17 Young Adult Mystery Books That Will Have You Hooked Right Away

Published by Likewise | Nov 22, 2024 Explore an enthralling collection of young adult mystery novels that will keep you on the edge of your seat, featuring twists, turns, and unforgettable characters.

Delve into a world of suspense and intrigue with these seventeen gripping young adult mystery novels. Each one promises a unique twist, complex characters, and thrilling plots that will have readers eager to unravel the mysteries. From school settings to dark secrets, these stories capture the essence of what it means to be a young adult in a world full of uncertainty.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

THE MUST-READ MULTIMILLION BESTSELLING MYSTERY SERIES—NOW ON NETFLIX! A gripping investigation, turned obsession, filled with surprising twists and a shocking conclusion. Five years after the murder of pretty senior Andie Bell and the suicide of her boyfriend Sal Singh, Pip decides to dig deeper into a case that still haunts her town. As Pip uncovers dark secrets, she begins to blur the lines of the past and present, putting her own life at risk. Don't miss the sequel, Good Girl, Bad Blood!

Monday's Not Coming

A heart-wrenching story about the disappearance of Monday Charles. Only her best friend, Claudia, seems to notice that Monday is missing, prompting her to investigate despite the lack of responsiveness from Monday's family. This compelling narrative sheds light on the harsh realities about being forgotten and the impact of a missing girl. Will Claudia uncover the truth behind her friend's sudden disappearance?

#MurderTrending

In a future where live streaming executions of felons has become entertainment, seventeen-year-old Dee Guerrera finds herself on Alcatraz 2.0 following the death of her stepsister. As Dee navigates this dangerous new world, she must join forces with others to prove her innocence while evading certain death. This thrilling read raises questions about justice and morality in a chillingly plausible scenario.

Truly Devious

A gripping tale set in the renowned Ellingham Academy, which was founded by Albert Ellingham. The mysterious kidnapping of his wife and daughter, coupled with a riddle signed by "Truly, Devious" makes this one of America's greatest unsolved mysteries. As Stevie Bell begins her first year there, she plans to solve the cold case, but soon realizes that that the past isn't buried as deep as she'd hoped. The return of the enigmatic Truly Devious heralds new dangers in a spellbinding narrative.

Read more. Average Rating: 3.8

The Inheritance Games

When Avery Grambs unexpectedly inherits a billionaire's fortune, she has to navigate the treacherous waters of Hawthorne House, filled with secrets and dangers. As she battles the challenges posed by the family she has usurped, Avery realizes that the past is there to catch up with her, and that trust is a rare commodity in this high-stakes setting. It's a fast-paced, thrilling read with unexpected twists that will keep you guessing.

Sadie

A high-stakes narrative interwoven with a podcast format that follows Sadie's journey for revenge after the brutal murder of her sister, Mattie. As Sadie's quest unfolds, questions arise about justice, memory, and the lengths to which one might go to seek revenge. This book captures the emotional turmoil of loss and the desperate fight for the truth in a compellingly unique way.

One of Us Is Lying

When five Bayview High students walk into detention and only four come out alive, secrets begin to unravel. Simon's death is no accident, but each of the four students has something to hide. This electrifying thriller combines elements of classic who-done-it mysteries with contemporary social commentary, making it a compelling read for both young and adult audiences.

Read more. Average Rating: 3.8

Grown

This intense novel confronts deep-seated issues of misogyny and the traumatic consequences of relationships in the spotlight. Enchanted Jones' dream of being a successful singer turns into a nightmare when she wakes up to a dead R&B star. As she unravels the mystery of Korey Fields' death, Grown explores themes of abuse, identity, and empowerment, making it a profound read.

These Shallow Graves

A historical thriller that follows Jo Montfort, a young woman determined to uncover her father's death, which has been ruled as suicide. As she digs deeper, Jo encounters betrayal, danger, and romance against a richly detailed backdrop of 19th-century New York. The quest for truth unravels dark family secrets, making it a page-turner that leaves readers guessing.

Read more. Average Rating: 3.8

The Fixer

In this fast-paced YA thriller, Tess Kendrick arrives in Washington D.C. only to find herself immersed in the treachery of high-society power plays. With her older sister Ivy serving as a capital fixer, Tess discovers her own knack for resolving scandals, which leads her down a treacherous path tangled with secrets and lies. The strong characters and dynamic plot will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Don't Look Back

Sam is a young woman grappling with the aftermath of a disappearance that has left her without memories of the old her. As she and her estranged friend Cassie try to piece together the truth of what happened that night, Sam discovers that danger lurks close to home, and confronting the past may be her only chance for survival. This psychological thriller highlights the struggle for self-discovery amidst trauma.

Dangerous Girls

Spring break in Aruba transforms into a nightmare for Anna when her best friend Elise is murdered. As she navigates a foreign legal system and attempts to clear her name, Anna discovers chilling truths about friendship and betrayal in this riveting thriller. With heart-pounding twists, readers will be engrossed in this dark tale.

They Wish They Were Us

Jill Newman's life at Gold Coast Prep is perfect, until the murder of her best friend Shaila Arnold shatters that illusion. As Jill navigates her senior year as a Player, she receives messages suggesting that Graham, the confessed murderer, may be innocent. With the mystery resurfacing, Jill must decide how far she's willing to go to uncover the truth and protect her friendships.

Surrender Your Sons

This LGBTQ+ thriller follows Connor Major as he faces being sent to an island conversion therapy camp after coming out to his religious mother. As he discovers the hidden truths about the camp and its inhabitants, Connor sets out to expose its horrors and escape, blending elements of humor and horror in a tale of resilience and bravery.

We Were Liars

This psychological thriller follows Cadence Sinclair and her family's summer retreats on a private island. After a tragic accident and the arrival of her cousins, Cadence's memories begin to slowly unravel. As secrets and lies come to light, this book poses essential questions about love, loss, and the price of family loyalty, leading to an unforgettable conclusion.

Read more. Average Rating: 3.8

The Disappearance of Sloane Sullivan

Dive into the world of witness protection in this riveting tale about Sloane Sullivan, who has vanished without a trace. Told through the voice of someone determined to uncover the truth, this story guarantees suspense, twists, and crucial revelations about trust, identity, and the power of choice.

The Cheerleaders

In this thrilling mystery, five cheerleaders from Sunnybrook have met tragic fates. Now, as Monica grapples with the lingering effects of their deaths, she begins to uncover hidden truths that suggest these events aren’t as unrelated as they seem. The combination of suspense and emotional depth in this story makes it a gripping read from start to finish.