Girl, Missing by Sophie McKenzie

Lauren is adopted and eager to know more about her mysterious past. But when she discovers she may have been snatched from an American family as a baby, her life suddenly feels like a sham. Why will no one answer her questions? How can she find her biological mum and dad? And are her adoptive parents really responsible her kidnapping her?


Lauren runs away from her family to find out the truth, but her journey takes her into more and more danger - as she discovers that the people who abducted her are prepared to do anything to keep her silent...


OMG.OMG.OMG. This book is amazing! And I mean, amazing! I haven't read an adventure story this good since....Harry Potter! I borrowed it from a friend, and she told me that it was probably her favourite book. I wasn't convinced at first, because I didn't really like the cover. Yes, the cover is probably this books weakest point. But after reading it I realised that's it. There are no other weak points! None! I loved loved LOVED it!

The book is narrated by 14-year-old Lauren, who is adopted. Her adoptive mum and dad have never told her who her real parents were, and she has never asked. While surfing the web, she stumbles across a MissingChildren website, and she's bored so she types 'Lauren' into the search box. The search finds a three-year-old Martha Lauren Purditt, a girl who went missing 11 years ago, and just two months before Lauren was adopted. Her description seems to match what Lauren looks like. After comparing some baby pictures to the one on the website, Lauren begins to wonder: is she really this girl Martha? Suddenly, Lauren is thrown into a world of secrets, lies and danger, as she sets out along with her friend Jam, to find out who she really is - in more ways than one...

Girl, Missing is written brilliantly, which loads of clever plot twists. It's hard to say too much without giving anything away. My favourite character was Madison, Laurens....well, I can't really say who she is, because she doesn't come into the book until around the middle, during a major twist. But, if you've read the book (and you should!) you'll know why I like her so much. I felt really sorry for her too (again, if you've read the book, you'll know).
Lauren comes across as a bit selfish at times, but underneath, she really is a good person. I thought Jam coming along with her on her quest really helped her to persist and stay strong (quest - I sound so old-fashioned!). I also liked the romance element, as I felt it helped make the book appeal to more people.

5/5, for sure. It's actually one of my new favourite books, and Sophie McKenzie is one of my new favourite authors. She really makes the characters come alive on the page and you find yourself wishing you could join them. Everyone should read this book! I think it will appeal to all ages above 11, as there is some mild swearing.
All in all, it was absolutely superb and I will definitely be reading more of McKenzie's books soon.

Age Group: 11+
Official Publication Date: 02 October 2006
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Ltd.
Author Website: www.sophiemckenziebooks.com

I am doing this review as part of the British Books Challenge 2011, which you can find out more about at The Bookette. Oh, and sorry about the fuzzy photo guys!