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The Bones Beneath My Skin Hardcover – Feb. 4 2025
鶹
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AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY AND INDIE BESTSELLER!
A spine-tingling standalone novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune―a supernatural road-trip thriller featuring an extraordinary young girl and her two unlikely protectors on the run from cultists and the government.
There's nothing more human than a broken heart.
In the spring of 1995, Nate Cartwright has lost everything: his parents are dead, his only brother wants nothing to do with him, and he's been fired from his job as a journalist in Washington, DC.
With nothing left to lose, he returns to his family's summer cabin outside the small mountain town of Roseland, Oregon, to try and find some sense of direction. The cabin should be empty. It's not.
Inside is a man named Alex. And with him is an extraordinary ten-year-old girl who calls herself Artemis Darth Vader. Artemis, who isn't exactly as she appears.
Soon it becomes clear that Nate must make a choice: let himself drown in the memories of his past, or fight for a future he never thought possible. Because the girl is special. And forces are descending upon them who want nothing more than to control her.
- Print length416 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherTor Books
- Publication dateFeb. 4 2025
- Dimensions14.86 x 3.18 x 21.84 cm
- ISBN-101250890438
- ISBN-13978-1250890436
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From the Publisher
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Under the Whispering Door
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In the Lives of Puppets
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Wolfsong
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Heartsong
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Brothersong
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Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars 18,039
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4.3 out of 5 stars 4,270
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4.6 out of 5 stars 9,687
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4.6 out of 5 stars 4,380
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4.7 out of 5 stars 3,701
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4.7 out of 5 stars 3,594
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Price | $25.46$25.46 | $26.99$26.99 | $21.86$21.86 | $26.99$26.99 | $34.00$34.00 | $39.99$39.99 |
Heartwarming Fantasy, Queer Romance, and More from NYT Bestselling Author TJ Klune | A New York Times bestseller that is A Man Called Ove meets The Good Place. Death is only their beginning. | Inspired by The Adventures of Pinocchio, and like Swiss Family Robinson meets WALL-E, this New York Times bestseller is a masterful fantasy about a family assembled from spare parts. | This is the first book in the Green Creek series, the beloved fantasy romance sensation about love, loyalty, betrayal, and family. This series is for adult readers. | The second book in the Green Creek series. This is Gordo Livingstone's story. | The third book in the Green Creek series. This is Robbie Fontaine's story. | The final book in the Green Creek series. This is Carter Bennett's story. |
Product description
Review
"A web of car chases, government conspiracies and alien encounters, all wrapped around a heartwarming story of love and found family set in the 1990s." ―The New York Times
"The three protagonists are easy to root for, and Klune sticks the landing." ―Publishers Weekly
"A witty, swoony soft sci-fi thriller...This delightfully different story of danger, loneliness, and making 'a home out of a place where one should not exist' combines the cozy and the perilous into something a little bit like magic." ―Shelf Awareness
"Even as the character arcs pack emotional punches and the plot builds with intensity, the story is balanced with the humor and wry character introspection Klune (In the Lives of Puppets) is known for... This reissued stand-alone solidifies Klune’s reputation for skillful prose and worldbuilding." ―Library Journal, starred review
"Are we going on an adventure? Yes, yes we are! This is the sci-fi romance adventure you never knew you needed. TJ's characters are broken but they are so full of heart and hope that you will lose yourself entirely to their story and find that they will continue to remain in your heart long after you have finished.” ―Jennifer L. Armentrout, New York Times bestselling author of Fall of Ruin and Wrath
For The House in the Cerulean Sea
A New York Times, USA Today, and Washington Post Bestseller!
An Indie Next Pick!
An Alex Award-Winner
"I loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect." ―V.E. Schwab, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
“This book is very close to perfect.” ―Seanan McGuire, New York Times bestselling author of Every Heart a Doorway
“An utterly absorbing story of tolerance, found family, and defeating bureaucracy.” ―Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of Soulless
“A modern fairy tale about learning your true nature and what you love and will protect. It's a beautiful book.” ―Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"It will renew your faith in humanity.” ―Terry Brooks, New York Times bestselling author of the Shannara series
“It’s a witty, wholesome fantasy that’s likely to cause heart-swelling.” ―The Washington Post
"Readers will revel in Klune’s wit and ingenuity." ―Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Remarkable.” ―鶹 Book Review
For Under the Whispering Door
A New York Times, USA Today, and Indie Bestseller!
An Indie Next Pick!
“Under the Whispering Door is a kind book. It broke my heart with its unflinching understanding that grief never goes away. And then it healed me in the next breath.” ―Cassandra Khaw, USA Today bestselling author of Nothing But Blackened Teeth
“There is so much to enjoy in Under the Whispering Door, but what I cherish the most is its compassion for the little things―a touch, a glance, a precious piece of dialogue―healing me, telling me that for all the strangenesses I hold, I am valued, valid―and maybe even worthy of love.” ―Ryka Aoki author of Light from Uncommon Stars
“Klune's latest is a sweet tale of grief and second chances, and a ghost story about not giving up on even the most lost of souls.” ―Booklist
“Tenderness, wit, and skillful worldbuilding elevate this delightful tale. Fans of queer fantasy won’t want to miss this.” ―Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Tor Books
- Publication date : Feb. 4 2025
- Language : English
- Print length : 416 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1250890438
- ISBN-13 : 978-1250890436
- Item weight : 472 g
- Dimensions : 14.86 x 3.18 x 21.84 cm
- 鶹 Rank: #142,978 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #42 in Gay Fiction
- #69 in Contemporary Paranormal & Urban Fantasy
- #88 in Contemporary Fantasy (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

TJ KLUNE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, Under the Whispering Door, In the Lives of Puppets, and the Green Creek Series for adults, the Extraordinaries Series for teens, and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories.
Customer reviews
Customers say
Customers find the story beautiful and incredible. They also appreciate the well-developed characters.
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Customers find the story beautiful, incredible, and captivating. They say it's an adventure with beautiful moments. Readers also say the book is well-done and has suspense, danger, heartbreak, and love.
"It's TJ Klune so of course it is. Such an adventure, so many beautiful moments and none of that stupid unnecessary angst where someone isn't honest..." Read more
"...and easy to identify There were many times that the story made me teary-eyed...." Read more
"...read Tj Klune’s work and use it as a gateway to this man’s beautiful story telling. JUST READ IT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!..." Read more
"I loved this novel...the characters and unique storyline had me captivated...." Read more
Customers find the characters well-developed. They say the author is an excellent storyteller and with every new book they're more impressed. Readers also mention the unique storyline has them captivated.
"...The characters were very well written and, depite the subject matter, very believable and easy to identify There were many times that the story made..." Read more
"The thing I love about Tj Klune’s books is that, all his characters are so human. I can just feel all of their emotions. And I just love it...." Read more
"I loved this novel...the characters and unique storyline had me captivated...." Read more
"...in my Little Library because it's well told, interesting and has some great characters. BUT...." Read more
Top reviews from Canada
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- Reviewed in Canada on May 4, 2024Verified PurchaseIt's TJ Klune so of course it is. Such an adventure, so many beautiful moments and none of that stupid unnecessary angst where someone isn't honest about feelings
- Reviewed in Canada on March 17, 2025The Bones Beneath My Skin is a refresh and republish of a coming of age sci-fi adventure my TJ Klune.
Nate Cartwright is starting over. Heading to the cabin he once spent many happy childhood summers at. Nate’s parents recently died, he lost his job and the only family he had left doesn’t speak to him. He needed a break and some time to figure out what was next.
Except Nate’s cabin isn’t empty when he gets there. He stumbles upon a man and his awkward of not a little strange 10 year old daughter who have taken refuge in his cabin. Their story is not fully believable but as the days go by, they learn to trust each other.
The moment comes when their trust is put to the test. When government officials show up at the cabin and the three are forced to go on the run, Nate starts to learn more about Alex and Art. Art isn’t what she originally seemed and Nate is going to have to open his mind and his heart if he’s going to help bring her home.
This is a sci-fi adventure with a bit of family and romance. This is set in the mid 90’s and has a Stranger Things vibe. If you’ve read this author, you will know to expect the unexpected. I really enjoyed this one, it truly has something for everyone. This was a 4 star read for me.
- Reviewed in Canada on February 17, 2020Verified PurchaseI had heard good things about this book and read many positive reviews, so I went ahead and downloaded it. It took me a couple of weeks to get around to reading it, though, because I wasn't convinced it was my type of book, based on the synopsis. Once I started it, though, I could hardly put it down.
This was a longer book than I've been reading these days, but the pacing was good, and I think the "surprises" were revealed and just the right times. The characters were very well written and, depite the subject matter, very believable and easy to identify There were many times that the story made me teary-eyed.
Overall, this was a very well-written book with well-developed characters. It's the first book I've read by TJ Klune, but it certainly won't be the last.
- Reviewed in Canada on October 29, 2018Verified PurchaseThe thing I love about Tj Klune’s books is that, all his characters are so human. I can just feel all of their emotions. And I just love it. This story was all about sending a simple message. “You are never truly alone and that there is always hope”
Without spoiling anything, Artemis Darth Vader is EVERYTHING! SHE IS MY BACON QUEEN! ❤️
I feel like I could recommend this book to anything one who hasn’t read Tj Klune’s work and use it as a gateway to this man’s beautiful story telling. JUST READ IT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD! Thank you Tj for another great book.
- Reviewed in Canada on November 3, 2018Verified PurchaseI loved this novel...the characters and unique storyline had me captivated. I found myself reading late into the night, not wanting to put the book down.
TJ is an excellent storyteller and with every new book I’m more impressed. This story was awesome!
It had discovery and adventure, suspense and danger...heartbreak and love. ❤️
It finishes with a lovely HEA.
I’ll definitely be recommending this book to friends and putting on my list to read again.
A new fave!
- Reviewed in Canada on January 13, 2020Verified PurchaseThis was a fantastic read! If you're familiar with books that make you stay awake until 3am because you need to know how it ends, this is one of them. Very well done, TJ Klune!
- Reviewed in Canada on June 30, 2025Verified PurchaseWell, I will never buy another book by this author. The story in this one would have been one that I'd love to put in my Little Library because it's well told, interesting and has some great characters. BUT. The author, being queer himself (as stated in his bio blurb at the back of the book) felt it necessary to write in three and a half full pages of explicit description of the two main male characters having sex in a barn. The barn doesn't matter. I don't appreciate pornography in my books. Had I known this author wrote garbage like that, I would never have bought the book. So, people, be forewarned.
- Reviewed in Canada on March 25, 2025This paranormal MM romance will have you wishing for a grumpy ex-military man of your own.
This reminded me a bit of "To Be Taught If Fortunate" by Becky Chambers, if there was a helicopter crash in it.
I loved every bit of this book. Our main character Nate, is going through a mid-life crisis. His parents have recently died, he was fired from his job and is escaping to his family's remote cabin for a reset. When he gets there he finds a man with a gun and a curious ten year old girl who is so much more than she seems.
This book is a non-stop adventure, while also being tender and loving. I love how Nate is trying to navigate the things that are going on around him, while also trying to unravel the trauma from his past.
We have found family in the best way. Our 10-year-old Art provides the comic relief. And Alex, our grump ex-military soldier makes us work for his love and attention in a way that felt so authentic and real.
Also, this is my first TJ Klune book with an explicit love scene and I LOVED IT. Give us more books with this please TJ.
Read this if you love
🌟Dz
🌟Found family
🌟Road trips
🌟Scary military car chases
🌟Humvees thrown into helicopters
🌟Tender MM romance
🌟Devastating first kiss
Read this book while road tripping across the US, eating bacon and looking at the stars.
Top reviews from other countries
- EmmaReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 13, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful... feel all the feels
Verified PurchaseYet another fantastic and world immersive book from TJ Klune.
I could not put this down and had to know how it ended. The characters all served a purpose and felt like they drove the story rather than the story dictating where their development went. This story took me on a roller coaster of all the emotions I possibly could have felt!
So good I have ordered the sprayed edge hardback to re-read this... and I rarely buy hardbacks
- MaartjeReviewed in the Netherlands on April 24, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful
Verified PurchaseThis is such a powerful book. It illustrates perfectly how humans react to anything that is alien, and the dangers that this reaction brings. It tells you to be kind, to listen, to be patient and not rush to judgement. I thoroughly loved it and highly recommend it.
Trigger warning: this book contains descriptions of a suicide cult.
- Aussie.AbroadReviewed in Australia on October 27, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Klunificent
Verified PurchaseJust when you thought an author couldn't keep getting better you read The Bones Beneath My Skin! Loved the development and most of all as a true believer in Louis L'Amour books along with Marshall Grover this one was bloody awesome. I liked that it was explained slowly and had a satisfying ending that was hopeful and optimistic. Read it you know you want to!
- KeaReviewed in Poland on March 14, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars How I adore this book!
Verified PurchaseAfter 'Wolfsong' I knew I'd read everything TJ Klune wrote. And I did. Most of them repeatedly. And I loved every single one of his books. This one is no exception. So sweet. So funny ("I was watching that!'). SO much feelings.
And all those easter eggs! Big Eddie, Green Creak, Diva..
They told him that this book is weird. Weird. And oh, of course it is. But in the most beautifull and wonderfull way. The best of weirdnest.
-
LoulowReviewed in France on February 27, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Parfait
Verified PurchaseUn livre magnifique, une histoire pleine d’humour, de rebondissements, d’amour et de larmes comme TJ Klune sait si bien les écrire !