7 Fantastic Clean Books Like The Inheritance Games
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Looking for squeaky clean books like The Inheritance Games? Say no more, I’ve totally got your back!
If you’re anything like me, then you probably devoured The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes faster than a box of your favorite cookies.
And now you’re here, wandering in the literary wilderness, hungry for more books with that same mix of intrigue, smart puzzles, and a dash of romance—but without wandering into the murky waters of content you’d rather avoid.
I know books like Good Girl’s Guide to Murder or the Maureen Johnson series often stray from staying clean. I get it. I’ve been down that rabbit hole of trying to find books that hit just the right note of excitement and cleanliness.
After a lot (and I mean a lot) of reading and a few surprises along the way, I’ve become something of an aficionado on the topic.
Trust me, finding books that can keep you on the edge of your seat, without making you want to jump out of it, has become my specialty.
I’ve sifted through countless books on Goodreads, looking for those gems that are not only thrilling but also keep things above board, just like The Inheritance Games.
You’re in good hands, so sit back, relax, and prepare to add some amazing titles to your reading list.
Top 3 Picks: What are some books similar to The Inheritance Games?
The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella
✅ Alice in Wonderland retelling with puzzle like games
The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
✅ The whole series is amazing with a fast plot and well developed characters
Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis
✅ Rivals to lovers romance with a high-stakes competition
Best books like The Inheritance Games
1. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Middle Grade Mystery | ✅ Read it!
A mysterious story unfolds as sixteen unlikely individuals convene for the reading of Samuel W. Westing’s will, leading them into an elaborate scheme devised by the deceased millionaire.
With a vast fortune at stake, they delve into a puzzle where the lines between stranger and murderer blur, proving that Westing’s death is just the beginning of his final game.
Curious why this mystery is a must-read?
This book is a classic well-characterized mystery in my eyes! Written in 1978, it snagged the Newbery Medal and is perfect for young readers.
Honestly, I loved listening to it on audio as an adult. It’s got everything you want in a manor house mystery.
“Life, too, is senseless unless you know who you are, what you want, and which way the wind blows.”
― Ellen Raskin, The Westing Game
2. Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.99 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Fantasy Romance | ✅ Read it!
Scarlett Dragna lives with her sister Tella and their cruel father on a tiny island. Her dreams of attending Caraval, an annual interactive performance, seem lost when her father arranges her marriage.
However, an invitation to Caraval arrives, and with the help of a mysterious sailor, Scarlett and Tella attend. Upon arrival, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s organizer, Legend. This season’s game is about finding Tella. Scarlett must navigate love, heartbreak, and magic to find her sister before the game ends, or risk losing her forever.
Curious why this mystery is a must-read?
The real stars of this novel are the main character and the side ones – they’re super detailed, have great dialogue, and go on adventures that’ll totally win you over.
And the romance? It’s like a cozy hug that makes your heart skip a beat. Add in a magical setting, and you’ve got the perfect summer read.
➡️ Finished this book and craving more like it? Check out my list of books similar to Caraval and dive into a new adventure!
3. Thr3e by Ted Dekker
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.07 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Christian Mystery Thriller | ✅ Read it!
Kevin Parson receives a chilling call from a man named Slater, who demands Kevin confess his sin to the world within three minutes or his car will explode.
Panicked and unsure, Kevin abandons his car just in time to witness a massive explosion. This marks the beginning of a deadly game where nothing is as it seems, and Kevin’s world spirals into chaos.
Curious why this mystery is a must-read?
The characters in this book are so well developed, and the plot moves incredibly fast. Just when you think you’ve got everything figured out, Ted Dekker throws in some major plot twists.
This Christian thriller is a puzzle-like mystery that totally sucked me in, and I loved the very subtle faith themes woven throughout.
4. The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.19 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: YA Mystery Thriller, Romance | ✅ Read it!
Seventeen-year-old Cassie Hobbes, a natural at reading people, is recruited by the FBI for a classified program using gifted teens to solve cold cases. Living with other uniquely talented teens, including Michael, who reads emotions, and Dean, who shares her profiling skills, Cassie faces unexpected dangers.
When a new killer emerges, they must use their abilities to survive a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Curious why this mystery is a must-read?
This is the same author who brought us The Inheritance Games, so naturally, I had to dive into the Naturals series! This first book has everything I adored from the previous series: a gripping mystery, a fast-paced plot, deadly stakes, a love triangle, and fantastic characters.
Such a fun, addictive must-read mystery!
“Sometimes,” he said, “when I’m in a social pickle, I like to ask myself, WWJAD?” I raised an eyebrow, and he explained. “What Would Jane Austen Do?”
― Jennifer Lynn Barnes, The Naturals
5. The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.21 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Christian Fantasy Retelling | ✅ Read it!
Alice Liddell longs to escape her ordinary life in Oxford to find her parents who abandoned her a decade ago. Her quest takes an unexpected turn when her sister Charlotte is arrested for possessing the Wonder Gene, a key to the Wonderland Reality.
Alice is soon invited to join Team Heart in the annual, perilous Wonderland Trials, giving her less than 24 hours to enter Wonderland. There, she must navigate a world where nothing is as it seems, solve clues with her team, and uncover the fate of missing players—all while facing betrayal and deceit.
Curious why this mystery is a must-read?
This is one of my favorite books! It is a fantastic Alice in Wonderland retelling mixed with super interesting, puzzle-like mysteries. The characters are well-developed, and the cliffhanger will have you diving straight into the next book (it’s a duology).
➡️ Want to check out my full book review? You can read it here!
6. Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.90 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: YA Mystery Thriller, Romance | ✅ Read it!
Seventeen-year-old master thief Ross Quest plans to escape her notorious family but finds herself in the Thieves’ Gambit, a series of deadly international heists, to save her mother’s life.
With a wish as the grand prize, Ross faces her childhood nemesis and a charming new rival. As the stakes rise, she must decide who to trust and who to con, knowing only one can win.
Curious why this mystery is a must-read?
This book has some of my all-time favorite tropes like rivals to lovers, slow burn, and a high-stakes treasure hunt. The characters? Absolutely loved them! They had fantastic dialogue and development. The plot is fast-paced and keeps you hooked.
And the ending? Wow, there’s a twist you definitely won’t see coming!
7. The Island by Natasha Preston
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.47 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: YA Mystery Thriller | ✅ Read it!
A group of high school students who are social media influencers, including Liam, James, Will, Ava, Harper, and Paisley, are invited to Jagged Island, a private amusement park, for an exclusive weekend before it opens.
Initially dazzled by the luxurious resort and thrilling rides, they soon realize that surviving the weekend and leaving the island alive wasn’t part of the plan.
Curious why this mystery is a must-read?
This book is packed with action, intrigue, and mystery—plenty of moments that’ll make you jump out of your skin! The creepy amusement park setting adds an extra layer of thrill to the plot. I liked how one of the characters was a crime fanatic.
Overall, it’s a fantastic young adult thriller for readers who are looking for books like The Inheritance Games.
FAQs about books like The Inheritance Series
What to read next Inheritance Games?
If you enjoyed The Inheritance Games trilogy and are on the hunt for your next read, you’ll love The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. This gripping YA mystery thriller features a suspenseful plot, well-developed characters, and plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat, much like The Inheritance Games.
Will there be a 4th Inheritance Games book?
Yes, there is a 4th book called The Brothers Hawthorne by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Well the main series wrapped up in The Final Gambit, this exciting final book focuses on Jameson and Grayson Hawthorne, which has all our favorite twists and intrigue for fans of the series.
It also brings back our favorite characters the hawthorne brothers and Avery Kylie Grambs.
Is The Inheritance Games a spicy book?
No, it does have romance but it is clean. While there are romantic elements and relationships, the content remains appropriate for a young adult audience without any explicit scenes.
Are there any books with puzzles and clues like The Inheritance Games?
For readers who love puzzles and clues, The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin is a classic choice. It’s a middle-grade book, but its intricate plot and clever puzzles make it an enjoyable read for all ages.
Did you discover books similar to the Inheritance Games?
So, there you have it, folks! A round-up of some amazing clean reads that are perfect for fans of The Inheritance Games. Each of these books is packed with suspense, thrills, and puzzles that’ll keep you guessing until the very end.
Whether you’re diving into the mystery-filled universe of The Naturals or exploring the classic twists and turns of The Westing Game, there’s something here for every mystery lover.
Why wait? Pick any similar book from the list above and dive into your next thrilling adventure.
And don’t forget to share your thoughts and favorite moments in the comments below.
Happy reading!
