The 20 Best YA Mystery Books Like Nancy Drew

Nancy Drew has been solving mysteries for over 90 years, inspiring generations of young readers to embrace detective work, critical thinking, and female empowerment. While the classic series remains popular, modern teens often want mysteries that feel more contemporary—featuring diverse characters, current technology, and issues relevant to today’s world. These 20 YA mystery series and standalone books capture Nancy Drew’s spirit of intelligent, brave teenage detectives while offering fresh perspectives and modern storytelling for today’s mystery-loving readers.

What Made Nancy Drew Special

Understanding what readers love about Nancy Drew helps identify modern books that capture the same appeal:

Classic Nancy Drew Elements

• Smart, fearless female protagonist: Nancy never backs down from danger
• Amateur detective skills: Teenager solves crimes adults can’t handle
• Independence: Nancy investigates on her own terms
• Loyal friends: Supportive friend group helps with cases
• Clean content: Mysteries without graphic violence or mature themes
• Puzzle-solving satisfaction: Clues lead logically to solutions
• Empowerment themes: Young women can do anything they set their minds to

Why Nancy Drew Endures

• Girl power before it was trendy: Nancy was solving crimes when women had fewer opportunities
• Smart protagonist: Nancy wins through intelligence, not luck
• Optimistic worldview: Justice prevails, problems can be solved
• Accessible mysteries: Complex enough to be interesting, simple enough for young readers
• Adventure and independence: Nancy goes where adults fear to tread
• Positive role model: Nancy is brave, kind, and ethical

Modern Updates Teens Want

Today’s YA mystery readers still want Nancy Drew’s core appeal, but with contemporary elements:

Technology Integration

• Social media investigation: Using Instagram, TikTok, and online clues
• Digital forensics: Text messages, emails, and cyber-sleuthing
• Modern communication: Group chats, video calls, and instant messaging
• Online research: Search engines, databases, and digital archives

Diversity and Representation

• Diverse protagonists: Characters from different racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds
• LGBTQ+ characters: Authentic representation of different identities
• Global perspectives: Stories set in various countries and cultures
• Different family structures: Single parents, blended families, guardians

Contemporary Issues

• Social justice themes: Environmental issues, inequality, and activism
• Mental health awareness: Anxiety, depression, and therapy portrayed realistically
• School pressures: College prep, social media stress, and academic competition
• Current events: Immigration, climate change, and modern social issues

The 20 Best YA Mystery Books Like Nancy Drew

Organized by similarity to Nancy Drew’s appeal and accessibility

Tier 1: Perfect Nancy Drew Updates (Most Similar)

1. The Naturals Series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

• Protagonist: Cassie Hobbes, 17, natural criminal profiler
• Nancy Drew similarity: 9/10 (smart girl solving crimes with special skills)
• Setting: FBI program for gifted teens
• What makes it special: Real criminal profiling techniques, team dynamics
• Age appropriateness: 14+ (some violence, mature themes)
• Series length: 4 books plus novellas
• Perfect for: Readers who want Nancy Drew but with FBI training

2. Truly Devious Series by Maureen Johnson

• Protagonist: Stevie Bell, 16, true crime obsessed student
• Nancy Drew similarity: 9/10 (amateur detective at boarding school)
• Setting: Elite Vermont boarding school with historical mystery
• What makes it special: Dual timeline, 1930s cold case mixed with modern mystery
• Age appropriateness: 14+ (some mature themes, no graphic violence)
• Series length: 3 books
• Perfect for: History lovers who want boarding school mysteries

3. The Agathas Series by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson

• Protagonist: Alice Ogilvie, 17, mystery-solving duo with best friend
• Nancy Drew similarity: 8/10 (teen detective duo solving local mysteries)
• Setting: Modern California town
• What makes it special: Agatha Christie references, friendship focus
• Age appropriateness: 14+ (contemporary teen issues)
• Series length: 2 books so far
• Perfect for: Agatha Christie fans wanting modern teen mysteries

4. Sadie by Courtney Summers

• Protagonist: Sadie Hunter, 19, seeking justice for sister’s murder
• Nancy Drew similarity: 7/10 (determined female investigator)
• Setting: Contemporary road trip across America
• What makes it special: Podcast format, serious social issues
• Age appropriateness: 16+ (mature themes, violence)
• Series length: Standalone
• Perfect for: True crime podcast fans who want grittier mysteries

5. The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas

• Protagonist: Monica Rayburn, 17, investigating cheerleader deaths
• Nancy Drew similarity: 8/10 (teen investigating local mystery)
• Setting: Small Texas town with dark secrets
• What makes it special: True crime feel, small-town secrets
• Age appropriateness: 15+ (death, some mature themes)
• Series length: Standalone
• Perfect for: Small-town mystery fans who like true crime elements

Tier 2: Modern Mystery with Nancy Drew Spirit

6. One of Us Is Lying Series by Karen M. McManus

• Protagonists: Four students investigating classmate’s death
• Nancy Drew similarity: 8/10 (teens solving mystery adults can’t)
• Setting: California high school
• What makes it special: Multiple perspectives, social media integration
• Age appropriateness: 14+ (contemporary teen issues)
• Series length: 3 books
• Perfect for: Readers wanting group dynamics and social media mysteries

7. The Cousins by Karen M. McManus

• Protagonists: Three cousins uncovering family secrets
• Nancy Drew similarity: 7/10 (family mystery, determined teens)
• Setting: Private island resort
• What makes it special: Family drama, inheritance mystery
• Age appropriateness: 14+ (family secrets, some mature themes)
• Series length: Standalone
• Perfect for: Family mystery lovers who want contemporary setting

8. Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson

• Protagonist: Claudia Coleman, 13, searching for missing best friend
• Nancy Drew similarity: 8/10 (loyal friend investigating disappearance)
• Setting: Washington D.C.
• What makes it special: Important social issues, system failures
• Age appropriateness: 15+ (serious themes, social services critique)
• Series length: Standalone
• Perfect for: Readers wanting mysteries that address social justice

9. Little Monsters by Kara Thomas

• Protagonist: Kacey Simon, 17, investigating best friend’s disappearance
• Nancy Drew similarity: 7/10 (teen investigating friend’s mystery)
• Setting: Small Midwestern town
• What makes it special: Toxic friendships, unreliable narrator
• Age appropriateness: 15+ (mature themes, friendship drama)
• Series length: Standalone
• Perfect for: Psychological mystery fans who question character motivations

10. Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart

• Protagonist: Jule West Wiliams, 18, con artist and identity thief
• Nancy Drew similarity: 6/10 (clever female protagonist, but morally ambiguous)
• Setting: Various locations, told in reverse chronology
• What makes it special: Backwards storytelling, unreliable narrator
• Age appropriateness: 15+ (complex themes, some violence)
• Series length: Standalone
• Perfect for: Sophisticated readers who want experimental storytelling

Tier 3: Diverse Perspectives and Fresh Approaches

11. The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed

• Protagonist: Ashley Bennett, 17, navigating racial tensions and family secrets
• Nancy Drew similarity: 6/10 (teen uncovering truth about family and community)
• Setting: 1992 Los Angeles during riots
• What makes it special: Historical context, racial identity exploration
• Age appropriateness: 15+ (racial tensions, historical violence)
• Series length: Standalone
• Perfect for: Historical fiction fans who want mystery elements

12. The House You Pass on the Way by Jacqueline Woodson

• Protagonist: Staggerlee Canan, 14, questioning identity and family history
• Nancy Drew similarity: 6/10 (teen investigating personal mystery)
• Setting: Rural setting, family farm
• What makes it special: LGBTQ+ themes, family secrets, rural setting
• Age appropriateness: 13+ (identity questions, some mature themes)
• Series length: Standalone
• Perfect for: Readers wanting identity mysteries with rural settings

13. Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

• Protagonist: Mary B. Addison, 16, accused of murder as child
• Nancy Drew similarity: 7/10 (teen seeking truth and justice)
• Setting: Contemporary group home and legal system
• What makes it special: Unreliable narrator, justice system critique
• Age appropriateness: 16+ (mature themes, violence, legal system)
• Series length: Standalone
• Perfect for: Readers who want complex moral questions

14. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

• Protagonist: Xiomara Batista, 15, finding voice through poetry
• Nancy Drew similarity: 5/10 (teen solving personal identity mystery)
• Setting: Harlem, Dominican-American family
• What makes it special: Verse novel format, cultural identity, family dynamics
• Age appropriateness: 14+ (religious conflict, family tension)
• Series length: Standalone
• Perfect for: Poetry lovers who want coming-of-age mysteries

15. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

• Protagonist: Yadriel, 16, proving himself as brujo while solving ghost mystery
• Nancy Drew similarity: 7/10 (teen with special abilities solving supernatural mystery)
• Setting: Los Angeles Latino community
• What makes it special: Trans protagonist, Latinx culture, supernatural elements
• Age appropriateness: 14+ (LGBTQ+ themes, cultural elements)
• Series length: Standalone
• Perfect for: Supernatural mystery fans who want diverse representation

Tier 4: International and Historical Mysteries

16. The Walled City by Ryan Graudin

• Protagonist: Jin Ling, 18, searching for sister in lawless city
• Nancy Drew similarity: 7/10 (determined girl rescuing family member)
• Setting: Historical Hong Kong, Kowloon Walled City
• What makes it special: Historical setting, multiple POV, survival themes
• Age appropriateness: 16+ (historical violence, mature themes)
• Series length: Standalone
• Perfect for: Historical fiction fans who want adventure mystery

17. The Gilded Ones Series by Namina Forna

• Protagonist: Deka, 16, uncovering truth about her identity and society
• Nancy Drew similarity: 6/10 (girl discovering truth about her world)
• Setting: Fantasy world inspired by West African cultures
• What makes it special: African-inspired fantasy, feminist themes
• Age appropriateness: 15+ (violence, mature themes)
• Series length: 3 books planned
• Perfect for: Fantasy mystery fans who want diverse world-building

18. The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad

• Protagonist: Fatima Ghazala, 16, caught between human and djinn worlds
• Nancy Drew similarity: 6/10 (teen uncovering magical mysteries)
• Setting: Silk Road-inspired fantasy world
• What makes it special: Middle Eastern fantasy, djinn mythology
• Age appropriateness: 14+ (fantasy violence)
• Series length: Standalone
• Perfect for: Fantasy fans wanting Middle Eastern-inspired mysteries

19. The Smell of Other People’s Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock

• Protagonist: Multiple teens, each dealing with family mysteries
• Nancy Drew similarity: 6/10 (teens solving personal and family mysteries)
• Setting: 1970s Alaska
• What makes it special: Alaskan setting, interconnected stories, historical period
• Age appropriateness: 14+ (mature themes, historical context)
• Series length: Standalone
• Perfect for: Readers who want historical mysteries with unique settings

20. The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth

• Protagonist: Cameron Post, 16, navigating identity and family secrets
• Nancy Drew similarity: 5/10 (teen uncovering truth about herself and family)
• Setting: 1990s Montana
• What makes it special: LGBTQ+ themes, conversion therapy critique, rural setting
• Age appropriateness: 16+ (LGBTQ+ themes, mature situations)
• Series length: Standalone
• Perfect for: LGBTQ+ readers wanting historical coming-of-age mysteries

Comparison Chart: Nancy Drew Elements in Modern Books

Book Series	Smart Female Lead	Amateur Detective	Clean Content	Loyal Friends	Puzzle Solving	Modern Updates
The Naturals	✓✓✓	✓✓✓	✓✓	✓✓✓	✓✓✓	FBI training
Truly Devious	✓✓✓	✓✓✓	✓✓✓	✓✓	✓✓✓	Historical mystery
The Agathas	✓✓✓	✓✓✓	✓✓	✓✓✓	✓✓	Agatha Christie homage
One of Us Is Lying	✓✓	✓✓	✓✓	✓✓✓	✓✓	Social media integration
Monday’s Not Coming	✓✓✓	✓✓	✓	✓✓✓	✓✓	Social justice themes

Legend:

• ✓ = Present
• ✓✓ = Strong
• ✓✓✓ = Central element

Reading Recommendations by Interest

If You Want Classic Nancy Drew Feel:

1. The Naturals – FBI training for gifted teen detectives
2. Truly Devious – Boarding school mystery with historical elements
3. The Agathas – Modern teens channeling Agatha Christie
4. One of Us Is Lying – Group of teens solving school mystery

If You Want Diverse Characters:

1. Monday’s Not Coming – African American protagonist, social justice themes
2. Cemetery Boys – Trans Latino protagonist with supernatural abilities
3. The Black Kids – Asian American teen during LA riots
4. The Poet X – Dominican American teen finding her voice

If You Want Social Issues:

1. Sadie – Missing sister, true crime podcast format
2. Allegedly – Teen accused of murder, justice system critique
3. Monday’s Not Coming – System failures, missing persons
4. The Miseducation of Cameron Post – LGBTQ+ identity, conversion therapy

If You Want Friendship Focus:

1. The Agathas – Best friend detective duo
2. One of Us Is Lying – Group of students working together
3. Little Monsters – Complex friendship dynamics
4. The Naturals – Team of gifted teens

If You Want True Crime Elements:

1. Sadie – Podcast investigation format
2. The Cheerleaders – Multiple mysterious deaths
3. Truly Devious – Cold case investigation
4. Monday’s Not Coming – Missing person case

Age and Content Guidelines

Ages 13-14 (Middle Grade Transition)

Recommended: Truly Devious, The Agathas, One of Us Is Lying Content: Mild language, age-appropriate romance, minimal violence Themes: School-based mysteries, friendship, identity questions

Ages 14-15 (Early YA)

Recommended: The Naturals, The Cousins, Cemetery Boys Content: Some mature themes, mild romance, moderate suspense Themes: Special abilities, family secrets, identity exploration

Ages 16+ (Mature YA)

Recommended: Sadie, Allegedly, Monday’s Not Coming Content: Mature themes, social issues, some graphic content Themes: Social justice, complex moral questions, real-world problems

Content Warnings to Consider:

• Violence levels: Some books include murder, assault, or historical violence
• Social issues: Books may address racism, LGBTQ+ discrimination, or poverty
• Mental health: Characters may deal with anxiety, depression, or trauma
• Family dysfunction: Some stories include abuse, neglect, or family secrets

Why These Books Work for Modern Teens

Technology Integration

Modern YA mysteries naturally incorporate technology that teens use daily:

• Social media clues: Instagram posts, TikTok videos, and online profiles
• Digital communication: Text messages, group chats, and video calls
• Online research: Search engines, databases, and digital archives
• Cybersecurity: Password protection, hacking, and digital privacy

Realistic Dialogue and Situations

Contemporary books feature:

• Authentic teen speech: Current slang, texting language, and generational references
• Modern school experiences: College prep pressure, standardized testing, social media drama
• Current events: Climate change, social justice, and political awareness
• Diverse family structures: Single parents, blended families, chosen families

Complex Characters

Today’s YA mysteries offer:

• Flawed protagonists: Characters with realistic problems and growth arcs
• Diverse backgrounds: Characters from different races, ethnicities, and economic situations
• LGBTQ+ representation: Characters exploring sexual orientation and gender identity
• Mental health awareness: Realistic portrayals of anxiety, depression, and therapy

Building Your Nancy Drew-Inspired Reading List

Start with Most Similar:

1. Begin with The Naturals or Truly Devious for classic mystery feel
2. Try The Agathas for Agatha Christie vibes with modern setting
3. Read One of Us Is Lying for group dynamics and social media integration

Expand to Contemporary Issues:

1. Monday’s Not Coming for social justice themes
2. Sadie for true crime podcast style
3. The Cheerleaders for small-town secrets

Explore Diverse Voices:

1. Cemetery Boys for LGBTQ+ supernatural mystery
2. The Black Kids for historical mystery with racial themes
3. The Poet X for cultural identity exploration

Try International/Historical:

1. The Walled City for historical Hong Kong setting
2. The Gilded Ones for African-inspired fantasy mystery
3. The Smell of Other People’s Houses for 1970s Alaska

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these books appropriate for the same age range as Nancy Drew? A: Most are aimed at slightly older readers (14+) than classic Nancy Drew (10+). However, books like Truly Devious and The Agathas work well for younger teens transitioning to YA.

Q: Do these books have the same clean content as Nancy Drew? A: Content varies. Some maintain Nancy Drew’s clean approach, while others deal with mature themes like violence, social issues, or complex family situations. Check age recommendations and reviews.

Q: Are there any series as long as Nancy Drew? A: No modern series matches Nancy Drew’s 175+ books, but The Naturals (4 books) and Truly Devious (3 books) offer series experiences. Many are standalones or shorter series.

Q: Which books feature the strongest female protagonists? A: The Naturals, Truly Devious, Sadie, and Monday’s Not Coming all feature determined, intelligent female protagonists who drive their own investigations.

Q: Are there any books that include Nancy Drew references or homages? A: The Agathas pays homage to classic mystery writers including the Nancy Drew style, and Truly Devious captures the boarding school mystery tradition that influenced Nancy Drew.

Q: Which books work best for reluctant readers? A: One of Us Is Lying, The Agathas, and The Naturals have fast pacing and immediate hooks that engage reluctant readers quickly.

Q: Do any of these books have romantic subplots like Nancy Drew’s relationship with Ned? A: Most include some romance, but it’s usually more realistic and integrated into character development rather than the simple, steady relationship Nancy had with Ned.

Q: Are there any books featuring male protagonists in the Nancy Drew style? A: While this list focuses on books similar to Nancy Drew’s female perspective, The Naturals includes male team members, and many books feature ensemble casts with both male and female detectives.

The Evolution from Nancy Drew to Modern YA Mystery

Nancy Drew paved the way for strong female protagonists in mystery fiction, but modern YA has evolved to reflect contemporary realities while maintaining her empowering spirit. Today’s teen mystery readers still want smart, brave protagonists who solve crimes through intelligence and determination, but they also want:

• Diverse representation that reflects real-world demographics
• Contemporary technology integrated naturally into investigations
• Complex moral questions that don’t have simple answers
• Social awareness that addresses current issues
• Authentic relationships that feel realistic to modern teens
• Global perspectives that expand beyond small-town America

These 20 books prove that Nancy Drew’s legacy lives on in new forms that speak to contemporary young readers while maintaining the core elements that made her special: intelligence, bravery, independence, and the unwavering belief that teenagers can change the world through determination and critical thinking.

Whether you’re a longtime Nancy Drew fan looking for modern updates or a new reader discovering the joy of teenage detectives, these books offer the same satisfying combination of mystery, empowerment, and adventure that has captivated young readers for generations. The spirit of Nancy Drew—curious, fearless, and always ready for the next mystery—continues in these contemporary stories that prove young women can solve any puzzle they set their minds to.