Nancy Drew #5: The Fake Heir

The Westing Game

Ellen Raskin

A complex mystery novel where multiple characters compete to solve a wealthy man's elaborate puzzle. The book features young, intelligent protagonists using logic and deduction to unravel a mysterious inheritance. Its intricate plot and youthful detective work make it similar to Nancy Drew mysteries.

The Secret of the Old Clock

Carolyn Keene

The first Nancy Drew mystery that launched the iconic series. Young detective Nancy Drew investigates the mysterious disappearance of a will that could help a struggling family. Her clever detective skills and determination shine as she unravels the truth and helps those in need.

Holes

Louis Sachar

A mystery novel about a boy who uncovers complex historical secrets while at a juvenile detention camp. Stanley Yelnats uses persistence and clever thinking to solve interconnected mysteries. The book shares themes of youthful investigation and problem-solving.

Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess

Nancy Springer

Sherlock Holmes's younger sister Enola becomes a detective in her own right, solving mysteries with intelligence and resourcefulness. She uses disguises and clever deduction to find a missing marquess, challenging Victorian-era gender expectations. The book shares Nancy Drew's themes of young female empowerment and mystery-solving.

The Boxcar Children

Gertrude Chandler Warner

A classic children's mystery about orphaned siblings who solve problems and mysteries together. Their resourcefulness, teamwork, and determination mirror Nancy Drew's investigative spirit. The book emphasizes young people using intelligence to overcome challenges.

The Mysterious Benedict Society

Trenton Lee Stewart

A group of gifted children who solve complex mysteries and undertake secret missions. Their unique skills and collaborative approach to problem-solving echo Nancy Drew's investigative spirit. The book emphasizes intelligence, teamwork, and youthful determination.

Veronica Mars: The Thousand-Dollar Tan Line

Rob Thomas

A modern female detective novel featuring a sharp-witted private investigator solving complex mysteries in her hometown. Veronica Mars uses her keen observation skills and clever strategies to uncover hidden truths. The book captures the same spirit of young, intelligent detective work as Nancy Drew.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

Alan Bradley

A mystery featuring Flavia de Luce, an eleven-year-old chemistry enthusiast who investigates a murder in her small English village. Her scientific approach and passionate curiosity drive her detective work. The book shares Nancy Drew's themes of young, intelligent investigation.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library

Chris Grabenstein

A puzzle-solving adventure where children use teamwork and intelligence to escape an elaborate library. The book features young detectives using creative problem-solving skills. Its emphasis on mystery and clever investigation parallels Nancy Drew's approach.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

Alan Bradley

A mystery featuring Flavia de Luce, an eleven-year-old chemistry enthusiast who investigates a murder in her small English village. Her scientific approach and passionate curiosity drive her detective work. The book shares Nancy Drew's themes of young, intelligent investigation.

Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief

Wendelin Van Draanen

A young detective story about a resourceful teenage girl solving crimes in her community. Sammy uses wit, courage, and clever observation to investigate mysterious events. Her independent spirit and problem-solving skills echo Nancy Drew's approach to mystery-solving.

The London Eye Mystery

Siobhan Dowd

A mystery solved by two siblings investigating their cousin's mysterious disappearance. The neurodivergent protagonist uses unique thinking strategies to unravel the puzzle. The book emphasizes intelligent, collaborative detective work by young people.

Three Times Lucky

Sheila Turnage

A mystery solved by a young girl in a small Southern town. Mo LoBeau uses wit, determination, and local knowledge to investigate a murder. Her spirited approach to detective work mirrors Nancy Drew's investigative style.

Harriet the Spy

Louise Fitzhugh

A classic children's book about a young girl who loves observing and writing about the world around her. Harriet keeps detailed notebooks and investigates her neighborhood, showing remarkable curiosity and determination. Her investigative spirit and keen observations parallel Nancy Drew's detective approach.

Heist Society

Ally Carter

A young adult novel about a teenage girl from a family of thieves who uses her skills to solve complex mysteries. Kat Bishop employs strategy, intelligence, and teamwork to navigate intricate challenges. The book captures the spirit of youthful problem-solving and adventure.

Greenglass House

Kate Milford

A mystery set in a smugglers' inn, solved by a young boy and his friend. They uncover hidden stories and solve complex puzzles through careful observation and creative thinking. The book shares themes of youthful investigation and mysterious discoveries.

Chasing Vermeer

Blue Balliett

A mystery involving two children who investigate the disappearance of a famous painting. Using logic, art history, and creative thinking, they solve a complex puzzle. The book emphasizes young detectives using intelligence to uncover hidden truths.