The Sneaker Tree

by Phil Taylor

Remember when you were a kid and you had that one magical summer that seemed to last a lifetime? Cooper, Gooby, Chuck, Cliff and Bolo don't know it, but they are in the midst of a summer they will never forget. Their small town is paralyzed with fear as a serial killer preys upon children and The Golden Boys seem to be the only ones who have a chance to stop him. A life-long bond is forged between them as they confront each other, their worst fears and a killer that is more than anyone could possibly imagine. Filled with suspense, heart and humor, The Sneaker Tree has something for everyone.

340 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Phil Taylor is a father of three, husband to one, and life-long smart ass to many. He has been well trained by his two dogs and a cat and is a loyal servant to them all. Phil plays a mean game of Ping-Pong and claims to make the best grilled cheese sandwiches in the world, bar none. He has a Master’s degree in Psychology and spent many years working in the field of mental health before realizing that stringing words together might be a little bit more fun. His first fiction novel, White Picket Prisons, is an ode to the life-long friends that shaped his life.

Reviews

[IndieHeart · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Sneaker Tree reminded me of several of Stephen King's books -- it has the obligatory group of childhood friends, the nameless, lurking evil that threatens the town, and help that comes from unexpected sources. However, the narrative tone is very different from King, and I enjoyed the often witty first person narrative and the references to 80s pop culture. It was a strong point, as was the easy, supportive relationship between the boys even as they hacked on each other about their weaknesses.

That said, stories about nameless, lurking, evils are my least favorite supernatural/horror stories. I want to have more of an explanation for why that thing (whatever it is) is lurking around, even if it's a stupid and unbelievable explanation.So, my enjoyment factor went down on that score.

However, I enjoyed the book, and if you enjoy some humor and lack of gore in your horror stories, you will probably enjoy it, too.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa Shipman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sneaker Tree is the latest book by Phil Taylor and is a wonderful story full of detailed imagery and suspense. Mr. Taylor easily hooks you with the camaraderie and yes, love, between the 12-year old boys called The Golden Boys. Their antics during one summer will have you laughing and reminiscing about your own summers growing up. So fresh and beautiful are the descriptions, you can literally be immersed in the scenes and surroundings of the story. Mr. Taylor has the keen ability to take real-life sadness, deep-rooted friendships, and innocence and allows it to play out as 12-year olds would realistically react and deal with complicated situations. I compare this to Stand By Me on steroids with a dark, spooky sub-plot. The book is a wonderful read and thoroughly entertaining! I've been awaiting this book since enjoying White Picket Prisons, and this definitely did not disappoint. Well done, sir, and I anxiously await your next novel!

[latybug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free download of this book from Story Cartel, thank you!
I enjoyed this book very much. As a junior high teacher, I could definitely relate to the descriptions of the characters and their antics.
As for the story itself, it was suspenseful and kept me turning pages. It had many of the elements that I like in a story - kids, relationships, an unlikely hero, some weird things happening that have a supernatural tone, and a happy ending.
I would recommend this story to fans of ghost stories and mysteries.
I look forward to reading more by this author.

[a cup of coffee and a fairytale · Rating 4 out of 5]

i received this book in exchange for an honest review.

looking at the cover i was repulsed. this book is not what it looks at the cover people!!this book will bring you back to the childhood and teen years. i just loved the books for the laughter it brings you. definitely an author to watch out for!shall recommend to all my friends!!

[Will Mcclinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sneaker Tree is a young adult story good for all readers. Phil Taylor has honed his skill as a story teller in the The Sneaker Tree, it has humor that had me laughing out loud on my break at work causing people to look. The group of friends reminds me of just how much fun my life was at 12, unaware and disregarding my parents warnings of life outside our street, neighborhood, and Strawberry Park with its baseball diamond. This tale has a darker side to it that we all must face in our modern society murder. The author takes youth at the cusp of going into adolescence and spins a truly masterful story as one of my favorite writers does, Stephen King whom is incredibly talented to say the least. Phil Taylor I will be waiting for your next book. What a good read. Bye for now,Will.19492445

[Fee Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sneaker Tree by Phil Taylor is a coming of age story of Cooper, Gooby, Chuck, Cliff and Bolo. They are determined to catch a serial killer who is praying on the local children.

I absolutely LOVED this story! It had all the markings of a Stephen King story. It is fantastically written with characters that seem to come alive right in front of your eyes. This story is full of fear, determination, and camaraderie.