ABC Mysteries by Ron Roy

This a good starter series for kids who want to puzzle out the whodunnit while relating to the lower school protagonists, the bookish, thoughtful Dink, the whip smart Rose and goofy Josh as they figure out the small town local mysteries that pop up in their lives from missing authors to runaway raceshorses to potential zombies.

Check out the spin off on their younger siblings in The Calendar Mysteries.

The Capital Mysteries by Ron Roy

Set in the same universe, (see below there is literally a crossover book), White House mysteries has a more specific premise following KC, the first daughter of the President and her best friend, Marshall as they also solve mysteries that threaten KC’s stepdad’s presidency and the sanctity of D.C. monuments.

Lady Grace Mysteries by Jan Burchett

This one was my favorite series as it was slightly more historical, set in queen Elizabeth’s court which creates a few more limitations for the the titular Lady in waiting to solve crimes on her majesty’s behest. But she does so with aplomb because almost no one notices a lady and yet she is privvy to much of the court’s gossip. A court where everyone has their own agendas and plans for the throne. Always exciting, I quite enjoy it and wish it had continued beyond L.

Boxcar Children by Gertrude Werner

While the original is arguably the best, especially as it now desperately tries to make it updated and modern, the series began with the Alden kids hiding out in a boxcar so not to be sent to who they believe is a mean grandfather. Which turns out to be misunderstanding so after they settle in and drag the boxcar to their home for sentimental reasons, they go on a bevy of vacations where mysteries are always on their tail. Much like ABC Mysteries, it’s easy compelling reading for kids.

39 Clues

This is a crazy series filled with world travelling, ancient history, symbolism, poison, intrigue, ancient mysteries, secret societies and ackstabbing. As such I could never keep it quite straight, though that may be because it was written by multiple different authors on a freelance basis. Perhaps someone much more patient than me can, so I highly suggest this series if you’re into convulated high speed chases.

Confessions of a teen sleuth by Chelsea Cain

As said on the cover, this is a fun parody narrated by the real Nancy Drew. The Carolyn Keene who made her famous used to be her dull, boring college roommate and Nancy is miffed at how Carolyn used her stories to achieeve fame. Here, Nancy is not quite the modest, keen eyed sleuth but snarky, lusty and still getting into mysteries. She has a rivalry with Cherry Ames (a mystery solving nurse who was a contemporary to Nancy Drew), a longtime affair with one of the Hardy Boys as fans always wanted and. . . and surprisngly diverse as it reveals the whereabouts of Nancy’s mother. Locked in a Japanese concentration camp with her Japanese boyfriend that she ran away with. It’s a funny fresh take on the famous sleuth and is worth at least one read.