Get a Clue!

Now that Jennifer Lynn Barnes has wrapped up The Inheritance Games series and announced The Brothers Hawthorne, fans of the series might be sniffing around for their next mysterious young adult read. Known for its intricate plot, large cast of characters, and suspenseful series of riddles and enigmas, The Inheritance Games and its sequels is not, fortunately, the only one of its kind. For readers seeking something similar, take a peek at the list of puzzling plots you can check out with your library card below.

Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore

Like Avery in The Inheritance Games, Jane unexpectedly finds herself in a mansion and with her life with little adult guidance. With five choices laid before her, Jane considers unassuming clues to lead the reader through Jane’s future in a multiverse of split possibilities. A twisty story full of opulence and luxury from the perspective of an outsider, Jane, Unlimited comes with an innovative structure and a memorable take on genre. Also available as an eaudiobook.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

A closed case is a closed case, right? As in The Inheritance Games, history never truly dies. When Pippa starts uncovering evidence that Sal Singh did not actually kill golden girl Andie Bell years ago, she endeavors to prove his innocence as her capstone project. But before long, Pippa is caught up in the danger of her project and things are looking dicey even with the help of Sal’s brother Ravi. With a cast of flawed characters, Good Girl’s lays out a thrilling and suspenseful plot you won’t forget. Also available as an ebook and an eaudiobook.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

In this mystery classic, readers discover several individuals drawn into a puzzle of a lifetime when millionaire Samuel Westing dies and leaves behind an enigma for potential heirs. Like The Inheritance Games, Westing enjoys an intricate plot and invites the reader to solve the puzzle alongside the book’s characters. With a surprise ending, it’s a mystery for all ages that will stick with you long after the last page falls. Also available as an ebook and an eaudiobook.

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

For Stevie, there’s nothing that gets her excited like a true crime mystery. Accepted to Ellingham Academy, the brainchild of riddle-loving and bereaved husband and father, Stevie is determined not only to study for career aspirations but also to solve the mystery of Ellingham’s kidnapped wife and daughter. Before long, she’s confronted with a contemporary and equally deadly mystery and she’s not certain that it doesn’t have to do with the ghosts of the past. Featuring a large cast of characters, Truly Devious also explores themes like wealth and mental health much like The Inheritance Games. Also available as an audiobook, an ebook, and an eaudiobook.

I Killed Zoe Spanos by Kit Frick

In the luxurious world of the Hamptons, Anna, who happens to look like disappeared girl Zoe Spanos, falls into the mystery of what happened to Zoe. Alongside her story is a podcaster piecing together the same narrative with suspicions of who did what to the missing girl. Like The Inheritance Games, Zoe Spanos swims through an intricate plot with a compelling writing style that keeps the reader hooked. Also available as an ebook.

The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson

In multiple perspectives, The Agathas begins with the disappearance of a girl. Leaning on the lessons of their favorite mystery novelist, Agatha Christie, Iris and Alice set themselves on the case to find out what happened to Brooke Donovan. But before long, they’re in over their heads and on a collision course with danger. Like The Inheritance Games, The Agathas is both intricately plotted and compelling with a light touch of humor and plenty of banter throughout. Also available as an ebook and an eaudiobook.

Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley

Similar to The Inheritance Games, Firekeeper’s Daughter drives an intricate plot to a heartstopping climax amidst a mystery involving family and generations for the ages. After graduating from high school, Daunis intends to take some time before plunging into her education again while caring for family members following the death of her uncle. But she soon learns there’s more to her uncle’s death than she first thought as she witnesses a horrific scene and discovers an insidious substance making its way through her community. Also available as an ebook and an eaudiobook.