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Missing
Thea and her dad are always on the move, from one small Cariboo town to another, trying to leave behind the pain of Thea's mom's death. They never stay long enough in one place for Thea to make friends, but when her dad gets work renovating a guest ranch on Gumboot Lake, she dares to hope that their wandering days are over. At the ranch she makes friends with Van, a local boy, and works hard to build the trust of an abused horse named Renegade. When Thea unearths the decades-old story of a four-year-old girl who disappeared from the ranch and was never seen again, she enlists Van to help her solve the mystery. When some disturbing facts come to light, she finally starts to come to terms with the losses in her own life.
178 pages
First published April 1, 2011
26 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 20, 2014
My granddaughter rated this book as 5 stars. She's 12 and loves horses, and that is understandable. I put myself in her place and rated it 4 stars. It was a bit young for my tastes, but I did enjoy it and got caught up in the mystery. I thought the ending was a bit abrupt. I would have liked it fleshed out a bit more.
After Thea's mother dies in a riding accident, she and her father leave everything behind and move from town to town and job to job. There's no time for Thea to make new friends because she's not in the school long enough. Then Thea's dad gets a job on a guest farm and she becomes embroiled in the 60 year old mystery of a missing child. She begins to make friends, and dreads the day they pull up roots again.
After Thea's mother dies in a riding accident, she and her father leave everything behind and move from town to town and job to job. There's no time for Thea to make new friends because she's not in the school long enough. Then Thea's dad gets a job on a guest farm and she becomes embroiled in the 60 year old mystery of a missing child. She begins to make friends, and dreads the day they pull up roots again.
April 22, 2013
Missing is a very cute novel about a girl, Thea and her father who are always one the move. When they arrive at a ranch things start to change. Thea befriends an abused horse, makes friends at school- and her father shows signs of wanting to settle down. While on the ranch Thea and her newfound friend Van discover a mystery regarding the disappearance of a young girl, and work together to find some answers.
I found this a very cute novel. Citra is able to write emotions into every scene, and there is a strong sense of unsettled characters throughout. I felt like I was searching with Thea for peace and stability in her life.
Great for Grade 5 and 6. Missing is also nominated for a SilverBirch award.
I found this a very cute novel. Citra is able to write emotions into every scene, and there is a strong sense of unsettled characters throughout. I felt like I was searching with Thea for peace and stability in her life.
Great for Grade 5 and 6. Missing is also nominated for a SilverBirch award.
March 26, 2017
This honestly the best BEST MYSTERY BOOK I EVER READ!!! This was a quick and easy read. It had so much emotion to it, and even to the characters. My friend recommended "Missing", to be and I'm quite grateful that she did. I LOVE Thea and Van their perfect. I could feel how they feel, their emotions were amazing. Indeed. 5 stars!!!!
November 13, 2024
Ein richtig tolles Pferdebuch mit überraschend düsterer Nebenhandlung
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March 11, 2021This was a nice/refreshing book to read as I usually read large novels consisting of heavy fantasy/sci-fi etc. it’s was a great more realistic story to read that’s not really word heavy. Since I love horse I was also glad that this story had a horse element to it.
December 5, 2017
Theas Mutter ist gestorben, und seit diesem einschneidenden Erlebnis ziehen ihr Vater und sie von Stadt zu Stadt immer auf der Suche nach Arbeit und auf der Flucht vor der Vergangenheit. Thea möchte endlich sesshaft sein und Freunde finden, denn wer immer nur wenige Monate an einer Schule ist, kann sich nicht integrieren. Als ihrem Vater ein Job auf der Lakeview-Ranch angeboten wird, scheint endlich Ruhe in das Leben der kleinen Familie einzukehren, und das trotz der Pferde auf der Ranch. Den Pferde sind ein Tabuthema seit dem Tod der Mutter, und dennoch fühlt sich Thea zu ihnen hingezogen. Doch kann die Lakeview-Ranch mit ihren Geheimnissen endlich helfen Thea und ihren Vater wieder zusammen zu bringen.
Die Protagonistin Thea hat mir von Anfang an gefallen, ihre offene und ehrliche Art, ihr Interesse an Tieren, Natur und den Menschen fand ich schön und sie wirkte dadurch auf mich aufrichtig und extrovertiert, und das obwohl sie immer zu von Ort zu Ort ziehen muss. Mit Van hat sie auch endlich einen Freund gefunden, denn sie schätzt und der scheinbar auch wirklich süß und ehrlich ist. Beide machen sich auf die Suche nach dem vermissten Mädchen, und damit nach der Auflösung des Geheimnisses der Lakeview-Ranch.
Die Kombination aus geheimnisvoller, familienlastigen und pferdeverliebten Geschichte hat mir wirklich gefallen und hat die Atmsphäe beim Lesen total aufgelockert. Immer wieder wurden die Fäden der jeweiligen Teilgeschichten aufgenommen und weitererzählt, und letztendlich sogar zusammengeführt, was ich wirklich schön fand. Besonders die Zusammenarbeit von Thea und Storm war eindringlich beschrieben, man konnte sich die Wildheit des Pferdes direkt vorstellen. Aber auch die Familiengeschichte, die bis heute Vans Familie belastet hatte viele Facetten und am Ende eine spannende Auflösung, die den Leser mitfiebern lässt.
Ich wurde beim Lesen mitgerissen und konnte mich jederzeit in Theas Situation hineinversetzen. Sie war für mich als Leser jederzeit in ihren Handlungen und Entscheidungen nachvollziehbar und vor allem hat mich ihre Geschichte berührt. Der Schreibstil und der Lesefluss waren angenehm und verständlich. Ich hätte mir am Ende sogar noch mehr Seiten gewünscht, um einfach noch mehr die Beziehungen im Buch ausbauen zu können.
Fazit:
"Nur dieser einer Sommer" konnte mich von Anfang an überzeugen, mit einer gelungen Kombination aus geheimnsivoller Familiengeschichte und spannender Pferdestory schafft es Becky Citra die Balance zu halten und den Leser jederzeit zu fesseln. Am Ende hätte ich mir sogar noch mehr Seiten gewünscht, damit es nicht schon endet.
Die Protagonistin Thea hat mir von Anfang an gefallen, ihre offene und ehrliche Art, ihr Interesse an Tieren, Natur und den Menschen fand ich schön und sie wirkte dadurch auf mich aufrichtig und extrovertiert, und das obwohl sie immer zu von Ort zu Ort ziehen muss. Mit Van hat sie auch endlich einen Freund gefunden, denn sie schätzt und der scheinbar auch wirklich süß und ehrlich ist. Beide machen sich auf die Suche nach dem vermissten Mädchen, und damit nach der Auflösung des Geheimnisses der Lakeview-Ranch.
Die Kombination aus geheimnisvoller, familienlastigen und pferdeverliebten Geschichte hat mir wirklich gefallen und hat die Atmsphäe beim Lesen total aufgelockert. Immer wieder wurden die Fäden der jeweiligen Teilgeschichten aufgenommen und weitererzählt, und letztendlich sogar zusammengeführt, was ich wirklich schön fand. Besonders die Zusammenarbeit von Thea und Storm war eindringlich beschrieben, man konnte sich die Wildheit des Pferdes direkt vorstellen. Aber auch die Familiengeschichte, die bis heute Vans Familie belastet hatte viele Facetten und am Ende eine spannende Auflösung, die den Leser mitfiebern lässt.
Ich wurde beim Lesen mitgerissen und konnte mich jederzeit in Theas Situation hineinversetzen. Sie war für mich als Leser jederzeit in ihren Handlungen und Entscheidungen nachvollziehbar und vor allem hat mich ihre Geschichte berührt. Der Schreibstil und der Lesefluss waren angenehm und verständlich. Ich hätte mir am Ende sogar noch mehr Seiten gewünscht, um einfach noch mehr die Beziehungen im Buch ausbauen zu können.
Fazit:
"Nur dieser einer Sommer" konnte mich von Anfang an überzeugen, mit einer gelungen Kombination aus geheimnsivoller Familiengeschichte und spannender Pferdestory schafft es Becky Citra die Balance zu halten und den Leser jederzeit zu fesseln. Am Ende hätte ich mir sogar noch mehr Seiten gewünscht, damit es nicht schon endet.
March 29, 2017
Perfect story. Wish I had written it. The setting was so beautifully described it made me want to visit the Canadian ranch, except I loved experiencing it exactly the way I did, as 13-year-old Thea in its pre-opening days. I savored every single sentence from beginning to end, never letting myself rush, and just enjoyed letting everything envelope me.
I loved Thea's close relationship with her father, despite the hollow place created by her mother's death (which has its own twist I did not expect). There was a heartbreaking and intriguing mystery of a missing child from the 1950s, lovely ranch history, a beautiful but wild horse who needed some whispering, the new owner of the ranch who might as well have been a heaven-sent angel, his trio of dogs, and wonderful neighbors down the way. A church youth group was also worked in seamlessly, despite my reaction to its introduction being very much like Thea's. What more could one ask for?
I loved Thea's close relationship with her father, despite the hollow place created by her mother's death (which has its own twist I did not expect). There was a heartbreaking and intriguing mystery of a missing child from the 1950s, lovely ranch history, a beautiful but wild horse who needed some whispering, the new owner of the ranch who might as well have been a heaven-sent angel, his trio of dogs, and wonderful neighbors down the way. A church youth group was also worked in seamlessly, despite my reaction to its introduction being very much like Thea's. What more could one ask for?
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February 28, 2013I loved Missing, it was an amzing mystery about a 13 year old girl, Thea. Thea and her dad move alot, ever since her mom died. thea's dad finds work, they get a home, then when he gets fired or someone gets off of there break/holiday/year off, they move again looking for help wanted signs and a new home... but when Thea and her dad are living in a small town, working in a resturant a man comes in and changed Thea's dad's options by asking for help at an old horse ranch. Later finds out about a disaperence of a little girl. And as things unravel the mystery becomes more interesting, and the book becomes hard to put down.
May 24, 2014
This book may just be appealing to horse lovers at first, but I can truly tell you that it's not all about a girl and her horse. It's actually partial mystery and partial a girl moves in to a new town type of book. I will admit that this book was not my top pick when I looked at the other books, but even when I started reading it, it wasn't what I expected at all. All and all this book is just great and just a bit Miss leading.
December 31, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. I think that the students reading Silver Birch will really like it as well. It is very age appropriate but still has lots of depth and excitement which isn't always the case for the books written for students in the junior grades. I will be passing this book along to lots of the students in the new year.
October 22, 2015
It was alright, but the author didn't write the main character really bright to see the clues that were right in front of her, and she made training a horse seem so easy it was actually hysterical to read.
September 22, 2021
Ganz süß. Der Pferdeanteil war super und das Rätsel ist tatsächlich auch ganz spannend gewesen
February 1, 2023
jahrelang mein lieblingsbuch, jeden sommer gelesen
December 14, 2024
Nur dieser eine Sommer hat mich tatsächlich hauptsächlich aufgrund des Covers sofort angesprochen, und das obwohl ich Pferdebücher eigentlich gar nicht mag/längst aus dem Alter (und meiner Pferde-Phase) rausgewachsen bin. Aber das Buch ist richtig schön anzusehen, und als ich dann heute doch mal reinlesen wollte, um zu sehen, ob ich es aussortieren will oder nicht, hat es mich auch Inhaltlich sehr schnell gefesselt und ich habe das Buch fast in einem Rutsch durchgelesen. Was vermutlich hauptsächlich damit zu tun hat, dass ich es beim Lesen dann gar nicht mehr als Pferdebuch empfunden habe (das ich vermutlich doch sehr schnell aussortiert hätte), sondern es ging dann tatsächlich eher in Richtung Krimi ab einem gewissen Punkt, und vorher mehr um Familienverhältnisse, was ich auch echt spannend fand. Die ganze Pferde-Geschichte rutschte für mich während des Lesens total in den Hintergrund, sogar so weit, dass ich mich irgendwann gefragt habe, warum es überhaupt ein Pferdebuch ist, weil eigentlich war das für mich plötzlich gar nicht mehr der Fokus.
Es geht trotzdem viel um Storm und wie Thea mit dem Pferd umgeht (inwiefern das realistisch ist könnte ich dabei aber echt nicht sagen, manchmal fühlte es sich etwas weit hergeholt an, aber da ich mich in dem Bereich gar nicht auskenne, muss das absolut nichts heißen), aber neben allem anderen war das ein erstaunlich kleiner Teil. Vielleicht kam es mir aber auch nur so vor, weil mich einfach der Rest mehr interessiert hat.
Emotional hat mich die Geschichte rund um Thea auf jeden Fall berührt, und auch wenn es einige Stellen gab, die für mich etwas losgelöst waren oder bei denen ich nicht ganz nachvollziehen konnte, warum das so ist, hat mich das Buch insgesamt trotzdem super unterhalten und war wirklich angenehm zu lesen. Das Ende war schon irgendwie denkbar und ein paar Dinge habe ich mir einfach von der Art her, wie das Buch geschrieben ist, längst gedacht gehabt, aber das hat überhaupt nicht gestört und am Ende war ich doch erstaunlich zufrieden mit allem. Nicht zu 100%, weil ich auch das Gefühl hatte, dass Dinge vielleicht etwas zu schnell gingen, aber am Ende ist es ein Pferdebuch, kein Krimi, entsprechend kann ich dann doch ganz gut damit leben.
Es geht trotzdem viel um Storm und wie Thea mit dem Pferd umgeht (inwiefern das realistisch ist könnte ich dabei aber echt nicht sagen, manchmal fühlte es sich etwas weit hergeholt an, aber da ich mich in dem Bereich gar nicht auskenne, muss das absolut nichts heißen), aber neben allem anderen war das ein erstaunlich kleiner Teil. Vielleicht kam es mir aber auch nur so vor, weil mich einfach der Rest mehr interessiert hat.
Emotional hat mich die Geschichte rund um Thea auf jeden Fall berührt, und auch wenn es einige Stellen gab, die für mich etwas losgelöst waren oder bei denen ich nicht ganz nachvollziehen konnte, warum das so ist, hat mich das Buch insgesamt trotzdem super unterhalten und war wirklich angenehm zu lesen. Das Ende war schon irgendwie denkbar und ein paar Dinge habe ich mir einfach von der Art her, wie das Buch geschrieben ist, längst gedacht gehabt, aber das hat überhaupt nicht gestört und am Ende war ich doch erstaunlich zufrieden mit allem. Nicht zu 100%, weil ich auch das Gefühl hatte, dass Dinge vielleicht etwas zu schnell gingen, aber am Ende ist es ein Pferdebuch, kein Krimi, entsprechend kann ich dann doch ganz gut damit leben.
January 26, 2024
Loved this book. :) I'm doing it for my book report and I'm glad that I'm passionate about it, because it makes the assignment a lot nicer for me. It was so refreshing, and it was an easy read. I thought Thea's relationship with Renegade was so heartwarming and well-described. The mystery actually surprised me and made me never want to put the book down! 💗 Also, I love Thea's relationship with Van, too, and (spoiler warning!) I kind of like how it's up to the reader's interpretation whether they'll end up together or not. Thea's thoughts about her dad and mother were complex and I love that about it. And Chloe's friendship with Thea was really unexpected and sweet. Also, gorgeous ending!! + Really wise, beautiful characters like May and Marion. And the whole situation with Esta, it really lets the reader try to put themself in her shoes. The ending letter was also just . . . wow.😭 I wish there was a sequel because I just want more of this beautiful book!
The only tips for improvement that I have is that I think more sensory details/setting descriptions would have made it even more immersive. But then again, there were many vivid scenes throughout. That's all. :)
If you feel that you're in a reading slump, definitely consider picking this book up, as it's a very easy yet wonderful read. If you like mystery stuff, also consider it! And if you love horses, then what are you doing?? Get it right now!! <3
The only tips for improvement that I have is that I think more sensory details/setting descriptions would have made it even more immersive. But then again, there were many vivid scenes throughout. That's all. :)
If you feel that you're in a reading slump, definitely consider picking this book up, as it's a very easy yet wonderful read. If you like mystery stuff, also consider it! And if you love horses, then what are you doing?? Get it right now!! <3
November 26, 2019
The book Missing, by Becky Citra keeps the readers on the edge of their chair throughout the entire story. Thea and her father are consistently moving, starting with one little Cariboo town then onto the next, attempting to abandon the agony of Thea's mother's passing. They never remain long enough in one spot for Thea to make companions, however when her father gets work remodeling a visitor farm on Gumboot Lake, she sets out to trust that their meandering days are finished. At the farm she warms up to Van, a nearby kid, and strives to fabricate the trust of a mishandled pony named Renegade. At the point when Thea uncovers the decades-old story of a four-year-old young lady who vanished from the farm and was gone forever, she asks Van to assist her with illuminating the secret, and when some upsetting realities become visible, she at long last begins to get closure with the misfortunes in her very own life. Citra's composing is strong, and Thea is solid and engaging, however the story feels split. The secret takes up the greater part of the pages, yet the mystery appears to take up the majority of the feeling, and the different sides don't mix. The authors style is quite unique to what I’ve witnessed before. Different point of views are portrayed throughout the story that made it a little confusing to understand at first. After the story had got going, the story flowed a lot better. The characterization of the characters is very descriptive. You can tell that Citra spewing a lot of time evolving the characters personality’s and traits. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery. I personally decided to read it because it involves horses, so any horse lovers would enjoy it to! It’s quite similar to the Series,The Private School Murders because it involves the same type of suspense and mystery throughout the story. They both are page flippers and I found them interesting in their own ways. Overall, I thought the book was really good and would defiantly recommend to anyone looking for a suspenseful book.
June 15, 2023
This publisher is known for shorter, high-interest books that appeal to reluctant readers. Judged by that framework, I think Missing succeeds. Readers immediately are drawn in to Thea's world and care about what she cares about. There's some horsey stuff and mystery stuff, a little social stuff and some romantic stuff, and while the book doesn't stand out for any one thing, it's kind of just quietly being reliable and enjoyable, not calling attention to itself but doing its thing and doing it well. A bit like that gentle old bombproof horse every riding school has.
May 19, 2025
This was a quick read with a really interesting plot that moved at a great pace. As a YA novel, I can see how this would be a good book for someone who isn’t a big reader but is interested in mystery and crime, as that part of the story was my favourite. It’s told really well, and the pace keeps it interesting the whole way through.
For myself, I do with it was longer! This is my second Becky Citra book, and I love the way she weaves the mystery with the protagonist’s coming-of-age struggles. Also, it’s so neat to read stuff set in Northern BC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
For myself, I do with it was longer! This is my second Becky Citra book, and I love the way she weaves the mystery with the protagonist’s coming-of-age struggles. Also, it’s so neat to read stuff set in Northern BC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
July 14, 2018
Wonderful Canadian mystery set in the Cariboo region of British Columbia. This book is ideal for a tween, teen, or even an older reader. It's a lot better than many adult mysteries I've read this year!
It has everything a young reader will enjoy: a horse, a mystery, and a little romance. Only 178 pages means it is a great summer holiday read.
It has everything a young reader will enjoy: a horse, a mystery, and a little romance. Only 178 pages means it is a great summer holiday read.
February 8, 2025
this was the worst book i’ve ever read in my entire life, the entire book was so incredibly cringy and the conversations made me want to crawl out of my skin. i says the becky has trained horses for 30 years and i genuinely don’t think she has had an actual conversation with someone in those 30 years.
April 21, 2024
DNF it was good but I got bored of the story pretty quick and wasn’t excited or eager to pick it up plus I’m in a reading slump so I didn’t find it a smart idea to push myself to keep reading something I know I’m not feeling the vibe of
October 26, 2017
The book missing is a good and exiting book, I would recommend it to others who like mystery books.
July 22, 2019
I really like how so much was going on in this book:the mystery, trying to make friends, and trying to train a horse that was previously untouchable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2020
Missing is an amazing book. It’s I bit young for me, but it would be great for 5th to 6th graders.
Beaky Citra definitely knows how to put emotions into every scene. I love it.
Beaky Citra definitely knows how to put emotions into every scene. I love it.
Want to read
February 5, 2021This book is amazing I love it 🥰 ❤️
August 4, 2021
Very relaxing, entertaining book. I enjoyed it. Quick read
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May 12, 2022I’m simply not rating this because it’s a children’s book. But now I’m nostalgic and I miss my first time reading
January 11, 2023
super quick and easy read, read it in one day- a really cute story that’s perfect for horse lovers.
November 29, 2023
This was such a cute read!! Good mystery, lovely knowledge of horses and getting them started. Well-written and would be a great book for a young reader who loves horses.
November 4, 2024
Amazing book, read it many times!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews