In a Pickle

by Beth Overmyer

As if angry nuns and bullies weren't enough to handle, a time-traveling orphan gets caught up in a murder.

Charlie Pickle can't stay put in the year 1920, due to an annoying habit of time-traveling. On a trip back to 1910, he meets a man with a secret. Murder makes the headlines that day, and Charlie's new friend knows who the guilty party is. Now, not only does Charlie have bullies and murderers to contend with, he's got some history to fix.

(Also available in e-book from MuseItUp Publishing, ASIN: B00AUY35DA)

124 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

A fantasy author/literary writer/humorist walks into a bar. This isn’t a joke. (Save me.)

Reviews

[Suzanne Montigny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing I have to say is congratulations to Beth Overmeyer for such a compelling and meaningful book. Not only is it well written, but it also sheds homeless people in a positive light. Charlie Pickle, an orphan has an involuntary habit of traveling in time between 1910 and 1920 where he meets a homeless man, Henry, a former captain in the navy who has fallen on hard times. By traveling back and forth, Charlie brings about changes that create a very powerful ending. This is a book every middle grader and teen must read. I'm expecting this novel to rake in every award possible. It's that good.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

"In a Pickle" in a nutshell involves time travel, gangsters, and Oreos.

I went into this book a little dubious, since so many juvenile fiction stories use time travel. Yet I was pleasantly surprised. The characters and plot are simple enough for children to understand, but time travel is treated with logic and a complexity I hadn't anticipated. I would gladly recommend this book to any middle-schooler (or middle-schooler-at-heart) looking for a fun read.

[Edith Parzefall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just finished reading In a Pickle and am still smiling. A funny book that's also high on suspense and closes with a very satisfying ending. If there were a prequel, I'd read it, to find out how Charlie's time travels started.

[Marva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute middle-grade time traveler story. I can see this as a series on the adventures of Charlie Pickle throughout history. Maybe the last line in the book can be deleted to allow for this.

[Amanda Yarsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so sorry to Beth Overmeyer as I am horrible at reviews! I started and finished this book in one evening! I'm really sad the book is over, what a super quick read. I loved the storyline of orphan boy Charlie. The ending was a really happy ending! Reading this book, I felt I was in Chicago and in the 1910's/1920's. Give this book a chance! You will NOT be disappointed!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the characters and the story was interesting. I felt it wrapped up a bit abruptly, but it's a good read!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a neat little story about unexpected friendships and the importance of trusting people. Written by an online friend, it was really exciting to be able to read. So glad it's finally out in print!

[Lizzie Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! My only complaint is I wanted to keep reading more! Was great to me as an adult, and my children enjoy it being read to them as well. Very original.

[Julene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and Charlie Pickle, the time travelling hero of this story. Great story line and a real page turner. I couldn't put it down.