I love a good riddle in a book, even if I can’t ever figure it out before the characters do. (Of course when I do, I feel extra smart.) Reading is always a participatory act, but when there are riddles involved, it’s even more so. Below are a few YA and middle grade books – recent and not so recent – that feature riddles (or similar puzzles) prominently. Descriptions are from Worldcat, plus links to reviews here at Stacked when applicable. Which of your favorites have I missed?

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
When strange and seemingly unrelated events start to happen and a
precious Vermeer painting disappears, eleven-year-olds Petra and Calder
combine their talents to solve an international art scandal. First book
in the series featuring art sleuth friends Calder and Petra.

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
Sixteen-year-old Malencia (Cia) Vale is chosen to participate in The
Testing to attend the University; however, Cia is fearful when she
figures out her friends who do not pass The Testing are disappearing. Kimberly’s review | The sequels, Independent Study and Graduation Day, have some great riddles/puzzles too.

Nearly Gone by Elle Cosimano
A math-whiz from a trailer park discovers she’s the only student capable
of unravelling complex clues left by a serial killer who’s
systematically getting rid of her classmates. Kimberly’s review

The Riddle-Master of Hed by Patricia A. McKillip
In seeking the answer to the riddle of the three stars on his forehead
and the three stars on the enchanted harp and sword, Morgon, Prince of
Hed, goes ultimately to the High One himself.

Free to Fall by Lauren Miller
Fast-forward to a time when Apple and Google have been replaced by
Gnosis, a monolith corporation that has developed the most life-changing
technology to ever hit the market: Lux, an app that flawlessly
optimizes decision-making for the best personal results. Just like
everyone else, sixteen-year-old Rory Vaughn knows the key to a happy,
healthy life is following what Lux recommends. When she’s accepted to
the elite
boarding school Theden Academy, her future happiness seems all the more
assured. But once on campus, something feels wrong beneath the polished
surface of her prestigious dream school. Kimberly’s review

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
The mysterious death of an eccentric millionaire brings together an
unlikely assortment of heirs who must uncover the circumstances of his
death before they can claim their inheritance.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling
Fourteen-year-old Harry Potter joins the Weasleys at the Quidditch World
Cup, then enters his fourth year at Hogwarts Academy where he is
mysteriously entered in an unusual contest that challenges his wizarding
skills, friendships and character, amid signs that an old enemy is
growing stronger.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
Four mysterious letters change Miranda’s world forever. By sixth grade,
Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York
City neighborhood. But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for
what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for an emergency is
stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny
slip of paper: I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own. I
must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter. The notes keep
coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows
all about her, including things that have not even happened yet. Each
message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a
tragic death. Kimberly’s review

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
After passing a series of mind-bending tests, four children are selected
for a secret mission that requires them to go undercover at the
Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that
there are no rules.

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
The adventures of the well-to-do hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who lived
happily in his comfortable home until a wandering wizard granted his
wish. (Really, no description needed here.)

Impossible by Nancy Werlin
When seventeen-year-old Lucy discovers her family is under an ancient
curse by an evil Elfin Knight, she realizes to break the curse she must
perform three impossible tasks before her daughter is born in order to
save them both.