S.J. King

Lauren Is Missing is breathtakingly fast-paced with a multitude of hazy characters that pop in and out of various timelines: Jane, Rene, David, Mum, Dad, Dan, Pete and a handful of others. The story takes place Today, Before and After. Just when you think you have your bearings and know who that character is, when and where they are and what is going on or what actually happened, the chapter and time change as well as the focus to another person. It’s exciting, thrilling and keeps you on show more edge.

Lauren went missing eight years ago. Troubled teen, fighting with her parents, wanting independence but wanting to be loved and cared for as well. Making bad decisions all teens make at one point or another.

Rene is Lauren’s sister. She’s obviously under a lot of stress and has some mental issues but if there’s one thing she’s clear about it’s that everyone gave up on finding Lauren too quickly and she is the only one now looking for her and determined to bring her home. She’s moved out of home and has a rocky relationship with her parents, blaming them for Lauren’s disappearance and certain they don’t care enough to put any more effort into finding their daughter. Rene’s boss and mentor David is the only one who gives her any support, who seems to understand what she’s saying and be willing to discuss possibilities with her.

As the story goes on questions pile up: is Rene right and Lauren is out there, in danger, waiting for rescue? Did Mum and Dad harm her? Do they just want to forget her? What is David’s story? Does Pete, Lauren’s on- and off-again boyfriend before she disappeared have any role in all this? Is there a kidnapper, who are they, why did they take Lauren? The pace gets more relentless, so many people, so many doubts.

Unfortunately it is at this point that the author seems to be trying too hard to create an elaborate mystery and to also inject some underlying meaning about people and loss and for me the story became a little too frenzied and the actual circumstances of who was who and what was actually happening began to be clear. This book is highly rated so perhaps it’s just me, but I felt compelled to give a lower rating because I was disappointed in how the last quarter or so of the book progressed.

I received an advance copy of Lauren Is Missing from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. It was exciting and interesting. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own. show less

This series is a lot of fun -- great blend of adventure and science. I'm a little confused as to why they sent the Rainforest expert on the ice age adventure, but it's still a good read. This one starred Tamiko, the Dinosaur and Prehistory Expert from Japan and Ollie, the Rainforest Expert from Australia.

Packed full of scientific knowledge in an age appropriate adventure -- good fun. This one involves Roshni, the Space Expert, from India and Cheng, the Geology Expert from China.

1. Book 3 of the 13-book Secret Explorers series
2. Chapter book for children aged 7-9
3. Takes place in ancient Egypt
4. Contains fun facts and illustrations about ancient Egyptian religion, the Pharaohs, hieroglyphics and museums; simple and engaging explanations on how pyramids were built and mummies were made; quizzes, mission notes, and a glossary of words with definitions
5. Comprehension questions: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Comprehension-Questions-3-Th...
6. show more Audiobook preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stF9SCZkMbc show less