BRUCE HALE is the author of five picture books as well as the Chet Gecko mysteries. A popular speaker, teacher, and storyteller for children and adults, he was awarded a Fulbright grant in 1998 to teach storytelling and to study folklore in Thailand. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.

Kidnapped! One by one, the members of Emerson Hickys football team are disappearing. As far as Chet Gecko is concerned, this is a cause for celebration. Only trouble is that Chets old nemesis, Herman the Gila Monster, is the number one suspect, and he wants Chet to clear his (not quite) good name. Chet and his mockingbird partner, Natalie Attired, must solve the case fast, or Herman will make sure its their last. But which is more dangerousHerman . . . or P.E. class?