Code Billy

by Ben Huber

One Saturday morning at the SuperMart, these things Billy, fed up with his tyrannical mom, runs away. The store manager, Mitch Spooner, locks down the store, but refuses to call the police, lest they discover just how much he has been embezzling. In the locked-down store, Sandy, a small-time preacher, may finally have gotten her big a captive audience. Lee Rigg, just an average guy, if a little bit dumber than most, misinterprets Sandy’s sermon and takes it upon himself to apprehend the scumbag he thinks must have kidnapped Billy. And a red squirrel named Rusty plans to outwit all the humans to steal the newly arrived shipment of roasted, salted nuts that will put him on easy street.Nothing ever goes as planned, however, and no one trapped inside the SuperMart will ever leave it the same. Some will be wounded metaphorically, others physically. Some will find love, others frustration. One might even find roasted, salted nuts. All will be dearly glad if and when they finally get out of the stupid store.Part satire and part mad-cap romp, Code Billy is sure to make you chuckle...perhaps even guffaw.

332 pages, Paperback

Published January 30, 2018

Reviews

[Billy Buttons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Code Billy
Author: Ben Huber

Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 7/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 8/10
Of the 16 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
11 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
13 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
‘A rather fun novel. The author’s pretty good at coming up with a very ridiculous plot but still making it an enjoyable read. I sort of liked the squirrel best!’ Male reader, aged 43
‘Although it was a little predictable in parts, it’s a fun romp with a plentiful supply of over-the-top characters. If you are having a bad day, this might cheer you up.’ Female reader, aged 52
‘Yes, this is escapism, but in the best possible way. It is a bit too silly in parts, but the plot is cleverly interwoven, and the crazy characters often made me smile. The squirrel’s grand heist was particularly memorable. I suspect this author’s best book is yet to come, but this is a good start.’ Male reader, aged 67
‘Made me giggle. Possibly the cover is a bit too ‘young’; I thought it was a children’s book. Light, cheery read.’ Female reader, aged 39

To Sum It Up:
‘A fun, satirical novel packed full of over-the-top characters and a very cheeky squirrel! A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is set over the course of a single morning at a Big Box Department store and features an array of characters from an ex-jock turned store manager, a small-time youtube preacher, an elementary school kid, and even an ex-addict squirrel attempting to pull off the grandfather of all heists. An attention-grabbing premise isn't the only thing on offer here, Code Billy does what many books set out to do, but so few accomplish...entertain the reader page after page after page. With rapid pacing, memorable characters, a plot with lots of ins and lots of outs and lots of laughs, Code Billy stands out from the other titles on the shelves by providing a much needed means of escapism and pure reading pleasure. Highly recommended.

[cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quirky only scratches the surface of this read.

So I have to admit, I purchased this book by accident. Turns out you Can't and shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Huber crafted a unique read quite unlike anything I have come across in a long time. Squirrels rule chauvinist creeps drool. What delightful accident.

[Lindsey Nelson | Exact Edits · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his debut novel, Ben Huber has crafted an insanely hilarious story set in a big box store with a cast that runs the gamut of shoppers. This page-turner will keep you laughing from the first paragraph to the very end.

[Christopher Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fun book, what I wished Logic'd Supermarket was/

Could of have a heroic cart pusher though. Or a orney janitor upset about peopklr walking on his floors You still here?

[Janey Glidden · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horribly written book. Don't waste your time