9 Best YA Murder Mystery Books of 2024

Discover the best ya murder mystery books that will keep readers guessing with thrilling twists and unforgettable characters.
One of Us Is Lying coverTruly Devious cover

We all love a good whodunit, and when it comes to the best YA murder mystery books, picking the cream of the crop requires a keen eye for suspense, plot twists, and characters that keep us guessing until the very last page. In this post, we’ll explore tales full of secrets, mysteries, and of course, murder. We promise these stories will have you on the edge of your seat, leaving you wanting more and more. Whether you are solving crimes with a group of unlikely allies or uncovering hidden pasts, these books deliver thrills and chills aplenty.

On this list:

9 One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

One of Us Is Lying cover

  • Genre: YA Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2017
  • Pages: 368

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This rollercoaster ride of a book will keep you guessing. We picked it because the Breakfast Club meets murder mystery vibe is just gold.

8 A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

  • Genre: YA Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 390

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Perfect for armchair detectives. The interactive style and clever twists make it a great pick for our list of best ya murder mystery books.

7 Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

Truly Devious cover

  • Genre: YA Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 416

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With a school setting, it mixes classic and contemporary vibes. Chosen for its layered plot and engaging characters.

6 Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus

Two Can Keep a Secret cover

  • Genre: YA Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 336

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This one is like the cool kid at the mystery party. With small-town secrets and suspense, it deserves a spot here.

5 Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

Pretty Little Liars cover

  • Genre: YA Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2006
  • Pages: 286

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The book that started it all for the hit show. It’s got drama, intrigue, and lots of suspense. We couldn’t leave it out.

4 Sadie by Courtney Summers

Sadie cover

  • Genre: YA Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 320

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A gripping thriller about a girl seeking revenge. It’s intense and powerful, and that’s why it’s on our list.

3 The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas

The Cheerleaders cover

  • Genre: YA Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 384

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Not your typical cheerleading story, it’s full of dark secrets. A thrilling and engaging read, perfect for mystery lovers.

2 They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

They Both Die at the End cover

  • Genre: YA Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2017
  • Pages: 368

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It’s more than a mystery; it’s a ticking clock of emotions. Unique and well-crafted, we just couldn’t leave it out.

1 The Cousins by Karen M. McManus

The Cousins cover

  • Genre: YA Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2020
  • Pages: 336

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Brilliantly executed with suspense and family drama. This tops the list. The mystery unravels smoothly, with surprises that kept us glued to the pages.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!