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If you’ve ever found yourself bleary-eyed at 3 a.m. whispering “just one more chapter” while clutching a twisty young adult thriller, hi—you’re in the right place. YA mystery books have this magical formula: the emotional rollercoaster of teen life + a compelling puzzle = total reading obsession.
And let’s be honest—some of the best plot twists these days aren’t coming from adult thrillers or literary fiction. They’re tucked between the covers of angsty, sharp, and gloriously addictive YA mysteries. Whether it’s a prep school with secrets, a missing girl, or a friend group unraveling faster than your earbuds in your pocket, YA mysteries serve drama, dread, and delicious suspense.
If you’re craving books similar to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder or One of Us Is Lying, buckle up. These reads are full of red herrings, unreliable narrators, and secrets worth dying for.
Other Books by Popular YA Mystery Authors
Before we dive into our core list, let’s talk about the powerhouses behind the genre. Karen M. McManus, Holly Jackson, and Tiffany D. Jackson are practically YA mystery royalty. And their lesser-known titles? Total hidden gems.
Karen M. McManus – Two Can Keep a Secret
It might not have the same fanfare as One of Us Is Lying, but this standalone is equally chilling. Set in a town obsessed with its dark past, the story plays with memory, small-town secrets, and a killer who may never have left.
Holly Jackson – Five Survive
Six teens on a road trip. One RV. A sniper outside. This is not your typical teen thriller. Jackson ramps up the claustrophobia and paranoia in this locked-room-style mystery on wheels.
Tiffany D. Jackson – White Smoke
Think: Get Out meets Hill House. This horror-mystery hybrid explores gentrification, trauma, and ghostly secrets. It’s as thought-provoking as it is bone-chilling.
If you’re looking for books like A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder or One of Us Is Lying, these titles by their authors deserve a spot in your TBR pile.
Author Spotlight: Why YA Mystery Writers Are Killing It (Figuratively… mostly)
YA mystery authors aren’t just writing for teens—they’re reshaping the entire mystery/thriller genre. They blend fast-paced storytelling with sharp social commentary, and their characters deal with real, raw issues alongside the murder plots.
Karen M. McManus consistently explores identity and media manipulation.
Holly Jackson uses procedural structures that make you feel like a detective.
Courtney Summers (hello Sadie) strips back the glam and dives into trauma, making her mysteries gut-punching and unforgettable.
Maureen Johnson, with her Truly Devious series, gives us academic intrigue with Sherlockian flair.
These authors aren’t afraid to take risks, which is exactly why YA mystery books have become so addictive for readers of all ages.
Fascinating YA Mystery Stats You’ll Want to Quote Later
- A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder spent over 100 weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list and is being adapted by the BBC.
- According to NPD BookScan, YA thrillers grew 38% in sales from 2020 to 2023.
- Over 65% of YA mystery readers are adults aged 25–44—so no shame in your reading game.
- The #YAMysteryBook hashtag has racked up over 50 million views on TikTok.
This genre isn’t a trend—it’s a movement. And it’s only getting juicier.
What Inspired This Genre’s Boom?
The rise of true crime podcasts (Serial), teen-centric shows like Pretty Little Liars and Riverdale, and the massive success of crossover titles (Gone Girl, Big Little Lies) made readers hungry for high-stakes drama with a teen twist. Add in TikTok buzz and stunning cover designs, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for YA mystery domination.
6 Must-Read YA Mystery Books That’ll Mess with Your Head (In the Best Way)
1. Sadie by Courtney Summers
If you liked Sharp Objects or are obsessed with true crime podcasts, Sadie will wreck you in the most compelling way. It’s a haunting dual narrative: one part Sadie’s quest for vengeance, one part investigative podcast trying to trace her steps.
Why it’s a match:
It combines gritty realism, a missing girl, and an unforgettable voice—hallmarks of top-tier YA mystery books.
3 Random Facts:
- Won the Edgar Award for Best YA Novel.
- Inspired by Serial and the Undisclosed podcast.
- A film adaptation is in the works.
Goodreads review:
“If you’re into YA mystery books that leave you emotionally destroyed and hungry for justice, Sadie is it.”
2. Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
Murder + boarding school + true crime obsession = this unputdownable series. Stevie Bell is a teenage sleuth attending a Vermont school with a dark history. Cold case meets present danger in this brainy, bingeable mystery.
Why it’s a match:
Smart protagonist, academic setting, layered plot. Perfect for fans of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.
3 Random Facts:
- First in a five-book series.
- Ellingham Academy is inspired by real elite New England schools.
- Features real photographs as clues!
Goodreads review:
“Books like Truly Devious make me want to solve crimes for a living. Or at least read about them forever.”
3. One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
You’ve seen it on TikTok, in airports, maybe even on your mom’s nightstand. This high school whodunit follows five students in detention—one ends up dead. Think The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars.
Why it’s a match:
It’s the blueprint for modern YA mystery books: multi-POV, shocking twists, and unreliable teens.
3 Random Facts:
- Adapted into a Peacock TV series.
- Sold over 5 million copies.
- Translated into 42 languages.
Goodreads review:
“If you’re hunting for books similar to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, this is your gateway drug.”
4. Five Survive by Holly Jackson
From the queen of YA thrillers, this book throws six teens into an RV trip gone horribly wrong. Someone’s targeting them—but why? With each chapter, a new secret surfaces.
Why it’s a match:
Locked-room vibes, secrets among friends, and Jackson’s signature slow-burn intensity.
3 Random Facts:
- #1 NYT Bestseller in 2023.
- Cover designed by the same artist behind AGGGTM.
- Movie rights sold to a major studio.
Goodreads review:
“This one had me paranoid and double-checking my locks. YA mystery books have no business being this stressful.”
5. The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas
Years ago, five cheerleaders died in mysterious ways. Now Monica, the sister of one of the victims, starts digging. What she finds? Terrifying. This book is a moody, tense masterpiece.
Why it’s a match:
Small-town secrets, grief, and a girl determined to uncover the truth.
3 Random Facts:
- Inspired by the author’s own small-town upbringing.
- Featured in BuzzFeed’s Top 10 YA Thrillers.
- Author is a former TV writer.
Goodreads review:
“If you love books like Sadie and Verity, this will be your new obsession.”
6. This Is Our Story by Ashley Elston
Five boys went hunting. One didn’t come back. The remaining four won’t talk. Enter Kate, an intern at the DA’s office who’s not buying their silence. It’s Southern noir meets teen courtroom drama.
Why it’s a match:
Clever, suspenseful, and morally complex—this book nails that justice-seeking tone YA mystery fans crave.
3 Random Facts:
- Set in fictional St. Francisville, modeled after real Louisiana towns.
- Won the Southern Book Prize.
- Author also wrote 10 Blind Dates, a holiday romcom (surprise!).
Goodreads review:
“YA mystery books with courtroom drama? Yes, please. I devoured this in two sittings.”
Comparison Table: YA Mystery Showdown
| Title | Theme | POV Style | Pacing | Setting | Realism |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Good Girl’s Guide | Justice, obsession | Dual | Fast | Suburban town | High |
| Sadie | Revenge, trauma | Dual (Podcast) | Gritty | Small town | Gritty |
| Truly Devious | Cold case, academia | 1st Person | Moderate | Boarding school | Medium |
| Five Survive | Survival, secrets | Real-time | Fast | RV in the woods | High |
| One of Us Is Lying | Gossip, lies | Multiple | Fast | High school | Medium |
| The Cheerleaders | Grief, mystery | 1st Person | Slow burn | Small town | High |
| This Is Our Story | Justice, corruption | Alternating | Medium | Louisiana town | High |
FAQs About YA Mystery Books
What defines a YA mystery book?
YA mystery books feature teen protagonists solving crimes, uncovering secrets, or navigating suspenseful situations, usually in high-stakes environments.
Are YA mystery books only for teens?
Not at all! Over half of YA readers are adults. The genre’s complexity and pace make it appealing across age groups.
What’s the difference between YA thriller and YA mystery?
Thrillers focus more on action and danger, while mysteries center around solving a puzzle or uncovering a hidden truth.
Can I find true crime-style stories in YA fiction?
Yes—books like Sadie and This Is Our Story read like true crime, blending fact-style narration with fictional plots.
Are there any upcoming YA mystery books to look out for?
Definitely. Watch for The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson and That Night in the Woods by Stephanie Perkins.
Do YA mystery books often become TV shows?
Absolutely! One of Us Is Lying, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, and Truly Devious have all been adapted or optioned.
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