The Bones Beneath My Skin

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.

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416 pages

Average rating: 8.35

17 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

ljzsreadsandreviews
Mar 29, 2025
8/10 stars
This book is truly an adventure. From the very beginning you know that something big is in store for Nate. He came off so beaten and broken down that you just know he’s going to have a big turning point. After we meet Alex and Art, I started to put together what she was so I wasn’t super surprised by that but I was continuously shocked throughout the book. I didn’t anticipate Alex’s life story or even the story of Art and how they got to where they were. I found the premise gripping and the writing creative. As serious as everything was there was also a lot of comedic parts which was thoroughly enjoyable. Overall, I’d recommend.. especially as an audiobook, it really adds to the suspense and character development.
Colleen Haasmann
Feb 21, 2025
10/10 stars
First thanks so much to NetGalley and to Tor for the e-Arc of this book, I actually loved this book so much I also bought it as an audiobook on BOTM as well. This book is an instant classic just like all of Klune’s books. Genuinely obsessed with this trio and I wish that this could somehow become a series. I don’t want to create any spoilers but when I tell you that this book is so pure 90s sci fi coming of age tale, I mean it. Art is just adorable and Nate and Alex’s relationship slow burn is to die for. The audiobook is as charming and sweet as the book itself and I just love the way that Klune’s audiobooks always find the perfect voice to truly embody the character’s voice.
Anonymous
Sep 09, 2023
10/10 stars
I am not a loaf of bread, thanks Artemis for everything

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