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Chet Gecko Mystery #2
The Mystery of Mr. Nice
Most folks know him as the best lizard detective at Emerson Hicky Elementary, but it's not all knuckles and know-how with Chet Gecko. He's also got his artistic side.
If it wasn't for his art, he might never have been sent to Principal Zero's office, where he stumbled onto the mystery of Mr. Nice. Because whatever you can say about Principal Zero, one thing is He is not nice. Until now.
Chet knows something is wrong with this picture, and he's just the gecko to solve this mystery. After all, who do you think put the art in smart aleck?
If it wasn't for his art, he might never have been sent to Principal Zero's office, where he stumbled onto the mystery of Mr. Nice. Because whatever you can say about Principal Zero, one thing is He is not nice. Until now.
Chet knows something is wrong with this picture, and he's just the gecko to solve this mystery. After all, who do you think put the art in smart aleck?
120 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
16 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Hale
112 books133 followersA 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 10, 2008
Bruce Hale's Chet Gecko detective series are chock full of bad puns, worse jokes, and gross out creepy crawlies, which makes them ideal for kids, and according to him, especially boys.
I met Mr. Hale several years ago at a library event and he was absolutely hilarious. I started reading the Gecko books, and fell in love.
In this particular book, Chet Gecko and his crime-solving partner, Natalie Attired, are on the trail of some bad dudes who have taken over their elementary school in hopes of turning it into a vocational training center for criminals. Chet catches wise when he's sent to the principal's office and the principal is nice to him.
These are not the world's most fantastic books, but I do think I would think so if I were a kid. They're a great, quick read, fun and not too taxing.
I met Mr. Hale several years ago at a library event and he was absolutely hilarious. I started reading the Gecko books, and fell in love.
In this particular book, Chet Gecko and his crime-solving partner, Natalie Attired, are on the trail of some bad dudes who have taken over their elementary school in hopes of turning it into a vocational training center for criminals. Chet catches wise when he's sent to the principal's office and the principal is nice to him.
These are not the world's most fantastic books, but I do think I would think so if I were a kid. They're a great, quick read, fun and not too taxing.
December 5, 2011
My boys enjoy this!
November 2, 2021
Chet Gecko is once more on the case.
Caught creating one of his classroom portraits, Chet is sent to the Principal’s office by his teacher, Mr. Ratnose. Upon arrival, Chet is given a huge surprise — Mr. Zero is nice to him! This is so far out of character for Mr. Zero, that Chet is sure the cat is an imposter. Something strange is going on and Chet decides to investigate.
This is the second book of this series I’ve read and it was fun. It is geared for ages 8-12, but the style is of the detectives of the 1940s – 1950s. Think Bogart in “Maltese Falcon” only not as gritty or adult. Chet has the fedora and trench coat to show his seriousness.
By-the-way, the cast are critters: Chet – gecko, Mr. Zero – cat, Mr. Ratnose – rat and so forth. There are also illustrations sprinkled through the book to give some aid to the mental images.
Fun, light read!
Caught creating one of his classroom portraits, Chet is sent to the Principal’s office by his teacher, Mr. Ratnose. Upon arrival, Chet is given a huge surprise — Mr. Zero is nice to him! This is so far out of character for Mr. Zero, that Chet is sure the cat is an imposter. Something strange is going on and Chet decides to investigate.
This is the second book of this series I’ve read and it was fun. It is geared for ages 8-12, but the style is of the detectives of the 1940s – 1950s. Think Bogart in “Maltese Falcon” only not as gritty or adult. Chet has the fedora and trench coat to show his seriousness.
By-the-way, the cast are critters: Chet – gecko, Mr. Zero – cat, Mr. Ratnose – rat and so forth. There are also illustrations sprinkled through the book to give some aid to the mental images.
Fun, light read!
March 12, 2025
Chet Gecko deemed himself to be a world-class detective.
When his school principal behaved "nice" on Chet's office visit, instead of doling out a punishment, something wasn't right.
On further investigation with the school yard bully, he heard their esteemed justice doer had offered pointers on being bad.
The school also acquired questionable new staff with curious attributes that included a prison tattoo.
Chet sneaked into the principal's office and rifled through paperwork for clues.
To his great surprise, there were blueprints for a crime school.
Did his principal go bad, or was he being impersonated?
Could Chet save the school from criminals?
How much gum would this gumshoe get stuck in?
***
The author overly used similes.
Possibly due to the old-schooled detective theme.
When his school principal behaved "nice" on Chet's office visit, instead of doling out a punishment, something wasn't right.
On further investigation with the school yard bully, he heard their esteemed justice doer had offered pointers on being bad.
The school also acquired questionable new staff with curious attributes that included a prison tattoo.
Chet sneaked into the principal's office and rifled through paperwork for clues.
To his great surprise, there were blueprints for a crime school.
Did his principal go bad, or was he being impersonated?
Could Chet save the school from criminals?
How much gum would this gumshoe get stuck in?
***
The author overly used similes.
Possibly due to the old-schooled detective theme.
October 1, 2019
Chet Gecko is a private eye who is in grade school. He's been sent to the principal's office but comes out without receiving a punishment. Who is that guy? He's sure it's not the real Mr. Zero. What is going on?
Chet is a hoot. He sounds like a 1940's Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe. I chuckled at his puns which are creative. He solves the mystery but he needs help which is how he gets his Girl Friday, Natalie, who usually has to point him in the right direction. He also gets a little help from some friends at school and makes a new friend.
I like the cleverness of this series. I look forward to reading more.
Chet is a hoot. He sounds like a 1940's Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe. I chuckled at his puns which are creative. He solves the mystery but he needs help which is how he gets his Girl Friday, Natalie, who usually has to point him in the right direction. He also gets a little help from some friends at school and makes a new friend.
I like the cleverness of this series. I look forward to reading more.
Read
September 2, 2023I wanted to revisit a series I loved as a kid (I def think I’ve read this one before) and this warmed my heart❤️ like why was this humorous?! Chet was lowkey annoying, but I think that’s his vibe. I did get a little saddened as I read bc I was trying to find too realistic answers to the mystery and I struggled to imagine the characters in my head as cartoons without the drawings. Maybe I need to read more children’s lit...
June 26, 2019
When Chet Gecko is sent to Principal Zero's office for drawing a caricature of Mr. Ratnose, Principal Zero is nice to him. This makes Chet suspicious, and he and his assistant Natalie Attired find themselves in a mystery involving impostors in a plan to take over Emerson Hicky Elementary School. It's up to Chet and Natalie to bust the criminal ring and save the school.
June 11, 2024
This is my first Chet the Gecko Mystery. It was a decent book for kids. I liked the plot. But, the puns and bad jokes killed it for me. Since I'm an adult, I maybe a little prejudice. With that being said, I read a lot of children's books and books for tweens and teens. This one could have been better if it left some of the puns and jokes off.
November 19, 2025
I bought this book 25 years ago and never read it. Until yesterday when I re-found it and committed myself to finally starting and finishing it. I feel so happy having read this, 25 years of possessions, can’t wait to read it to my kids one day
March 16, 2021
I think this is the best book of them all.
May 24, 2022
3.5
i loved reading these books as a kid but man on man is the sexism getting to me **vomit face**
i loved reading these books as a kid but man on man is the sexism getting to me **vomit face**
May 5, 2020
My favorite part is when chat the gecko followed Mr. Nice to his house. This is because Chat was able to solve the mystery.
June 7, 2012
Okay, so I ended up finishing this one on my own. My kindergartener (who had picked out this book and asked me to read it aloud to him) politely told me halfway into the story that he no longer wished to read it as it wasn't interesting. I finished it because I was halfway through and could add it to my READ pile. I think what ruined it for him were all the similes, metaphors, imagery, and other various forms of figures of speech Mr. Hale utilized. While those devices will likely engage a 2nd grade or 3rd grade (or maybe even slightly older) reader, I found it a bit too much for my liking too. I'm giving this 3 stars because it wasn't a bad story, just too juvenile for me to have really enjoyed it. I'm sure some kids will laugh like hyenas on nitrous oxide at the wacky zaniness of Chet Gecko.
January 16, 2015
We started listening to this book narrated by Jon Cryer on audiobook. We were all cozy on the sofa in front of a warm fire, after playing in and shoveling snow from the biggest snow storm we've had since we moved to Virginia. So, needless to say, I doubt that I heard much more than chapter one before falling asleep. I didn't want to make our girls listen to the story all over again, so I borrowed an ebook version and read it while I walked on my treadmill the next morning.
December 1, 2014
Awards: Edgar Award Nominee, Juvenile
Reading Level: 3.9
Interest Level: 3rd-5th Grade
This story was very entertaining and humorous. It is about a lizard who is a detective at Emerson Hicky Elementary, who is also known as Chet. He has an artistic side. If it wasn't for his art, he might never have been sent to Principal Zero's office, where he stumbled onto the mystery of Mr. Nice. He came up with the mystery of Mr. Nice because the principal is not nice at all. Chet knows something is wrong with this picture, and he's just the gecko to solve this mystery.
Reading Level: 3.9
Interest Level: 3rd-5th Grade
This story was very entertaining and humorous. It is about a lizard who is a detective at Emerson Hicky Elementary, who is also known as Chet. He has an artistic side. If it wasn't for his art, he might never have been sent to Principal Zero's office, where he stumbled onto the mystery of Mr. Nice. He came up with the mystery of Mr. Nice because the principal is not nice at all. Chet knows something is wrong with this picture, and he's just the gecko to solve this mystery.
May 12, 2007
This is definitely one of the best Chet Gecko books. I will explain why by listing two of my all-time favorite Chet Gecko similes, both of which appear in this book:
"As I approached the principal's office, my heart beat like a hyperactive octopus with a drum set."
and
"I crawled for [the window] as fast as I could, like an ancient inchworm with arthritis."
Oh, Chet Gecko.... I love him so much.
"As I approached the principal's office, my heart beat like a hyperactive octopus with a drum set."
and
"I crawled for [the window] as fast as I could, like an ancient inchworm with arthritis."
Oh, Chet Gecko.... I love him so much.
February 20, 2008
Another cute mystery for kids. Again I think there is some humor that children won't get because of generation gaps. But perhaps these books might spark interest in those old detective movies. I liked seeing the partnership of Chet and Natalie throughout the book. And what child would not like to see themselves as the hero--rescuing the adults?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2009
This book was absolutely hilarious and so very entertaining. I remember reading this book as a nine year old (or so) when grandma sent it to me for my birthday and instantly loving it. I remember buying with my birthday money the next few to read.
Great books for children and even young adults. Adults if you like childish humor.
Great books for children and even young adults. Adults if you like childish humor.
June 18, 2009
Chet Gecko is sent to the principal’s office (again) when he realizes something is wrong: Principal Zero is being nice! Together with his sidekick Natalie, Chet is on the case to find out what is happening to their principal and their school.
I liked this story better than “The Chameleon Wore Chartreuse”. More hilarious lines, including “He had me gripped tighter than a turtle’s underwear.”
I liked this story better than “The Chameleon Wore Chartreuse”. More hilarious lines, including “He had me gripped tighter than a turtle’s underwear.”
August 8, 2009
Mr. Nice was the Chet Gecko book that got me really hooked on Chet. I had been slightly disappointed with the first one, so I remember when I picked this up at Barnes and Noble I was like "WOW!!" So funny and still really exciting and entertaining for a seven-year old.
November 3, 2010
Chet and his friend is looking for the real Mr.nice because he is being nice and he use to be really nice to everyone or students. Chet and his friend than find he but got tied up and can't ever yell for help. What would he do.
March 12, 2008
lots of police,very exciting
January 17, 2010
A humorous sendup of the old noir mystery style.
Want to read
September 9, 2010Was on page 6 when it was due back at library
October 5, 2010
One of my favorite series as a kid.
March 14, 2011
interesting, but kinda predictable
April 9, 2016
I knew something was up, but not so big of a plan, really. I loved it and would not stop even if I had short track avery day for 8 hours.
November 21, 2011
It was so cool! If you like mysteries, you should read it
February 19, 2012
LOL I was in the middle of studying for my science test when I had a random thought about a lizard detective book series I had read in grade 4. I remember really loving this series!
Read
May 30, 2012Funny
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews