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1301 ratings | 337 reviews | avg rating:3.62

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Bruce Hale

Goodreads Author

Born

October 30

Website

http://www.brucehale.com/

Twitter

storyguy1

Genre

Children's, Mystery, Horror

Influences

Raymond Chandler, Dr. Seuss, Tom Robbins ...more

Member Since

January 2008

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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 Outerspa ...more

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Combine Editions
Bruce Hale’s books

Average rating: 3.89 · 12,961 ratings · 1,706 reviews · 127 distinct works • Similar authors

	Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author), Guy Francis (Illustrator) 3.91 avg rating — 1,778 ratings — published 2013 — 9 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Too Many Treats by Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author), Guy Francis (Illustrator) 4.38 avg rating — 1,431 ratings — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Chameleon Wore Chartreuse (Chet Gecko Mystery #1) 3.75 avg rating — 729 ratings — published 2000 — 20 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Snoring Beauty by Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author), Howard Fine (Illustrator) 3.87 avg rating — 667 ratings — published 2008 — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Clark the Shark Dares to Share: A rollicking rhyming picture book where Clark the Shark learns to share, wait his turn, and be a better friend by Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author), Guy Francis (Illustrator) 3.82 avg rating — 435 ratings — published 2013 — 9 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Big Bad Detective Agency (1) 3.65 avg rating — 455 ratings — published 2015 — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Playing with Fire (School for S.P.I.E.S., #1) 3.98 avg rating — 350 ratings — published 2013 — 5 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Mystery of Mr. Nice (Chet Gecko Mystery, #2) 3.90 avg rating — 314 ratings — published 2000 — 19 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Clark the Shark: Tooth Trouble: A Level One I Can Read story where Clark faces a scary dentist visit, plus fun shark teeth facts, ages 4-8 (I Can Read Level 1) by Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author), Guy Francis (Illustrator) 3.80 avg rating — 312 ratings — published 2014 — 9 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Farewell, My Lunchbag (Chet Gecko Mystery, #3) 3.98 avg rating — 275 ratings — published 2001 — 24 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

More books by Bruce Hale…

25 posts
Bruce Hale's Blog

How do I make my characters sound different from each other?

Dear Writer Guy, I often get feedback that my characters sound the same (voice). What process do you recommend to build distinctions in each character’s voice? Thanks, Judy Dear Judy, At the root of it, this is first a matter of getting out of YOUR head and getting into your characters’ heads. Early on, all our characters might sound the same because we haven’t really worked…

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Series by Bruce Hale

Clark the Shark (10 books)
by

Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author),

Guy Francis (Illustrator)

3.96 avg rating — 5,229 ratings

Chet Gecko Mystery (15 books)
by

Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author)

3.87 avg rating — 2,848 ratings

SCHOOL FOR S.P.I.E.S. (3 books)
by

Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author),

Brandon Dorman (Illustrator)

4.10 avg rating — 572 ratings

Monstertown Mysteries (3 books)
by

Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author)

3.93 avg rating — 134 ratings

Class Pets (4 books)
by

Bruce Hale (Goodreads Author)

3.65 avg rating — 141 ratings

More series by Bruce Hale…

Bruce is Currently Reading

Bruce is currently reading

Always Be My Pumpkin (Oakwood Village Dreams)

by Linda McEvoy

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Sep 28, 2026 12:42PM

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Reboot (Reboot, #1)

by Amy Tintera (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: currently-reading

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Sep 26, 2026 10:58AM

Bruce is currently reading

The Archy McNally Series Volume Three: McNally's Gamble, McNally's Dilemma, McNally's Folly (Archy McNally Collections Book 3)

by Lawrence Sanders

bookshelves: currently-reading

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Mar 19, 2026 10:59AM

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Bruce’s Recent Updates

Bruce entered a giveaway Blood Relay by Devon A. Mihesuah (Goodreads Author) 15 copies available, ends on October 31, 2026 Enter to win »
Oct 01, 2026 09:13AM · like · see giveaway · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Blood Relay by Devon A. Mihesuah. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Blood Relay by Devon A. Mihesuah <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Bruce entered a giveaway Definitely Maybe Not a Detective (Emersyn Gray, #1) by Sarah Fox (Goodreads Author) 10 copies available, ends on October 31, 2026 Enter to win »
Oct 01, 2026 08:17AM · like · see giveaway · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Definitely Maybe Not a Detective by Sarah Fox. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Definitely Maybe Not a Detective by Sarah Fox <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Bruce wants to read Truth in Advertising by John Kenney	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Sep 30, 2026 05:29PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Truth in Advertising by John Kenney. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Truth in Advertising by John Kenney <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Bruce rated a book really liked it Rules for Aging and Larceny by Julia London (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Sep 28, 2026 12:45PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Rules for Aging and Larceny by Julia London. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Rules for Aging and Larceny by Julia London <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Bruce is currently reading Always Be My Pumpkin (Oakwood Village Dreams) by Linda McEvoy	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Sep 28, 2026 12:42PM · like
Bruce finished reading Rules for Aging and Larceny by Julia London (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Sep 28, 2026 12:41PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Rules for Aging and Larceny by Julia London. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Rules for Aging and Larceny by Julia London <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Bruce wants to read We Chase Shadows (We Solve Murders, #2) by Richard Osman	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Sep 27, 2026 01:46PM · like
Bruce wants to read Dead Beat (Ninth House Trilogy, #3) by Leigh Bardugo (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Sep 27, 2026 01:46PM · like
Bruce started reading Reboot (Reboot, #1) by Amy Tintera (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Sep 26, 2026 10:58AM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Reboot by Amy Tintera. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Reboot by Amy Tintera <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Bruce wants to read Scion (Scion, #1) by James Islington (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Sep 26, 2026 10:55AM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Scion by James Islington. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Scion by James Islington <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">

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Quotes by Bruce Hale (?)

“First," said Ms. Johnson, "I want you to know that you are all winners,"

Why do grown-ups always say that? Duh,we know we're not all winners.”
― Bruce Hale, Prince of Underwhere

4 likes

“Sometimes the writing flows, sometimes it's like wading through concrete. But I keep showing up each day, whether the Muse joins me or not.”
― Bruce Hale

2 likes

“air." Jack scowled. His practice had really paid off—his whole face bunched up like a muscle-man's fist. Rocky and Bosco pushed up to standing. Rocky's brawny shoulders flexed like two”
― Bruce Hale, Trouble Is My Beeswax: A Chet Gecko Mystery – A Funny Mystery Chapter Book About a Cheating Scandal at Elementary School for Kids

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Topics Mentioning This Author

topics	posts	views	last activity
Coffee & Books: Jonny's List and Challenges.	2	33	Sep 21, 2011 12:01PM
The Next Best Boo...: The Title Game	20218	14629	May 30, 2013 12:53PM
2026 Reading Chal...: Kat's 150, 2015 Challenge	21	97	Dec 30, 2015 08:39PM
Cozy Mysteries : Title and Author Game, Round 2	15570	1217	Mar 21, 2016 09:15AM
Cozy Mysteries : Mystery ABC's, Round 2	12168	1143	Mar 21, 2016 12:30PM
Cozy Mysteries : Title and Author game, Round 4	16049	656	Jan 05, 2019 04:49AM

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Bruce’s Quotes

“Let everything happen to you
Beauty and terror
Just keep going
No feeling is final”
― Rainer Maria Rilke

tags: enjoy-life, fearlessness, live-in-the-moment

5585 likes

Bruce’s Friend Comments

Comments (showing 1-1) post a comment »

date

newest »

message 1: by Lisa

Jun 01, 2012 08:12PM

Thanks for connecting here! See you in LA! :-)

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Bruce’s Year In Books

Bruce Hale’s Followers (133)

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Bruce’s Bookshelves

Bruce’s Friends (1,167)

Bruce Hale

Goodreads Author

Learn more
Ask the Author

Popular Answered Questions

Combine Editions
Bruce Hale’s books

25 posts
Bruce Hale's Blog

How do I make my characters sound different from each other?

Series by Bruce Hale

Bruce is Currently Reading

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Bruce’s Recent Updates

See a Problem?

Preview — Blood Relay by Devon A. Mihesuah

See a Problem?

Preview — Definitely Maybe Not a Detective by Sarah Fox

See a Problem?

Preview — Truth in Advertising by John Kenney

See a Problem?

Preview — Rules for Aging and Larceny by Julia London

See a Problem?

Preview — Rules for Aging and Larceny by Julia London

See a Problem?

Preview — Reboot by Amy Tintera

See a Problem?

Preview — Scion by James Islington

Topics Mentioning This Author

Bruce’s Quotes

Bruce’s Friend Comments

Bruce Hale’s Followers (133)

Bruce Hale

Goodreads Author

Popular Answered Questions

rssBruce’s Recent Updates

See a Problem?

Preview — Blood Relay by Devon A. Mihesuah

See a Problem?

Preview — Definitely Maybe Not a Detective by Sarah Fox

See a Problem?

Preview — Truth in Advertising by John Kenney

See a Problem?

Preview — Rules for Aging and Larceny by Julia London

See a Problem?

Preview — Rules for Aging and Larceny by Julia London

See a Problem?

Preview — Reboot by Amy Tintera

See a Problem?

Preview — Scion by James Islington

Topics Mentioning This Author

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Bruce’s Recent Updates