Stoner's Boy

Book excerpt: “Scholars, teachers, and general readers of To Kill a Mockingbird will find Stoner’s Boy and The Gray Ghost of real interest.” —George Ella Lyon, former Kentucky poet laureate and author of Back to the Light: Poems Mr. Stoner is bad, and it seems his son is turning out just the same. Masked and dressed all in gray, Stoner’s Boy moves like a ghost up and down the river, stealing and causing mischief. Seckatary Hawkins and his club have crossed this dangerous lad, and (to make matters worse) Briggen and the Pelham gang across the river won’t leave the ruthless thief alone: They know that he’s hidden his treasure hoard somewhere in his cliff cave lair, and they’re dead set on having it for themselves. Still, it doesn't seem that anyone can stand up to this clever foe—except maybe another newcomer in town, sharpshooter Robby Hood, who is the only person that Stoner’s Boy seems to fear. Before Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, Seckatary Hawkins and his friends from the Fair and Square Club were solving mysteries and thrilling readers with tales of adventure, loyalty, and courage. One of the biggest fans of the series was author Harper Lee, and Stoner’s Boy makes a prominent appearance in her masterpiece To Kill a Mockingbird. Now, the tales of the Fair and Square Club’s encounters with the river renegade known as the Gray Ghost are back in print and ready to ignite the imaginations of devoted fans and new readers of all ages. “Think Our Gang meets Treasure Island along a Kentucky riverbank . . . The wholesome stories espouse morals and tolerance.” —Cincinnati Enquirer