Mina Mistry Investigates: The Case of the Disappearing Pets

Gr 2-4-Mina Mistry, schoolgirl detective, is on the prowl for her classmates' missing pets. Her friend's hamster goes missing, then the pets of some other classmates disappear, and finally Mina discovers that the local pet store has been trashed. Could this be the work of irate animal activists protesting a new make up store opening in town? Or could it be the makeup company stealing pets to test their products on? Mina and her friends will get to the bottom of it - even if that means sneaking into a sewer at four in the morning. Delightful, exaggerated, comic-style illustrations further the story. The language is mostly simple, with the occasional tough vocabulary word thrown in, and the humour is wacky and over the top. There are also subtle learning moments thrown in.

VERDICT This will be enjoyed by fans of Anh Do's WeirdDo and those who appreciated the "Dork Diaries" and "Big Nate" series.

-- School Library Journal

This chapter book for elementary-aged students is a fun and light mystery. The book has a lot of illustrations and uses a fun layout--the chapters are log entries in her case book.

-- Becky L. (NetGalley)

large print size and vibrant font for reluctant readers, good illustrative quality, and again a no-nonsense straight in-to the story

-- John L. (NetGalley)

A precocious youngster who is parts Encyclopedia Brown and Harriet the Spy.
This early chapter book is perfect for readers of Cam Jansen, Nate the Great, and A to Z mysteries. The illustrations are fun and the text is perfect for readers making the transition to chapter books. She has funny observations and is a quirky character you can't help but root for.

-- Jez S. (NetGalley)

This was the cutest book. I loved the pictures and how you felt like you were on a mission with the little girl main character. I would recommend this for any classroom library!!

-- Christine R. (NetGalley)

Oh, this is such a fun, easy, quick read for beginners who are 7 plus years of age.
I really like the illustrations and the details with basic storytelling done right! The characters are fun to read. I mean everything is cute and the main character is so lively! I appreciate the writing format with the most difficult and lengthy words being highlighted and kept in bold letters. It will definitely help the target audience to learn words better and quick while reading the book. The story is fun. It's the cutest mystery read I have ever come across! The story worked out quite well in the end.

-- Reading Tamishly (NetGal