Some of the mystery is a bit strained, a little lacking in credibility, but eleven-year-old Neela's a great character and the story of Indian veena music is novel. I especially like the very realistic portrayal of Neela as a good, nice kid who isn't above winding up in detention for persistent tardiness! ( )

The book created an opportunity to learn more about Indian culture as Neela's heritage is represented. The mystery added excitement which could potentially help reluctant readers actively read and try to figure out the ending. As a personal review, I thought the story was slow and lacking in places. I would probably research and recommend another Multicultural mystery for students in this age range. ( )

A satisfying, culturally authentic mystery for kids about a valuable and storied veena (Indian musical instrument) that goes missing after Neela shares it at a class presentation. Whodunnit? There are a variety of young and old parties involved and anyone could be guilty; there are plenty of motives and twists. The idea of a longtime curse on the veena also adds to the mystique. Find some veena music or video to play for a full appreciation of this instrument's role in the story. An author's note includes more information about the veena and resources. ( )

I have had this book to read for a couple years and was eager to finally sit down and read it. It ended up being an okay middle grade mystery.

Neela dreams of being a professional veena (traditional Indian stringed instrument) player. Her dreams are one step closer to reality when she receives a beautiful veena (a famous Gudo original) from her Aunt in India. When this famous veena goes missing it is up to Neela to unravel the strange past behind this veena, which may involve a curse.

I enjoyed some of the Indian culture in here, but thought the pacing of the story was pretty slow. This is a neat history and story behind the veena Neela receives, but to be honest I just didn’t find it all that interesting or engaging.

I honestly don’t have a ton to say about this book. It wasn’t a bad book, but it was also completely forgettable. It’s decently written and the subject matter is unique. However I never really engaged with the story or the characters all that much.

There are some good messages in here about not judging people by their appearance and about how playing music has to be for you before it can be for the audience.

Overall an okay middle grade mystery. The book is decently written, it was just kind of boring. While not a bad book I also found it to be a forgettable one. ( )

Vanished by Sheela R Chari is a wonderful debut novel aimed at tweens. It's part mystery and part coming of age tale. Eleven year old Neela is learning to play the veena — a four foot tall stringed instrument from India. When her instrument goes missing she is determined to get it back, even if it means going head-to-head against a curse!

Neela's missing instrument is her grandmother's, a veena decorated with the carved head of a wyvern. After its disappearance, she finds herself surrounded by reminders of the missing veena. What Neela must do is decide if these reminders are clues or just further evidence of the curse.

Vanished is set in Boston. Neela and her family are a believable blend of American and Indian cultures. As the focus is on the stolen veena, the novel doesn't fall into the usual trap of creating tension through Neela's westernization and her family's traditional ways. Instead, she is part of a vibrant, believable family that is finding the balance between old and new traditions.

For a tween mystery, Vanished is delightfully complex. The clues are all there for attentive readers. I have to admit I was to taken in with the curse angle to pay attention, so as things unfolded, I was surprised.

While knowledge and appreciation for Indian culture (especially music) certainly enhances the reading experience, it's not necessary. The author does an excellent job of weaving descriptions of key details into the novel.

Finally, there is the lovely cover art designed by Jon Klassen, of I Want My Hat Back. By itself, the cover is inviting. It covers the basics of the plot in a quick glance — a girl and her veena. But as readers reach the end, they will discover the true significance of the cover art. It gets to the heart and soul of the piece. ( )