Chet Gecko, Private Eye Volume 1: The Chameleon Wore Chartreuse; The Mystery of Mr. Nice

by Bruce Hale

Approx. 2.5 hours
2 cassettes

Listen to the first two hilariously hip Chet Gecko mysteries in this one audio package!

The Chameleon Wore Chartreuse
Shirley Chameleon's friend Billy has disappeared and it's up to Chet, super sleuth, to find him.

The Mystery of Mister Nice
What has happened to Principal Zero? All of a sudden he's nice. And one thing is certain: Principal Zero is not a nice guy. It's up to Chet to prove he's an imposter.

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Humor, Childrens

Audio Cassette

First published March 1, 2001

About the author

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 Outerspace Mystery Pizza Club books, due in 2024.

A Fulbright Scholar (in Storytelling), Bruce is also a popular speaker, both in the U.S. and internationally. He lives in Santa Barbara with his wife and knuckleheaded dog Riley. When he's not writing or reading, you may find him hiking, kickboxing, or singing with a latin-jazz band called Mezcal Martini.

Reviews

[TheMistressofBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a loooooong (add some more zeros) time since I have read this series, but I vividly remember begging the librarians to buy the other books in the series at my library.

Chet's wit is hilarious and his partnership with Natalie is entertaining. Even if I didn't know all about the noir genre at the time, I laughed a bunch. It's also how I learned about "dames." I recommend this to any kid to introduce them to fun mysteries. =)

[Debbie Ladd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny stuff...full of puns and silly similes. Made for a great audio book!

[Amy Beth McPherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just funny. We listened to an audio version while driving on a vacation as a family. Everyone enjoyed it.

[Lisa Schmid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruce Hale does it again! Brilliant and funny!

[H · Rating 1 out of 5]

A bit too many punny jokes, and I do wish the detective was a bit more capable.

[Sara Truog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chet Gecko is a fourth-grade… well, gecko… who is also a detective at his multi-species elementary school. He is recruited to solve different mysteries: in the first book, the disappearance of another student; and in the second, he tries to learn why the principal has suddenly become so nice. What elevates this series beyond the usual animals-at-school books are two things: 1. Hale's use of metaphor and simile is hysterically funny, and 2. the audiobook versions are narrated by actor Jon Cryer, who is hands-down terrific. Daniel has been telling me that these books are good for a long time, and now I can officially agree with him. For grades 3-5.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a QUICK read... I am trying to put together a MyStErY Unit for my class... this will be the perfect read aloud for a couple of reasons. First of all, it's short. Second, it's a fun story with animal/bug/lizard characters. But, I've saved the best reason for last -- this book will help me teach the language of mystery books. As Chet runs around in search of clues and following leads, he explains his detective lingo to his classmate / soon-to-be partner. So glad I came across this book :)

[Scott Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a fun book to experience with students as a read aloud or at a listening center. It introduces students to new language associated with mysteries and detectives, and can set up further mystery stories or a mystery unit. The audio book has fun, but sometimes strange voices, but it could be reenacted with the class to increase immersion into the story. This is also a great read aloud for young students because they can practice and engage in predicting and problem solving.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first books of Chet Gecko. Hubby was able to listen to most of the second story and he really enjoys this private detective. The kids like the stories as well. Jon Cryer has a great voice for being the gecko detective and he reads the stories well. We will definitely keep an eye out for more of these books on audiotape.

[Tin Cheung · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember reading this mystery series in elementary school and just had to re-read it. Just as good as I remembered, but there are some jokes that I did quite get the first time through.

Chet is a fourth grader, who works as a private eye. He is quick witted, resourceful, and often times funny. Follow his first case of the missing gecko.

[Muhammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super book to introduce the reader to a new series! That way the reader will be hooked on the series and keep on reading... That's exactly what I am doing! ;)

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are all great fun!

[Elizabeth]

I didn't finish the book - I had a hard time getting into and wasn't a real fan of the tone if I recall correctly.

[Krithi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is about a Gecko that is a detective.He is looking for somebody's brother.

[Andrea Escaffi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read. Characters are funny.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read kids stories to my 1 year old. These are not as enjoyable as the how to train your dragon series and did not keep my little ones attention.

[Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it