Cracking the Code: Why Mysteries are the Key to Keeping Kids Reading
In our latest episode of Writers with Wrinkles, we were thrilled to welcome back author and literacy advocate Fleur Bradley. Fleur joined us to dive deep into the world of middle grade (MG) and young adult (YA) mysteries, sharing her expert insights on why this genre is more than just entertainment—it’s a vital tool for literacy.
Stopping the Literacy "Drop-off"
Statistics show a heartbreaking decline in reading for pleasure as kids move from 3rd grade into middle school. Fleur highlights mysteries as the perfect "hook" to reverse this trend. Because they are high-stakes and interactive, mysteries turn reading into a game, forcing readers to use critical thinking and deductive reasoning to solve the puzzle alongside the protagonist.
The Nuts and Bolts of the Mystery Craft
Whether you are writing for MG or YA, Fleur emphasizes that structure is your backbone. Some of her top tips include:
The "Fair Play" Rule: You must give your readers all the clues. No one likes a solution that comes out of thin air!
Pacing is King: Unlike contemporary fiction, which can be slow and internal, mysteries require constant external momentum to keep those pages turning.
Know Your Category: While MG murders should have a "cozy" feel (minimal gore, focus on the puzzle), YA allows for more grit, darkness, and emotional complexity.
Ready to Write Your Own?
Fleur’s biggest piece of advice for aspiring authors is to focus on the "nuts and bolts" of plotting early on. Testing your character’s voice in short scenes and using a structural approach during revision can save you from the dreaded "sagging middle."
Want more practical advice? Fleur has literally written the book on it! Her new craft book, Get a Clue: How to Plot, Write, and Sell Your Middle Grade or YA Mystery, is the ultimate guide to navigating the genre. It’s packed with "Your Turn" exercises to help you apply lessons directly to your manuscript.
Get a Clue is available for preorder right now and officially releases on April 7th!
Author
Beth McMullen is the author of the Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls series , the Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter series, and The Secret of the Storm series (Aladdin/S&S).
She is also the author of the Spy Mom series (Hyperion).
Beth lives in Northern California with her husband, kids, and very grumpy cats. She's obsessed with podcasts and might give up writing in order to have more time to listen. Could happen.
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