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The Mysterious Disappearance of Kurt Kramer - Book 2
Seventeen year-old Rachel is crazy about Kurt, but she’s not sure the feelings are mutual. When his parents invite her and his best friend on a family vacation in Aruba, they see a meteor come down on the beach. When they go to investigate, Kurt vanishes. He soon begins to communicate with Rachel and his family in bizarre ways that shake everyone to the core. Rachel realizes that Kurt is stuck between worlds...and that she’s the only one who can bring him back.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2011
25 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Mike Wells
201 books795 followersEmail me at mike (at) mikewellsbooks.com or follow me on Twitter (@MikeWellsAuthor) and get a FREE copy of one of my bestselling books. I'm an American author best known for my Lust, Money & Murder series and and written more than 25 other thriller and suspense novels. I also have taught in the Creative Writing program at Oxford. I'm known for my super fast-paced, 'unputdownable' books.
Please visit my website/blog at:
http://www.mikewellsbooks.com/
And please join me on Twitter and Facebook:
http://twitter.com/mikewellsauthor
http://facebook.com/mikewellsauthor
Please visit my website/blog at:
http://www.mikewellsbooks.com/
And please join me on Twitter and Facebook:
http://twitter.com/mikewellsauthor
http://facebook.com/mikewellsauthor
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 17, 2015
I don’t read YA books – or Sci-Fi books – often, but I’m a huge fan of the author’s other books and wanted to find out whether he excels in this genre too – and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Mike Wells managed to capture me from the first few pages on, as he always does.
Just like Wells manages to look into the head and heart of adults and create strong heroines in his bestselling novels like ‘Lust, Money & Murder’ and ‘Passion, Power & Sin’, he portrays the teenagers in this books admirably well. Their emotions, their behaviour, the way they handled the crisis, was all very credible. Once again, Wells has chosen a female main protagonist, and I really grew to like Rachel. She has courage and determination hidden inside her, and she acts just the way I wanted her to. As for Kurt, he was a fascinating character himself. In fact, I think I’d enjoy reading a novel with him as a grown-up main character, preferably in a sci-fi novel or a mystery. All the other characters were well fleshed out too, and played an important role to advance the plot, especially with the family crisis mixed in. The two scientists were the icing on the cake.
This isn’t your typical ‘alien abduction and spaceship’ kind of sci-fi story, but it sure was gripping and hinted at a lot of fascinating topics. Sometimes it made my mind whirr and whizz with the possibilities, sometimes I found myself gaping and staring at the screen, and at other times I was nodding my head because it all seemed so perfectly logical (though bizarre).
I devoured both books in one sitting and found them to be a quick, entertaining, insightful read that focuses on YA dynamics as well as on the wonders of science. Not only teens will enjoy this book, but also everyone who likes well written stories with easily flowing language, unexpected twists, and perfect characterization. Sometimes I thought I was watching a movie instead of just reading a novel.
Just like Wells manages to look into the head and heart of adults and create strong heroines in his bestselling novels like ‘Lust, Money & Murder’ and ‘Passion, Power & Sin’, he portrays the teenagers in this books admirably well. Their emotions, their behaviour, the way they handled the crisis, was all very credible. Once again, Wells has chosen a female main protagonist, and I really grew to like Rachel. She has courage and determination hidden inside her, and she acts just the way I wanted her to. As for Kurt, he was a fascinating character himself. In fact, I think I’d enjoy reading a novel with him as a grown-up main character, preferably in a sci-fi novel or a mystery. All the other characters were well fleshed out too, and played an important role to advance the plot, especially with the family crisis mixed in. The two scientists were the icing on the cake.
This isn’t your typical ‘alien abduction and spaceship’ kind of sci-fi story, but it sure was gripping and hinted at a lot of fascinating topics. Sometimes it made my mind whirr and whizz with the possibilities, sometimes I found myself gaping and staring at the screen, and at other times I was nodding my head because it all seemed so perfectly logical (though bizarre).
I devoured both books in one sitting and found them to be a quick, entertaining, insightful read that focuses on YA dynamics as well as on the wonders of science. Not only teens will enjoy this book, but also everyone who likes well written stories with easily flowing language, unexpected twists, and perfect characterization. Sometimes I thought I was watching a movie instead of just reading a novel.
May 17, 2015
I don’t read YA books – or Sci-Fi books – often, but I’m a huge fan of the author’s other books and wanted to find out whether he excels in this genre too – and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Mike Wells managed to capture me from the first few pages on, as he always does.
Just like Wells manages to look into the head and heart of adults and create strong heroines in his bestselling novels like ‘Lust, Money & Murder’ and ‘Passion, Power & Sin’, he portrays the teenagers in this books admirably well. Their emotions, their behaviour, the way they handled the crisis, was all very credible. Once again, Wells has chosen a female main protagonist, and I really grew to like Rachel. She has courage and determination hidden inside her, and she acts just the way I wanted her to. As for Kurt, he was a fascinating character himself. In fact, I think I’d enjoy reading a novel with him as a grown-up main character, preferably in a sci-fi novel or a mystery. All the other characters were well fleshed out too, and played an important role to advance the plot, especially with the family crisis mixed in. The two scientists were the icing on the cake.
This isn’t your typical ‘alien abduction and spaceship’ kind of sci-fi story, but it sure was gripping and hinted at a lot of fascinating topics. Sometimes it made my mind whirr and whizz with the possibilities, sometimes I found myself gaping and staring at the screen, and at other times I was nodding my head because it all seemed so perfectly logical (though bizarre).
I devoured both books in one sitting and found them to be a quick, entertaining, insightful read that focuses on YA dynamics as well as on the wonders of science. Not only teens will enjoy this book, but also everyone who likes well written stories with easily flowing language, unexpected twists, and perfect characterization. Sometimes I thought I was watching a movie instead of just reading a novel.
Just like Wells manages to look into the head and heart of adults and create strong heroines in his bestselling novels like ‘Lust, Money & Murder’ and ‘Passion, Power & Sin’, he portrays the teenagers in this books admirably well. Their emotions, their behaviour, the way they handled the crisis, was all very credible. Once again, Wells has chosen a female main protagonist, and I really grew to like Rachel. She has courage and determination hidden inside her, and she acts just the way I wanted her to. As for Kurt, he was a fascinating character himself. In fact, I think I’d enjoy reading a novel with him as a grown-up main character, preferably in a sci-fi novel or a mystery. All the other characters were well fleshed out too, and played an important role to advance the plot, especially with the family crisis mixed in. The two scientists were the icing on the cake.
This isn’t your typical ‘alien abduction and spaceship’ kind of sci-fi story, but it sure was gripping and hinted at a lot of fascinating topics. Sometimes it made my mind whirr and whizz with the possibilities, sometimes I found myself gaping and staring at the screen, and at other times I was nodding my head because it all seemed so perfectly logical (though bizarre).
I devoured both books in one sitting and found them to be a quick, entertaining, insightful read that focuses on YA dynamics as well as on the wonders of science. Not only teens will enjoy this book, but also everyone who likes well written stories with easily flowing language, unexpected twists, and perfect characterization. Sometimes I thought I was watching a movie instead of just reading a novel.
July 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, it was not what I usually read but I really got into the story. Now I have to read the next book to find out what happens.
September 23, 2025
Easy read, I would have given it a 4.5 if I could. Different story, kept my interest. I am getting ready to read his latest published book Blob, I am excited.
January 25, 2022
The Mysterious Disappearance of Kurt Kramer (Book 1) — Mike Wells (1 chapter [1.x] broken into 10 sections) Jan 21, 2022
Kurt Kramer sees a meteorite fall on his birthday while vacationing with his family, girlfriend, and best friend in the Bahamas. It leads to an unlikely encounter and an even more unlikely turn of events in his life.
Very good first part to the story, although it probably would be best for the author to permanently combine these two because they are both so short to read.
Overall, well-developed characters and a lot gets covered in this short, compact story.
Three stars.
Merged review:
The Mysterious Disappearance of Kurt Kramer (Book 2) — Mike Wells (1 chapter [2.x] broken into 7 sections + epilogue) Jan 21, 2022
The continuation/conclusion to a short, classic story to Kurt Kramer. Kurt is able to communicate with his girlfriend and family in a unique, and creative way. He has a tough decision to make: go beyond or stay put and what are the consequences to either choice?
This second book is easy to find for free/reduced price if researched. Absolutely must need to read to get the full story; stopping at the first part leaves the reader hanging.
The ending came up a bit too fast, but the subplot involving the local authorities helped speed the story along.
Three stars.
Kurt Kramer sees a meteorite fall on his birthday while vacationing with his family, girlfriend, and best friend in the Bahamas. It leads to an unlikely encounter and an even more unlikely turn of events in his life.
Very good first part to the story, although it probably would be best for the author to permanently combine these two because they are both so short to read.
Overall, well-developed characters and a lot gets covered in this short, compact story.
Three stars.
Merged review:
The Mysterious Disappearance of Kurt Kramer (Book 2) — Mike Wells (1 chapter [2.x] broken into 7 sections + epilogue) Jan 21, 2022
The continuation/conclusion to a short, classic story to Kurt Kramer. Kurt is able to communicate with his girlfriend and family in a unique, and creative way. He has a tough decision to make: go beyond or stay put and what are the consequences to either choice?
This second book is easy to find for free/reduced price if researched. Absolutely must need to read to get the full story; stopping at the first part leaves the reader hanging.
The ending came up a bit too fast, but the subplot involving the local authorities helped speed the story along.
Three stars.
June 10, 2015
The Mysterious Disappearance of Kurt Kramer: Books 1 & 2 by Mike Wells is a great pre-teen/young adult story written in a similar style of R.L. Stein. With the digital age upon us, what better way to enjoy such a story than through one's earbuds?
This story centers on the sudden disappearance of Kurt, a teen boy from Chicago who is on vacation with his family and a couple of friends in Aruba. It includes both elements of science fiction and mystery, with a hint of romance (nothing more than a teenaged crush). What I enjoyed most about the story was the way the author built the reader's interest by keeping it suspenseful throughout. I couldn't help but feel the urgency in finding Kurt. The dialog was very natural and the characters were believable.
I listened to the Audible version of this story narrated by Sue Sharp. She had great intonation and pace, and differing voices for male and female characters. Plus she was able to express urgency when appropriate without becoming shrill. I received a copy of this audio in exchange for an honest review. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audio book!
This story centers on the sudden disappearance of Kurt, a teen boy from Chicago who is on vacation with his family and a couple of friends in Aruba. It includes both elements of science fiction and mystery, with a hint of romance (nothing more than a teenaged crush). What I enjoyed most about the story was the way the author built the reader's interest by keeping it suspenseful throughout. I couldn't help but feel the urgency in finding Kurt. The dialog was very natural and the characters were believable.
I listened to the Audible version of this story narrated by Sue Sharp. She had great intonation and pace, and differing voices for male and female characters. Plus she was able to express urgency when appropriate without becoming shrill. I received a copy of this audio in exchange for an honest review. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audio book!
February 28, 2015
Another fantastic book from best-selling author Mike Wells. The characters are great and the plot is literally out-of-this world!
Mike writes enthralling stories with very strong female heroines and the lead in this one, Rachel is no exception. I really liked the way her character evolved from shy and timid teenager to a decisive and courageous young adult. The epilogue is memorable too.
In terms of scientific content, my own background is in Molecular Biology and Quantum Physics so the science did not phase me out either. It held up pretty well and for me, added thought-provoking value, and extrapolation of well-established concepts, to another dimension. The story had just the right balance too of human sentiment and sensibilities.
Fans of the late great Carl Sagan's book 'Contact' and Arthur C. Clarke's novellas will no doubt like this story too; As with all of Mike's books I've read to date, this would also make a fine movie!
In summary: An excellent read and well-deserved 5 stars!
Mike writes enthralling stories with very strong female heroines and the lead in this one, Rachel is no exception. I really liked the way her character evolved from shy and timid teenager to a decisive and courageous young adult. The epilogue is memorable too.
In terms of scientific content, my own background is in Molecular Biology and Quantum Physics so the science did not phase me out either. It held up pretty well and for me, added thought-provoking value, and extrapolation of well-established concepts, to another dimension. The story had just the right balance too of human sentiment and sensibilities.
Fans of the late great Carl Sagan's book 'Contact' and Arthur C. Clarke's novellas will no doubt like this story too; As with all of Mike's books I've read to date, this would also make a fine movie!
In summary: An excellent read and well-deserved 5 stars!
May 6, 2020
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
It’s been a while since I read anything by Mike Wells but I like his writing style so when I came across The Mysterious Disappearance of Kurt Kramer Book 1 on my TBR list, I decided to read it.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Kurt Kramer Book 1 is a short sci fi young adult thriller about some kids who find something that fell from the sky, and when they investigate it, Kurt disappears. Of course, Kurt’s parents have trouble believing them until he tries to communicate through the TV. Unfortunately, nothing is resolved in the first book, and since the second book isn’t available to purchase without purchasing the first one too, I’ll have to wait to find out what happens next.
Since this book is short and there’s no resolution, I would have preferred that it was just one complete book, but it is a good read as far as it goes.
It’s been a while since I read anything by Mike Wells but I like his writing style so when I came across The Mysterious Disappearance of Kurt Kramer Book 1 on my TBR list, I decided to read it.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Kurt Kramer Book 1 is a short sci fi young adult thriller about some kids who find something that fell from the sky, and when they investigate it, Kurt disappears. Of course, Kurt’s parents have trouble believing them until he tries to communicate through the TV. Unfortunately, nothing is resolved in the first book, and since the second book isn’t available to purchase without purchasing the first one too, I’ll have to wait to find out what happens next.
Since this book is short and there’s no resolution, I would have preferred that it was just one complete book, but it is a good read as far as it goes.
August 15, 2013
This book is a combination of sci-fi, mystery and a childhood romance all rolled into one gripping package. Mike has the uncanny ability of building suspense in every scene thus keeping the reader glued to each page and anxiously turning to the next to learn the outcome. The characters are real, believable and interesting and engage the reader into caring about their demise or survival.
This mystery is set on the little island of Aruba with its warm temperatures and windy gusts blowing sand and kicking up the surf. This atmosphere creates an excellent background for this story of a son's disappearance while on vacation. Friends and family work frantically to find Kurt.
This is book 1 and I anxiously look forward to reading book 2. Will they find Kurt? Another gripping story by the creative master of multiple genres.
This mystery is set on the little island of Aruba with its warm temperatures and windy gusts blowing sand and kicking up the surf. This atmosphere creates an excellent background for this story of a son's disappearance while on vacation. Friends and family work frantically to find Kurt.
This is book 1 and I anxiously look forward to reading book 2. Will they find Kurt? Another gripping story by the creative master of multiple genres.
August 15, 2013
This book is a combination of sci-fi, mystery and a childhood romance all rolled into one gripping package. Mike has the uncanny ability of building suspense in every scene thus keeping the reader glued to each page and anxiously turning to the next to learn the outcome. The characters are real, believable and interesting and engage the reader into caring about their demise or survival.
This mystery is set on the little island of Aruba with its warm temperatures and windy gusts blowing sand and kicking up the surf. This atmosphere creates an excellent background for this story of a son's disappearance while on vacation. Friends and family work frantically to find Kurt
This is book 1 and I anxiously look forward to reading book 2. Will they find Kurt? Another gripping story by the creative master of multiple genres.
This mystery is set on the little island of Aruba with its warm temperatures and windy gusts blowing sand and kicking up the surf. This atmosphere creates an excellent background for this story of a son's disappearance while on vacation. Friends and family work frantically to find Kurt
This is book 1 and I anxiously look forward to reading book 2. Will they find Kurt? Another gripping story by the creative master of multiple genres.
July 25, 2015
** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
I really enjoy Mike's writing, he tells a cool story and I am never board listening...I listened to this all in one day, and it was well worth my time! This is a story about Kurt and Rachel mostly...Kurt and his family go to Aruba, and Rachel, a close family friend is invited to come with...its Kurt's birthday! They see a strange light in the sky, and go in search of it, only to find a strange shiny object, a rather large one...and as they investigate it, Kurt get's sucked in, and the fun starts! I loved this...it was a fun story with a very nice HEA ending and it is well worth a listen and a credit...I recommend!!!!
Thank You, Audiobookblast(dot)com
I really enjoy Mike's writing, he tells a cool story and I am never board listening...I listened to this all in one day, and it was well worth my time! This is a story about Kurt and Rachel mostly...Kurt and his family go to Aruba, and Rachel, a close family friend is invited to come with...its Kurt's birthday! They see a strange light in the sky, and go in search of it, only to find a strange shiny object, a rather large one...and as they investigate it, Kurt get's sucked in, and the fun starts! I loved this...it was a fun story with a very nice HEA ending and it is well worth a listen and a credit...I recommend!!!!
Thank You, Audiobookblast(dot)com
January 19, 2016
I found this to be a very good book for teens and adults.Sue Sharp does a nice job narrating.Our main character,Kurt,and his friends and brother are on vacation and see an object fall from the sky.They investigate and Kurt gets sucked in.No one believes the other kids. (This was the part I had trouble with.Once you believe sometihng impossible is possible WHY do they insisit that everything else is still impossible.There was so much time spent conversing about NOT believeing one thing or another that it became annoying.) The police become involved,there is a lot of lying and disbelief by everyone involved. Do they ever find Kurt? You'll have to give it a listen.
This audiobook was provided to me at no cost for a fair and honest review
This audiobook was provided to me at no cost for a fair and honest review
April 7, 2014
Seriously good!
Another amazing story from Mr Wells. I'll post a complete review after I read Book-2, but there's several things that I loved about Book-1 I wanted to mention. I'll elaborate on them in my upcoming review.
First of all, killer hook! Totally unexpected, and completely awesome! Also, the author continues to blow my mind with the ever-expanding range of his imagination, not to mention the fact that he is bound by no genre. The last thing I'll highlight here is about the characters. Great job all around, as usual, but the stand out, and big surprise for me, was Segundo F. Herniquez.
Back soon...
Another amazing story from Mr Wells. I'll post a complete review after I read Book-2, but there's several things that I loved about Book-1 I wanted to mention. I'll elaborate on them in my upcoming review.
First of all, killer hook! Totally unexpected, and completely awesome! Also, the author continues to blow my mind with the ever-expanding range of his imagination, not to mention the fact that he is bound by no genre. The last thing I'll highlight here is about the characters. Great job all around, as usual, but the stand out, and big surprise for me, was Segundo F. Herniquez.
Back soon...
August 5, 2016
I really loved this book.
It is the kind of story I'm always looking for; the kind that attract you at the beginning and hold you until the end. This held me until the end, and I downloaded Book 2 on my Kobo ereader almost instantly after the first book was done... and enjoying the second book now!!
Just had to stop to share my thoughts on this one.
It is the kind of story I'm always looking for; the kind that attract you at the beginning and hold you until the end. This held me until the end, and I downloaded Book 2 on my Kobo ereader almost instantly after the first book was done... and enjoying the second book now!!
Just had to stop to share my thoughts on this one.
January 4, 2014
Really good conclusion!
The end of this story was pretty good; I enjoyed reading it. I found that there were bits that I thought were a little bit "too scientific" at some points that were a little over my head, but it was all drawn to a very satisfying conclusion, and a very sad epilogue.
Definitely worth the read.
The end of this story was pretty good; I enjoyed reading it. I found that there were bits that I thought were a little bit "too scientific" at some points that were a little over my head, but it was all drawn to a very satisfying conclusion, and a very sad epilogue.
Definitely worth the read.
July 1, 2014
Kids will be kids but when one disappears it is hard to get the adults to pay attention. Can't wait to read the next book. Underage drinking is not tolerable, but may play into the story somehow. Not all characters are terrific, but I love the intrigue.
July 4, 2013
Like the book....but do not like that I have to purchase the 2nd book to figure it out. Fun and quick.
March 6, 2015
fantastic
December 12, 2014
loved it awesome <3
July 25, 2017
Not bad for a short story, got interesting so I will get and read book two.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews