10 Reviews: Best Psychological Thriller Books for Middle Schoolers (Apr 2024)

At Greenglass House, it’s wintertime. Milo, the innkeeper’s twelve-year-old adopted son, looks forward to a quiet holiday season at the rickety smuggler’s inn. However, the guest bell rings on the first frigid night of vacation. Milo’s house is overflowing with strange, mysterious visitors, all of whom have a connection to the old, dilapidated house in some way. Milo and Meddy, the cook’s daughter, are tasked with solving a series of increasingly complex mysteries at Greenglass House, including the disappearance of artifacts and the escalating rage between residents.

"My 9-yo looks forward to this book each day and already has requested every book in the series."

by Amy-Buffalo

It’s been a long time since Cedar’s father and younger brother, Ben, were killed in an accident. For the summer, Cedar and the rest of her family will be returning to Iron Creek. Leo, a costumed biker, passes them as they unpack their belongings at their new home. Cedar is intrigued and follows him to the legendary Summerlost festival. Soon, she has a new friend in Leo and a job at the festival working concessions, but she is also engulfed in a mysterious aura. Summerlost is haunted by the terrible, short-lived life of a Hollywood actress. And there’s the enigma of Cedar’s unique powers.

"It was a very well written book. Full of the emotions of lose and learning to cope and sharing the burden."

by JHB

This novel will keep you on your toes with a thrilling ghost story and exciting adventure! Harper doesn’t trust her new home, and rumors say it’s haunted. Harper doubts the allegations until her brother Michael acts suspiciously. Harper has déjà vu but can’t recall why. Will she be able to piece together her brother’s actions and the peculiar, menacing sensations in this place from the memories she’s blocking?

"This book kept me on my toes, what a thriller! I felt so in touch with the Harper and only a really great author could create such a connection and compelling story all in one."

by Justine Bae

After learning that world-renowned game designer Luigi Lemoncello has designed his hometown’s new library and will host an invitation-only lock-in on opening night, Kyle is determined to go! But, getting inside the library isn’t hard; it’s getting out. Because the doors are always locked in the morning, a secret escape path can only be discovered by solving all of the clues and hidden puzzles left by Kyle and the other youngsters.

"Bought book for 10 year old. I read it first and LOVED it. I hope she will too."

by Cindy Hunt

Yelnatses have been cursed since his no-good, dirty, rotten, pig-stealing great-great-grandfather. Stanley was unjustly sent to Camp Green Lake, a boys’ correctional institution where they grow character by digging five-foot-deep ditches. Camp Green Lake is dry. Many holes. Stanley quickly realizes Camp Green Lake is about more than character development. The warden wants the guys to dig holes. What’s under a dried-up lake? Stanley searches for the truth in this darkly hilarious tale of crime, punishment, and forgiveness.

"Perfect book to read after lunch. Bonus of watching the movie after. Lots of opportunity to discuss themes, race, making inferences and predictions"

by Coco

The Morningstarr twins arrived in New York in 1798 with a vision for a splendid city and meandering railroad lines. Fifty-seven years later, the enigmatic architects fled, leaving New Yorkers the Old York Cipher, a puzzle that promised an unimaginable wealth. The riddle has never been solved, becoming a tourist attraction. Tess, Theo, and Jaime Cruz live in a Morningstarr apartment until a developer buys the five remaining buildings. Their destruction will ruin a New York fantasy. Tess, Theo, and Jaime must prove the Old York Cipher’s authenticity to save their house. They must fix it.

*Written by my 12yo son: "I enjoyed this book very much. It was well done, and I loved all of the characters. Great for children of all ages. I highly recommend this book.""

by Judy

Katherine Bateson, 12, explains everything logically. But, even she can’t explain the unusual happenings at Rookskill Castle, the Scottish castle-turned-school where she and her siblings have been transported to escape the London Blitz. What’s causing the nighttime shrieks? Why do the castle’s walls act strangely? Who are the children who haunt Rookskill? Kat thinks Lady Eleanor is hiding a Nazi spy. But, Kat must face reality about what the castle holds and who Lady Eleanor is before it’s too late.

"Nice combination of fantasy and suspenseful reality with likable characters and a strong and clever heroine. Leaves you wanting more."

by WLF

Candice is unsure whether or not she should read a letter she finds in an old attic in Lambert, South Carolina. She wrote it to her grandma, who fled the town in shame. The letter refers to a young lady. It was an injustice that took place decades ago. The author’s identity is shrouded in obscurity. Then there’s the reward for solving the riddle. To assist her, she enlists the aid of a quiet boy across the street, Brandon. Taking on the quest will bring them into Lambert’s past, which is filled with heinous actions which have their unsaid secrets.

"Excellent read more for middle school than elementary school"

by path

Tucker’s alone. Her father sent her to live with a friend while he worked on the railroad. Abilene disembarks at Manifest, Kansas, to learn about her father. Abilene is disappointed with the state of Manifest. Her despair becomes exhilarated when she finds a concealed cigar box with Rattler letters. Abilene, Lettie, and Ruthanne are admonished to “Leave Well Enough Alone” by strange letters. Abilene abandons caution to pay a debt to the recluse Miss Sadie, a diviner who only tells stories from the past. Manifest’s history is filled with nefarious characters and intrigues.

"Great summer read. The characters came to life in Manifest. Abilene is a true hero to read about. This is a great book for all ages."

by Jon

Ashton Place’s forest is overrun with Incorrigibles. Alexander, age 10, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia, age 4 or 5, barks worse than she bites; and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, chases squirrels. Penelope Lumley’s no ordinary governess. Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females graduating Penelope, 15, is 15. First, she must help the kids overcome their canine inclinations before teaching them Latin verbs and globes. How did three wild animals come to Ashton Place? Second, Penelope must teach the Incorrigibles etiquette before Lady Constance’s ball.

"Delightful mystery and wonderful characters, with witty asides. Fun for adults as well as kids. I immediately bought book 2."

by Jennifer Lancaster