Middle-Grade Mysteries: Past, Present, and Yet to Come

“I HAVE endeavoured in this Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humour with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it.”

Their faithful Friend and Servant,

C. D.

December, 1843.

In this season of nostalgia and reflection, I am reminded of the ghostly little books that haunted so pleasantly that they compelled a younger me to read, read, and read some more: middle grade mysteries. 

In A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, Ebeneezer Scrooge must listen or be cursed! Dear reader, no curse awaits you here, but rather a gentle journey into middle grade mysteries past, present, and yet to come.

Middle Grade Mysteries of the Past: Nancy Drew

I owe a debt of gratitude to Nancy Drew, Edward Stratemeyer, who developed the idea for a girl detective series in the late 1920s, Mildred Wirt Benson, author of many Nancy Drew books, and every other writer who worked under the collective pseudonym Carolyn Keene. Proud to still have my original collection of Nancy Drew books, I traveled the road of nostalgia recently and reread the first few books in the series.

Admittedly, some elements have not aged well. Through modern eyes, we can identify formulaic plots, archaic language, a lack of diversity, and an adult-heavy cast. However, many things still work about these books.

While the plot lines are admittedly formulaic, there is comfort in a predictable structure, especially when you’re a young person experiencing mystery and suspense. The deductive reasoning and propulsive development are cleverly achieved, the conclusions are satisfying, and the main character is a self-assured, female role model who repeatedly steps forward with conviction, determination, and confidence.

Whether finding a hidden will, exposing a plot to defraud an orphaned teen, or discovering the means by which an unsavory character haunts an elderly widow, we know that Nancy Drew will emerge triumphant. Originally created in the 1920s, this heroine was ahead of her time and has remained relevant for decades. An old-soul child in my extended family will be receiving Book One, The Secret of the Old Clock, this Christmas. Which child? That will remain a mystery until December 25! 

Middle Grade Mystery of the Present: Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor

While browsing through The Bookshelf, a charming bookstore in downtown Thomasville, Georgia, I spotted a book that intrigued me. The cover captivated me with a full moon, beautiful blue hues, and uniformed children being led through the shadows by a girl with a flashlight. There was also an endorsement by Stuart Gibbs, master of pacing and suspense, describing this book as a “fast-paced thrill ride.”

So I purchased the Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor, written by Ally Carter. And wow, am I glad I did. A group of orphans, a massive mansion, a missing heir, and a mysterious key work together to make one propulsive mystery. Led by April, a feisty, fearless, female protagonist, this found family of orphans work together to uncover long-held secrets and thwart the sinister plans of a seemingly benign adult.

Best of all, this book is not a stand-alone novel. Kids (and adults) who enjoy this twisty mystery can find the same crew of characters in Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery, also by Ally Carter. It’s safe to say the mystery genre is in good hands!

Middle Grade Mystery Yet to Come: The Case of the Scarlet Snakebite

How can I know of a mystery yet to come? I would like to say it’s magic, but it’s not. I was fortunate enough to be sent an Advance Reader Copy of The Case of the Scarlet Snakebite, by Christyne Morrell. Its release is scheduled for February 2026, and take it from me, you’d be wise to go ahead and preorder your copy now! 

Amber, another feisty female protagonist, leads the charge to catch the thief who stole a priceless ruby. The ruby was embedded in an ornate walking stick owned by a prominent guest at the Bed and Breakfast owned by Amber’s mom. Complicating matters is the fact Amber’s parents have recently split up, her mom is inexperienced at operating a B&B, and suddenly this newly-single mompreneur is being framed with the theft!

While Amber faces the exterior conflicts of a mystery to solve and a mom to save, she also must deal with the interior conflicts of her dad’s absence, the loss of her childhood home, and the struggle to find her new identity amid all this change. Morrell does a great job of weaving these complicated threads together with some comic relief, red herrings, and good-old-fashioned suspense. What a fun and satisfying read!

Ah, the joy of visits with middle-grade mysteries past, present, and yet to come. If you’re in need of some book recommendations for young readers in your life – or for yourself – I suggest you allow these ghostly little books to haunt your houses pleasantly!

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