Skunk Chronicles

by Dallas M. Collet

A hit-and-run pickup truck driver severely injures twelve-year-old Trent Stone and kills his best friend. He is left shattered, alone, and struggling with the reality of permanent loss. As Trent tries to put his life back together and uncover who was driving the truck that fateful day, he is met with an onslaught of ever-mounting problems. He attacks his challenges with the naïve and playful honesty of youth, while at the same time experiencing the overwhelming miracle of a first love. When Lindsey, the subject of that love, disappears, Trent is not only implicated in her disappearance but accused of her murder. How can he prove his innocence when she made him promise not to tell what he knows?

379 pages, Paperback

First published June 29, 2016

Reviews

[Keli Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming, funny, sometimes rowdy, occasionally provocative first novel. Worth the read.

An evocative mix of Tom Sawyer, "The Sandlot," and "The Goonies" (with more real-life action and fewer special effects...), Skunk Chronicles slips effortlessly into that ambiguous genre of literature embraced by adults and kids alike--the fictional coming-of-age memoir. It's a little more than that, as well. In this story, the boundaries of childhood and adulthood blur and events that seem the frivolous play of youth take on a sheen of seriousness only attributable to the vision of that special in-between age that Mr. Collet has been able to tap into and bring to life. Add to the raucous adventures and pranks of tween boys those awkward attempts at navigating the dawning of romantic attraction, difficult family situations, mourning, mystery, and murder, and you have the Skunk Chronicles.

[Dallas Collet · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What a ride. I enjoyed every chapter, and this is not a genre I typically enjoy. The conclusion is particularly well played.”
~Adam Celdar

“I couldn’t put it down. I read the whole book in two days.”
~Mary Lee Smith

“If you like ‘Stand By Me’ you’ll love SKUNK CHRONICLES. This funny and warm…tale will not just make you laugh but will keep you turning the page to discover the fate of these rich characters.”
~Matt Pacenza

“SKUNK CHRONICLES is a page-turner with memorable characters and a great mix of mystery, humor, and young love.”
~Sara Pixton

“Possibly the funniest thing I’ve ever read. I laughed until my face hurt.”
~Chad Christopher

“I haven’t done this in years. I read all of SKUNK CHRONICLES in one sitting. I made an all-nighter out of it.”
~Dr. LaVern Collet

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book quite frankly blew my mind. I'm typically more of a scifi/fantasy reader, but I like to branch out occasionally. I wouldn't have expected a book that is, in many ways, about kids goofing around to be so potent and entertaining for adults. It's serious and playful and intriguing all at the same time. I think it would be a blast for younger kids, and I know I loved it - that kind of broad appeal is hard to come by. I can't recommend it enough - grab it, read it yourself, have your kid(s) read it or read it together. You won't be disappointed.

[V. Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skunk Chronicles is more than a page-turning mystery. Characters rise from the pages with authentic preteen humor and heartache. The book is a nostalgic read for those who have lived through this awkward phase; a clarifying one for those in its throes. The author invites us into a tight ring of friends as they experience grief, indignation, love and loyalty. For me, the story evoked both out-loud belly-laughs and tears. I couldn’t put it down and wasn’t ready to say goodbye when it ended.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read with memorable characters and a gripping plot. There's a great balance of humor, suspense, innocent young romance, and a great mystery that keeps you turning page after page.