Series Review: The Chet Gecko Mysteries
What do you get when you take the suave, clever, and mysterious demeanor of the famous fictional crime detective, Dick Tracy -- and transplant it into a reptile? One grotesque and scary mystery to solve? Well, yes . . . but you also get this fast-paced comedic series: the Chet Gecko Mysteries by Bruce Hale.
In these stories, which are reminiscent of witty1940s crime detective novels, readers are introduced to Chet Gecko, a wisecracking 4th-grade detective from Emerson Hicky Elementary. Oh, yeah, and he's also a gecko! Yes, like from the commercial, but without the accent.
The Chet Gecko Mysteries are full of interesting characters like Tony Newt, Shirley Chameleon, and Eena Moe. Plus, you'll also get to help Chet solve unusual yet fascinating mysteries — just check out these book titles: The Chameleon Wore Chartreuse, The Hamster of the Baskervilles, and The Malted Falcon!
However, my favorite thing about the Chet Gecko Mysteries is Hale's use of quirky and hilarious similes and metaphors, such as these gems:
"my heart beat like a hyperactive octopus with a drum set"
"the line of kids dribbled out the doors like snot from a runny nose in flu season"
"my classmate kept staring like his choo-choo didn't go back to the station anymore"
Classic!
So dig out your fedora, put on that trench coat, and get ready to help Chet Gecko solve some mysteries.
Plus, gear up for reading Hale's books by submitting YOUR best metaphor in the comments. Here's mine! "Her hair glistened in the rain like a nose hair after a sneeze."
Show me what you've got!
— Carly M., STACKS Staffer
I like what you wrote. It reaches me every time. Oh I wish I knew you in person. You inspire so many girls just like me. Thanks. Bye. From:Hayley
Comment #1 | Posted by: Hayley on May 31, 2009 at 04:59 PM
Thanks. For writing that awesome blog.
Comment #2 | Posted by: Hayley on May 31, 2009 at 05:00 PM
this book loooks good
Comment #3 | Posted by: andrew on June 02, 2009 at 02:24 PM
I read the Chet Gecko mysteries and I think that they are amazing!:]
Comment #4 | Posted by: Ta on June 03, 2009 at 05:07 PM
I bought the series for my school library on kids' recommendations, and I can't keep them on the shelves, they're so popular!
Comment #5 | Posted by: Daniel on October 14, 2009 at 01:18 PM