Carl Deuker's Official Website

December 2009 Dear Mr. Deuker, Your story was very inspiring to me. I am also a high school football player. I can relate to the character, Mick, in many ways. I always try my hardest to be the best on the field. This story taught me that steroids is not the answer in any situation. It effects your mind and your body. What I loved about your book is how you were always wondering what would happen next. Also, some of the scenes were so intense. When Mick brought the gun down to the river I couldn't put down the book. When he pulled out the gun on Drew, his bestfriend, I was shocked and biting my finger nails to see if he would pull the trigger. Then when he pulled the gun on him self, I was flabbergasted. I can't wait to read the sequel and see what happened to Mick. I have a few questions about the story. What inspired you to write the story? Why was Mick's dad described as an a star NFL player, but then later found to be a player who ran his mouth? Do steroids really affect your anger? I am very excited to see what future books you will write. Your book was my favorite book I have ever read. Also, this story has changed my outlook on steroids. Thank you for such an amazing novel. Ps. This is for extra credit, if you can send a message back I will be very grateful. From, Chris

Dear Mr. Deuker: Hi, I am an eighth grader at Bedford Junior High School in Temperance, Michigan. I play four sports. They are basketball, baseball, golf, and tennis. My favorite athletic teams include, the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Pistons and University of Michigan. I read your book On the Devil’s Court in my English class and really liked it. My teacher recommended this book to me because the minute she met me she knew it was the right book for me. This is one of my favorite books because it was interesting and kept me wanting to read it all night. My favorite part of the story is when Joe is in the old gym and the mist rolls in, then he sells his soul to the devil. I liked it because it set up the main conflict of the book. It also tells the reader what he is thinking about when it is happening. I think that it is cool. In one part of the book it says, “Then an eerie thought came to me [Joe], the mist somehow held the devil” (119). Those words really make me think about what is happening. I thought, wow, he has just sold his soul to the devil. That seems crazy. I connected to this book because I love to play basketball. I play it more than I do anything else, for fun at least. This is the best book about basketball I have ever read because it relates to life and basketball. In the book, Joe is a good basketball player and when Ross asks him, “Hey you want to play?”(14), he is very excited. I have always loved to be invited to play a game. It makes me feel as if I have accomplished something good. Joe was probably feeling that way too. There are many things I learned from this book. First, never sell your soul to the devil. Second, chose your friends carefully because if you have bad friends you will be put in bad situations. Last, have a good relationship with your parents because they will help you through the hardest times of your life. A place where I learned about hanging out with good friends is when Joe and Ross are at the golf course and Joe says, “’This is stupid we’re going to get caught’” (21). Joe makes his own decision, not the one Ross makes. I am glad that I read this book because it was very good and it lured me into it because with every chapter, it became more and more interesting. This book would be good for any teenage basketball player who has a passion for the game. A question I have is what inspired you to write this book? Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to read my letter. Sincerely, Adam