Skull Creek Stakeout

The Caden Chronicles #2

by Eddie Jones

Nick Caden has a 'supernatural' knack for finding trouble. He's a normal fourteeen-year-old kid who attracts ghosts, vampires, and all sorts of undead---or so it seems. Nick also has a way of finding out the truth. Appearances can deceive, but Nick looks beyond.

Genres: Mystery, Christian Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade

176 pages, ebook

First published August 6, 2013

About the author

Eddie is an award-winning author of middle-grade fiction with HarperCollins. Father of two boys, he's also a pirate at heart who loves to surf.

Eddie's middle grade series are wholesome reading with a flair for unexpected adventure. The Caden Chronicles series has a spooky but spiritual message based on real "monsters" in the Bible. The sixth book in the series, "Rumor of a Werewolf", released in June 2019 and is a finalist for the Selah awards in Middle Grade fiction.

"The Caribbean Chronicles" is a time-travel pirate adventure series based on a boy who suffers from absence seizures. The third book, "The End of Calico Jack", released September 2019 and is a finalist for the Selah award in Young Adult fiction. All of Eddie's pirate and "monster" mystery books are award-winners.

An avid sailor with a great sense of humor, Eddie has been married to a girl he met at a stoplight in West Palm Beach during spring break many, many years ago.

Awards for Middle Grade and YA novels
* Winner of the Selah award for tween / teen mysteries
* INSPY Award
* Moonbeam Children's Book Award

Readers Are Leaders - Buy a Boy a Book!

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Eddiejones.org
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Reviews

[Shaun Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since it's October, I was definitely in the mood for some lighthearted monster mysteries. Enter Eddie Jones' second book in the re-released Caden Chronicles series, now known as Monster Mysteries. Skull Creek Stakeout picks up shortly after where the previous book in the series ended, and takes Nick Caden on another adventure searching for monsters that may or may not be real.

Nick is now a reporter for Cool Ghoul Gazette an online magazine that specializes in paranormal stories, and the editor of the site, Calvin, has a story that is right up Nick's dead-end alley: reports of a vampire have surfaced in Transylvania, North Carolina, and it's up to Nick to find out what's really going on. Is there a vampire on the loose in this small town? Is there something sinister happening in the mansion set deep into the woods? It's up to Nick to figure it out and hopefully take a bite out of crime before a vampire takes a bite out of him!

I felt as though this second entry was stronger than the first, Dead Man's Hand. Maybe it was the fact that I knew more of what to expect, but I do think the setting does a lot of heavy lifting here. The forest deep in Transylvania, North Carolina, plus the creepiest bed and breakfast you've ever read about, all set against the backdrop of a small touristy town lent itself to a perfect spooky season vibe. While the mystery reads like a Murder, She Wrote episode mixed with the Hardy Boys, it's more fun following along and finding out what's happening in the small town behind the scenes. As each clue unravels, Nick finds himself in some serious danger, and no one around him is safe.

The spirituality of this series continues to fascinate me as Eddie Jones interprets passages about the death of Christ in light of the way someone who doesn't follow Jesus, but is intrigued by creepy stories. Nick Caden's exploration of faith with vampire stories as the backdrop creates a different lens to see the stories of Scripture through. The discussion questions in the back of the book tie in the spiritual themes well, and definitely will lead to good conversation.

So if you're looking for a fun, super easy, but lightly spooky read, Skull Creek Stakeout is definitely a crowd pleaser.

[Harry Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spooky, Ghoulish, and Perfect
Skull Creek by Eddie Jones
This is the second book in a series (Monster Mysteries Book 2), and allusions are found in several places to Nick Caden and a previous ghost story adventure. But there is no reason that the first novel has to be read in order to enjoy this one. This is story is well-written, in the sweet spot for the Young Adult genre, but I am far from being a young adult, and I still enjoyed it.
The story centers on a small town in the mountains of North Carolina called "Transylvania" and, you guessed it, the story features a vampire. The only question is: Is this a real vampire, or is it some sort of macabre plot by a conniving killer? Nick Caden is sent to investigate by his employer, since he is a reporter for the Cool Ghoul Gazette. Separated from his family, 15-year-old Nick, with some help from his Great-Aunt Vivian, and a cute girl named Meg, tenaciously tries to get to the bottom of the mystery.
What I Liked:
Pretty much everything. The book is full of tongue-in-cheek quips. There are spooky scenes in an old manor that seems right out of every Dracula movie. There are a host of possible perpetrators, red herrings, and an exciting plot. The tone is light-hearted, the dialogue is deft, and the ghoulish environs are deliciously chilling.
What I Did Not Like:
Some reviewer have noted that Nick seemed to be too savvy to be a believable 15-year-old. I don't share that view. Not really. Some kids are 15 going on 50. But perhaps a bit less sophistication would have been more believable. There were a few editing problems, but one has to look hard to find them. The book was too short. At the end, it seemed that the author just wanted to wrap things up. He could have done more with what he had to work with.
Conclusions:
My criticisms are minor and the book is really very good. I think it would be enjoyed by many young people in the target group and adults will enjoy it too. I rate it at FIVE STARS.

[Norma]

A teenage boy, a mysterious murder, a possible vampire, and a pretty girl—the ingredients of a fast-paced, at times heart-stopping mystery with a Christian message. Skull Creek Stakeout is a great opportunity for middle-grade boys, or girls to discover the fun of reading.

Eddie Jones is a master story-teller with a heart for young people. Skull Creek Stakeout will take reading from the necessary assignment to a choice that rivals television. All the ingredients of mystery and mayhem are there, without the gratuitous gore that can render a story inappropriate.

As a reporter for the Cool Ghoul Gazette, Nick Caden, fresh from solving a ghost story in Dead Man’s Hand, is ripe for another adventure, this time involving the mysterious death in a town called Transylvania. With his great-aunt Vivian, a pretty girl from the coroner’s office, and a cast of shady characters, Nick is bent on discovering who murdered the owner of a mysterious mansion in vampire-like fashion. His passion for TV crime shows, tenacity in seeking answers to tricky questions, and sheer bravado lead him through a series of misadventures and outright danger to identify the killer. Along the way, he considers the serious questions of life after death, and the importance of family.

Skull Creek Stakeout proves that good stories, without inappropriate language or images, still have the ability to hold the interest of active young teens. They will read to the end and be asking for more.

[Cindy Sproles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mind of author Eddie Jones never ceases to amaze me. Just when I think he's found the ultimate way to draw a kid into a story, he surprises me with something new. Skull Creek Stakeout is the second of the Caden Chronicles Series and a book that sucks the curiosity of kid to the surface. Jones takes Biblical truths, wraps them in a mystery and then leaves a boy's mouth watering to have the question answered..."Is that really in the Bible. Where?" And off they go to search it out. Not only is the story enjoyable but the sneaky wordweaving strings kids along and opens the door to digging into scripture for the answers. Skull Creek Stakeout is a great mystery with a little pre-teen love included (Just enough to make the boys gag!) Moms, this is a series you need to let your kids read.(less)

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Caden Chronicles and is what I call a clean read. Nick Caden has so many qualities for a reader to like. First and most important to me he loves to solve mysteries. He is trying to discover who murdered a man found dead on a golf course. As a fourteen year-old boy, Nick is a very likeable character for all ages who read this book. My students will love the fact that he puts himself in danger to solve murders. In this book they will love the creep factor of an old mansion. Who wouldn’t feel creeped out if locked in a creepy old mansion? Dead Low Tied is the third book in this series. I have not yet read it, but it will be purchased for my shelves at school. If you have read any of Max Elliot Anderson’s “Sam Cooper” books you will definitely enjoy this series. Highly recommended and on the to be purchased list for my granddaughter for Christmas.

[Bcj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery! Couldn't wait to find out "who done it!" Perfect YA suspense - just the right amount of suspense without being too graphic for young readers. This book touches on several important themes: wise decision making, family ties, discerning myth vs truth. The Caden Chronicles Series is a great read!

[Patrick Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a surprise? This was a pretty good book. It starts out in one my favorite places on earth and that is Hollywood Studios at Disney. The rest of the story is located in another favorite place of mine that is North Carolina.

A dead vampire is found on a golf course and it up to 14 year Nick to write a story or find the killer. One Twist and turn after another and just like the story is over.

Check out this book. It's good.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent murder mystery with lots of spooky, strange elements! Figuring out who the killer is keep us guessing and wondering who it was right up until Nick shared who the killer was.

Nick’s continuing questions about God and Heaven and life after death opens up great discussions with young readers.

Even though these are written with boys in mind, my girls have really enjoyed these books.

[Cc V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book and can’t wait to finish the last one!

[Crystal ✬ Lost in Storyland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caden flies to Transylvania, North Carolina to investigate the mystery of Barnabas Forester's death, one that seems to suggest that vampires are real. Forester was a wealthy recluse, and there are many who stood to gain with his death. To solve the case, Caden prepares to cross reference countless television shows in the hopes of solving the case before the police can. The closer he gets to the murderer, however, the greater the danger to himself and those around him.

Caden is a great character with a strong voice. He knows what he wants, and he isn't afraid to confront whoever it takes to pursue a lead. In fact, he can come off as interrogative when he's questioning people, but not so much that it alienated me. After all, Caden is a reporter, and I enjoyed seeing him 'banter' with people. The entertaining dialogue is one of the strong points of the novel. Some of the best exchanges of words are between Caden and Meg, the coroner's assistant who ends up helping with with the case. I also love Caden's Aunt Vivian, who is really is great aunt but hates to be called that because it makes her feel old. She's so filled with love and fun.

There is some romance in that Caden seems to find Meg attractive, and Aunt Vivian keeps calling them out for bickering like a married couple. However, there are only glimpses of it, for which I'm glad. A mystery novel should focus on the case at hand. The faux paranormal element of the vampire adds to the creepy factor. I also like the introduction of a mystery figure whose identity is never uncovered and who seems to be set to appear in future installments of the series.

I do wish that the story gave us a better idea of how old Meg is; it was disconcerting because I couldn't get a clear image of her in my mind. I only knew that she was padding her resume for med school and didn't have her driver's license, which makes her anywhere in the high school to college years. I wouldn't have minded so much if she only made a small appearance, but she's a constant presence in the story.

This is actually the first Caden book that I've read. For those who haven't read book one, like me, there was enough backstory provided that I didn't feel out of the loop. From other reviews I've seen, it looks like Caden has grown a lot from book one though, so reading book one should help give more insight into Caden's character. Nevertheless, I do appreciate how I didn't feel like I had to read book one to connect with the characters and the story.

Skull Creek Stakeout has made me a fan of the Caden Chronicles. I'll be following the series from here on out!

Note: There are Biblical references in the story, as well as talk of Christianity. Still, it isn't so much that it overtakes the plot to become the focus of the story, nor does it seem to preach to readers, though the Discussion Questions at the back of the book are focused on Christian values imparted in the story.

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For more of my reviews, visit my blog Imaginary Reads.

[Paige Bradish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Skull Creek Stakeout by Eddie Jones from the publisher, and this is my honest review.

Skull Creek Stakeout is book two in the Caden Chronicles series, which follows Nick Caden on his different adventures of solving crimes. This adventure takes him to a town called Transylvania where a man who owns a creepy looking manor is found dead on a golf course with a stake driven through his heart. Now knowing Nick from the first book we know he's going to be interested because one he gets to play investigator, two the guy is dressed and killed like a vampire. Everything definitely gets interesting from here.

Nick's character matured a lot in book two which I thought was cool. I wasn't expecting him to mature much because book two only took place 2 months after book one but he did a lot. Like there weren't that many scenes with his sister, but when there were he acted more like a big brother towards her than being rude. Also while questioning people he didn't seem annoying. In book one he asked a million of questions and kind of had an attitude almost but in book two he was much more respectful.

Another thing I liked about this book is that it was very spooky at times which I like. The creepy manor was one of my favorite parts because there aren't too many books when a fourteen year old boy gets locked in a creepy mansion with no way out. Then when Nick was sitting in front of Meg's laptop and it was randomly typing messages to him yeah weird! Let's talk about Meg for a few minutes, I think she was a pretty good step up from Annie in book one. The reason I say this is because when she first met Nick she was a little skeptical about what he was doing same as Annie but it didn't take her long to warm up to him. Annie was all over the place when it came to supporting Nick but Meg after she warmed up was by his side until the very last page.

Again this book had my flipping pages like a mad woman because I wanted to know what was going to happen, and there were times where I thought I knew exactly who the killer was but then in the end Jones ended up completely flipping it around on me which was awesome that he was able to do that! Book two gets a solid 5 out of 5 stars.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick Caden is a 14 year old reporter for a website for the paranormal, called The Cool Ghoul Gazette. Which is exactly why he goes to Transylvania, North Carolina, investigating a murder for his editor. Expecting the usual murder case, Nick is chilled to the bone to see the body has fangs and bite marks on his neck. Not only that, but the body also was stabbed in the chest with a wooden stake. Talk about creepy! Nick now has to ask questions and risk his life to find the murderer of someone who may, or may not, be part of the walking undead...
This book was great! The characters were engaging, and I just had to try and solve this mystery with Nick. Nick was a fantastic main character and detective, asking lots of questions and getting lots of answers. Eddie Jones thought like a 14 year old, so he wrote like a 14 year old. My favorite character is Meg, a witty girl who befriended Nick while he tried to solve this mystery. I loved a lot of her comebacks while joking around with Nick, as they seemed to be made on the spot instead of well thought out and rehearsed, like in some books I’ve read.
The book was also very suspenseful, especially in the climax, where I was on the edge of my seat, reading everything very quickly. The pacing in Skull Creek Stakeout was very fast and compelling at suspenseful parts of the story, but slower during interrogations, as if the author wanted you to catch every detail. I don’t feel like there are any parts that were unnecessary, because everything seemed to fit into place. As you guys know, first person POV (Point Of View) is my favorite type of POV, so that automatically makes me like this book's writing style, but I also liked the way Eddie Jones created a somewhat suspenseful scene very vividly before moving on in the story. I recommend this book for teens ages 12-15. Skull Creek Stakeout is perfect for anyone looking for a fast paced murder mystery.

[Kate (The Shelf Life) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars.

When I saw this book, I thought it would be a cool take on the supernatural stories that are flooding the book stores. I was interested to see how this story would play out.

The start of Skull Creek Stakeout started off interesting enough, but when I was a couple of chapters in did things start catching my attention. The idea for the story was a good thought and I think I would have clicked with the character if he was just a little older. With all that Nick did in the story, I kept picturing him at least sixteen, instead of the fourteen he said he was. If he was those couple of years older, I wouldn't have a problem with Nick's parents letting him fly by himself to go look into a story for a blog he wrote for.

One of the positives of the book I did enjoy was Nick's great aunt Vivian. She was a funny and spunky lady, who loved adventure.Anytime out of her retirement center, Viv considers an adventure, and spending the time with her great nephew makes it all the better.

There was one part of the story that brought it's rating down the 1/2 point. It was the part where Nick wanted to see the deceased's body and after a little bribery from his aunt, Nick is brought back into the ME's area and is allowed to view the body. My mind was just screaming at me "No! The autopsy hasn't even been done, he isn't family, he isn't a worker, he is a 14 year old boy!" My field of study is Criminal Forensics and everything in this part of the chapter goes against everything I've studied. A boy shouldn't see that, even if he is writing a report. Plus, the detail of the body was a bit much for a kid.

Thank you to Zonderkidz and DJC Communications, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Venita Mccart · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad to see this book will be released Aug. 6th. My grandson read Dead Man's Hand, the first of the Caden Chronicles and has been waiting for this. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Skull Creek Stakeout by Eddie Jones myself.
Fourteen year old Nick, doing investigative work for his almost-adult reporter job for the Cool Ghoul Gazette speaks in a language boys will 'get'. They will be immersed in it from the first page---and from there, it gets even better.
Nick has a 'helpful' but zany great aunt he meets for the first time, and typical parents and pesky sister to which any boy can relate. More than that, he has a dark murder mystery to solve. In some quirky twists and turns, he meets some colorful suspects from the dark side.
Creating suspicion and intrigue, author Eddie Jones really keeps this storyline moving.
One of the best things about this book is during his search through the paranormal for truth, Nick finds some real life answers of his own.
I would recommend this book to any pre-teen or teen boy who wants an interesting, fun read. It might also lead them to some helpful answers right along with Nick.

[ACS Book-finder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skull Creek Stakeout by Eddie Jones is an intriguing adventure that keeps you wanting to read and see what happens next. This story incorporates the much interesting topic of werewolves and paranormal activity that is such a draw to young people today. Nick is a delightful character that is easy for other children to relate to. He has a desire to make a name for himself and he goes about it in an unusual way. The development of the characters in this book is wonderful. The characters relate in a realistic and loving way as Nick discovers the importance of family and relationships. Each chapter leaves you wanting to continue reading to see what will happen next. I would definitely like to see more from The Caden Chronicles. (rev. C.Delorge)

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of Skull Creek Stakeout was provided by Zonderkidz to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

[Phyllis Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Eddie Jones still thinks like a fourteen year old boy. He thinks like fourteen-year-old Nick Caden, a young reporter for the Cool Ghoul Gazette. Investigating murders is Nick’s calling. He hears about the murder of a suspected vampire with a stake through his heart. Nick searches out his story through graveyards, running from a wolf dog, and finding uncertain safety in a crypt that smells like mildew and damp rot. Nick’s theory of the mystery pays off, but not before he faces his worst fears.
I found myself entranced with the action of the story and anxiously awaiting Nick’s escape from constant danger. Now I can pass the book along to my young friend, Parker. I sure hope he can handle the graveyard scenes and vampires better than I did. Great stuff, Eddie. I received a complimentary copy of Skull Creek Stakeout but this is my honest review. Phyllis Q Freeman

[Venita Mccart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skull Creek Stakeout, the second book in The Caden Chronicles series by Eddie Jones is full of suspense for preteen and teen boys. It moves at a quick pace through a maze of mysterious murder suspects, ghouls and vampires. Nick Caden, the main character, his parents, his rival sibling sister and zany Great Aunt Vivian keep it real, while the teen investigative reporter energizes intrigue as he looks for truth about the corpse and finds some truth for himself. This is an enjoyable read, a good, good book.

[Lindsey Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, pretty much from beginning to end, kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt like Nick would be very relatable for teenage boys. There were times that I wished he were a bit older (simply because I had a hard time picturing a 14 year old boy doing all of the things this young man did!) but the story was still excellent. I had a hard time putting it down once I began reading it. My children are too young for this book (5 and 2) but I can tell you this: it was certainly a good book for adults! I enjoyed it.

*I received this book for free for review but all opinions are my own.

[Nancy Brummett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I would just scan Skull Creek Stakeout to see if it was suitable for my grandsons—but I ended up devouring every word! Eddie Jones has crafted a story with the adventure, mystery, and “kid acting as an adult” appeal young readers want. He’s also interjected the whole vampire mystique without leading readers away from Biblical truth. As much as I loved this story, I can’t wait to see how my grandsons respond!

[Carol Stratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I raised two boys and was always looking for good books that would keep their interest so they would learn to love books. Eddie Jones had done this. He "gets" what boys like. I've read several of his books and this is the BEST! Don't complain that your son or grandson doesn't like to read- buy him a book, this book!

[Miranda McIrvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was good. like the characters and storyline recommend to anyone who likes a short but good book.