The Greatest Mystery, Supernatural, and Teen & Young Adult Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 464 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Genres

Mystery

The Mystery genre is a category of books that typically involves a crime, puzzle, or enigma that needs to be solved by the protagonist or a group of characters. These books often feature suspenseful and thrilling plotlines, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end. Mystery novels can range from cozy mysteries, which are lighter and more lighthearted, to hard-boiled detective stories, which are darker and more gritty. Overall, the Mystery genre is a popular and diverse category of books that appeals to readers who enjoy solving puzzles and uncovering secrets.

Supernatural

The "Supernatural" category for books typically includes stories that involve paranormal or supernatural elements, such as ghosts, vampires, werewolves, witches, and other supernatural creatures. These books often explore themes of magic, mystery, and the unknown, and may incorporate elements of horror, romance, or fantasy. Supernatural books can range from dark and eerie tales to lighthearted and whimsical stories, but they all share a common thread of exploring the supernatural world beyond our own.

Teen & Young Adult

The "Teen & Young Adult" category in literature encompasses a broad range of fiction and non-fiction books specifically tailored for readers aged roughly between 12 and 18 years old. These books often feature protagonists and experiences that resonate with the challenges, emotions, and transitions characteristic of adolescence and young adulthood. Themes such as identity, romance, friendship, family dynamics, and self-discovery are commonly explored, with settings ranging from realistic to fantastical. The genre aims to provide a relatable and engaging reading experience, offering both escapism and insight into the complexities of growing up. While primarily targeting teenagers and young adults, these books often possess a crossover appeal, attracting adult readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories and the fresh perspectives of youthful narratives.

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  1. 1. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

    A young girl named Coraline Jones moves into a new home and discovers a secret door leading to an alternate version of her life, where her "Other Mother" and "Other Father" reside. Although this parallel world seems better at first, she soon realizes that her Other Parents want to keep her there permanently and that they are not as they appear. Coraline must use her bravery and wits to save herself and her real parents, who have been kidnapped by the Other Mother, and free the souls of other children trapped in this alternate world.

    The 3387th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

    In a gritty and dangerous city, a notorious gang leader named Kaz Brekker is offered a life-changing heist that could make him unimaginably rich. He assembles a team of skilled outcasts, each with their own unique talents, to pull off an impossible mission. As they navigate through treacherous streets and face deadly enemies, the group must rely on their wits and trust each other to survive. Along the way, secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested, and unexpected alliances are formed, all while the fate of their world hangs in the balance.

    The 3864th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

    The novel follows the unusual life of a boy named Nobody "Bod" Owens who, after his family is murdered, is raised by the supernatural inhabitants of a graveyard. Under the protection of ghosts and his guardian, who is neither living nor dead, Bod learns about the living world and the dangers it holds, including the man Jack who continues to hunt for him. As he grows up among tombstones and crypts, Bod explores the limits of his graveyard home, encounters creatures of the night, and ultimately confronts the sinister forces that took his family from him, all while trying to lead a normal life despite his extraordinary upbringing.

    The 4529th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Tricksters by Margaret Mahy

    The novel revolves around the Hamilton family, who spend their Christmas holiday at their beach house, Carnival's Hide, where they encounter three mysterious brothers—Ovid, Hadfield, and Felix. As the story unfolds, the protagonist, 17-year-old Harry Hamilton, becomes entangled in a web of supernatural events and family secrets. The brothers' presence forces Harry and her family to confront hidden truths and personal fears, leading to a transformative experience that blurs the lines between reality and imagination. The narrative explores themes of identity, the power of storytelling, and the complexities of human relationships.

    The 7768th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

    In this young adult fantasy novel, we follow the story of a Lipan Apache teenager with the unique ability to awaken the ghosts of dead animals, a skill passed down through generations of her family. When her cousin dies under mysterious circumstances, she sets out to uncover the truth behind his death, delving into a small town's dark secrets. Alongside her ghost dog sidekick, she navigates a world filled with magic, spirits, and creatures from folklore, confronting the intersection of her Indigenous culture and the supernatural realm. Her journey tests her courage and her ancestral gifts, as she seeks justice and upholds her family's legacy.

    The 7865th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson

    Beware the Kitten Holy

    "Lumberjanes" is a graphic novel that follows a group of five diverse and adventurous girls at a summer camp, who stumble upon supernatural creatures and mysterious happenings in the nearby forest. As they work together to uncover the secrets of the camp, they also navigate themes of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery. With its charming illustrations and empowering narrative, "Lumberjanes" is a delightful and captivating read for all ages.

    The 9427th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Lord of Misrule by Rachel Caine

    The Morganville Vampires, Book 5

    In "Lord of Misrule: The Morganville Vampires", the protagonist and her friends must deal with the chaos that ensues after the town of Morganville becomes a battleground for rival vampire factions. As they navigate the dangerous landscape, they must also deal with personal dilemmas and relationships. The book combines elements of horror, romance, and supernatural fantasy to create a thrilling narrative.

    The 11284th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. House Of Sky And Breath by Sarah J. Maas

    Crescent City

    In "House of Sky and Breath," readers are plunged into a fantastical world where a diverse cast of characters grapples with the aftermath of a revolutionary war. The narrative centers on a half-fae, half-human protagonist and her found family of rebels as they navigate political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and forbidden romances. They must contend with oppressive regimes and unearthly powers, all while confronting their own personal demons and forging alliances with unlikely partners. The stakes are high as they fight for freedom and survival in a world teeming with danger, magic, and betrayal, where the boundary between life and death is as tenuous as the sky and breath.

    The 12300th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Folk Keeper by Franny Billingsley

    "The Folk Keeper" by Franny Billingsley is a young adult fantasy novel about a girl named Corinna who is a Folk Keeper, responsible for maintaining the balance between humans and the Folk, a group of supernatural beings who live in the sea. Corinna has a mysterious past and is haunted by her memories, but she is determined to do her duty and protect the people of her island. When a new Lord arrives and threatens to upset the delicate balance between humans and Folk, Corinna must use her skills and knowledge to save her home and the creatures she has come to love. Along the way, she discovers the truth about her own identity and learns to embrace her unique abilities.

    The 12342nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Doll Bones by Holly Black

    A Ghost Story

    "Doll Bones" by Holly Black is a story about three friends, Zach, Poppy, and Alice, who embark on a journey to bury a haunted doll that they believe is controlling their lives. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and obstacles that test their friendship and force them to confront their fears. As they delve deeper into the mystery surrounding the doll, they begin to uncover secrets about themselves and their families. Ultimately, they must face their fears and find the courage to do what is right, even if it means facing the unknown.

    The 12342nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Cuckoo Song by Frances Hardinge

    This novel is a gripping, dark fantasy tale set in post-World War I England, where a young girl wakes up after an accident to find herself changed in inexplicable ways. As she struggles to piece together what happened to her, she discovers that she is not who she thought she was, and her family seems to be harboring sinister secrets. With the help of unlikely allies, she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her identity and to confront the eerie, otherworldly forces that have begun to invade her world. This story masterfully blends elements of horror, mystery, and historical fiction, creating a haunting narrative about loss, identity, and the lengths we go to for love.

    The 12751st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Down A Dark Hall by Lois Duncan

    The novel centers around a teenage girl who is sent to a remote and mysterious boarding school where only a handful of students are enrolled. As she settles into her new environment, she discovers that the school harbors dark secrets and that the students, including herself, are being manipulated by the sinister headmistress and her staff to channel the spirits of dead geniuses. The protagonist must unravel the eerie mysteries of the school and confront the supernatural forces at play to escape the dangerous situation and save herself and her peers from the clutches of the school's malevolent influence.

    The 14029th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Every Heart A Doorway by Seanan McGuire

    In a narrative that blends fantasy with a touch of the macabre, the story unfolds in a boarding school for children who have returned from magical worlds where they felt they truly belonged. These wayward souls struggle to adapt to their mundane lives, yearning to find their way back to the fantastical realms from which they were expelled. The protagonist, a girl who once wandered a land of the dead, must navigate the complex dynamics of her fellow students while the school becomes the setting of a mysterious and sinister series of events. As she delves into the investigation, the school's purpose and the students' stories intertwine, revealing the painful reality that not all doors to magical worlds can or should be reopened.

    The 14029th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Flora's Dare by Ysabeau S. Wilce

    How a Girl of Spirit Gambles All to Expand Her Vocabulary, Confront a Bouncing Boy Terror, and Try to Save Califa from a Shaky Doom (Despite Being Confined to Her Room)

    This book is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the adventures of a young girl living in an alternate version of America, where magic and military prowess dictate social standing. The protagonist, a spirited and rebellious teenager, embarks on a daring quest to rescue her kidnapped friend, facing off against formidable magicians and exploring her own burgeoning magical abilities. Along the way, she uncovers secrets about her family's past and the true extent of her powers, all while navigating the complexities of adolescence. With its richly imagined world, dynamic characters, and a blend of humor and heart, this story is a thrilling and enchanting read for young adults and anyone who enjoys a good magical adventure.

    The 14029th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

    This novel follows the story of a young boy who, after a family tragedy, discovers an abandoned orphanage on a remote Welsh island. As he explores the decrepit building, he finds peculiar photographs that lead him to uncover the existence of children with extraordinary abilities and a dangerous secret. The boy learns that these children are protected by a bird who can manipulate time, and he must help them fight off creatures intent on destroying them. Blending fantasy with haunting vintage photography, the story weaves a tale of adventure, bravery, and the importance of accepting one's uniqueness.

    The 14029th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download