Van Bakel Beach by Kimberly Meehan
The Van Bakel Beach series by Kimberly Meehan is a humorous and chaotic dive into the lives of three friends trying to escape their mundane existence in a Brooklyn shantytown. With schemes, scams, and plenty of misadventures, this series is a fun-filled exploration of friendship, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Publication Order of Van Bakel Beach Books
- The Coney Island Hot Dog Heist (2016)
- Rockaway Run (2016)
- Battle for the Canal (2016)
1. The Coney Island Hot Dog Heist (2016)
Eddie Gillepsie, Mickey O’Sullivan, and Joey Sallazzo are three lifelong friends stuck in the sweltering heat of Brooklyn. Eddie, perpetually underemployed and unlucky in love, teams up with his friends to pull off a heist at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Restaurant. Their plan involves a motley crew of criminals, but things go hilariously wrong when they discover their loot has been stolen. This book is a laugh-out-loud introduction to the chaotic world of Van Bakel Beach.
2. Rockaway Run (2016)
The trio decides to organize a fake marathon, the “Rockaway Run,” to scam participants out of their money. With the help of a mysterious woman named Mallory, they create a website and start collecting funds. However, their plan spirals out of control when the event gains unexpected popularity, forcing them to actually organize the marathon. This installment is a wild ride filled with twists, turns, and plenty of laughs.
3. Battle for the Canal (2016)
In the final book of the series, Eddie, Mickey, and Joey find themselves embroiled in a turf war over the Van Bakel Beach canal. As they try to outwit rival gangs and corrupt officials, their friendship is tested like never before. This book is a thrilling and hilarious conclusion to the series, showcasing the trio’s resilience and camaraderie.
Why You’ll Love Van Bakel Beach
- Relatable Characters: The trio’s struggles and dreams make them endearing and easy to root for.
- Humor and Chaos: The series is packed with laugh-out-loud moments and unpredictable twists.
- Themes of Friendship: At its core, the series is about the bond between three friends navigating life’s challenges together.
- Brooklyn Vibes: The setting adds a gritty and authentic backdrop to the story.
Books Similar to Van Bakel Beach
If you enjoyed Van Bakel Beach, you might also like:
- The Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich
- The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz
- The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
- The Crazy Rich Asians Trilogy by Kevin Kwan
- The Shopaholic Series by Sophie Kinsella