Chesli's Staff Picks

Chesli Lobue, at Murder By The Book since 2023.

After briefly living out of state, Chesli is happy to be back in her hometown of Houston. While away, she fell in love with working in the indie bookstore scene and is happy to continue exploring this career path with Murder By The Book! She has always enjoyed reading and pretty much will go for any genre if it grabs her attention. Lately, she has been captivated by horror and fantasy books. When not in the bookstore, Chesli enjoys catching up on new tv and movies, crafting props and costumes for cosplay, and working through her never-ending "to be read" list.

Chesli's favorite authors include: Grady Hendrix, Kazuo Ishiguro, Leigh Bardugo, Hanna B. Hölling, Christopher Moore, Madeline Miller, Shirley Jackson

Staff Pick Badge
The Haunting of Hill House By Shirley Jackson, Laura Miller (Introduction by) Cover Image
By Shirley Jackson, Laura Miller (Introduction by)
$17.00
ISBN: 9780143039983
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Penguin Classics - November 28th, 2006

THE Iconic Haunted House Tale!

This Gothic horror novel is perfect for those who enjoy subtle terror and a hint of fear. Expertly written, Jackson hooks the reader with just enough disquiet and ambiguity so we're left questioning whether the phenomenon experienced are real or crafter by one of the cast of characters. Choose this for a quick read to keep you on the edge of your seat. - Chesli


Staff Pick Badge
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore (10th Anniversary Edition): A Novel By Robin Sloan, Paul Yamazaki (Foreword by) Cover Image
By Robin Sloan, Paul Yamazaki (Foreword by)
$18.00
ISBN: 9781250870292
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Picador - October 4th, 2022

Secret Societies and encoded texts!

After being hired by an unusual bookstore in San Francisco, Clay Jannon's interest is piqued after noticing a pattern with certain patrons checking out obscure tomes from the back of the store. Upon further investigation, Clay realizes the mysteries hidden within the bookshelves expand far beyond Mr. Penumbra's store. This is the perfect read for the bibliophile in you life. - Chesli 


Staff Pick Badge
Noir: A Novel By Christopher Moore Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9780062433992
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: William Morrow Paperbacks - April 2nd, 2019

A sarcastically comedic noir with a touch of sci-fi!

This parody of detective fiction will keep you on your toes. Join Sammy "Two Toes" Tiffin as he gets wrapped up in the chaos of finding a dead body, dealing with a missing snake, falling in love, and chasing after... aliens? It will all make sense when you've started reading it. Give the book a shot if you're up for some fast-paced action and non-stop laughs. - Chesli


A Good Girl's Guide to Murder By Holly Jackson Cover Image
$10.99
ISBN: 9781984896391
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Ember - January 5th, 2021

THE MUST-READ MULTIMILLION BESTSELLING MYSTERY SERIES • Everyone is talking about A Good Girl's Guide to Murder! With shades of Serial and Making a Murderer this is the story about an investigation turned obsession, full of twists and turns and with an ending you'll never expect.

Everyone in Fairview knows the story.


The Final Girl Support Group By Grady Hendrix Cover Image
$17.00
ISBN: 9780593201244
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Berkley - June 14th, 2022

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

VOTED GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD BEST HORROR NOVEL OF 2021

A Good Morning America Buzz Pick

“The horror master…puts his unique spin on slasher movie tropes.”-USA Today


The Gilded Ones By Namina Forna Cover Image
$12.99
ISBN: 9781984848710
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Ember - January 11th, 2022

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY TEEN VOGUE
 
"A dark feminist tale spun with blood and gold. Must read!" –Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles