These YA Mystery/Thriller novels are must-reads for 2022! I’ve said this a few times, but I’m extremely jealous of the variety of Young Adult novels available today. I remember as a kid jumping straight from middle grade to adult novels because of the lack of books available.
On this list, you’ll find ghosts, murder, and mysteries to solve. Enjoy!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission.
I’m also a Bookshop Affiliate. Bookshop works with local independent bookstores to deliver books to your door. You can shop this entire list on Bookshop here.
Firekeeper’s Daughter
After a family tragedy, Daunis decides to attend a local school for her first year of college. I’ve come across very few YA novels with natives (Daunis is half native) as the main character.
Goodreads gives out awards each year and I was disappointed when my choice, Ace of Spades, didn’t win the Young Adult category. So, I wanted to read the book that beat out my favorite. And Firekeeper’s Daughter rightfully won. It’s really good yall!
Firekeeper’s Daughter Bookshop Affiliate Link
White Smoke
Marigold and her family leave Cali to move to the midwest after her mother gets an opportunity to move to a new house for free. When they pull up to their new home, something is instantly off. The people in this neighborhood aren’t welcoming and are a little creepy. Marigold and her family find out quickly that this golden opportunity to start over, may not be so golden after all.
White Smoke Bookshop Affiliate Link
The Taking of Jake Livingston
So this book is more on the Thriller/Paranormal side. It wasn’t what I expected, but I couldn’t put it down. Jake can see dead people. They are all pretty harmless until he meets one who left the living world after committing an unspeakable act. Producers love turning books into movies and I would love to see this novel on the big screen.
The Taking of Jake Livingston Bookshop Affiliate Link
The Girls I’ve Been
Nora has been a lot of girls because of her mother’s conning lifestyle. When she is put in the middle of a bank robbery, Nora hopes one of the girls she’s been can save them all.
The Girls I’ve Been Bookshop Affiliate Link
One of Us is Lying
Detention isn’t supposed to be deadly. But after detention at Bayview High a classmate is found dead. And he didn’t die of natural causes, he was murdered. The victim was set to reveal some juicy secrets about his classmates before his untimely death. Now, everyone in the room is a suspect. I thought the ending was surprising! There is a sequel, One of Us Is Next, but I haven’t had a chance to read it just yet.
Everything on film these days is from a book, and you can check out the tv show based on this book on PeacockTV. I haven’t seen the show, so let me know how it is in the comments!
One of Us is Lying Bookshop Affiliate Link
Ace of Spades
Devon and Chiamaka attend the prestigious Niveus Private Academy. These talented seniors expect their last year of high school to go as planned, but when they start receiving texts, exposing their darkest secrets, they realize that their senior year is nothing like they expected. The author, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is a fan of Gossip Girl and she does a great job of using her love to create this YA thriller.
Ace of Spades Bookshop Affiliate Link
Monday’s not coming
Claudia has been gone all summer. On her first day of school, she expects to see her best friend Monday. When she arrives at school, Monday is a no-show, and nobody but Claudia seems to notice. Claudia instantly knows something is wrong and begins looking into her disappearance immediately. And she doesn’t stop until she finds Monday.
Monday’s Not Coming Bookshop Affiliate Link
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
If you’re looking for a murder mystery, then this is the book for you.
Everyone thinks that high school senior Andie Bell was killed by her boyfriend, Sal. But Pip, a student from the same high school, doesn’t believe that’s true. So, for a school project, she decides to dig up the truth.
I couldn’t put this book down! Since I’ve read this book, it has turned into a trilogy, Good Girl, Bad Blood and As good As Dead. You’ll definitely want to finish the series after reading the first book.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Bookshop Affiliate Link
There are a few more books I may add to the list. I want to finish reading them first! If they’re added, I share them on IG first! Be sure to follow me.
Let me know in the comments if there’s a YA Mystery/Thriller that I should check out next year!
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