The Toom County Mud Race

Jackie Lee, his girlfriend/mechanic Bonnie and his pal Snake Gomez are determined to win the eponymous race across the Black Cypress Swamp. To do so, however, they not only have to get their truck through the swamp, but avoid the Hackett boys who are looking to reclaim a suspicious package found by Snake. Told in the form of Jackie's English assignment, the story has an afterword following each chapter in which the boy reflects upon his teacher's advice. Karl's first novel has a rough charm, although his frequent macho references--mud-slinging trucks, tobacco chewing and the characters' incessant ``ain'ts''--seem self-conscious and add up to a near parody. The plot moves along briskly, however, and Jackie is a likable, if not very deep-thinking narrator. Ages 12-up. (Mar.)