Bookshops & Bonedust

Bookseller recommendation

“This prequel to Legends & Lattes is so DELICIOUSLY COZY that it CURED my common cold - or at the very least it warmed me all the way up, gave me a kiss on the forehead, and made me feel a whole lot better! Wounded in her first venture as a mercenary, a young Viv washes up in a seaside town with a ramshackle bookshop and ends up finding fiction, friendship, first love, the mutually enriching relationship between small businesses and their community, and a little badass bone-busting adventure along the way! It’s hard to believe, but I loved Bookshops & Bonedust even more than Legends & Lattes and literally hugged this book when I finished it. ”

— Megan • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Everything I loved about Legends & Lattes is back in Bookshops & Bonedust: a loveable and diverse gang of characters, a cozy plot surrounding a beloved business, witty banter, quick bursts of fantasy action, and a whole lot of heart. This story can be read on its own, but you'll get more out of it if you've already spent time with Viv in her future life. ”

— Kaley • Quail Ridge Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Fun, cozy, happiness in a book!”

— Joy • Stardust Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Having cherished the initial installment, Legends & Lattes, my expectations were notably high as I delved into this second novel. While the cozy fantasy elements remained a highlight, the sequel fell marginally short of its predecessor. The realization that it was a prequel emerged only towards the end, and this revelation may have influenced my reading experience had I been aware earlier. The characters introduced in Murk were a delight, and the storyline, though occasionally intense, fostered ample room for dialogue and character development. The bookstore setting, along with well-fleshed-out supplementary locations, added richness to the narrative. Despite my appreciation, I deducted a fraction of a point, yearning for a cozier ambiance. The intensity at times exceeded my expectations for the genre. Nevertheless, my overall enjoyment ensures I eagerly anticipate future works from Travis Baldree.”

— Alycia • Books on Main

Bookseller recommendation

“I would read Travis Baldree’s grocery lists.”

— Kirstin • Margins Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“Bookshops & Bonedust is the perfect read to curl up with on a stormy night, steaming mug in hand. It's a cozy adventure with a colorful cast of characters, casual necromancy, old books, and delicious gnomish pastries! ”

— Ri • House of Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Bookshops & Bonedust is just as delightful as its predecessor (or perhaps more so, since it revolves around a bookstore!). The younger Viv is just as entertaining as the older Viv, and now I am dying for a third book where the characters of both the first two books get to hang out together. It was wonderful as an audiobook; since the author was also the narrator, I felt confident that everyone sounded exactly as they ought to. :)”

— Stefani • The Book Nook

Bookseller recommendation

“I cannot overstate how much I love Travis's books. Bookshops & Bonedust is an utter delight to read and listen to. And it is clear that Travis understands the struggles indie booksellers go through to keep their stores open and their love of connecting with customers. Those parts of the book were definitely my favorite and got me a bit choked up. PLEASE give us more stories about Viv and all her friends.”

— Terri • Swamp Fox Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“Lightning in a bottle really can happen twice. Travis Baldree’s prequel to the perfectly cozy Legends & Lattes is a sensational love letter to storytelling, bookstores, and the beautiful, inherent wackiness that is Dungeons & Dragons. Where else would you find a scholarly homunculus that loves interior design and bodice-ripper romance novels? A laugh-out-loud delight that wears its bittersweet, achingly tender heart on its sleeve. ”

— Kelcie • Skylark Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Bookshops & Bonedust is centered around a bookstore, so obviously this bookseller loved the discussions about how to pick the right book for a customer. The author narrates the audiobook and he has excellent expression and vocal variety. Listening to this cozy fantasy novel made me happy. ”

— Colleen • Read Between The Lynes