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No Stress Space Express #5
Cosmic Cargo Carnival: A Cozy, Low-Stakes, Slice-of-Life Sci-fi Adventure
Life's a carnival when you're hauling the rides...
Rusty here, back on the galactic road with another cargo bay full of surprises. This time around, we're haulin' an alien carnival, complete with rides to make ya scream, games to bruise your ego, and enough sweet treats to give a dentist night terrors. And once it's up and runnin', we plan to enjoy every last thrill, spill, and sugar crash with our friends. Let me tell ya, there's nothin' like sharing a roller-coaster with a bark-skinned daredevil, a blob with motion sickness, and a robot who screams like dial-up internet.
But it ain't all funnel cakes and Ferris wheels. On our last run, Nessie's starboard engine swallowed enough asteroid debris to turn it into a king-sized rock tumbler, and we're not goin' anywhere until we fix 'er up. I didn't expect the repair to be hard, but I also didn't expect it to be… squishy. Never a dull moment when you call a vintage alien spaceship home.
Between the rides, the rust, and the rocket fuel, this is gonna be a heck of an adventure.
No Stress Space Express is a series about finding your true family, told with the common-sense wisdom of Jerry Boyd's Bob and Nikki series (Bob's Saucer Repair), and the low-stakes world building of Travis Baldree's Legends & Lattes. Join Rusty and his crew for a heart-warming, laugh-out-loud adventure with no tension, and no drama. Just good clean fun, great friendships, and a little romance too.
Rusty here, back on the galactic road with another cargo bay full of surprises. This time around, we're haulin' an alien carnival, complete with rides to make ya scream, games to bruise your ego, and enough sweet treats to give a dentist night terrors. And once it's up and runnin', we plan to enjoy every last thrill, spill, and sugar crash with our friends. Let me tell ya, there's nothin' like sharing a roller-coaster with a bark-skinned daredevil, a blob with motion sickness, and a robot who screams like dial-up internet.
But it ain't all funnel cakes and Ferris wheels. On our last run, Nessie's starboard engine swallowed enough asteroid debris to turn it into a king-sized rock tumbler, and we're not goin' anywhere until we fix 'er up. I didn't expect the repair to be hard, but I also didn't expect it to be… squishy. Never a dull moment when you call a vintage alien spaceship home.
Between the rides, the rust, and the rocket fuel, this is gonna be a heck of an adventure.
No Stress Space Express is a series about finding your true family, told with the common-sense wisdom of Jerry Boyd's Bob and Nikki series (Bob's Saucer Repair), and the low-stakes world building of Travis Baldree's Legends & Lattes. Join Rusty and his crew for a heart-warming, laugh-out-loud adventure with no tension, and no drama. Just good clean fun, great friendships, and a little romance too.
- GenresScience FictionHumor
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2025
About the author
Jack Bodett
17 books22 followersJack Bodett lives at the corner of duct tape and destiny. His humorous science-fiction tales are populated by folks who are equally good at building spaceships and building friendships. He believes that with a good sense of humor, a willingness to help others, and a well-stocked tool belt, anyone can bang together their own happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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June 29, 2026Cosmic Cargo Carnival reminded me exactly why I missed this crew while I was waiting for the book five audio.
This series is such a simple, easy listen. It’s low-stakes, funny, cozy sci-fi chaos, and listening to these books feels like hanging out with your friends while they tell you about the ridiculous adventure they somehow survived.
The carnival setup was fun, but honestly, the characters are the reason I keep coming back. The found family feeling is still the heart of the series, and I love that it never tries to be more stressful than it needs to be. Sometimes I want emotional destruction, and sometimes I want aliens, friendship, snacks, and nonsense in space. Gotta keep it balanced.
The narrators are amazing as always. They bring so much personality to the story and make it feel even more comforting and entertaining.
I’d recommend this series to listeners who enjoy cozy sci-fi, found family, low-stakes adventures, humor, great narration, and series that feel like hanging out with old friends.
This series is such a simple, easy listen. It’s low-stakes, funny, cozy sci-fi chaos, and listening to these books feels like hanging out with your friends while they tell you about the ridiculous adventure they somehow survived.
The carnival setup was fun, but honestly, the characters are the reason I keep coming back. The found family feeling is still the heart of the series, and I love that it never tries to be more stressful than it needs to be. Sometimes I want emotional destruction, and sometimes I want aliens, friendship, snacks, and nonsense in space. Gotta keep it balanced.
The narrators are amazing as always. They bring so much personality to the story and make it feel even more comforting and entertaining.
I’d recommend this series to listeners who enjoy cozy sci-fi, found family, low-stakes adventures, humor, great narration, and series that feel like hanging out with old friends.
July 6, 2026
Book five in the No Stress Space Express series keeps the cozy, low‑stakes charm going. Piper, Rusty, Mike, and Jenna dive into another light sci‑fi adventure, and Bodett’s knack for putting a futuristic twist on everyday concepts is still one of the series’ best strengths. The way Rusty and Mike compare human norms to alien versions is genuinely fun. The found family thread stays warm and steady, and the characters continue to feel easy to root for.
Neill Thorne and Rebecca Winder deliver another smooth duet performance that fits the tone perfectly. I’ve loved every audiobook so far and can’t wait for book six.
Huge thanks to High Gravity Productions and Jack Bodett for the ALC!
Neill Thorne and Rebecca Winder deliver another smooth duet performance that fits the tone perfectly. I’ve loved every audiobook so far and can’t wait for book six.
Huge thanks to High Gravity Productions and Jack Bodett for the ALC!
July 1, 2026
I got to listen to the audio of this book! It was such a fun change from my normal reads! Sci fy used to be a hard pass for me but I am so glad I gave this a shot! I can happily suggest this one! The romance of it is sweet and heart felt. Good read! And great narrator!
June 27, 2026
Jack Bodett returns with Cosmic Cargo Carnival, the delightful fifth installment in his No Stress Space Express series. After a couple of previous entries pushed the limits of the series' "low-stakes" promise, this book marks a wonderful return to form.
The story follows the familiar couples of Rusty and Piper, alongside Mike and Jenna, as they go about their interesting lives hauling freight from their massive city-like mothership home base. After their vintage alien spaceship, Nessie, swallows a bit too much asteroid debris, the crew faces some delightfully unusual, "squishy" engine repairs before delivering the critical components for a wildly popular interstellar carnival called the Prindle Traveling Wondershow.
As payment for their services, Rusty and his crew receive VIP passes, allowing them and their extended outer-space found-family to enjoy the carnival firsthand. That is exactly what this heartwarming slice-of-life sci-fi adventure is all about: good clean fun, great friendships, and a touch of romance.
Rather than fighting soul-crushing oppressors or killer cyborgs, the reader gets to watch the crew share roller-coasters with bark-skinned daredevils, motion-sick blobs, and dial-up-screaming robots. Bodett excels at putting an imaginative, humorous alien spin on familiar concepts, with a particularly fantastic sci-fi twist on Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots that will make you wish it existed in real life.
The audiobook narration by Neill Thorne and Rebecca Winder is exceptionally well done, capturing the playful spirit and comforting tone of the story perfectly.
While some might wonder how a book with absolutely no villains, no tension, and no drama could be anything but boring, Bodett proves it can be incredibly engaging. Filled with humorous regular living, good food, true friends, and fascinating details on repairing impossible space tech, this book delivers on everything a cozy sci-fi fan could want. It is a highly recommended, playful romp that will leave you wanting to visit a carnival yourself and eagerly anticipating Book #6.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story follows the familiar couples of Rusty and Piper, alongside Mike and Jenna, as they go about their interesting lives hauling freight from their massive city-like mothership home base. After their vintage alien spaceship, Nessie, swallows a bit too much asteroid debris, the crew faces some delightfully unusual, "squishy" engine repairs before delivering the critical components for a wildly popular interstellar carnival called the Prindle Traveling Wondershow.
As payment for their services, Rusty and his crew receive VIP passes, allowing them and their extended outer-space found-family to enjoy the carnival firsthand. That is exactly what this heartwarming slice-of-life sci-fi adventure is all about: good clean fun, great friendships, and a touch of romance.
Rather than fighting soul-crushing oppressors or killer cyborgs, the reader gets to watch the crew share roller-coasters with bark-skinned daredevils, motion-sick blobs, and dial-up-screaming robots. Bodett excels at putting an imaginative, humorous alien spin on familiar concepts, with a particularly fantastic sci-fi twist on Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots that will make you wish it existed in real life.
The audiobook narration by Neill Thorne and Rebecca Winder is exceptionally well done, capturing the playful spirit and comforting tone of the story perfectly.
While some might wonder how a book with absolutely no villains, no tension, and no drama could be anything but boring, Bodett proves it can be incredibly engaging. Filled with humorous regular living, good food, true friends, and fascinating details on repairing impossible space tech, this book delivers on everything a cozy sci-fi fan could want. It is a highly recommended, playful romp that will leave you wanting to visit a carnival yourself and eagerly anticipating Book #6.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2025
Jack Bodett returns for his fifth No Stress Space Express novel -- Cosmic Cargo Carnival: A Cozy, Low-Stakes, Slice-of-Life Sci-Fi Adventure.
After the last couple of books in the series pushed the limits of the ever-present “Low-Stakes” subtitle, Cosmic Cargo Carnival returns to form of our following Rusty & Piper and Mike & Jenna as they go about their interesting new lives hauling freight from home base ... which just happens to be a massive mothership -- essentially a large city in outer space.
After dealing with some engine damage from their previous adventure, our familiar friends deliver some critical pieces of a wildly popular interstellar carnival, the Prindle Traveling Wondershow. As part of their payment for services rendered, Rusty and his crew receive VIP passes, not only for themselves, but for a bunch of the new friends they’ve made since getting transplanted from Earth and/or Mars.
That pretty much sums up the bulk of the novel: The No Stress Space Express team, and extended company, enjoy themselves at a carnival. And that’s what Bodett’s series is all about -- enjoying life with your found-family, with plenty of extraterrestrial twists along the way.
That’s something I’m definitely enjoying about this series: Rather than struggling against soul-crushing oppressors or killer cyborgs or whatnot, the reader gets to follow along as the crew have great times with good people of all shapes and sizes. And whenever they encounter something that’s somewhat familiar, we get to see the alien curveball on it. The details, as spun by Bodett, are often humorous and always logical -- it makes you wish you were there with them.
(On that note: One of my favorites for entry #5 would be the sci-fi spin on Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots. I soooo wish that was a real thing!)
As noted with previous installments, if you enjoyed the first four No Stress Space Express books, then you will have fun with Cosmic Cargo Carnival. And I’ll definitely be checking out Book #6.
After the last couple of books in the series pushed the limits of the ever-present “Low-Stakes” subtitle, Cosmic Cargo Carnival returns to form of our following Rusty & Piper and Mike & Jenna as they go about their interesting new lives hauling freight from home base ... which just happens to be a massive mothership -- essentially a large city in outer space.
After dealing with some engine damage from their previous adventure, our familiar friends deliver some critical pieces of a wildly popular interstellar carnival, the Prindle Traveling Wondershow. As part of their payment for services rendered, Rusty and his crew receive VIP passes, not only for themselves, but for a bunch of the new friends they’ve made since getting transplanted from Earth and/or Mars.
That pretty much sums up the bulk of the novel: The No Stress Space Express team, and extended company, enjoy themselves at a carnival. And that’s what Bodett’s series is all about -- enjoying life with your found-family, with plenty of extraterrestrial twists along the way.
That’s something I’m definitely enjoying about this series: Rather than struggling against soul-crushing oppressors or killer cyborgs or whatnot, the reader gets to follow along as the crew have great times with good people of all shapes and sizes. And whenever they encounter something that’s somewhat familiar, we get to see the alien curveball on it. The details, as spun by Bodett, are often humorous and always logical -- it makes you wish you were there with them.
(On that note: One of my favorites for entry #5 would be the sci-fi spin on Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots. I soooo wish that was a real thing!)
As noted with previous installments, if you enjoyed the first four No Stress Space Express books, then you will have fun with Cosmic Cargo Carnival. And I’ll definitely be checking out Book #6.
July 1, 2026
Cosmic Cargo Carnival is the fifth book in the No Stress Space Express series. This cozy, Sci-Fi adventure features Rusty, Mike, Piper and Jenna. This book picks up where the fourth left off.
There isn't much adventure in this book but there are still plenty of laughs. The gang needs to inspect Nessie and repair any damage caused by the asteroid belt. They also need to complete their mission and delivery their cargo to the carnival so it can be set up for everyone's entertainment. Of course, there is still the crew's free access to said carnival once it is up and running, and they bring along a bunch of friends.
This was the perfect audiobook to listen to on the long drive back from holiday. It is sweet and wholesome, and safe for younger ears. The very talented Neill Thorne and Rebecca Winder once again narrated this installment to the series. I am forever impressed by their range and ability to portray multiple characters, often within a single scene, and keep them all distinct!
Listening to the audiobook of Cosmic Cargo Carnival was like visiting with old friends. I have come to love these characters and looks forward to all their quirky behaviour and interesting dynamic. Next up is Scrapyard Supernova because our beloved Nessie needs a bit more than a little TLC. I'll be eagerly awaiting the release of that audiobook!
There isn't much adventure in this book but there are still plenty of laughs. The gang needs to inspect Nessie and repair any damage caused by the asteroid belt. They also need to complete their mission and delivery their cargo to the carnival so it can be set up for everyone's entertainment. Of course, there is still the crew's free access to said carnival once it is up and running, and they bring along a bunch of friends.
This was the perfect audiobook to listen to on the long drive back from holiday. It is sweet and wholesome, and safe for younger ears. The very talented Neill Thorne and Rebecca Winder once again narrated this installment to the series. I am forever impressed by their range and ability to portray multiple characters, often within a single scene, and keep them all distinct!
Listening to the audiobook of Cosmic Cargo Carnival was like visiting with old friends. I have come to love these characters and looks forward to all their quirky behaviour and interesting dynamic. Next up is Scrapyard Supernova because our beloved Nessie needs a bit more than a little TLC. I'll be eagerly awaiting the release of that audiobook!
September 15, 2025
Another good entry in this series and when the title includes the phrase "Slice-of-Life" that is just what it is assuming you live on a spaceship traveling the galaxy and making trading stops, pit stops, and visits in various soler systems. No villains allowed in this series. My son can't comprehend how this could be anything but boring. This book is not boring. Humorous, regular living, good food, true friends, imaginative, etc. terms work here. I recommend this book and series.
August 23, 2025
It was quite an.........
....... adventure. I was expecting one outcome, but it never happened. It was quite the wonderful day at the Carnival. I was wondering how Mr Bodett was going to fill out the adventures with all of the "Friends ans Families". He covered each and all with their own Adventure. Very well done Master Bodett! Very Well Done Indeed
....... adventure. I was expecting one outcome, but it never happened. It was quite the wonderful day at the Carnival. I was wondering how Mr Bodett was going to fill out the adventures with all of the "Friends ans Families". He covered each and all with their own Adventure. Very well done Master Bodett! Very Well Done Indeed
August 25, 2025
getting better with each story
Loving it. Thanks!
Nobody could ever take Jerry Boyd’s place, but these guys are a good family too. Appreciation!
Blessing to Jerry, whatever universe he is in now. I am sure he is smiling at this series. 🤠
Loving it. Thanks!
Nobody could ever take Jerry Boyd’s place, but these guys are a good family too. Appreciation!
Blessing to Jerry, whatever universe he is in now. I am sure he is smiling at this series. 🤠
August 29, 2025
Dropped G’s
I am still loving these, however I listen to Alexa read the Kindle format to me. The “folksy” obverabundence of …in’ are driving me absolutely . Is there some way to convince her to substitute …ing for each occurrence so that she will cease dropping all the g’s?
I am still loving these, however I listen to Alexa read the Kindle format to me. The “folksy” obverabundence of …in’ are driving me absolutely . Is there some way to convince her to substitute …ing for each occurrence so that she will cease dropping all the g’s?
September 28, 2025
Hop on for the Tunnel of Love!
Suspend disbelief and just enjoy the sweet ride! Sweet and gooey as Cotton Candy, join the crew for a ride of friendship. Nothing but good times, a wonderful escape from the bad news of our current times
Suspend disbelief and just enjoy the sweet ride! Sweet and gooey as Cotton Candy, join the crew for a ride of friendship. Nothing but good times, a wonderful escape from the bad news of our current times
September 29, 2025
Book 5 in the series
The No Stress Space Express and Karlie’s Cargo have a job to haul equipment for a large carnival to a new planet. After they unload, the crews visit the carnival and have an adventure. A fun story.
The No Stress Space Express and Karlie’s Cargo have a job to haul equipment for a large carnival to a new planet. After they unload, the crews visit the carnival and have an adventure. A fun story.
October 4, 2025
A fun continuing romp through the lives of a couple of advanced truckers and their ladies. If this book doesn’t make you want to visit a carnival again nothing will. Lots of details on repairing impossible tech and space adventures. Nothing serious here. Just playful reading..
November 13, 2025
Many References to Earth Shows
In all these books there are references to a lot of baby boomer TV shows, movies, and the different big things back then. A great ride and humor throughout this series!!
Highly recommend if you looking for fun and a good time!!
In all these books there are references to a lot of baby boomer TV shows, movies, and the different big things back then. A great ride and humor throughout this series!!
Highly recommend if you looking for fun and a good time!!
January 22, 2026
Humor and friendship abounds...
The tale continues as the group has a fun romp at the show. New friends and relationships grow as the group explores the Carnival and new friends. Enjoyed the wild ride.
The tale continues as the group has a fun romp at the show. New friends and relationships grow as the group explores the Carnival and new friends. Enjoyed the wild ride.
March 15, 2026
Nice riff
Do enjoy the trucker culture undercoat especially since it plays so heavily into the 20th century norms. Enjoyable to hear how they use the music the movies and the concept of odd colored martians that still behave like humans in a pleasurable way.
Do enjoy the trucker culture undercoat especially since it plays so heavily into the 20th century norms. Enjoyable to hear how they use the music the movies and the concept of odd colored martians that still behave like humans in a pleasurable way.
June 13, 2026
These Stories are a great read for everyone!
This is a wonderful adventer and love story in one book. Makes for a wonderful summer reading at the beach on vacation or anywhere just to relax.
This is a wonderful adventer and love story in one book. Makes for a wonderful summer reading at the beach on vacation or anywhere just to relax.
July 2, 2026
I am absolutely loving these audiobooks. They are fantastic.
This one is super funny and super cute, and I love the fact that you get to see the dynamic between everyone that they have come in contact with in a fun environment it's really awesome.
This one is super funny and super cute, and I love the fact that you get to see the dynamic between everyone that they have come in contact with in a fun environment it's really awesome.
July 4, 2026
This is book 5 in the No Stress Space Express. A very fun whimsical read. I definitely recommend starting with book 1. If you want something different that still holds your attention and gives you a cute romance with no spice but all the banter here you go. 4.5 ⭐️
August 19, 2025
Fun at the fair
These books are a bit silly but lots of fun if you don’t mind all the ‘Dad jokes’. I anxiously await the next installment.
These books are a bit silly but lots of fun if you don’t mind all the ‘Dad jokes’. I anxiously await the next installment.
August 26, 2025
This is a great series, I like the action and the relation ships between the characters.
September 15, 2025
Good, wholesome sci-fi fun
This author and series helps to fill some of the hole in my heart, left by the death of author Jerry Boyd. I eagerly await the next installment.
This author and series helps to fill some of the hole in my heart, left by the death of author Jerry Boyd. I eagerly await the next installment.
October 21, 2025
Better to reread Jerry Boyd's Bob and Nikki series. Jerry was never sexist.
November 13, 2025
Fun and entertaining
December 10, 2025
Enjoyable reading!
It was enjoyable reading about the group's day out and all the new aliens, author Jack Bodett did it again wrote a nice story!
It was enjoyable reading about the group's day out and all the new aliens, author Jack Bodett did it again wrote a nice story!
June 30, 2026
This one was fun! Who doesn't love a good carnival.
September 16, 2025
An excellent read, want to read more. Keep up the great writing.
October 25, 2025
I have to say I quite like this series. As the author says, it is a cozy sci-fi adventure. If it would have been a TV show I would classify it as a family adventure.
It is dragged down a bit by the author inventing a bit too many silly names and stuff though. Like "Festival of Flatulence" and "Beebarf" instead of honey. It's not as funny as he thinks. At least not for me.
It is dragged down a bit by the author inventing a bit too many silly names and stuff though. Like "Festival of Flatulence" and "Beebarf" instead of honey. It's not as funny as he thinks. At least not for me.
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