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101 Mystery Vocabulary Words List (For Writing a Mystery Story) - Pandora Post

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Mystery vocabulary words for writing a mystery story. Read our list of best and common mystery words used in mystery genre writing.

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Hi! I'm Jacinthe, and I am studying in the MIS program at Université de Montréal. As an avid reader and a lover of the crime, thriller and mystery genre, I chose this topic for my virtual conference. I hope you enjoy it!

This virtual seminar was designed with Padlet, a site I have been using for many years both personally and professionally. As you can see, you can go up and down the columns and left and right. You can also click on links or documents and you can leave a comment, if you wish! Looking forward to discussing all things mystery and suspense with you :)

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Mystery, Thriller and Suspense Writers Who Write YA Fiction

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Mystery, Thriller and Suspense Writers Who Write YA Fiction

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Many well-known writers who usually write for adults will venture on the YA side, and come up with books or series that enjoy great success. Here are some examples of these writers:

-John Grisham, the king of the legal thriller. He wrote a series of YA novels entitled the Theodore Boone series, where a young boy whose parents are lawyers solves some crimes in his hometown. Easy to read and not very long, they are a good choice for reluctant readers or even ESL students.

-Anthony Horowitz. This English writer is known for his James Bond novels and for his Alex Rider series, which is composed of several titles, including one that was made into a graphic novel. A series of the same name was released in 2020 (3 seasons of 8 episodes each), and it revolves around a teenager enlisted to work for MI6. See link above for list of all titles.

-Linwood Barclay. This former Canadian journalist has a 2-novel series entitled Chase, whose protagonist is a dog that was experimented on by a mysterious organization called The Institute. For middle-grade readers ages 9-12.

-Harlan Coben. He has written several thrillers with protagonist Myron Bolitar, and in his YA series, he features Myron's nephew, Mickey. The first in the series, Shelter, was turned into a Prime TV mini-series of 8 episodes in 2023.

Sources for this post: imdb.com. indigo.ca, and Anthony Horowitz's website (see link above).

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Alex Rider books, anthony horowitz author, James Bond The Word is Murder, Alex Rider

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In addition to the questions throughout the Padlet, here are some others you may want to respond to:

1. According to you, what makes teens and adults alike gravitate towards the genre? Do you think it depends on a person's age, reading interests, or something else?

2. Are you, yourself, a lover of the genre? Why or why not?

3. There are many events/groups, such as festivals and book clubs, that are dedicated to the genre (for example, the Iceland Noir festival in Reykjavik, Iceland). Have you ever participated in such an event, for this genre or another? How appealing is this to you?

4. Do you think the mystery, crime and thriller genre could help reluctant teen readers to get into reading? Why or why not? Are there other genres that could help them?

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Using 'Best of' Lists to Find Excellent YA Mystery, Crime and Suspense Novels - and Beyond

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Using 'Best of' Lists to Find Excellent YA Mystery, Crime and Suspense Novels - and Beyond

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Here are some examples of compilations of 'Best of' lists that can help librarians, teachers, parents and others find novels in the genre that would appeal to young adults and teenagers. Obviously, there are many more you can find, but this should give you a start :)

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How do we define noir literature? Click on the Word document to read some definitions.

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Whodunit, Police Procedural, Psychological Thriller or  Mediterranean Noir: The Many Faces of the Genre 

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Whodunit, Police Procedural, Psychological Thriller or  Mediterranean Noir: The Many Faces of the Genre 

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The link above takes you to a text that describes the many subgenres of mystery, suspense and thriller novels. While they differ in their settings, plots and types of characters, they all have something in common: stories where a mystery needs to be solved.

The page provides a description of the different subgenres, including the traditional Whodunit and the Noir novel, and gives some author suggestions.

Within the genre, are there some that you feel teens and young adults prefer? What about yourself? Share in the comments below!

Source: All the crime fiction sub-genres. (2025). Mysteryfy. https://www.mysteryfy.com/all-the-crime-fiction-sub-genres/

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All crime fiction is based on a mystery to be solved. But since the beginning of the crime fiction in the early 1800s to the thousands of contemporary authors this genre has evolved continuously, creating new sub-genres and crossovers.

But what are these sub-genres and, in general, why may it be so important to define these sub-genres?

Because it helps to understand what to expect or how to choose a book or a movie. And, if you are an author (or a wannabe author), it helps to understand your audience, what are their expectations and tastes.

CRIME FICTION SUB-GENRES

Crime fiction falls into a wide range of sub-genres and their definition is anything but univocal. Depending on the various critics or authors, the crime fiction is divided differently. Moreover, the main sub-genres have different styles and shades, creating further sub-genres. We also should consider that the crime fiction is in continuous evolution and new sub-genres arise from time to time.

Now let's see what are the main crime fiction sub-genres... an some more unusual!

THE CLASSIC CRIME FICTION (CLASSIC WHODUNIT)

The classic crime fiction is the detective fiction, where the deduction skill of the detective is the key element. In fact, this sub-genre is based on the difficulty of the investigation, on the deduction and on the precision of the resolution.

Mysteries of this type prefer the complexity of the mechanics of a crime over the in-depth study of the characters and the meticulous description of the setting. Central importance is also given by the display of alibis and motives of the suspects. The suspects' alibi is often crucial and must be meticulously analyzed.

Therefore, this kind of crime fiction is like a game, a challenge, where the detective has to solve the intricate enigma with the power of his mind. As a result, there is a "virtuosity" of the author on how, where and when deploy the pieces of the puzzle and there is a transfer from the detective to the reader so the real challenge of intellect and deduction is between himself and the author.

At the end of the story, the detective exposes the solution of the crime to the suspects, answering the two famous questions: Who did it? And how?

The story has a conclusion defined as "reconciling", that is, it ends without particular consequences for the characters.

THE LOCKED-ROOM MYSTERY

A theme that has been used by many authors is the so-called "Locked-Room".

A murderer managed to kill a person in a seemingly impossible way, inside a virtually sealed place where no one, apparently, could have managed to get in or out.

The discovery of the body plunges the investigator into a sort of illusionist show in which not only deduction but also lateral thinking can help transform the impossible into real, and finally solve the mystery.

CLASSIC CRIME FICTION AUTHORS

The authors that most forged this genre are Agatha Christie, Edgar Allan Poe, Arthur Conan Doyle, Gaston Leroux, John Dickson Carr, and you should definitely read their masterpieces if you love this genre.

NOIR FICTION

Noir (black in French) fiction put greater emphasis on the psychology of the characters and the setting. In fact, in noir stories the centrality of the narrative is represented by the events that happen, the context where they happen and what they determine on a psychological level to the characters who experience them.

The protagonists are either victims, suspects, or perpetrators, and they often have a self-destructive attitude or make self-destructive choices. Even when the detectives are the protagonists, they're more like anti-heroes, troubled by their past or their personal demons.

And also, the situations they experience try to push them to the edge, forced to deal with a corrupt system where they may become either victim and/or executioner, designated for a lose-lose situation.

Can the crooked cop be the good guy and the kind doctor the victimizer? Yes, of course, because "noir is different. In noir, everyone is fallen, and right and wrong are not clearly defined and maybe not even attainable" (Megan Abbott).

MEDITERRANEAN NOIR

The main themes of these stories have a strong connection with reality and generally the stories have important social implications. The themes dealt with are those of the underworld, organized crime, poverty and the general underdevelopment of the southern regions in contrast with the mildness of the climate, the beauty of the landscapes and the goodness of the typical food and wine.

AMERICAN HARDBOILED

Hardboiled is the typical style of American thrillers.

The difference between hard-boiled and noir mysteries is subtle. Consequently, some critics associate hardboiled fiction with the noir genre, while others tend to consider them as two distinct genres. Both genres feature violence, sex and have a rough and gritty tone, but in noir, the protagonist isn't a detective, but a victim, a suspect, and/or a perpetrator of crime.

The main feature of the hardboiled stories is that they are very focused on the figure of the detective (a private eye or an ex-cop), on his rude ways and on his tormented psychology.

The settings are the American metropolis, with their crooked cops, corrupted politicians and violent mobsters.

BEST NOIR AUTHORS

Among the best noir authors we can find James Ellroy, Jean-Claude Izzo.

For the Mediterranean Nor we can suggest some Italian writers, such as Andrea Camilleri, Giancarlo de Cataldo, Carlo Lucarelli.

For Hardboiled fiction the main authors probably are Dashiell Hammett e Raymond Chandler.

HISTORICAL CRIME FICTION

Historical crime fiction captures the details of the time period as accurately as possible for authenticity, including social norms, manners, customs, and traditions. Many novels of this genre tell fictional stories that involve actual historical figures or historical events.

So, the plot is a combination of historical episodes (and persons) and fictional events. Consequently, historical crime fiction is able to transport the audience into the narrative of the selected.

The protagonists are usually highly educated and smart, such as curious renegade monks, lawyers and scholars.

BEST HISTORICAL CRIME FICTION AUTHORS

Among the best authors we suggest Umberto Eco, Paul Doherty, Anne Perry and Ellis Peters.

SPY CRIME FICTION

Spy stories involve espionage, clever spies, intelligence agencies, rogue states, ruthless corporation and evil masterminds. The context of the story is very important, because usually there is a high stake involved that can change the world or the lives of millions of people or their freedom.

In spy fiction, good and bad parties are clearly defined. The protagonist is on a mission, so the story has a lot of action. An articulate plot is also fundamental in a good spy story, so there is usually a complicated plan of the bad guy the spy has to stop, double agents and twists. The spy crime fiction is definitely adrenaline and the readers are called to solve the mystery along with the main character.

BEST SPY CRIME FICTION AUTHORS

If you love this genre we recommend some of the most famous authors such as Ian Fleming, Tom Clancy and Ken Follett.

PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER

Psychological thrillers share many of their key elements with mystery and crime fiction, but the investigation, rather than being based on the search for evidence and clues, is focus on the psychological motives of the characters. The suspects have very defined personalities and generally a difficult past, perhaps repressed or unknown.

The story is often told through the eyes of psychologically stressed characters, so that the narrative may be distorted by their flawed perceptions.

Therefore, the irrational impulses, the unspoken desires and the psychological deviations of the characters are at the center of the story, and only understanding these characters the mystery can be solved. Consequently, the protagonist, like a psychologist, must delve into the mind of the killer to solve the case.

GRIP LIT

Grip lit is a combination of the crime fiction with the chick lit sub-genres (or literature for girls). Therefore, we can consider grip lit fiction (also known as domestic thriller) as a sub-genre of the psychological crime fiction, generally with female characters and domestic settings.

The Grip Lit novels can be considered "feminine psychological detective stories" as the protagonists of these stories are tormented women struggling with sentimental or family dramas added to the psychological problems of the protagonists.

The protagonists of these stories, generally victims and heroines, live within unrevealed mysteries, dangerous secrets and repeated lies.

SERIAL KILLER

One of the most jaw-dropping sub-genre of the crime fiction is for sure serial killer fiction.

Most fictional serial killer narratives employ the serial killer as a plot device, and sometimes they relegate the character to the secondary role of antagonist. However, sometimes authors choose a first-person serial killer narrative, using the story as a vehicle to explore the psyche of the killer, a real "human monster".

In any case usually the investigation is focused on defining the killer's modus operandi, trying to profile his deviance by relating the psychological motives to the evidence discovered.

BEST PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER AUTHORS

Among the many authors we recommend Wulf Dorn and Dennis Lehane; Gillian Flynn, Paula Hawkins and Gail Honeyman for the grip lit; Jefferey Deaver and Tomas Harris for the serial killer fiction.

THRILLER

Probably there is no univocal definition of thriller fiction. According to International Thriller Writers, a thriller is characterized by "the sudden rush of emotions, the excitement, sense of suspense, apprehension, and exhilaration that drive the narrative, sometimes subtly with peaks and lulls, sometimes at a constant, breakneck pace."

In short, thriller fiction is designed to hold the interest by the use of a high degree of intrigue, suspense and action.

LEGAL THRILLER

The legal thriller is a sub-genre of thriller and crime fiction which combines the heart-pounding suspense of the thriller with procedural and crime elements.

The system of justice itself is always a major part of these works, at times almost functioning as one of the characters. In general, "Justice" itself tends to be the main theme of the story and the characters are often driven by an overwhelming need of justice.

The protagonists are always key players in a court of law such as district attorneys, defense attorneys, corporate litigators, personal injury lawyers, judges, and jurors. In most cases they are willing to sacrifice everything, even their own lives, to bring justice.

MEDICAL CRIME FICTION

Medicine is a powerful narrative tool because it is in itself mysterious. Not by chance medical mystery is one of the most popular sub-genres.

Hospital or labs are obviously a key element of the setting. In most cases the protagonists are coroners who, based on the clues found on the victim's corpse, are able to reconstruct the dynamics of death, the time and place where it occurred and any traces left by the killer.

In conclusion, medicine and crime are a very effective match!

BEST THRILLER AUTHORS

Among the many authors we recommend Tom Clancy, Stieg Larsson, Joel Dicker and Patricia Cornwell; Michael Connelly, Erle Stanley Gardner and John Grisham for the legal thriller; Richard Austin Freeman and Michael Crichton for the medical fiction.

HORROR

Can crime fiction be horror? Why not! Nowadays all the genres are promiscuous, there are almost a hundred of sub-genres. However, crime and horror is not an easy crossover. For example, someone may argue that novels like Misery or American Psycho may be thriller horror. But probably they aren't. Because they don't have a key element to be a horror: the supernatural. The supernatural may be either part of the setting and/or a key component of the plot.

Most probably the father of the current thriller horror fiction is the Gothic novel, with books like The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Among today's authors we suggest you read Falling Angel by William Hjortsberg and the Pendergast series by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.

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ALL THE CRIME FICTION SUB-GENRES - Mysteryfy

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What are the crime fiction sub-genres and why may it be so important to define these sub-genres? Let's find it out reading this article!

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By clicking on the link above, you'll enter...another Padlet! I have created a timeline of some major authors/characters in the mystery, suspense and thriller genre, bringing in some young adult mysteries as well. While this timeline is absolutely not exhaustive, I wanted to give you a bit of context.

*See the list of references in the last column for more information.

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The website above will bring you to the Enid Blyton Society website. He is known for his series The Famous Five, which comprises 21 books written between 1942 and 1963. I personally read many of them when I was a child (9-11 years old). Great memories!

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The Famous Five are among Enid Blyton's best-loved creations and countless children have gone adventuring with them since the publication of Five on a Treasure Island in 1942, the first of twenty-one full-length adventures and numerous short stories.

Armed with maps, torches, packets of sandwiches and a plentiful supply of ginger-beer, Julian, Dick, Anne, their tomboy cousin George (Georgina by rights) and Timmy the dog like nothing better than to spend their holidays hiking and biking, camping and exploring by themselves, invariably falling into adventure.

Friends like Jo the gypsy girl, young Tinker Hayling, Sooty Lenoir, and even George's scientist father (Uncle Quentin to the others), often get caught up in the strange goings-on too.

And what thrilling places they visit and discover - Kirrin Island, Smuggler's Top, Owl's Dene, the lighthouse at Demon's Rocks and farms, castles, caves and secret passages galore.

Whether they're outwitting thieves, smugglers or kidnappers, seeking hidden treasure or encountering spook trains, the Five's courage and determination always wins through!

Enid Blyton's original books were charmingly illustrated by Eileen Soper but there have been numerous interpretations and adaptations of the Famous Five over the years including continuation novels written by French author Claude Voilier, cinema films, stage plays, two television series and, more recently, a Disney cartoon series featuring the children of the Famous Five.

However, the twenty-one original books have never been out of print and remain popular with readers worldwide. Long live the Famous Five!

Famous Five Books, Stories and Games

Famous Five

There are 21 original Famous Five books by Enid Blyton written between 1942 and 1963...

Famous Five

Over the years, a number of Famous Five short stories appeared in Enid Blyton's Magazine Annuals, Princess Gift Books and Comic, and a Weeties strip book. In 1999 a compilation book was published featuring all of the 8 short stories...

Famous Five Omnibuses

There were also four Omnibus Books, each featuring three original full length Famous Five novels...

Famous Five 70s TV Annuals

From 1977 to 1985 the Famous Five were all the rage and, along with the Granada TV series, a series of TV Annuals was produced...

One-off Annuals

A similar TV Annual was produced based on the 1990s TV series...

Famous Five Sequels

In 1981 the bookshops began to fill up with French author Claude Voilier's Famous Five continuation novels, translated into English by Anthea Bell. Voilier began writing these in the 1970s and there are 24 books in the series, but only 18 were translated into English...

The Famous Five and You

Mary Danby wrote six Famous Five continuation books between 1987 and 1989...

Just George [Famous Five]

In 2000, Hodder Children's Books produced six "Just George" novels written by Sue Welford...

Hodder 2004 Collection Editions

In 2004, Hodder Children's Books published a set of six Collection editions. Three of these featured the Famous Five...

Miscellaneous Famous Five (by various authors)

There have been a number of miscellaneous Famous Five specials...

Famous Five On the Case

In 2008, Disney commissioned a series of TV cartoons featuring the children of the Famous Five. These modern characters bear little resemblance to Blyton's except that they go by the title "Famous 5" and occasionally make references to original adventures or characters...

Famous 5 Adventure Game Books

From 1984, Stephen Thraves wrote eight Famous 5 Adventure Game Books series...

There have been a number of Famous Five board games, jigsaw puzzles and card games over the years, including the jigsaw puzzles produced by BeStime as part of their numbered series throughout the 1950s and 1960s, and those by Whitman in the 1970s...

BeStime Numbered Jigsaws

Whitman Famous Five Jigsaws

Whitman Famous Five TV Jigsaws

Enid Blyton Board Games

Enid Blyton Card Games

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The Famous Five are among Enid Blyton's best-loved creations and countless children have gone adventuring with them since the publication of Five on a Treasure Island in 1942, the first of twenty-one full-length adventures and numerous short stories.

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5. Themes in Mystery, Crime, and Thriller YA Literature

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5. Themes in Mystery, Crime, and Thriller YA Literature

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Here is a short PowerPoint document on some of the themes encountered in the genre.

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6. What Makes the Genre Appealing to Young Adults

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6. What Makes the Genre Appealing to Young Adults

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Because they enjoy being entertained, teenagers usually like genre fiction as "(...) the scene is set, the characters take their places, the plot begins, and the writing style doesn't get in the way." (Mahood, 2006, p. 44).

In the case of the mystery and suspense genre, one of the appeals is the fact that the reader also participates in solving the crime - as the intrigue unfolds, the reader tries to determine who's right and wrong, what "doesn't fit", etc. (Mahood, 2006, p. 45). And usually the story ends with the crime being solved and 'justice prevails' - it is very satisfying!

Source: Mahood, K. (2006). A passion for print: Promoting reading and books to teens. Libraries Unlimited.

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Here are other sources that have been used to work on this project.

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In the comments below, you'll find some examples of series and films that are based on mystery, crime and thriller novels written for teenagers and young adults. Some of the suggestions were written for an adult audience but may appeal to a younger audience.

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Graphic novels can be a great tool to get reluctant teenagers to read - and if the genre of crime, mystery and thriller appeals to them, there are many options out there! Here are two examples:

The Montague Twins is a series of two titles: The Witch's Hand (2020) and The Devil's Music (2022). The books were written by Nathan Page and illustrated by Drew Shannon, who are both from Ontario. See link above for an interview with them on CBC Books.

Rivers of London: Stray Cat Blues (2024) was written by Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel, and illustrated by José Maria Beroy. It's an adaptation of the book series by Aaronovitch (2011).

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Nathan Page & Drew Shannon’s teen detectives, the Montague Twins, return for a rocking new YA adventure | CBC Books

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The Ontario duo’s YA graphic novels draw on pop-culture influences for stories that appeal to readers of all ages. The latest in the Montague Twins series is The Devil’s Music, out now.

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Top 20 Contemporary YA Mystery, Crime and Suspense Novels Every Library Should Have

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Top 20 Contemporary YA Mystery, Crime and Suspense Novels Every Library Should Have

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I have compiled a list of twenty titles I feel every library should have that would cover the genre. There are many, many more than 20 out there (of course!) but these are ones I have either read and enjoyed, read or heard about through the internet, author interviews, in bookstores/libraries, on Bookstagram, etc.

Is there a title you have read and enjoyed among those listed? Or one you feel should be added? Leave a comment!

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International Author Spotlight: Johan Rundberg

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International Author Spotlight: Johan Rundberg

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There are many fantastic and talented YA authors out there who write excellent thrillers, mysteries and suspense novels. In addition to providing a list of titles every library should have, I wanted to showcase an author from abroad - and since I am a huge fan of Nordic noir, I wanted to write about a Swedish author named Johan Rundberg.

Johan, who lives in Stockholm, is the author of several books for children. He is known for a mystery series for young readers (10-14) entitled The Moonwind Mysteries, which as of now has 5 titles in Swedish, 3 of which have been translated into English by A.A. Prime and into French by Marina Heine.

The series features orphan Mika, who lives in an orphanage in 1880 Stockholm, where winters are harsh - and a killer is on the loose. The first novel, The Night Raven, was awarded the August Prize, which is an annual literary prize given by the Swedish Publishers Association.

Above you'll find a link to an interview with Johan in which he tells about the series.

Sources:

Schulze, B. (n.d.). Johan Rundberg talks about The Night Raven. The Children's Book Review. https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/johan-rundberg-talks-about-the-night-raven/

August Prize. (2025, May 26). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_Prize

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An interview with Johan Rundberg in partnership* with The Children's Book Review and Amazon Crossing Kids.

In this insightful interview, award-winning author Johan Rundberg takes us on a journey into the creation of his gripping Moonwind Mysteries series, with a special focus on the first book, .

From the initial spark of inspiration to the meticulous historical research that breathes life into 1880s Stockholm, Rundberg shares the secrets behind his immersive storytelling. Discover the unique qualities that make Mika, the series' brave young protagonist, stand out, and gain a deeper understanding of the themes that drive this captivating narrative. Join us as we delve into the mind of the author, uncovering the threads that bind this haunting mystery together.

Let's begin with hearing about your inspiration for The Moonwind Mysteries series and, specifically, the first book, The Night Raven.
Johan Rundberg: I had a pretty loose idea about a child from the lower parts of society being forced to help the police with a serious crime. Though I could not really figure out how and why the child would be noticed by police in a credible way. Back then I had no intention on writing a historical novel, I just assumed the story should be contemporary.

Then, by coincidence, I visited the Långholmen Central Prison which is built on a small island near central Stockholm. It was a prison until the 1970s, but now it's a museum and a hotel. When I walked into one of the cells, I was affected by the feeling of despair oozing from the stone walls, and I got the idea to move my story to the 1800s. Back then the society was much more divided than today, and being at the bottom meant absolute poverty and exposure to danger. When I had the idea to make an orphan child my main character, inspiration hit me like a train.
The Night Raven is ultimately a murder mystery for kids, set in the Victorian era. How would you rate the scariness level of this book? Who do you imagine will enjoy reading your book (and the series) the most?
On a scale from 1-10, I would say 11. Haha, jokes aside, although it's pretty scary it was important to me that the scariness level was motivated by the story, and not attention-seeking. When I wrote the book, I assumed the readers would be most creeped out by the murder details and the presence of a serial killer. (Note: the historical setting gives the story a hint of fairy-tale feel.) But when The Night Raven was published, the readers taught me a lesson.
The story takes place in the year 1880 in the frigid city of Stockholm, with death lurking around every corner. Why 1880? And why Stockholm (I'm assuming because you know it well)?
When I visited schools and libraries to talk about the book, it became clear to me that although serial killers are indeed scary, the worst thing imaginable to a child is being an orphan. The readers really care for Mika, and the most frequent question is if she ever finds her parents. The Night Raven is written for the mystery buffs, and for the fans of thrilling adventure stories. Even though the recommended reading age is about 10-14, readers of all ages seem to like the book, which of course is fun.

I live in Stockholm, and I know the city pretty well. But the city described in The Night Raven is quite different from contemporary Stockholm, and I really had to study how life was in the 1800s to make it truthful and believable. The story is set in 1880 for a special reason.

The Långholmen Central Prison that I mentioned earlier plays an important role in the story (exactly how I won't reveal...). But the building was finished in 1880, and at the time it was considered very modern and assumed impossible to escape. All the places mentioned in The Night Raven are real, except for the shabby pub "the Chapel" where Mika works part time-that I made up. But all others places exist, or have existed, for real. That is not really necessary for the reader to know; it was more of a challenge to myself, and I wanted the surrounding history to be as accurate as possible. I think it gives the book a realistic and gritty feel.
Mika, the main character, is not your average twelve-year-old. What do you want readers to know about her?
If you come to Stockholm, there is a map you can follow to visit the places from the book. For example, you can visit the Långholmen Central Prison and the cell that gave me the inspiration for the story in the first place. Also, there is an exciting place in the final chapters that some readers might think is made up, but it is real to this day... (no spoilers, haha!).
Some of the best and most popular books ever written for children are about orphans: Oliver Twist, Anne of Green Gables, Pippi Longstocking, The Graveyard Book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone-I could go on. What is it, to you, about orphans that you believe make extraordinary protagonists?
Mika is not who she was meant to be. If she had grown up with her parents in a loving home, she would have been quite a different person. But due to the hardship of her life, she has been forced to be very analytical and attentive, simply to stay alive in a dangerous city. My own favorite side of Mika is her humor, like when she tells gruesome stories to the other orphans to make them forget their hunger for a minute.
What do you think will be the first impression of The Night Raven that sticks with readers? A sentence, a paragraph, or a feeling? I hope you'll elaborate on your answer.
When I wrote the character of Mika, I wanted to make her both exposed and timid, as well as brave and inventive. She is not a fairy-tale heroine; she is brave sometimes simply because she has to be. Another thing about Mika is that she does not really know her own story. She only knows that she was left at the orphanage as an infant.
The cover of a book serves as the greatest marketing asset and should catch your reader's attention while conveying the essence of the story. What are your thoughts on the cover, and what do you appreciate about it?
That is a really good question! I think it's because an orphan represents the extremes of life. They represent both a fantasy of total freedom and the fear of absolute loneliness. Mika's biggest dream, a fantasy so unattainable that she is ashamed to even think about it, is her longing for unconditional love. It's the core of life, I think.

The cold! Throughout the Moonwind Mysteries series, the season in which the story is set has a strong impact on the atmosphere. And in The Night Raven, the winter is absolutely merciless. All the roads are snowed in, so no one can enter the city-or leave. This basically means that the inhabitants are trapped inside the closed city with a serial killer on the loose. Day by day the orphanage's supply of food and firewood gets smaller, while the cold gets worse. (Sounds cozy, right?)
Since The Night Raven is your first book in the Moonwind Mysteries series, what do you want readers to know about the series on the whole? How many books will be in the series? Will readers need to read the books in order? Or will they stand alone as individual mysteries?
I absolutely love the "classic mystery" look of the cover. The illustration by Edward Bettison and the art direction by Michael Jantze really comes together in a way that reflect the atmosphere of the story. I like that the cover is sort of an "easter egg" with clues to the story, for example the full, blood-red moon. Another thing that is super important is the translation. Since the book was written in Swedish with many old-fashioned words and expressions, I can imagine the translation was quite a challenge. And Annie Prime did an excellent job capturing the tone of the original.

For example, I really love the names she gave Mika's friends, my own personal favorites among the characters-the semi-criminal gang of brick carriers called "the Girls" (to be revealed in book 2, The Queen of Thieves).
When a reader has finished The Night Raven, if they were to take away just one thing, what would you want that to be?
All the books have a stand-alone mystery that is solved in the end. But there is also a storyline that runs throughout the series, so reading the books in order really gives the reader a bigger experience. For example, Mika's journey to find out about her past is one such storyline, that is revealed bit by bit. Also, both Mika's character as well as her relationship with Constable Hoff develops during the series, and that is another reason to read the books in order, I think. But it's all up to the reader. The Night Raven works really well as a stand-alone, but I hope it will make the reader curious to continue.
Is there anything else you feel we should know about The Night Raven, your writing, or yourself?
As of now, I have written five parts in the Moonwind Mysteries series; and although I haven't started writing the sixth book yet, I have a really good (and scary!) idea for the plot...

The feeling of hope, I think. I've been asked many questions about the scariness level of the series, and what children think of it. It has become clear to me that a book for children can be dark and grim, as long as there is a glimmer of hope. When I ask young readers what they liked about The Night Raven, they usually mention the atmosphere and the mystery riddle. But most of all they want to talk about Mika, how they find her brave and wish her a better life. They have hope for her like she was a real person, and that really moves me. Hope is more important than anything else.

Well, I am easily scared, haha! I write really scary stuff, but I can't watch a horror movie if I am home alone. But please don't tell anyone.

Thanks for the questions, I really enjoyed answering them!

Written by Johan Rundberg Translated by A. A. Prime
/Johan

About the Book

Ages 10+ | 192 Pages

Publisher's Book Summary: Mika is not your average twelve-year-old―and she's about to prove it.

It's 1880, and in the frigid city of Stockholm, death lurks around every corner. Twelve-year-old Mika knows that everyone in her orphanage will struggle to survive this winter. But at least the notorious serial killer the Night Raven is finally off the streets...or is he?

Mika is shocked when a newborn baby is left at the orphanage in the middle of the night, by a boy with a cryptic message. Who is he? And who is this "Dark Angel" he speaks of? When a detective shows up, Mika senses something even more sinister is going on.

Drawn in by Mika's unique ability to notice small details―a skill Mika has always used to survive―the gruff Detective Hoff unwittingly recruits her to help him with his investigation into a gruesome murder. Mika knows she should stay far, far away, and yet...with such little hope for her future, could this be an opportunity? Maybe, just maybe, this is Mika's chance to be someone who matters.

Buy the Book

About the Author

About the Translator

A. A. Prime (Annie Prime) is an award-winning translator of Swedish literature. She was born in London and traveled the world studying a number of languages before settling in the English coastal town of Hastings. She now works full-time as a translator, specializing in the weird, witty, and wonderful world of children's and young adult fiction. She holds an MA in translation from University College London and has published more than twenty books in the UK and US. In her free time, she can be found belly dancing, folk singing, horse riding, and sea swimming.

Book Giveaway

The Night Raven: Book Giveaway

This interview-Johan Rundberg Talks About The Night Raven - was conducted between Johan Rundberg and Bianca Schulze. Presented in partnership with Amazon Crossing Kids.

*Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

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Johan Rundberg Talks About The Night Raven

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Award-winning author Johan Rundberg takes us into the creation of his Moonwind Mysteries series, with a focus on the first book, The Night Raven.

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For the readers who prefer short, engaging stories, here are two suggestions:

1. The book Life Is Short and Then You Die: First Encounters with Murder (2019), edited by Canadian author Kelley Armstrong. This book is a collection of stories about teenagers coming across...their first dead body. Recommended!

2. The 'Noir' book series from Akashic: While not written for YA, this book series puts together authors from a specific city and have them write a story that takes place there. Montreal Noir, Stockholm Noir, Boston Noir... there is a wide range of cities from around the world. Website: https://www.akashicbooks.com/subject/noir-series/

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Edited by: Adrian McKinty and Stuart Neville

Lee Child, Eoin McNamee, and others join previous entries London Noir and Dublin Noir in exploring the darkest corners of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Edited by: Jerry Thompson and Owen Hill

Berkeley brings its own unique blend of Bay Area noir, complementing the grit and grime that preceded it in San Francisco Noir and Oakland Noir.

Edited by: Dennis Lehane

Boston Noir & Boston Noir 2: The Complete Set combines all twenty-five stories from Lehane's two Boston Noir volumes into a single digital edition.

**All orders placed directly from our website are for paperback editions of the books.**

Edited by: Dennis Lehane, Mary Cotton and Jaime Clarke

Dennis Lehane returns to coedit, with Cotton & Clarke, the sequel to the best-selling evergreen anthology Boston Noir, culling classic stories from the city's dark literary legacy.

Edited by: Miesha Headen and Michael Ruhlman

Cleveland Noir joins Columbus Noir as the Akashic Noir Series continues its tour of Ohio, and navigates the dregs of the North Shore

By: Akashic Books

Purchase a complete set of Akashic's Noir Series for $1,400, and get a signed copy of USA Noir with your order!

Edited by: Rawya Jarjoura Burbara

In East Jerusalem Noir-published simultaneously with West Jerusalem Noir -the Akashic Noir Series turns its gaze to one of the world's most fascinating locales, in this volume from the perspective of Palestinian writers; translated from Arabic

By: Gina B. Nahai

For a limited time, purchase both The Luminous Heart of Jonah S. and Tehran Noir together for only $15!

Edited by: Colin Channer

Following in the Caribbean footsteps of Haiti Noir and Trinidad Noir, now come dark stories from Jamaica's capital city.

Edited by: Tim Hennessy

In Milwaukee Noir, a city of manufacturers and booze, as well as a growing immigrant community, makes perfect grist for the Noir Series mill.

Edited by: Altaf Tyrewala

Following the success of Delhi Noir and the film Slumdog Millionaire, Mumbai Noir depicts the many ways in which the city's ever-present shadowy aspects often force themselves onto the lives of ordinary people.

Edited by: Joyce Carol Oates

Jonathan Safran Foer and Robert Pinsky join Joyce Carol Oates and other illustrious writers to sift through the hidden dirt of the Garden State.

*While supplies last, books ordered through the website will include a bookplate SIGNED by Joyce Carol Oates!

Edited by: Hervé Delouche

Following the success of Paris Noir, the Akashic Noir Series has expanded to include the famously diverse and sometimes controversial suburbs of this legendary city.

Edited by: Joyce Carol Oates

A completely new, fresh, and frightening take on "prison literature."

*While supplies last, books ordered through the website will include a bookplate SIGNED by Joyce Carol Oates!

Edited by: Nathan Larson and Carl-Michael Edenborg

Stockholm Noir joins Copenhagen Noir and Helsinki Noir in powerfully representing the Akashic Noir Series in Scandinavia.

Edited by: Sam Wiebe

Following the success of Montreal Noir and Toronto Noir, the Noir Series travels to the west coast of Canada.

Edited by: Maayan Eitan

In West Jerusalem Noir-published simultaneously with East Jerusalem Noir -the Akashic Noir Series visits one of the world's most complex locales, in this volume from the perspective of Israeli writers (translated from Hebrew by Yardenne Greenspan)

Edited by: Ivan Sršen

Zagreb Noir follows in the footsteps of Moscow Noir and St. Petersburg Noir as the Noir Series delves into Eastern Europe.

Edited by: Jan Karsten

Forthcoming: 8/5/25

The historic northern port city of Hamburg now joins Berlin as the Akashic Noir Series continues its foray across the German landscape

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Edited by: Adrian McKinty and Stuart Neville Lee Child, Eoin McNamee, and others join previous entries London Noir and Dublin Noir in exploring the darkest corners of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Edited by: Jerry Thompson and Owen Hill Berkeley brings its own unique blend of Bay Area noir, complementing the grit and grime that preceded it in San Francisco Noir and Oakland Noir.

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Important dates linked to the genre could inspire book displays in libraries of all kinds. Feel free to use the ideas in the comments below!

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By clicking on the link above, you'll find a very interesting article that describes sometimes shocking, sometimes encouraging statistics on books and reading. Some examples are the impact of technology, reading speed, the benefits of reading, and more.

This article would definitely be a great tool for librarians to help create programs, build collections, attract teens to the library, etc.

Go to the end of the article to find some fun facts about reading - there is some surprising information there!

Is there a statistic that you aren't surprised about, or that disturbed you?

Source: 49 reading statistics & facts you should know. (2025, Jan. 14). Golden Steps ABA. https://www.goldenstepsaba.com/resources/reading-statistics

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Reading Statistics You Should Know

Reading is an essential part of our lives. It helps us learn, grow, and expand our knowledge. But how much do we really know about reading? In this article, we'll explore 33 reading statistics that will give you a better understanding of the importance of reading.

1. In a 2009 study from the consultancy Mindlab International at the University of Sussex, testing found that reading reduced stress levels by 68%.

2. 27% of American adults didn't read a book at all in 2018.

3. Kids that read at least 20 minutes each day will get exposure to around 2 million words each year.

4. 1 out of 5 kids in the U.K. can't read at their school level by the time they reach 11 years of age.

5. Reading can boost emotional development and career prospects by 50% to 100%.

6. Tthe average amount of audiobooks published every year has increased over the last 10 years, up to 74,000 titles in 2021.

7. Reading fictional books are shown to increase better decision-making in people by 50% to 100%.

How Many Books Do People Read Per Year?

1. 65% of Americans have read a printed book in the past year.

2. 28% of Americans have not read a book in the past year.

3. The average American reads 12 books per year.

4. 80% of American adults say they have read a book in the past year.

5. 42% of college graduates read books for personal growth and development.

6. 70% of adults have not been in a bookstore in the past five years.

7. 27% of adults have not read a book in the past year.

1. Print book sales figures have improved and unit sales now consistently surpass 700 million per year.

2. Print also remains the most popular book format among U.S. consumers, with 65% of adults having read a print book in the last 12 months.

3. The global book market was worth $143 billion in 2020.

4. The e-book market is expected to reach $26 billion by 2025.

5. The audiobook market is expected to reach $3.5 billion by 2025.

6. Amazon is the largest seller of books in the world.

U.S. Book Industry Statistics & Sales

Children and Reading Proficiency

1. According to a report by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 37% of fourth-graders and 34% of eighth-graders in the United States are proficient in reading.

2. A survey conducted by Scholastic revealed that only 51% of children between the ages of 6-17 read for fun, and the percentage drops as they grow older.

3. Children who are read to for 20 minutes a day are exposed to 1.8 million words per year.

4. 61% of low-income families have no books at all in their homes.

5. Children who read for pleasure have higher academic achievement.

6. Children who read for pleasure have better mental health.

7. The same survey also found that children who read for fun frequently are more likely to have higher reading scores and perform better in school.

8. A study by Common Sense Media found that children between the ages of 8-12 spend an average of 4 hours and 36 minutes on screen media every day, which includes TV, video games, and mobile devices.

9. The same study also found that only 29% of children in this age group read books for fun every day.

10. A report by the National Literacy Trust found that children who have access to books at home are more likely to be proficient readers and perform better in school.

11. The same report also found that children who read for pleasure are more likely to have better mental health and well-being.

Reading is an essential skill that every child should develop. It not only helps them to acquire knowledge but also improves their cognitive abilities.

However, in today's digital age, children are more inclined towards electronic gadgets, which has led to a decline in reading habits. Here are some statistics that shed light on the current state of children and reading:

1. According to a report by Common Sense Media, 42% of children between the ages of 0-8 have their own tablet device.

2. A study by Scholastic found that 80% of children between the ages of 6-17 who read e-books still read books for fun, and 62% said they preferred print books over e-books.

3. The same study also found that children who have access to e-books are more likely to read frequently and enjoy reading than those who don't.

4. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed that teenagers spend an average of nine hours a day using electronic devices, which can interfere with their sleep and lead to cognitive and emotional problems.

5. However, a study by Pew Research Center found that young adults who read e-books are more likely to read more books overall than those who only read print books.

6. Studies show that 50% of Americans own a tablet or e-reader.

7. New research shows that 28% of Americans have read an e-book in the past year.

8. 14% of Americans have listened to an audiobook in the past year.

9. 27% of Americans read books on their smartphones.

These statistics highlight the importance of encouraging children to read and providing them with access to books. Parents and educators should make a conscious effort to promote reading habits among children and provide them with a variety of books to choose from. Reading not only helps children to develop their language and communication skills but also fosters creativity and imagination.

1. The average reading level of American adults is eighth grade.

2. 21% of Americans read below a fifth-grade level.

3. 44% of American adults do not read at or above a basic level.

4. The United States ranks 17th in the world in reading proficiency.

5. Children who are read to at home have a higher success rate in school.

Reading and Technology

The rise of technology has had a significant impact on the reading habits of children. Here are some statistics that shed light on this phenomenon:

These statistics suggest that while technology can be both a boon and bane for reading habits among children, it is crucial to strike a balance between digital media consumption and reading for pleasure in order to ensure healthy cognitive development and well-being.

Average Reading Level In The U.S.

In addition to the statistics mentioned earlier, it's also essential to consider the average reading level in different countries.

According to a study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United States has an average reading proficiency of 270 points, which is slightly higher than the OECD average of 267 points.

However, other countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Canada have significantly higher average reading proficiency levels than the United States.

The same study also found that there is a significant gap in reading proficiency between students from low-income families and those from high-income families in most countries.

Students from low-income backgrounds tend to have lower reading proficiency levels than their peers from high-income families.

1. A study published in the journal Brain Connectivity found that reading fiction can increase connectivity in the brain and improve empathy and understanding of others.

2. According to a study by researchers at Emory University, reading can lead to changes in the brain that last for days after finishing a book.

3. The same study also found that reading can improve cognitive function and reduce stress levels.

4. A report by the National Endowment for the Arts found that people who read for pleasure are more likely to have higher levels of civic engagement and social participation.

5. A study by Rush University Medical Center found that engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as reading can help prevent or delay cognitive decline in older adults.

It's important to note that these statistics only provide a snapshot of the current state of reading proficiency across different countries.

1. The longest sentence ever written was in the book Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, and it contained 823 words.

2. The oldest known book is the Diamond Sutra, a Buddhist text printed in China in AD 868.

3. The most expensive book ever sold was Leonardo da Vinci's notebook, which sold for $30.8 million.

4. The average person reads about 200 to 400 words per minute.

5. Speed reading courses can help you read up to 1,000 words per minute!

6. The world record for reading is held by Howard Berg, who read 25,000 words in one minute with a comprehension rate of over 75%.

7. According to a study, reading literary fiction can increase empathy and social skills more than reading non-fiction or not reading at all.

8. In Iceland, there is a tradition called Jólabókaflóðið, or "Yule Book Flood," where books are exchanged as Christmas Eve presents and people spend the night reading them.

9. The word "bookworm" originally referred to insects that would eat through the bindings of books.

10. There is a library in Sweden that collects rejection letters given to famous authors like J.K Rowling and Dr.Seuss.

11. A group of owls is called a parliament because they were once considered wise creatures associated with knowledge and learning.

12. Mark Twain once said: "The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them."

13. Studies have shown that just looking at pictures of nature while reading can help reduce stress levels.

14. Author Stephen King has said that he reads around 80-90 books per year!

15. The first novel ever written on a typewriter was Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer in 1876.

16. In ancient Egypt, only scribes were taught how to read and write hieroglyphics - it was considered an elite skill.

17. It is estimated that there are over 130 million books in existence worldwide today!

18. Reading aloud to your pets can actually help improve your own public speaking skills - they make great listeners!

19. Charles Dickens' novel Great Expectations was originally titled Magwitch before being changed by his publisher before publication

20. Libraries outnumber McDonald's restaurants in America!

There are many factors that contribute to a child's reading ability, including access to books, quality of education, and socio-economic background.

Nonetheless, these statistics serve as a reminder that promoting literacy and providing equal access to education should be a top priority for governments worldwide.

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books

2. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/11/12/among-many-u-s-children-reading-for-fun-has-become-less-common-federal-data-shows/

3. https://www.shsu.edu/academics/education/journal-of-multidisciplinary-graduate-research/documents/2016/WhittenJournalFinal.pdf

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5105607/

5. https://www.statista.com/topics/3296/audiobooks/

6. https://booklinker.com/blog/audiobook-stats/

Reading and the Brain

In addition to the statistics previously mentioned, research has shown that reading can have a positive impact on the brain. Here are some statistics that shed light on this phenomenon:

These statistics highlight the importance of promoting reading not just as a means of acquiring knowledge but also as a way to improve overall well-being and cognitive function.

20 Fun Facts about Reading

In conclusion, reading is an essential part of our lives that offers numerous benefits. Whether you prefer printed books, e-books, or audiobooks, there is no denying the power of reading. So, pick up a book and start reading today!

References

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49 Reading Statistics & Facts You Should Know

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Did you know reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by 68%?

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You may have watched it, but I'm including it here: the link to my final project. It is a YouTube video on (what else?) mystery, crime and thriller novels that would appeal to young adults.

I created the video in the same spirit as my podcast on books and reading, Jackie's Reading Room (available on Spotify and iHeartRadio). Hope you enjoy!

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Welcome to Jackie’s Reading Room! If you love books and reading and would like to find out about authors, different genres, and more, this is the place to be! The original podcast is available on Spotify and iHeartRadio.

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Want to go further? Here's a link to a MasterClass on the main elements of a mystery story.

Source: The 10 essential elements of a mystery story. (2021, Sept. 8). MasterClass. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/essential-elements-of-a-mystery-story