Thriller books captivate readers with suspense, mystery, and fast-paced plots that keep the pages turning. For 13-year-olds, the right thriller can ignite a lifelong love of reading by combining relatable characters with exciting adventures and nail-biting tension — all within age-appropriate themes. This article explores 20 of the best thriller books for young teens, featuring gripping storylines, well-crafted suspense, and just the right level of complexity to challenge and entertain.
Below, each book is described in detail to help parents, educators, and young readers themselves find thrilling stories that are both engaging and suitable for early teens.
20 Best Thriller Books for 13-Year-Olds
1. “One of Us Is Lying” by Karen M. McManus
Karen McManus’s debut novel is a modern mystery thriller that has captivated teen readers everywhere. The story revolves around five high school students sent to detention, but only four walk out alive. Each character has secrets, and the question of who killed Simon, the gossip app creator, keeps readers guessing until the very end. The narrative cleverly explores themes of trust, bullying, and the social dynamics of high school, all wrapped in a fast-paced, suspenseful plot that hooks readers from page one.
2. “I Am Number Four” by Pittacus Lore
This science fiction thriller mixes suspense with action as it follows John Smith, one of nine alien teens hiding on Earth to escape their enemies. At 13, readers can relate to John’s struggles with identity and friendship while being swept up in his fight for survival. The book combines mystery with thrilling chase sequences, making it an excellent pick for teens who enjoy both adventure and suspense.
3. “The Westing Game” by Ellen Raskin
A classic mystery-thriller that has won multiple awards, The Westing Game involves sixteen heirs competing to solve the mystery of millionaire Sam Westing’s death. The story is filled with puzzles, intriguing characters, and clever twists. Though written decades ago, its engaging and clever plot makes it timeless, perfect for curious 13-year-olds who love problem-solving alongside suspense.
4. “Greenglass House” by Kate Milford
Set in a mysterious old inn during winter break, Greenglass House mixes thriller and mystery genres with supernatural elements. The protagonist, Milo, along with a cast of strangers stuck during a snowstorm, must uncover secrets about the inn and the past. The story is atmospheric, full of suspense and layered mysteries, perfect for readers who enjoy mood-driven, complex thrillers.
5. “The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die” by April Henry
This book delivers a fast-paced thriller with a gripping premise: a girl wakes up with no memory and soon discovers she is being hunted. The story is intense, with multiple twists, and explores themes of identity, survival, and trust. It’s suitable for mature 13-year-olds who crave adrenaline-filled narratives without excessive violence.
6. “Trapped” by Michael Northrop
In Trapped, a group of high school students become stranded on a snowbound mountain after an avalanche. What begins as a survival story quickly turns into a tense thriller with an underlying mystery about what caused the avalanche. The novel combines suspense with emotional depth, making it compelling for readers who like survival thrillers with strong character development.
7. “The Naturals” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The Naturals follows a group of teens with special talents who are recruited by the FBI to solve cold cases. This thriller mixes crime-solving with personal drama and keeps readers on edge with its fast pace and clever mysteries. Teens interested in psychology, profiling, and detective work will find this series particularly engaging.
8. “Small Spaces” by Katherine Arden
A chilling thriller with eerie undertones, Small Spaces features a young protagonist who finds herself trapped in a terrifying reality when a school trip goes wrong. Arden’s writing creates a tense atmosphere filled with supernatural elements and psychological suspense, making it ideal for 13-year-olds who enjoy spooky, edge-of-the-seat stories.
9. “The Maze Runner” by James Dashner
This bestselling dystopian thriller throws teens into a deadly maze with no memory of their past. The suspense builds as the protagonist and his friends try to uncover the truth behind the maze while escaping deadly creatures. It’s a gripping, action-packed read that hooks young readers with its mystery and constant danger.
10. “Lockdown” by Alexander Gordon Smith
Part of the Escape from Furnace series, Lockdown is a dark thriller about a boy sent to a high-security prison for teens. The tension and pacing are intense, and the story explores themes of justice, loyalty, and survival under extreme conditions. This book is best suited for mature 13-year-olds comfortable with darker themes.
11. “The Name of This Book Is Secret” by Pseudonymous Bosch
A fun and quirky thriller, this book follows two kids solving mysteries involving a secret society. It cleverly breaks the fourth wall and keeps readers guessing with riddles and puzzles. It’s a lighter thriller that’s perfect for readers who want suspense without heavy darkness.
12. “The London Eye Mystery” by Siobhan Dowd
When Ted’s cousin Sal disappears from the London Eye, Ted uses his unique perspective and logical thinking to unravel the mystery. The story mixes suspense with clever problem-solving and explores family relationships, making it a heartfelt thriller that challenges readers to think critically.
13. “The Monstrumologist” by Rick Yancey
This gothic thriller introduces readers to a young apprentice of a doctor who studies monsters. Filled with suspense and creepy moments, the novel blends horror and thriller elements. It’s ideal for teens who enjoy thrilling, atmospheric stories with a touch of the supernatural.
14. “Savvy” by Ingrid Law
While Savvy is more of a fantasy adventure, it contains thriller-like elements as the protagonist embarks on a tense quest to save her family. The book’s suspenseful moments and emotional stakes appeal to young teens who enjoy thrilling journeys intertwined with family drama.
15. “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” by Alvin Schwartz
This collection of short horror-thriller tales has been a staple for young readers for decades. Each story builds tension quickly and delivers spine-tingling chills without graphic content. It’s perfect for 13-year-olds who love quick, suspenseful reads that can be shared aloud.
16. “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs
This novel blends thriller, fantasy, and mystery as Jacob explores an eerie orphanage filled with peculiar children. The haunting photographs add to the suspense and atmosphere, making it a unique read that combines historical mystery with supernatural thrills.
17. “The Night Gardener” by Jonathan Auxier
A gothic thriller, The Night Gardener tells the story of two Irish siblings working as servants in a creepy English manor. Dark secrets and supernatural elements build suspense and fear in this haunting tale, ideal for teens who like atmospheric thrillers with emotional depth.
18. “The Apothecary” by Maile Meloy
Set during the Cold War, this thriller follows a young girl who discovers a secret apothecary shop with magical potions. The story mixes espionage with suspense and adventure, engaging young readers with its clever plot and historical setting.
19. “Dead End in Norvelt” by Jack Gantos
A quirky mystery-thriller about a boy stuck with community service in a small town where strange things happen. The book combines humor, suspense, and historical elements, making it a refreshing take on the thriller genre for 13-year-olds who enjoy offbeat stories.
20. “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon
Though not a traditional thriller, this novel’s mystery surrounding the death of a dog pulls readers into a tightly woven suspenseful investigation through the eyes of a boy with autism. The unique perspective and compelling storytelling provide a fresh take on the thriller genre appropriate for young teens.
Conclusion
Thriller books for 13-year-olds open the door to exciting worlds of mystery, suspense, and adventure while developing critical thinking and empathy through relatable characters and situations. The 20 books listed here offer a wide variety of thriller styles — from supernatural and gothic to mystery and survival — all suitable for middle-grade to young teen readers. Whether your young reader prefers puzzles, supernatural chills, or heart-pounding action, there’s a thriller here that will keep them hooked and eager for the next page.
If you are looking to encourage reading and adventure through suspenseful stories, these thriller books provide the perfect blend of excitement and age-appropriate themes to challenge and entertain young teens. Happy reading!
