Excerpt from Andy McBean and the War of the Worlds

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, read the rules at A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along!

Back to fiction this week. I picked up an interesting looking middle-grade book, Andy McBean and the War of the Worlds by Dale Kutzera. It is, you guessed it, a retelling of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds.

Andy wanted to say that the Pine Mountain Army Base didn’t have an airfield, but another glowing object roared overhead, shaking the street under their feet. Every puddle rippled. The Garcia’s mailbox flew open, releasing a cascade of bills and magazines. The noise and lights receded to the west, casting a green haze over the ridge of the valley, then vanished completely. Suddenly all was still and quiet save for the steady drip of rain.

Dale Kutzera, Andy McBean and the War of the Worlds

Andy McBean is struggling to survive middle school in the soggy hills of the Pacific Northwest. He’s messy, fearful of bullies, and spent much of the last year in the hospital battling leukemia.

Then one night a meteor storm devastates the county, cutting off power and communications. One giant meteor crashes into his neighborhood, skidding up the street to stop right on Andy’s front lawn. The glowing boulder draws the attention of neighbors, the media, the army, and even the new girl from Andy’s art class. He is thrilled at the notoriety, but everything changes when the meteor opens and a towering machine steps out.

Separated from his family, Andy must fend for himself and rescue his friends. Join the adventure as Andy meets an alien, learns what they want on planet earth, and devises a bold plan to stop them.

P.D. Workman Authorpreneur

P.D. Workman is a USA Today Bestselling author and multi-award winner, renowned for her prolific output of over 100 published works that span various genres. With a knack for crafting page-turners, Workman captivates readers with everything from cozy mysteries like the Auntie Clem's Bakery series to gripping young adult and suspense novels. Her stories resonate deeply as she masterfully weaves sensitive themes—such as childhood trauma, mental illness, and addiction—into compelling narratives that evoke a powerful emotional response. Readers are drawn to her unique voice and empathetic portrayal of complex issues. With each new release, fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling blend of thought-provoking storytelling and relatable characters that define P.D. Workman’s brand as an author of unforgettable page-turners—gripping tales that leave a lasting impact long after the last page is turned.

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Mystery and suspense fiction Young adult crime thrillers Character-driven storytelling Cozy Mysteries Mental health and trauma in fiction Resilience and personal growth themes Indie publishing Writing craft and novel development Obsidian for writers and authors Forensic and medical thriller research Social issues in contemporary fiction Psychological thrillers Traditional mysteries Police procedural mysteries Characters with disabilities