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Start Somewhere
Newly minted investigator, Gray Cooper finds herself alone and adrift after her mother’s untimely death. Eager to move past her grief, Gray throws herself into her very first case—locating Werner Vondale, a missing grandfather with ties to Area 51.
Joe Nebraska only needs one more signature to close out Madeline Cooper’s her daughter, Gray’s. After a fiery first meeting, an unlikely friendship forms—causing Joe to question everything and join Gray as she embraces her destiny to become Detective Gray Cooper, investigator of the paranormal.
With every twist and turn, THE STRANGE START SOMEWHERE offers a reading experience where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and every ending is a new beginning.
Joe Nebraska only needs one more signature to close out Madeline Cooper’s her daughter, Gray’s. After a fiery first meeting, an unlikely friendship forms—causing Joe to question everything and join Gray as she embraces her destiny to become Detective Gray Cooper, investigator of the paranormal.
With every twist and turn, THE STRANGE START SOMEWHERE offers a reading experience where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and every ending is a new beginning.
- GenresMystery
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2024
3 people are currently reading
1329 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Lauer
3 books39 followersJennifer Lauer is the author of THE GIRL IN THE ZOO and THE STRANGE CHRONICLES series. A #1 Amazon International Bestseller, her work blends emotional depth with speculative and paranormal themes. The BookLife Prize praised her debut as “especially original, riveting, and timely,” while Kirkus Reviews noted its “soft center under the hardware.”
In addition to her novels, Lauer also writes for television and film, and created season one of the fiction podcast THE STRANGE CHRONICLES.
Lauer continues to carve out a unique space in genre fiction with her emotionally resonant storytelling.
In addition to her novels, Lauer also writes for television and film, and created season one of the fiction podcast THE STRANGE CHRONICLES.
Lauer continues to carve out a unique space in genre fiction with her emotionally resonant storytelling.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 10, 2024
After listening to The Strange Chronicles podcasts I was excited to read this first book of this series. It brought us back to the beginning, where Gray takes her first case as a PI and meeting Joe. I look forward to the next book and following the next strange and possible paranormal case!
December 8, 2024
From the Stranger Chronicles podcast, Start Somewhere introduces us to Gray Cooper, a paranormal PI who takes on her first case while also trying to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance and her mother’s death. It’s a fun, lighthearted, fast read and you can’t help but root for Gray as she navigates her new normal. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a mystery with a little paranormal action on the side!
November 17, 2024
Gray is devastated at the story's outset; her mother has died horribly, and she has just buried her. She's notified by the insurance company that there won't be a payout as her mother's death was deemed a suicide. Then, her mother's ghost appears to her. What a great opening.
Throughout this story, Gray has to struggle with her grief for her mother, her questions about her father (who disappeared years earlier, and who her mother was trying to rescue from some alternate dimension/universe/prison/whatever when she died), and get her new business off the ground. It's a lot to deal with for her, but oddly, Joe Nebraska, insurance guy, jumps in to help her when she needs it. He's attractive, but more importantly, he's really kind, and up for a little adventure.
I have never listened to the Strange Chronicles podcast, so I came into this story with no preconceived notions about the characters or premise. I was pleased that what we get in this novella is an origin story for Gray Cooper and Joe Nebraska private investigations.
Though the writing was occasionally choppy, and I was never totally sure why Joe was so ready to help Gray, I liked both characters. Gray is believably grieving and a mess, not able to concentrate or deal with mundane but serious things to do with her business.
I'm not sure if we're to get any sort of repair of Grey's personal relationships with her grandmother and her friend, eventually, but I hope so, as one thing I'm increasingly not enamoured by is the lone, misanthropic detective who spurns close or supportive relationships.
I also wondered where the focus of the story was supposed to be. Meaning, was it about processing grief? Or was it about finding the elderly man whose disappearance was curiously immaterial to his family? Was it about a new relationship that transforms into a business partnership? Was it about finding a way to get her dad's files and mugs back? Few of these questions are paid off, but maybe there will be more resolutions on the way in a future instalment.
Though this sounds like I didn't enjoy this, that's not the case. This was a light, fast read, and I am sufficiently intrigued by all story elements and characters to want to know what happens next.
3.5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Kings of Kontent, Inc. for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Throughout this story, Gray has to struggle with her grief for her mother, her questions about her father (who disappeared years earlier, and who her mother was trying to rescue from some alternate dimension/universe/prison/whatever when she died), and get her new business off the ground. It's a lot to deal with for her, but oddly, Joe Nebraska, insurance guy, jumps in to help her when she needs it. He's attractive, but more importantly, he's really kind, and up for a little adventure.
I have never listened to the Strange Chronicles podcast, so I came into this story with no preconceived notions about the characters or premise. I was pleased that what we get in this novella is an origin story for Gray Cooper and Joe Nebraska private investigations.
Though the writing was occasionally choppy, and I was never totally sure why Joe was so ready to help Gray, I liked both characters. Gray is believably grieving and a mess, not able to concentrate or deal with mundane but serious things to do with her business.
I'm not sure if we're to get any sort of repair of Grey's personal relationships with her grandmother and her friend, eventually, but I hope so, as one thing I'm increasingly not enamoured by is the lone, misanthropic detective who spurns close or supportive relationships.
I also wondered where the focus of the story was supposed to be. Meaning, was it about processing grief? Or was it about finding the elderly man whose disappearance was curiously immaterial to his family? Was it about a new relationship that transforms into a business partnership? Was it about finding a way to get her dad's files and mugs back? Few of these questions are paid off, but maybe there will be more resolutions on the way in a future instalment.
Though this sounds like I didn't enjoy this, that's not the case. This was a light, fast read, and I am sufficiently intrigued by all story elements and characters to want to know what happens next.
3.5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Kings of Kontent, Inc. for this ARC in exchange for my review.
November 20, 2025
"Start Somewhere (The Strange Chronicles #1)" by Jennifer Lauer is a private investigator cozy mystery with a touch of paranormal. This first book introduces Gray Cooper as she's just lost her mother and starting her private investigation business. Well, she hasn't totally lost her mom. Her mom is now a ghost and may have clues about her own death.
Gray has to try to prove to the arrogant insurance agent, Joe Nebraska, that her mother didn't commit suicide. Then, because she has to pay the bills, she also takes on a missing senior citizen case. The man's granddaughter seems to be the only one missing him. She has fond memories of his tales of aliens and Area 51.
Gray discovers most of the truth behind her mother's death. This just leads to more questions about her missing, presumably dead, father. Unfortunately there seems to be a force trying to keep her from finding out more in that department. This seems to be a multi-book subplot.
The book wraps up well for a first book. It solves the solo book mystery. Maybe solo book. There was a teaser in there that something from that plot could link to the bridging plot. I'm not totally sure how I feel about the relationship between Gray and Joe. I think it would be funny if they were just sassy best friends. I bet they'll end up more than that though. I look forward to more.
Gray has to try to prove to the arrogant insurance agent, Joe Nebraska, that her mother didn't commit suicide. Then, because she has to pay the bills, she also takes on a missing senior citizen case. The man's granddaughter seems to be the only one missing him. She has fond memories of his tales of aliens and Area 51.
Gray discovers most of the truth behind her mother's death. This just leads to more questions about her missing, presumably dead, father. Unfortunately there seems to be a force trying to keep her from finding out more in that department. This seems to be a multi-book subplot.
The book wraps up well for a first book. It solves the solo book mystery. Maybe solo book. There was a teaser in there that something from that plot could link to the bridging plot. I'm not totally sure how I feel about the relationship between Gray and Joe. I think it would be funny if they were just sassy best friends. I bet they'll end up more than that though. I look forward to more.
September 24, 2025
Fun, absorbing read. It’s got the X-files type thing going, but also a noir-ish mystery. Grey Cooper is finding her footing, while developing a business (or more?) relationship with a sexy insurance claims processor.
I’m 100% in on these characters and this world, so I am really looking forward to subsequent installments in this series. The audio was wonderfully read by the author.
I’m 100% in on these characters and this world, so I am really looking forward to subsequent installments in this series. The audio was wonderfully read by the author.
December 29, 2024
Strange things are afoot in the strange Chronicles. Gray Cooper, such a detective name, and Joe Nebraska, such a random name? Hmm? I have a feeling this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you yourself are strange and unusual then you’ll like strange things and aliens read this please thanks.
October 15, 2024
This was a fun little story but it felt really flat to me. I couldn't connect with the characters and the mysteries didn't pull me in as much as I would have liked them to.
November 28, 2024
I was a fan of the Strange Chronicles podcast, but my one complaint was that I always wanted *more.* More detail in the story, more development of characters...more. Now, we are finally getting the fully fleshed out Strange Chronicles, and I couldn't be happier.
October 19, 2024
The story was really interesting, the way we start to unravel plot and characters simultaneously is very refreshing. Joe is a charming MMC and Grey has witty responses and deals as well as you could hope with grief and discovering the supernatural exists; Zeke as an antagonist is intriguing and I want to see what’s next from the author.
With that said, the book finished too soon for my liking. I wanted more, needed more. The magic system was never fully explained, we learn she is and/or has a legacy in her blood but never explore what it is and its purpose. The chemistry with Joe is great but doesn’t go anywhere, and I got sick of Grey whining about everything and postponing every hard choice. Even contemplating grief, it felt too childish.
Thanks to Kings of Kontent Inc for providing an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
With that said, the book finished too soon for my liking. I wanted more, needed more. The magic system was never fully explained, we learn she is and/or has a legacy in her blood but never explore what it is and its purpose. The chemistry with Joe is great but doesn’t go anywhere, and I got sick of Grey whining about everything and postponing every hard choice. Even contemplating grief, it felt too childish.
Thanks to Kings of Kontent Inc for providing an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 31, 2024
I love a good detective novel, and this one did not disappoint. The book also reminded me of The X Files, which is a huge plus. I can't wait for the rest of the series. I also adore Gray and Joe's friendship. It's also a nice change of pace from the main character being a police detective to being a private investigator.
June 12, 2025
It was a fun read. Looks like it can become a really good series as the characters are developed. One to look forward to the next book to come out.
November 4, 2024
4/5 stars
Recommended if you like: magic, mystery, whodunnit, urban fantasy
Big thanks to Netgalley, Kings of Kontent Inc., and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Honestly, I downloaded this book because it was available to Read Now on Netgalley for Halloween and sounded vaguely interesting. PI who's mom just died finding herself investigating the supernatural? Sounds good.
This story had its charms. I liked seeing the investigative side of things and how Gray reacts to learning the supernatural/magical is real. There's definitely a budding story there regarding how much magic is actually real and how much is just made up, but I liked the tidbits we got in this first book.
The author was definitely trying to make Gray a noir-esque detective, complete with the alcohol problem, but it just doesn't work. As it is now, it kind of seems like Gray has an unhealthy relationship with vodka and I can't tell if she's always like that or if it's grief. She also seems to be following the well-trodden path of pushing away everyone else, since she's ignoring her grandmother's and best friend's phone calls. I don't like male detective stories for a reason, I don't want female-led ones that read the same way.
I will admit that I do think it's odd that Gray's father was a supernatural PI and she just...never believed his cases were real. Like, did he just not mention the magical aspects to them and she thought his clients were just imaginative? Did he only ever keep his magical books and objects at the office? I'm dying to know what that dynamic was, because Gray's mother definitely knew and admitted the two of them kept it from Gray.
The actual plot for this book was a little all over the place. It's pitched as Gray wanting to get to the bottom of the fire that killed her mother (and it is), but along the way she also stumbles into searching for someone's missing (alien abducted?) grandfather and trying to figure out why some mysterious person bought her father's office out from under her nose at auction (and btw, that is so not how auctioning off property to pay debt goes. Like at all.). In all of this, Gray's initial investigation into her mom's death is put by the wayside. As a matter of fact, she doesn't even end up looking into it! The insurance guy does!
I did like the alien investigation and it was interesting to try and figure out why this random guy bought her dad's office out of the blue, but it was too much for what this book was and none of it had a super satisfying end. Frankly, Gray is too busy worrying about other stuff that she never gets to to really investigate her client's grandfather's disappearance. There's clearly some weird shit going on with that family, but Gray doesn't have the time or the energy to go into it, and so threads are just kind of left dangling.
Likewise, the 'office buyer' offers a mysterious and sinister plotline, but it's competing with a potential alien abduction that Gray is only kind of investigating. While I'm sure the office thing is setting up for a longer plot that bridges books, there was more depth to it than the missing persons case and I wanted to know more about it than what we got.
In terms of Gray's mom's death...that whole setup is just weird. The death itself is fine, but the whole thing with the insurance agent that Gray keeps yelling at and then asking for help and then flirting with. Just odd. And then they're 'partners in crime'? There was not enough character development for any of this to be occurring. Also, I've been to Salem, MA. It's not so small a town that there's not more than one insurance company in town, why does everyone seem to use this one guy?
Overall this was a fun, short book. It's a good read if you're looking for something quick that doesn't take itself too seriously and doesn't have too complex a plot.
Recommended if you like: magic, mystery, whodunnit, urban fantasy
Big thanks to Netgalley, Kings of Kontent Inc., and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Honestly, I downloaded this book because it was available to Read Now on Netgalley for Halloween and sounded vaguely interesting. PI who's mom just died finding herself investigating the supernatural? Sounds good.
This story had its charms. I liked seeing the investigative side of things and how Gray reacts to learning the supernatural/magical is real. There's definitely a budding story there regarding how much magic is actually real and how much is just made up, but I liked the tidbits we got in this first book.
The author was definitely trying to make Gray a noir-esque detective, complete with the alcohol problem, but it just doesn't work. As it is now, it kind of seems like Gray has an unhealthy relationship with vodka and I can't tell if she's always like that or if it's grief. She also seems to be following the well-trodden path of pushing away everyone else, since she's ignoring her grandmother's and best friend's phone calls. I don't like male detective stories for a reason, I don't want female-led ones that read the same way.
I will admit that I do think it's odd that Gray's father was a supernatural PI and she just...never believed his cases were real. Like, did he just not mention the magical aspects to them and she thought his clients were just imaginative? Did he only ever keep his magical books and objects at the office? I'm dying to know what that dynamic was, because Gray's mother definitely knew and admitted the two of them kept it from Gray.
The actual plot for this book was a little all over the place. It's pitched as Gray wanting to get to the bottom of the fire that killed her mother (and it is), but along the way she also stumbles into searching for someone's missing (alien abducted?) grandfather and trying to figure out why some mysterious person bought her father's office out from under her nose at auction (and btw, that is so not how auctioning off property to pay debt goes. Like at all.). In all of this, Gray's initial investigation into her mom's death is put by the wayside. As a matter of fact, she doesn't even end up looking into it! The insurance guy does!
I did like the alien investigation and it was interesting to try and figure out why this random guy bought her dad's office out of the blue, but it was too much for what this book was and none of it had a super satisfying end. Frankly, Gray is too busy worrying about other stuff that she never gets to to really investigate her client's grandfather's disappearance. There's clearly some weird shit going on with that family, but Gray doesn't have the time or the energy to go into it, and so threads are just kind of left dangling.
Likewise, the 'office buyer' offers a mysterious and sinister plotline, but it's competing with a potential alien abduction that Gray is only kind of investigating. While I'm sure the office thing is setting up for a longer plot that bridges books, there was more depth to it than the missing persons case and I wanted to know more about it than what we got.
In terms of Gray's mom's death...that whole setup is just weird. The death itself is fine, but the whole thing with the insurance agent that Gray keeps yelling at and then asking for help and then flirting with. Just odd. And then they're 'partners in crime'? There was not enough character development for any of this to be occurring. Also, I've been to Salem, MA. It's not so small a town that there's not more than one insurance company in town, why does everyone seem to use this one guy?
Overall this was a fun, short book. It's a good read if you're looking for something quick that doesn't take itself too seriously and doesn't have too complex a plot.
January 21, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the access in exchange for an honest review!
After reading the Acknowledgments at the end of The Strange Chronicles: Start Somewhere, I understand that author Jennifer Lauer ran (still runs?) some sort of podcast with these characters. In truth, I think that these characters would have been engaging and interesting in a book if another author had written them. I'm not entirely certain if she *has* written any book, but, if she has, I would not be inclined to read it, and I would never recommend this novel. This book was boring, and dry, with equally flat characters (main and side) with not-so-sly references to 2010's pop sprinkled in here and there.
One of the main points that could be improved upon within the story is lessening the instances of entirely internal dialogue with the mind of the main character, Cooper Gray. The handful of consistent interpersonal relationships that Cooper was juggling throughout the novel could have been explored on a deeper level and also could have gotten results to the end of the case much faster if maybe she had had more real conversations.
I wished this was enjoyable to read, but I won't lie-it was not. I certainly hope to see better stories from her in the future, though.
After reading the Acknowledgments at the end of The Strange Chronicles: Start Somewhere, I understand that author Jennifer Lauer ran (still runs?) some sort of podcast with these characters. In truth, I think that these characters would have been engaging and interesting in a book if another author had written them. I'm not entirely certain if she *has* written any book, but, if she has, I would not be inclined to read it, and I would never recommend this novel. This book was boring, and dry, with equally flat characters (main and side) with not-so-sly references to 2010's pop sprinkled in here and there.
One of the main points that could be improved upon within the story is lessening the instances of entirely internal dialogue with the mind of the main character, Cooper Gray. The handful of consistent interpersonal relationships that Cooper was juggling throughout the novel could have been explored on a deeper level and also could have gotten results to the end of the case much faster if maybe she had had more real conversations.
I wished this was enjoyable to read, but I won't lie-it was not. I certainly hope to see better stories from her in the future, though.
October 28, 2024
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the arc!
This novella starts out an interesting story that has potential.
Gray Cooper is struggling to establish herself as a PI, while also working through the recent death of her mother. But when her deceased mother starts to haunt her, and her first case leads her down a rabbit trail into the supernatural, she’s going to have to decide exactly what kind of detective she wants to be.
As a reader who hasn’t heard the podcast, I didn’t feel as strong of a connection with the characters as I’m sure I would have otherwise; but the story premise is fun, and I’m sure future installations will continue building out the characters. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy quick mysteries with a supernatural twist.
This novella starts out an interesting story that has potential.
Gray Cooper is struggling to establish herself as a PI, while also working through the recent death of her mother. But when her deceased mother starts to haunt her, and her first case leads her down a rabbit trail into the supernatural, she’s going to have to decide exactly what kind of detective she wants to be.
As a reader who hasn’t heard the podcast, I didn’t feel as strong of a connection with the characters as I’m sure I would have otherwise; but the story premise is fun, and I’m sure future installations will continue building out the characters. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy quick mysteries with a supernatural twist.
December 31, 2024
From the start, this was an interesting book with many plot threads to follow. I came across this book looking for something different- I enjoy mysteries, but not usually those that involve paranormal and/or fantasy elements. So I was pleasantly surprised to really enjoy this one. At a few places, plot lines were a little fuzzy to follow or seemed to move too quickly, leaving me to feel like I needed more development or supporting context for why/how things happened, but I mostly appreciated the quick pace. It's a nice, light read and left me wanting to keep reading. I haven't listened to the podcast, but imagine that would be helpful for a more full experience. Looking forward to the next installment of the series!
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for access to this ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for access to this ARC.
October 15, 2024
2024
Mystery / Fantasy
Review: Short novel, more novella in approach to hatch a series.
Dumby has to juggle personal issues with professional and it is fairly compressed due to the novellas length. This is a setup for a paranormal series that I will not be following. The writing is pretty good but the characters are one dimensional even with dummies flouncing and flustered personna.
Besides being hotter than a popcorn fart, she has hunky half-naked men lurking around that get her flushed with desire and the caveat "I am not looking for a relationship" over and over. Pass.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
2.4/5
Mystery / Fantasy
Review: Short novel, more novella in approach to hatch a series.
Dumby has to juggle personal issues with professional and it is fairly compressed due to the novellas length. This is a setup for a paranormal series that I will not be following. The writing is pretty good but the characters are one dimensional even with dummies flouncing and flustered personna.
Besides being hotter than a popcorn fart, she has hunky half-naked men lurking around that get her flushed with desire and the caveat "I am not looking for a relationship" over and over. Pass.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
2.4/5
June 3, 2025
The premise was interesting enough for me to read the book. I enjoyed coming to know the protagonist, as life dealt her severe blows.
However, the book was very short. As a consequence, the characters were not developed to my satisfaction; it was hard for me to visualize what they looked like and (other than the protagonist) what they were thinking. In addition, the plot included a missing person but that resolved itself with very little effort from the plot or the author.
I understand that this is the first in a series, so maybe some of the truncated plot lines here will be developed in subsequent novels; I just do not know if I found enough meat on the bones to find out.
However, the book was very short. As a consequence, the characters were not developed to my satisfaction; it was hard for me to visualize what they looked like and (other than the protagonist) what they were thinking. In addition, the plot included a missing person but that resolved itself with very little effort from the plot or the author.
I understand that this is the first in a series, so maybe some of the truncated plot lines here will be developed in subsequent novels; I just do not know if I found enough meat on the bones to find out.
October 31, 2025
This was an easy quick read & I recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal/urban fantasy mysteries! It’s was exactly my cup of tea with a strong female MC and a hint of romance. Really appreciated that the side of romance felt adult & didn’t consume every thought our lead had!
I jumped with this book & it was totally fine I hadn’t read the first one. I did enjoy it enough, I’ll be adding the first one to my TBR & keeping an eye out for the third. It wasn’t the most complex of plots & the ending felt a hair rushed which kept me from rating higher. In the whole I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I jumped with this book & it was totally fine I hadn’t read the first one. I did enjoy it enough, I’ll be adding the first one to my TBR & keeping an eye out for the third. It wasn’t the most complex of plots & the ending felt a hair rushed which kept me from rating higher. In the whole I thoroughly enjoyed it!
November 2, 2024
The book was a quick read and it was pretty enjoable. But also i felt the whole time like i was missing something. Also i just found the solution to her first case was just so fast done. I was a bit sad that there was not more investigating. This book could have been longer and everything could have been a bit more flashed out. I did like the main character though.
November 7, 2024
I have been eagerly waiting for this book to come out! I’m a super fan of this author and her debut novel Girl in the Zoo was such a great read. Love this genre and can’t wait for more from this author!
November 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this read. It was an easy read that I devoured because I just wanted answers to everything. The characters were easy to like and the strangeness is the right amount of entertainment. I loved the ending.
December 12, 2024
Love the combination of pulpy detective novel and the supernatural
December 30, 2024
This was a decent quick read. Lauer mixes PI work with the paranormal and does a fantastic job with it.
The ending was a bit too easily done for my liking, though. There is a podcast this story comes from, and that could be why, but I haven't listened before, so I definitely wouldn't know.
It sounds like there's already another installment in the works but with a new case. I'll probably pick it up if I see it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The ending was a bit too easily done for my liking, though. There is a podcast this story comes from, and that could be why, but I haven't listened before, so I definitely wouldn't know.
It sounds like there's already another installment in the works but with a new case. I'll probably pick it up if I see it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews