Give My Regrets to Broadway: A Chet Gecko Mystery [Paperback]

Bruce Hale (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Chet Gecko

In these two wickedly funny, criminally punny mysteries from Chet Gecko's tattered casebook, the detective and his trusty mockingbird associate, Natalie Attired, keep law and order in the halls of Emerson Elementary.

It's no mystery: Chet Gecko can't sing. He can't dance. He can't act. Heck, he can't even act normal. So why would he take the lead in Mr. Ratnose's musical version of Shakespeare's Omelet, Prince of Denver? A new case, naturally. The original leading man has disappeared, and something smells rotten in the realm of Ratnose. Did the thrid-act lip-lock with Shirley Chameleon scare him away? Or is goul play afoot? One thing's for certain: This mystery won't be over until the fat gecko--er, lady--sings!

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gr. 3-5. All the world's a stage, and all the players are suspects in fourth-grade lizard sleuth Chet Gecko's eighth mystery. Emerson Hickey Elementary School is starting to rehearse a new play, Omlet: The Prince of Denver, when Scott, the lead, disappears. Horrified to be cast as Scott's replacement, Chet is desperate to find "the missing thespian." As Gecko's fans will know, there are lots of wild complications ahead, including a bruiser of a badger who is out to stop Chet, and a ghost who haunts rehearsals. Kids may be puzzled by the story's loose connections, and many of the Shakespearean references will fly over their heads. But whether or not they know Hamlet's story, they'll pick up the slapstick in lines such as, "Alas, poor Yorick, / You're really, really dead / There's nothing left behind you / Except an empty head." There's also plenty of satisfying silliness in the cast of buffoonish teachers, Chet's tough-guy appeal, and the usual repertoire of painfully corny puns and similes. Hale's own black-and-white drawings illustrate. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"All the world's a stage, and all the players are suspects . . . Plenty of satisfying silliness in the cast of buffoonish teachers, Chet's tough-guy appeal, and the usual repertoire of painfully corny puns and similes."--Booklist

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (April 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152167307
• ISBN-13: 978-0152167301
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #620,271 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #57 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Reptiles & Amphibians > Fiction

More About the Author

Edgar-nominated author Bruce Hale is passionate about inspiring reluctant readers to read. He has written or illustrated more than 25 seriously funny books for children, including the popular Chet Gecko Mysteries series and the comics-novel hybrid, Underwhere, as well as picture books like "Snoring Beauty" and "Moki and the Magic Surfboard."

An actor and Fulbright Scholar in Storytelling, Bruce is in demand as a speaker, having presented at conferences, universities, and schools across North America - from the Maui Writers Conference to the Surrey International Writers Conference in British Columbia. His acting resume includes regional commercials, theater, and an independent film, The Ride. Bruce's book, "The Malted Falcon," was an Edgar Award Finalist. "Murder, My Tweet" won the Little D Award for Humor Writing.

A little-known fact: Bruce loves jazz, and sings with an a cappella group called VocalPoint in Santa Barbara

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, don't fall prey to other review!!!, August 29, 2006

By 

Ms. Parrothead "Book Lover" (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Give My Regrets to Broadway: A Chet Gecko Mystery (Hardcover)

My son is 9 years old and hates chapter books, he would much rather be reading non-fiction. When I found the Chet Gecko series at the store, I took a chance and bought the first book. At first my son refused to read it, but after reading the first two chapters aloud as a bedtime story, he was hooked. He has since read all of the Chet Gecko novels and loves each and every one. I have read most of them to my students, (I teach reading recovery in a middle school)and they have always been a huge hit. While he may not be reading Chaucer, I am very happy to see him reading chapter books and enjoying himself. My six year old daughter also loves having the books read to her. I would recommend the Chet Gecko to any child, boy or girl, as a great introduction to mystery novels, detective stories, and bad puns.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In the style of an old detective novel, with humor for kids!, September 28, 2008

By 

Andrea L. Polk (Southern Oregon) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Give My Regrets to Broadway: A Chet Gecko Mystery (Paperback)

This was a "I think I'll give it a try..." buy for my nephew, that after I checked it out a bit, bought one for my daughter too.

Yes, Chet hates school and makes fun of everything about it, but I can't see where this book corrupts anything but your funny bone! Filled with subtle and not-so-subtle humor, it's an enjoyable, funny read for kids and adults alike. This book was a pleasant surprise and I'm off to buy more! Don't hesitate to give this book a try for kids in 4th-6th grade who enjoy a good mystery and love to laugh out loud.

0 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Corrupting Our Children, June 8, 2005

By 

Brian D. Smith - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Give My Regrets to Broadway: A Chet Gecko Mystery (Hardcover)

Bruce Hale encourages violance and judgemental attitudes. As a teacher, there is no way I would allow my students to read this book.