What Best Murder Mystery Books For Young Adults Won Awards?

I’ve got a few favorites that are perfect for young adults. 'One of Us Is Lying' by Karen M. McManus is a modern classic, blending high school drama with a gripping whodunit. It’s like 'The Breakfast Club' meets Agatha Christie. Another must-read is 'Truly Devious' by Maureen Johnson, which combines a historical mystery with a contemporary setting, keeping you hooked till the very end. For those who enjoy a touch of the supernatural, 'The Diviners' by Libba Bray is a fantastic choice. Set in the 1920s, it’s a mix of mystery, horror, and historical fiction that’s both eerie and captivating. If you’re into psychological thrillers, 'We Were Liars' by E. Lockhart is a short but intense read that will leave you reeling. Lastly, 'A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder' by Holly Jackson is a cleverly crafted mystery with a determined protagonist who’s impossible not to root for. These books are perfect for anyone who loves a good puzzle and a thrilling ride.

the last decade has delivered some absolute gems. 'One of Us Is Lying' by Karen M. McManus is a standout—it's like 'The Breakfast Club' meets a murder mystery, with four suspects and a dead gossip king. The way McManus layers secrets and red herrings is masterful. Then there's 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' by Holly Jackson, which follows a true-crime-obsessed teen investigating a local case everyone thinks is solved. The podcast-style narrative and twisty reveals make it impossible to put down. Another favorite is 'Truly Devious' by Maureen Johnson, blending a historic boarding school disappearance with a present-day murder. The dual timelines create this delicious tension, and Stevie Bell is one of the most relatable amateur sleuths ever. 'The Inheritance Games' by Jennifer Lynn Barnes also deserves a shoutout—it's a puzzle-box mystery with a rags-to-riches twist, full of riddles and family secrets. These books aren't just about solving crimes; they dive deep into teen psychology, societal pressures, and the blurred lines between truth and perception.

I've been diving deep into YA mystery novels lately, especially those that have grabbed major literary awards. One that stands out is 'The Lie Tree' by Frances Hardinge, which won the Costa Book of the Year—a huge deal since it’s rare for YA to take that prize. The book’s got this gothic vibe, with a girl uncovering secrets through a tree that feeds on lies. It’s dark, twisty, and totally deserving of the hype. Another gem is 'We Were Liars' by E. Lockhart, a Printz Honor book. The writing’s razor-sharp, and the unreliable narrator keeps you guessing until the brutal end. Then there’s 'A Skinful of Shadows' by Hardinge again (she’s a powerhouse), which bagged the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. It blends historical fiction with supernatural mystery, and the protagonist’s struggle with inherited ghosts is unlike anything I’ve read. For something more contemporary, 'Monday’s Not Coming' by Tiffany D. Jackson won the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe Award. It’s a harrowing take on a girl vanishing and the system failing her. These books prove YA mysteries aren’t just thrilling—they’re literary heavyweights.

some of the top-rated ones on Goodreads are absolute page-turners. 'One of Us Is Lying' by Karen M. McManus is a standout with its gripping plot and unexpected twists. The story revolves around five students who enter detention, but only four leave alive. The characters are so well-developed that you feel like you're right there with them. Another favorite is 'Truly Devious' by Maureen Johnson, which combines a cold case with a modern-day mystery at an elite boarding school. The atmospheric setting and clever clues make it hard to put down. 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' by Holly Jackson is another gem, featuring a determined protagonist who reopens a closed murder case. The way the story unfolds through interviews and journal entries adds a unique touch. These books are perfect for anyone who loves a good mystery with a side of teenage drama.

I’ve been diving into young adult mystery novels lately, and some recent award-winners are absolutely gripping. 'The Inheritance Games' by Jennifer Lynn Barnes won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Young Adult Fiction, and it’s easy to see why—its clever puzzles and twisty family secrets kept me hooked. Another standout is 'One of Us Is Lying' by Karen M. McManus, which snagged the ITW Thriller Award for Best Young Adult Novel. The way it blends high-school drama with a murder mystery is genius. And let’s not forget 'Ace of Spades' by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, which won the British Book Award for Best YA Book. Its chilling exploration of systemic racism and suspense is unforgettable. These books prove YA mysteries are more than just fun—they’re award-worthy masterpieces.

a few titles have absolutely blown me away. 'A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder' by Holly Jackson is a standout—its twisty plot and relatable protagonist make it impossible to put down. Another favorite is 'The Cousins' by Karen M. McManus, which masterfully blends family drama with suspense. For something darker, 'The Inheritance Games' by Jennifer Lynn Barnes kept me on the edge of my seat with its clever puzzles and high-stakes tension. These books all have that perfect mix of suspense and emotional depth that makes YA mysteries so addictive. If you’re looking for page-turners with heart, these are my top picks for 2023.

I’ve always been drawn to young adult mystery novels, especially those that have been recognized for their brilliance. One standout is 'One of Us Is Lying' by Karen M. McManus, which won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Young Adult Fiction. The gripping plot about five students walking into detention and only four walking out kept me hooked. Another award-winner is 'The Naturals' by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, a thrilling series that combines psychology and crime-solving. 'Truly Devious' by Maureen Johnson is another favorite, with its clever blend of historical mystery and modern-day sleuthing, earning it a spot on many best-of lists. These books not only deliver suspense but also depth, making them unforgettable reads.

Man, YA mystery books have come such a long way from the basic 'Nancy Drew' days! Lately I've been obsessed with Karen M. McManus's 'One of Us Is Lying'—it's like 'The Breakfast Club' meets a murder mystery, with these four teens framed for a classmate's death. The way each character's secrets unravel had me flipping pages till 3AM. And don't even get me started on the sequel! Another gem is Maureen Johnson's 'Truly Devious' trilogy. It blends historical mystery with present-day boarding school drama, and the protagonist Stevie is this wonderfully awkward true crime enthusiast. The pacing feels like riding a rollercoaster—just when you think you've solved it, bam! New twist. Bonus points for the atmospheric Vermont setting that makes you wanna drink cider while reading.

Murder mysteries for young adults have this unique charm—they blend the thrill of solving a crime with the emotional turbulence of growing up. One of my all-time favorites is 'One of Us Is Lying' by Karen M. McManus. It’s like 'The Breakfast Club' meets Agatha Christie, where five students walk into detention, but only four walk out alive. The way McManus weaves together high school drama and a whodunit is just brilliant. Each character has secrets, and the pacing keeps you guessing until the very end. I couldn’t put it down, and the twists? Chef’s kiss. Another gem is 'A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder' by Holly Jackson. The protagonist, Pip, decides to reinvestigate a closed murder case for her school project, and oh boy, does she uncover more than she bargained for. The book’s format—mixing interviews, journal entries, and traditional narrative—makes it feel so immersive. Pip’s determination and the way the mystery unfolds had me on the edge of my seat. Plus, the sequel, 'Good Girl, Bad Blood,' is just as addictive. If you love true crime vibes but with a YA twist, this series is a must-read. For something a bit darker, 'The Cheerleaders' by Kara Thomas is a wild ride. It’s about a town still reeling from the deaths of five cheerleaders years earlier, and the protagonist starts digging into whether the tragedies are connected. The atmosphere is so eerie, and the way Thomas explores grief and suspicion is hauntingly good. It’s one of those books where you think you’ve figured it out, but then the rug gets pulled out from under you. Perfect for readers who like their mysteries with a side of psychological depth. And let’s not forget 'Truly Devious' by Maureen Johnson. This one’s set at an elite boarding school with a decades-old unsolved murder, and the protagonist, Stevie, is obsessed with cracking the case. The dual timeline between past and present mysteries is executed flawlessly, and Stevie’s quirky, true-crime-obsessed personality is so endearing. The cliffhanger at the end had me screaming for the next book. It’s smart, witty, and packed with red herrings—everything a murder mystery lover could ask for. What I adore about these books is how they don’t just rely on the mystery; they dive deep into the characters’ lives, making the stakes feel personal. Whether it’s the pressure of high school, family secrets, or just the struggle to be heard, these stories resonate long after the last page. If you’re looking for a mix of suspense, heart, and clever plotting, any of these will hit the spot.