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Bruce’s Year In Books

Bruce’s 2025 Year in Books

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Bruce Hale’s Followers (133)

Bruce’s Bookshelves

to-read (535)
currently-reading (8)
read (1352)
abandoned-mid-way (25)
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Bruce’s Friends (1,168)

Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance

7,542 books | 3,166 friends

Lyn

888 books | 1,096 friends

Kristen Valenzuela

5,251 books | 80 friends

Kim

590 books | 63 friends

Melissa

1,132 books | 289 friends

Sarah Thornbery

626 books | 265 friends

Nancy Runstedler

1,204 books | 414 friends

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1,005 books | 1,948 friends

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Bruce Hale

Goodreads Author

Born

October 30

Website

http://www.brucehale.com/

Twitter

storyguy1

Genre

Children's, Mystery, Horror

Influences

Raymond Chandler, Dr. Seuss, Tom Robbins ...more

Member Since

January 2008

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A serious book addict, Bruce wanted to be a children's book author since he was in 4th grade (right after he got over wanting to be a pirate, Tarzan, and Daniel Boone). Today he's the author-illustrator of over 70 seriously funny books for kids, so some dreams do come true.

The Malted Falcon, one of his Chet Gecko Mysteries series, was an Edgar Award finalist, and Murder, My Tweet won a Little D Award for Juvenile Humor Writing. Bruce has written everything from picture books and easy readers, to graphic novels and novels.

Bruce's recent Monstertown Mysteries series blends horror and humor, based on his childhood love of monster movies. His other series include Class Pets, about the secret lives of classroom pets, and the forthcoming Outerspa ...more

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Bruce Hale’s books

Average rating: 3.89 · 12,418 ratings · 1,664 reviews · 112 distinct works • Similar authors

	Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author), Guy Francis (Illustrator) 3.91 avg rating — 1,746 ratings — published 2013 — 8 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Too Many Treats by Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author), Guy Francis (Illustrator) 4.38 avg rating — 1,191 ratings — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Chameleon Wore Chartreuse (Chet Gecko Mystery #1) 3.75 avg rating — 715 ratings — published 2000 — 21 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Snoring Beauty by Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author), Howard Fine (Illustrator) 3.88 avg rating — 660 ratings — published 2008 — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Big Bad Detective Agency (1) 3.66 avg rating — 445 ratings — published 2015 — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Clark the Shark Dares to Share by Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author), Guy Francis (Illustrator) 3.82 avg rating — 423 ratings — published 2013 — 8 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Playing with Fire (School for S.P.I.E.S., #1) 3.98 avg rating — 345 ratings — published 2013 — 5 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Mystery of Mr. Nice (Chet Gecko Mystery, #2) 3.90 avg rating — 309 ratings — published 2000 — 19 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Clark the Shark: Tooth Trouble (I Can Read Level 1) by Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author), Guy Francis (Illustrator) 3.81 avg rating — 300 ratings — published 2014 — 8 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Farewell, My Lunchbag (Chet Gecko Mystery, #3) 3.98 avg rating — 268 ratings — published 2001 — 24 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

More books by Bruce Hale…

25 posts
Bruce Hale's Blog

How do I make my characters sound different from each other?

Dear Writer Guy, I often get feedback that my characters sound the same (voice). What process do you recommend to build distinctions in each character’s voice? Thanks, Judy Dear Judy, At the root of it, this is first a matter of getting out of YOUR head and getting into your characters’ heads. Early on, all our characters might sound the same because we haven’t really worked…

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Series by Bruce Hale

Clark the Shark (10 books)
by

Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author),

Guy Francis (Illustrator)

3.94 avg rating — 4,894 ratings

Chet Gecko Mystery (15 books)
by

Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author)

3.87 avg rating — 2,796 ratings

SCHOOL FOR S.P.I.E.S. (3 books)
by

Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author),

Brandon Dorman (Illustrator)

4.10 avg rating — 569 ratings

Monstertown Mysteries (3 books)
by

Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author)

3.96 avg rating — 132 ratings

Class Pets (4 books)
by

Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author)

3.67 avg rating — 141 ratings

More series by Bruce Hale…

Bruce is Currently Reading

Bruce is currently reading

The Burglar Who Traded Ted Williams (Bernie Rhodenbarr, #6)

by Lawrence Block (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: currently-reading

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Dec 27, 2025 12:29PM

Bruce is currently reading

Totally and Completely Fine

by Elissa Sussman

bookshelves: currently-reading

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Dec 21, 2025 06:21PM

Bruce is currently reading

Navola

by Paolo Bacigalupi (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: currently-reading

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Dec 16, 2025 07:54PM

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Bruce’s Recent Updates

Bruce wants to read Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Dec 31, 2025 08:51AM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Bruce is currently reading The Burglar Who Traded Ted Williams (Bernie Rhodenbarr, #6) by Lawrence Block (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Dec 27, 2025 12:29PM · 1 like · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Burglar Who Traded Ted Williams by Lawrence Block. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Burglar Who Traded Ted Williams by Lawrence Block <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Bruce entered a giveaway Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray (Goodreads Author) 24 copies available, ends on January 20, 2026 Enter to win »
Dec 27, 2025 07:51AM · like · see giveaway · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Bruce wants to read Dark Humor (Nils Shapiro #5) by Matt Goldman (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Dec 26, 2025 03:07PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Dark Humor by Matt Goldman. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Dark Humor by Matt Goldman <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Bruce wants to read Stuart Woods' Blown Away (Teddy Fay #8) by Brett Battles (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Dec 26, 2025 01:55PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Stuart Woods' Blown Away by Brett Battles. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Stuart Woods' Blown Away by Brett Battles <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Bruce rated a book it was amazing Gray Dawn (Easy Rawlins, #17) by Walter Mosley	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Another excellent Easy Rawlings novel. This may be one of my favorite series of all times.
Dec 25, 2025 06:30PM · 1 like · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Gray Dawn by Walter Mosley. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Gray Dawn by Walter Mosley <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Bruce wants to read Murder in Manhattan by Julie Mulhern (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Dec 24, 2025 02:10PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Murder in Manhattan by Julie Mulhern. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Murder in Manhattan by Julie Mulhern <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Bruce wants to read Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World by Scott Shigeoka (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Dec 24, 2025 10:38AM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Seek by Scott Shigeoka. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Seek by Scott Shigeoka <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Bruce started reading Totally and Completely Fine by Elissa Sussman	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Dec 21, 2025 06:21PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Totally and Completely Fine by Elissa Sussman. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Totally and Completely Fine by Elissa Sussman <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Bruce finished reading Stuart Woods' Golden Hour (Teddy Fay #7) by Brett Battles (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Dec 21, 2025 02:38PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Stuart Woods' Golden Hour by Brett Battles. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Stuart Woods' Golden Hour by Brett Battles <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">

More of Bruce's books…

Quotes by Bruce Hale (?)

“First," said Ms. Johnson, "I want you to know that you are all winners,"

Why do grown-ups always say that? Duh,we know we're not all winners.”
― Bruce Hale, Prince of Underwhere

4 likes

“Sometimes the writing flows, sometimes it's like wading through concrete. But I keep showing up each day, whether the Muse joins me or not.”
― Bruce Hale

2 likes

“air." Jack scowled. His practice had really paid off—his whole face bunched up like a muscle-man's fist. Rocky and Bosco pushed up to standing. Rocky's brawny shoulders flexed like two”
― Bruce Hale, Trouble Is My Beeswax: A Chet Gecko Mystery

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Topics Mentioning This Author

topics	posts	views	last activity
Coffee & Books: Jonny's List and Challenges.	2	33	Sep 21, 2011 12:01PM
The Next Best Boo...: The Title Game	20218	14601	May 30, 2013 12:53PM
2026 Reading Chal...: Kat's 150, 2015 Challenge	21	94	Dec 30, 2015 08:39PM
Cozy Mysteries : Title and Author Game, Round 2	15570	1207	Mar 21, 2016 09:15AM
Cozy Mysteries : Mystery ABC's, Round 2	12168	1137	Mar 21, 2016 12:30PM
Cozy Mysteries : Title and Author game, Round 4	16049	655	Jan 05, 2019 04:49AM

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Bruce’s Quotes

“Let everything happen to you
Beauty and terror
Just keep going
No feeling is final”
― Rainer Maria Rilke

tags: enjoy-life, fearlessness, live-in-the-moment

5492 likes

Bruce’s Friend Comments

Comments (showing 1-1) post a comment »

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newest »

message 1: by Lisa

Jun 01, 2012 08:12PM

Thanks for connecting here! See you in LA! :-)

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Bruce’s Year In Books

Bruce Hale’s Followers (133)

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Bruce’s Bookshelves

Bruce’s Friends (1,168)

Bruce Hale

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Learn more
Ask the Author

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Combine Editions
Bruce Hale’s books

25 posts
Bruce Hale's Blog

How do I make my characters sound different from each other?

Series by Bruce Hale

Bruce is Currently Reading

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Bruce’s Recent Updates

See a Problem?

Preview — Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler

See a Problem?

Preview — The Burglar Who Traded Ted Williams by Lawrence Block

See a Problem?

Preview — Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray

See a Problem?

Preview — Dark Humor by Matt Goldman

See a Problem?

Preview — Stuart Woods' Blown Away by Brett Battles

See a Problem?

Preview — Gray Dawn by Walter Mosley

See a Problem?

Preview — Murder in Manhattan by Julie Mulhern

See a Problem?

Preview — Seek by Scott Shigeoka

See a Problem?

Preview — Totally and Completely Fine by Elissa Sussman

See a Problem?

Preview — Stuart Woods' Golden Hour by Brett Battles

Topics Mentioning This Author

Bruce’s Quotes

Bruce’s Friend Comments

Bruce Hale’s Followers (133)

Bruce Hale

Goodreads Author

Popular Answered Questions

rssBruce’s Recent Updates

See a Problem?

Preview — Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler

See a Problem?

Preview — The Burglar Who Traded Ted Williams by Lawrence Block

See a Problem?

Preview — Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray

See a Problem?

Preview — Dark Humor by Matt Goldman

See a Problem?

Preview — Stuart Woods' Blown Away by Brett Battles

See a Problem?

Preview — Gray Dawn by Walter Mosley

See a Problem?

Preview — Murder in Manhattan by Julie Mulhern

See a Problem?

Preview — Seek by Scott Shigeoka

See a Problem?

Preview — Totally and Completely Fine by Elissa Sussman

See a Problem?

Preview — Stuart Woods' Golden Hour by Brett Battles

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