The Mystery of Mr. Nice
Chet Gecko Mystery No. 2

Published: 2000

How would you know if some criminal mastermind tried to impersonate your principal? My first clue: he was nice to me.

This fiend tried everything — flattery, friendship, food — but he still couldn’t keep me off the case. Natalie and I followed a trail of clues as thin as the cheese on a cafeteria hamburger. And we found a ring of corruption that went from the janitor, right up to Mr. Big.

In the nick of time, we rescued Principal Zero and busted up the PTA meeting, putting a stop to the evil genius. And what thanks did we get? Just the usual. A cold handshake and a warm soda.

But that’s all in a day’s work for a private eye.

Working Mother Magazine's "Favorite Books of 2000"

Hold onto your fedoras; this gecko’s going places.

Kirkus Reviews