TJ Klune is the master of the found family and remains one of my must-buy authors. I loved Nate and Alex and the quirky Artemis. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect when I got this, I requested it on author alone, so it was a complete surprise. Characters were deep and complicated, the story was intense, and the love palpable in a way only TJ Klune can do. And the cover-- perfection.

The Bones Beneath My Skin

By: T.J. Klune

Publish Date: February 4, 2025

Publisher: Tor Publishing Group/Tor Books

LGBTQIAP+/Sci Fi and Fantasy/Mystery and Thrillers

200 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader

I would like to thank both NetGalley and Tor Books for allowing me to read and review this book.

Book Review:

I really enjoyed this book and gave 4.5 stars. The only thing I didn’t like was that the chapters were really long.

In this book you have Nate who is a journalist who has been fired from his job. He has inherited the family cabin and his father truck after their deaths. He decides to go to the cabin to figure out what he is going to do with his life. When he gets there the cabin is occupied by a man and little girl. The man and girl are running from some people, and the man is very rough. The girl is very talkative and curious. She really enjoys the books that are at the cabin. The man doesn’t trust anyone, and it takes a while for him to warm up to Nate or even trust him.

Nate is soon going have to make a decision. Will he follow his heart or will he follow what is expected of him. You will have to read the book to find out what he chooses.

In TJ Klune’s author’s note he explains his re-release of this book previously described as weird, which he has come to embrace for himself and this story.

This book gives off Stranger Things vibes—in a positive way—and is a story of hope for all of us weirdos. I didn’t always love this one but I really enjoyed reading the Bones Beneath My Skin. I already miss this trio.

Originally self-published because his publisher dubbed it "weird." I love TJ Klune as an author and his imagination is beyond comparison, however, this book while entertaining is "weird." His character development is outstanding and I can see Nate, Alex, and Art even now. Describing it as 'spine-tingling" in Amazon seems to be overstating it, however, I found it to be compelling and kept reading to see what else would unfold. Throw in a cult on a farm outside of Bird-In-Hand, PA, aliens, secret government project, love, acceptance, and friendship and you are left wanting more. It may not be for everyone and in the words of TJ "Things explode and helicopters fall from the sky as a little girl (who may not be a girl at all) fights to protect those she loves. Oh, and bacon. So much bacon." Full review at http://pennyformythoughts-nona.blogspot.com.

TJ Klune's books tend to be kind of hit or miss for me--The House in the Cerulean Sea is one of my favorite books of all time, and I quite liked the sequel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, but Under the Whispering Door fell more flat for me, and I haven't had much interest in either the Green Creek series or In the Lives of Puppets. I was pleasantly surprised by how immediately engaging this latest offering (a republication of a previously independently published work, I understand) was--the story feels closest to emulating the magic of The House in the Cerulean Sea while firmly standing on its own two feet as a unique story. Fans of Stranger Things will definitely find a lot to enjoy here, and, as with many TJ Klune books, the heart of the novel is a very sweet story of found family. There's also a queer romance that, while it wasn't my personal favorite of Klune's work--simply because, by dint of the relatively short timespan the book covers, it felt super rushed at times--had a compelling setup and a satisfying payoff.

I do think that, for all that much of the book takes place on a road trip as our characters become fugitives from the government, not a whole lot happens. There's an explosive beginning and an equally explosive ending, but the middle lagged a little for me. I also think that anyone looking too closely might find it convenient how long our heroes were able to completely evade their pursuers; even with Alex being an ex-Marine who's savvy, to an extent, to the schemes of the people pursuing them, it felt like there was an awful lot of time in the middle of the book spent going to diners and building romantic tension, with little sense of urgency accompanying these moments. This didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book, but a different kind of reader might find it unrealistic. The ending too felt a little too convenient for my liking, but I realize that Klune's novels are focused on conveying hopefulness, which sometimes necessitates an ending that's a little bit rosy.

Apart from some minor nitpicks, though, this was a satisfying, suspenseful read with some lovely things to say about heartbreak, loneliness, and what it means to be human.

This book grew on me! The first few chapters were frustrating because it felt like by following Nate's POV, we were missing out on key information. As the information came to Nate, I was more and more engaged in the story. I loved the relationships between Art, Alex, and Nate!

You’re going to be quite shocked to hear this ain’t no cutesy cozy story like his others books have mostly been, this is a thriller and its dark and tense which had me more excited personally. We have Nate who is returning back to his hometown, he was kicked out by his parents when he was young after finding out he was gay. He has nothing, he goes to the cabin where he lived to grieve, and there are squatters and there he has to make the decision to run away or maybe be friends with them. Found family, heart wrenching so if you’re looking for a punch to the gut, here you go!

I’m a fan of all of TJ Klune’s previous novels slowly getting a cover makeover, the designs are always gorgeous. Originally published in 2018, this one definitely had some of the same formula that made The House in the Cerulean Sea so easy to love. There is a misfit kid, a caretaker willing to protect her, and an outsider coming into a situation and staying, heartwarming family vibes, a bit of romance… The plot, with echoes of Stranger Things, was entertaining, particularly the process of uncovering the backstory while constantly feeling pursued. I think this one could have been a bit shorter and I think Klune has become a better writer over time but his storytelling here was still great.

Nate Cartwright is a journalist in Washington DC and after some questionable personal choices finds himself out of a job. If things weren’t bad enough he receives a call from his brother telling him that both of their parents are dead. He hasn’t been on speaking terms with his family in years but is left the family cabin in a remote location in Oregon. Nate is completely alone and has no idea what to do so he decides to head to the cabin and get some perspective on his life. His plan of solitude and self reflection are quickly halted when he discovers a gruff, intimidating man named Alex and a peculiar little girl named Artemis Darth Vader staying at his cabin. The pair are not very forthcoming about their situation but the journalist part of Nate wants to find out and finds himself in the middle of something he could have never imagined.

This was a work previously self published by the author so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Sometimes those earlier works are a let down. This was definitely not the case. I devoured this story. I am a huge fan of Klune and this story exhibits his talent of writing great characters that take the reader on an emotional journey that is hard to forget. This was packed with action, heartbreak, romance, love and most importantly bacon. I loved Artemis, she is one of my all time favorite characters from his books.

An easy 5 ⭐️ read for me

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to read The Bones Beneath My Skin when I saw TJ Klune's new book on Netgalley. In The Lives of Puppets and House by the Cerulean Sea are two of my all time favorite books! I was a tad disappointed when I realized this isn't a brand new book, but rather a re-release, but that was my fault, and I was still excited to read a new-to-me book by Klune! Bones is similar in vibes to Klune's other works, but with less fantasy and more science fiction. I enjoyed the characters and the love that is emphasized throughout the book. I did feel like the relationship between Alex and Nate came out of nowhere and progressed too fast without any explanation. Artemis Darth Vader is a lovely and fun character, and I love the found family after difficult circumstances!

A sort-of-cozy adventure with a slow burn and satisfying queer love story, The Bones Beneath My Skin is an enjoyable read that feels a bit different from Klune's other works.

The book is solidly enjoyable as both a romance and an adventure, but I found certain parts dragged a little or were belaboured. I’ll get into those minor things I wasn’t partial to, but first, the good stuff.

The romance is great. You know from the start that it’s going to develop, but it also doesn’t punch you in the face with it. The characters are allowed time to develop not only physical attraction but a true emotional connection, something I find Romance books generally rush or skip over. As such, when the sex scene arrives, it feels warranted. It’s also a spicy one!

The characters are great. Nate is kind of a sad sack (I mean, for reasons that make sense and which make his characterization layered and complex), but Alex and Art were a delight. Alex is the stoic badass who rarely smiles but who is a complete cinnamon roll inside, and Artemsis was quite funny. In truth, she’s the main source of humour in the story. She was perfectly balanced, given the reveal about her. The dynamic between the three felt like a family, which I think was the goal.

Now, I hesitate to call it 100% cozy, because despite the focus on found family and love and growing together, there is quite a bit of death and Nate’s parents died in a murder-suicide (this is mentioned in like the first 5 pages so it’s not a spoiler) and there’s homophobia. Just in case you were thinking this book would have no content warnings, no, it’s quite serious at times.

The story itself is a little slow but I didn’t mind the pacing. It helped the characters grow attached to one another in a way that you understand their care toward one another. I do wish we’d seen a bit more countryside when it came to the “road trip” aspect; that would have been fun.

There were a few things that didn’t 100% work for me.

There is a radio talk show host whose monologues are often included at length in the book. I’ll be honest and say I found them annoying, and I skipped them. I don’t think they were needed.

Art’s special-ness was also way too obvious. This on its own was fine, but when Nate finds out, he takes what feels like forever to accept it. I found this dragged on and could have really been trimmed down quite a bit. It felt like when a household takes 90% of a movie to accept a house is haunted, it felt kind of forced.

Overall, though, I really enjoyed this novel. Klune has a wonderful, immersive, flowing style that is easy to engage with and draws you in. If you like Klune, you’ll enjoy this one.

🛻 ARC REVIEW 🛻

THE BONES BENEATH MY SKIN by TJ Klune
5/5 🌟
Pub date 🇺🇸: Feb 4th

He's done it again, folks. TJ Klune has made me cry like a baby for the second time. TJ, if we ever meet, it's fisticuffs on-site. Anywho, y'all need to pick this one up. It's funny, heartwarming, and interesting. Klune knows how to take a unique idea and write the hell out of it.

The story starts with Nate going up to his newly-inherited cabin after the death of his parents. There, he finds two stowaways: Alex and Artemis Darth Vador.

Please read this book if you like the following:

🌸 Stranger Things' Eleven if she was really into westerns
🌸 90's era conspiracy theories
🌸 Found Family and Romance on the run
🌸 Bacon 🥓

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor for the Advanced Review Copy 🙏

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If TJ Klune writes it, you best believe I'm going to read it. I've had this book pre-ordered since it was announced and even though I was lucky enough to read the arc, I'm still keeping that preorder. What I love about this author is his ability to quickly thrust you into the world he has created. Every book reads like a warm hug, even this one. The Bones Beneath My Skin touches on some touchy subjects but TJ does it with such elegance and grace. Per usual, the side characters are the best characters and the easiest to picture. This is yet another book I just wanted to savor. I didn't want it to end and I didn't want to plow through it. Once again, a masterpiece

There is just something about T.J. Klune's writing that pulls you in right away. In this books he has managed to yet again tell a story filled with heart, hope, and love, all while dealing with serious issues, and mixed with science fiction/fantasy elements. The characters are lovable, and develop as time goes on. You get invested in their outcomes, want to know what happened to them in the past, and are rooting for them each step of the way. This book is perfect for those who liked to have LBGTQ representation, supernatural elements, found families, and light romance.

✨ A heartfelt, beautifully written story that lingers long after the final page ✨

TJ Klune’s The Bones Beneath My Skin is a heartwarming blend of sci-fi, adventure, and found family, wrapped in the author’s signature emotional depth. The novel follows Nate, a man seeking solitude in his inherited cabin, only to find himself entangled in the lives of Alex, a guarded ex-military man, and a peculiar young girl named Artemis Darth Vader. What begins as an unexpected encounter soon turns into a gripping journey filled with action, secrets, and profound moments of connection.

Klune masterfully balances thrilling suspense with deeply moving character development. Art is an absolute standout—precocious, endearing, and impossible not to love. Beneath the action-packed plot lies a poignant exploration of grief, identity, and the families we create for ourselves. Fans of Stranger Things, like me, will find much to adore in this novel.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

✨WHAT I LIKED:
📌 The emotional depth and beautifully developed relationships.
📌 Art’s character—her innocence and wisdom were both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
📌 The perfect mix of action, suspense, and heartfelt moments.
📌 Klune’s signature humor and warmth that make even the most intense moments feel human.
📌 The themes of chosen family, healing, and identity woven seamlessly into the narrative.

✨TROPES:
📌 Found Family
📌 Grumpy x Sunshine
📌 Queer Romance
📌 Unlikely Friendship

What a weird and beautiful book. I can genuinely say I have never read anything Iike this before. I don’t even know what genre this is… romance? Sci-fi? Speculative fiction? There was an adorable note from the author at the back about him self-publishing this back in 2018, and now giving the book another shot with his current publisher and a gorgeous new cover - I loved this little personal piece behind the book.

The narrative itself is about Nate, a man who has just lost everything. He is driving to his recently inherited family cabin to essentially try to put the pieces of his life back together. When he arrives, he discovers a man and young girl are living in his cabin and running away from something. He quickly learns that there is something different about Alex and the girl - who is named Artemis Darth Vader or “Art” for short. The relationship between these three characters was extremely heart warming. Art was so endearing - it was impossible not to love her. This book took me places I did not expect and had me tearing up. Although there’s action and thrilling components of this book, it much more deals with character development and covers themes of grief, found family, queer romance, identity, and existentialism.

“You’re all capable of such great and terrible things. And in such a short amount of time. You are surrounded by millions of those like you, yet you can still feel alone. You’re so angry and powerful and wonderful. And so fragile. You can break into pieces and feel so lost…none of us could get that. Not until they felt a heart beating in a chest like I have. Not until I felt the bones beneath my skin. We’re not alike. Not really. We’re separated by time and space. And yet, somehow, we’re all made of dust and stars.”

Interesting in concept, not as fun in execution. TJ always does a good job with found family and side characters so I was not surprised that the side characters were my favorite part of the story. I was under the impression this was kind of a sci-fi thriller, but it was a really slow burn.

The FMC was supposed to be "10" years old but at times she behaved like a younger kid and at some parts she seemed like an adult so it was a little odd to me. She was very funny though and the dynamic with her bodyguard was great.

Some random heat - which was unexpected in a book of his. I did like the gay & bisexual representation TJ included.

For some reason this book didn't hit like I was hoping it would.

3.5 stars!
Ultimately a great ride! Bringing in a child character brought a unique twist to the thriller part of the story!

I adore T.J. Klune’s books, so I had to give this one a try. The story was not what I was expecting at all. The blurb says it is perfect for fans of Stranger Things and I 100% agree with that. This is listed as a thriller; I would mark it more as sci-fi. It has a M/M romance aspect and is full of action and adventure.

Down on his luck, Nate has lost everything. He heads to his family’s cabin to just figure out his life and is very rudely surprised to find it occupied by a man with a young girl and a gun pointed at him. We find out that Alex is there to protect Artemis, an incredibly special young girl that you cannot help but love. They say the oddest things and you slowly unravel bit by bit what is happening. Nate is left to choose to help them or continue with his life. With plenty of twists and turns you will not see coming, this read will keep you on your toes and stay in your thoughts.

4.75 Stars - I will read anything TJ Klune writes.

The way Klune is able to create warmth around grief through found family and second, sometimes third, chances is incredible. I wanted to read this book knowing it breached fantasy and teetered into a paranormal/sci-fi thriller genre. I didn't expect to read it so quickly. Once I began reading I couldn't put this book down.

Our MC, Nate is relatable, raw, and deeply flawed. We can see his trials and errors and always his redeeming qualities throughout this story. We meet Art and Alex early on in the story and fall fast for these two the more time spent with them. The real struggles of finding yourself after loss shows itself throughout this story. The 90s era is strongly conveyed on the page, and I felt like I'd drifted back in time.

I laughed and cried. This one ranks highly among the rest of Klune's works.