culprit

Author: Zanib MianIllustrator: Kyan Cheng

Twin troubles abound as Maysa and Musa Malik seek to uncover the culprit of a cookie crime at their mosque.

Muslim representation
Own Voice
South Asian representation
Diverse cast

7+years

The Dog Squad: The Show

Author and illustrator: Clara Vulliamy

A delightful story of friendship, fundraising and furry friends with naturally embedded inclusivity and a joyous narrative!

Diverse cast
Black representation
LGBTQIA+ representation
Single parent
Challenges gender stereotypes

The Dog Squad: The Show - Cover

8+years

The Breakfast Club Adventures: The Ghoul in the School

Authors: Marcus Rashford and Alex Falase-KoyaIllustrator: Marta Kissi

The Breakfast Club Investigators are at risk, they must solve the curse of the school gym before it’s too late.

Own Voice
Black representation
Black/brown representation
Diverse cast
Class/socio-economic diversity

6+years

Lizzie & Lucky: The Mystery of the Missing Puppies

Author: Megan RixIllustrator: Tim Budgen

Lizzie wants a pet, but there’s a dog thief on the prowl. Can she solve the crime, and be lucky?

Own Voice
Disabled representation
Diverse cast
Black representation
Female lead

8+years

Sindhu and Jeet's Missing Star Mystery

Author: Chitra SoundarIllustrator: Amberin Huq

Featuring three distinct detective stories, help solve the mysteries with Sindhu and Jeet!

Own Voice
South Asian representation

7+years

Toad Attack!

Author: Patrice LawrenceIllustrator: Becka Moor

It’s a normal morning for Leo, until a toad lands on his head. A flying toad!

Own Voice
Black representation
South Asian representation
Mixed-heritage representation
LGBTQIA+ representation

7+years

Major and Mynah Operation Raven

Author: Karen OwenIllustrator: Louise Forshaw

When Callie and Grace go to the Tower of London, they find themselves trying to stop a treasure heist!

Own Voice
Disabled representation
Black representation
Diverse cast
Challenges gender stereotypes

7+years

Anisha, Accidental Detective: Beach Disaster

Author: Serena PatelIllustrator: Emma McCann

There's sabotage on the school trip in this seventh hilarious case from the award-winning Anisha, Accidental Detective series!

Own Voice
South Asian representation
Diverse cast
Challenges gender stereotypes
Female lead

5+years

Mind and Me

Author and illustrator: Sunita Chawdhary

Mayhem, imagination and mischief combine in this mystery novel about the disappearance of Maya’s much-loved pet rabbit Pooey.

Own Voice
South Asian representation
Mixed-heritage representation
Black/brown representation
Female lead

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