# They Were the Best of Gnomes, They Were the Worst of Gnomes

By Robert P. Wills · Tales from a Second Hand Wand Shoppe, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/they-were-the-best-of-gnomes-they-were-the-worst-of-gnomes-5e3b1cf8/

Drimblerod needs to improve sales at Second Hand Sorcery, his used-wand shop. The Merchant Guild wants its money, and an Ogre collects the dues. Taking Grimbledung on as a partner brings a fresh set of problems: his schemes soon require the attention of neighbors and the constable.

## What makes it funny?

The fantasy threats begin with a shopkeeper’s familiar headache: people who browse without buying. Drimblerod hopes a partner will help him deal with them. Instead, he gets Grimbledung and a widening circle of people trying to contain his ideas.

### The comedy at work

A solution to a retail problem becomes a source of escalating trouble. Grimbledung’s plans involve a werewolf constable and a magic-school headmistress, bringing familiar business frustrations into a town full of fantasy creatures.

### Try this if…

Readers in book groups recommend the series when asked for funny books, and repeatedly point to the two gnomes becoming business partners. That partnership is the reason to investigate this one if you enjoy fantasy shops and unruly get-rich schemes.

## What to expect

- Genre: Fantasy
- Kind of humor: Farce · Situational comedy
- The atmosphere: Whimsical
- Format: Novel
- Length: 332 pages
- Published: 2012

## A few distinguishing details

- Two gnomes running a used-wand business
- An Ogre collecting Merchant Guild dues

## Sources & further reading

- Book information: [Paperback bibliographic record](https://www.allbookstores.com/Tales-From-Second-Hand-Wand/9781478184058)
- Book information: [Series bibliography](https://www.booknotification.com/authors/robert-p-wills)
- Author commentary: [Author commentary](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/hilarious-havoc-gnomish-antics-exploring-were-best-gnomes-wills-rt6ze)
- Reader discussion: [Reader discussion](https://facebook.com/groups/bookrecommendations/permalink/6981951785212908)