Mystery
Jennifer H. and Leah E.
History of Mystery Novels
- The Adventures of Caleb Williams (1794)
- Murders in the Rue Morgue (1841)
- Leavenworth Case (1878)
- A Study in Scarlet (1887)
- The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920's - Golden Age)
- I, The Jury (1947)
- Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys (1930's+)
- Beat Not the Bones (1954)
- Nate the Great (1972)
What is a Mystery?
- Characters: Detectives vs. Suspects
- Clues: who did it?
- Distractions
- Structure: introduction, body, and conclusion
- Read more: CLICK HERE
Why do students read mysteries?
- Strong plot lines
- Predictability of plot and characters
- Characters have a clear identity
- Suspense
- Bravery and risk taking
- Covers
Types of Mystery
- Caper
- Amateur Sleuth
- Furry Sleuth
- Private Eye
- Series
- Crime
- Whodunit
- Locked room/Puzzle
- Cozy
Must Read Mystery Series
- Encyclopedia Brown
- Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys
- Boxcar Children
- A to Z Mysteries
- Cam Jansen
- Goosebumps
Other Mystery Titles
- Three Times Lucky
- The 39 Clues
- Green Glass House
- The Westing Game
- Where Are My Books
- Mrs. Lemoncello's Library Olympics
- Ace Lacewing Bug Detective
- Who Pushed Humpty Dumpty?
- Hold Fast
- The Great Trouble
Lesson Ideas for Teaching Mystery Novels in Your Library
Read a short mystery and stop before the end. Have students do a quick write prediction of ending.
Preview the problem in the story that needs to be solved.
Read two picture book mysteries and compare and contrast the details in each.
Conduct a mini research project to build background knowledge on topic or setting.