Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Middle schoolers uncover conspiracy in fun adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As THE UNEXPLAINABLE DISAPPEARANCE OF MARS PATEL opens, Mars is worried that his friend Aurora has disappeared and none of the adults seem to care. When another friend can't be found, Mars brings the rest of his detention crew together to track them down. The disappearances seem to have something to do with tech billionaire Oliver Pruitt, and clues start appearing in a popular podcast. Mars contends with many mysteries, from drones to holograms to headquarters hidden off the Seattle coast. Will he be able to make a tough choice and leave behind everything he cares about?
Is It Any Good?
If it weren't for those meddling kids there would be no adventure, and this clever mystery showcases a diverse team of young sleuths eager to be heroes. Adapted by Sheela Chari from a popular podcast, The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel expands the tried and true team-of-teen-detectives theme to follow steadfast Mars as he engages in a battle of wits with a mysterious billionaire on behalf of his missing friends. The plot is exciting, the dialogue snappy, and if the story doesn't always seem believable, it moves fast enough so that readers won't quibble. The adventure is clearly just beginning, and the tangle of loose ends ensures that Mars and the gang will be back sometime soon.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel plays with the popular kid-detective theme. How often do kids solve real crimes?
What do you think of the science fiction element in the story? What other science fiction books have you read? Do you have any favorites?
Would you be able to leave everything behind in return for your greatest wish?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Walker Books U.S.
- Publication date : October 6, 2020
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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