Classic Mysteries: A Teen Book Club

Course Summary

An ongoing book club for junior high and high school students reading and discussing classic mysteries. Weekly sessions include literary analysis and discussion. From Agatha Christie to Arthur Doyle, explore new mysteries!

Course Description

Join our Junior High & High School Mystery Book Club to explore the thrilling world of classic mysteries! Each month, we’ll dive into a carefully selected classic mystery novel or a series of short stories. Students will analyze plot twists, character motives, and suspense techniques while sharpening critical thinking and reading comprehension. From Sherlock Holmes to Agatha Christie, and gripping short stories full of intrigue, this club offers an exciting opportunity to unlock the secrets of the mystery genre. With one novel per month and weekly meetings, students can deepen their love of reading and improve literary analysis skills in a fun, supportive environment. New members are welcome anytime! 2025-2026 Schedule November: (ALL SHORT STORIES PROVIDED BY PDF IN THE CLASSROOM ON WONDERWELL) Short Stories: The Lottery by Shirley Jackson, The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell, The Red-Headed League by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle December: The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes story) Students should have read Chapters 1-5 by our first meeting on December 5. There is a free PDF of the book on the Project Gutenberg website. January - February: No Meetings March: March: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie Students should read chapters 1-8 by our first March meeting. April: Short Stories: A Scandal in Bohemia by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Lamb to Slaughter by Roald Dahl, Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe May: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Content Considerations

Themes of murder, violence, and death in many titles (The Lottery, The Most Dangerous Game, Murder on the Orient Express, Murders in the Rue Morgue). Suspenseful and sometimes intense scenes that may be unsettling for sensitive readers (The Lottery, Lamb to the Slaughter, The Most Dangerous Game). Dark or gothic elements creating eerie or chilling atmospheres (The Hound of the Baskervilles, Murders in the Rue Morgue). Ethical and moral dilemmas involving justice, deception, and human nature (The Westing Game, Murder on the Orient Express). Occasional use of dark humor (Lamb to the Slaughter). Some stories include complex adult themes that may require parental guidance or discussion (The Lottery). Overall, content is chosen for literary value but may include mature themes not suitable for younger children.

Syllabus

November: (ALL SHORT STORIES PROVIDED BY PDF IN THE CLASSROOM ON WONDERWELL) Short Stories: The Lottery by Shirley Jackson, The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell, The Red-Headed League by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle December: The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes story) Students should have read Chapters 1-5 by our first meeting on December 5. There is a free PDF of the book on the Project Gutenberg website. January - February: No Meetings March: March: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie April: Short Stories: A Scandal in Bohemia by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Lamb to Slaughter by Roald Dahl, Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe May: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Supplies

Book List: The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle The Lottery by Shirley Jackson The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell The Adventure of the Speckled Band by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie A Scandal in Bohemia by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Lamb to the Slaughter by Roald Dahl Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin Some books and stories may be found for free online, from your local library, or are available of course on Amazon, ThriftBooks, or other online retailers.