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Strange Lights
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26Parenting is never easy, but it’s a hell of a lot harder when your toddler is a chupacabra.
Paranormal investigator and cryptozoologist Reggie has embraced her fate as parent to an adopted toddler, Eldi—a blood-sucking chupacabra with a fondness for goats. Reggie wants nothing more than to put her complicated past in the rearview mirror and fade into as much obscurity as her toddler will allow. But a rash of UFOs in the night sky and a couple of crop-circle-carving Roombas force Reggie into an investigation that attracts the attention of an old enemy, an anti-supernatural agency hunting for creatures like Eldi. To outwit them, Reggie must team up with Calvin: a podcaster-turned-werewolf whose charm is a real threat to Reggie’s rule against romantic attachments.
With Reggie’s history quickly catching up to her and Eldi in the agency’s crosshairs, any shred of normalcy evaporates. Reggie must decide: Can she confront her dark past to save Eldi—and an entire alien species—from getting wiped out of the universe?
Paranormal investigator and cryptozoologist Reggie has embraced her fate as parent to an adopted toddler, Eldi—a blood-sucking chupacabra with a fondness for goats. Reggie wants nothing more than to put her complicated past in the rearview mirror and fade into as much obscurity as her toddler will allow. But a rash of UFOs in the night sky and a couple of crop-circle-carving Roombas force Reggie into an investigation that attracts the attention of an old enemy, an anti-supernatural agency hunting for creatures like Eldi. To outwit them, Reggie must team up with Calvin: a podcaster-turned-werewolf whose charm is a real threat to Reggie’s rule against romantic attachments.
With Reggie’s history quickly catching up to her and Eldi in the agency’s crosshairs, any shred of normalcy evaporates. Reggie must decide: Can she confront her dark past to save Eldi—and an entire alien species—from getting wiped out of the universe?
464 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Mira González
2 books36 followersMira González is a full-time chaos manager of three small humans and the author of Strange Lights. You can find her escaping into novels when she isn’t traveling. Mira currently resides in Fiji, but she grew up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and worked on oil rigs under the northern lights in Alaska. Equal parts personal experience and a wildly overactive imagination inspire her stories, which center the queer and diverse characters she relates most to.
Though her children are the inspiration for the monster toddler in her book, her husband is regrettably not a werewolf, and she can only dream of a sentient Winnebago.
Though her children are the inspiration for the monster toddler in her book, her husband is regrettably not a werewolf, and she can only dream of a sentient Winnebago.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
February 18, 2026
Blood-sucking toddlers, an undead raccoon, aliens, werewolves, magic, a strange self-driving RV with hidden backrooms
"I was never waiting for you to be good enough. Love isn't perfection."
Going into this book I expected a light hearted, quirky book about cryptids. Although it started out that way, I am so happy it turned out to be so much more than that. In this book we follow Reggie, a paranormal investigator with an adopted toddler. Not a normal toddler, though, her daughter is a blood-sucking chupacabra (and I love her). Reggie mainly attempts to make people believe cryptids are hoaxes, while Reggie in fact knows they are as real as can be.
The story quickly picks up pace and develops into a wonderfully exciting, emotional and raw story. What it means to be human, blood ties and found family ties are explored in a very intricate way. The story occasionally shifts perspective, which keeps the reader engaged and allows us to understand the perspectives and experiences of other characters. This is done in such a wonderful way that really adds to the story, rather than taking you out of the flow.
This is such an exceptionally wonderful, heartfelt and hilarious story and so much more than I anticipated before picking it up. I'm so glad I got to read this!
"And what's in this bag?"
"Dead mice. From the walls."
"You hit me with a bag of dead mice?"
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC copy.
"I was never waiting for you to be good enough. Love isn't perfection."
Going into this book I expected a light hearted, quirky book about cryptids. Although it started out that way, I am so happy it turned out to be so much more than that. In this book we follow Reggie, a paranormal investigator with an adopted toddler. Not a normal toddler, though, her daughter is a blood-sucking chupacabra (and I love her). Reggie mainly attempts to make people believe cryptids are hoaxes, while Reggie in fact knows they are as real as can be.
The story quickly picks up pace and develops into a wonderfully exciting, emotional and raw story. What it means to be human, blood ties and found family ties are explored in a very intricate way. The story occasionally shifts perspective, which keeps the reader engaged and allows us to understand the perspectives and experiences of other characters. This is done in such a wonderful way that really adds to the story, rather than taking you out of the flow.
This is such an exceptionally wonderful, heartfelt and hilarious story and so much more than I anticipated before picking it up. I'm so glad I got to read this!
"And what's in this bag?"
"Dead mice. From the walls."
"You hit me with a bag of dead mice?"
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC copy.
June 29, 2026
4.5
“Humanity isn’t built from a few pieces of DNA spliced together. It’s built from connection and community. We’re tethered to our friends and our family by something more than shared blood. Life isn’t about the destination; it isn’t about the answer. The meaning we crave is in the journey. It’s with the people we travel through life with. It’s in the company we keep as we make our way around the sun.”
There are books that have found family and then there are books that are ABOUT found family. This one has the most ragtag assortment of members that includes a cryptozoologist, werewolves, chupacabras, crop-circle creating roombas, and a sentient Winnebago for starters. It’s one of those stories where the nonhuman characters really make you think about humanity and relationships and community. And there are so many relationships to examine in the book, including the many facets of sisterhood and parenthood and species-hood. There is an intense longing to be loved and deemed good enough by a parent and there is hesitation about leaning into vulnerability and hoping to be accepted, flaws and all. There is a battle between self-preservation versus self-sacrifice to protect loved ones. The book dives deep into the ways we tether ourselves to others, and all the good and bad that comes with this.
This book is deep, and it’s heavy, and it’s bizarre and wild and funny and witty. There are sci-fi elements that had me scratching my head and telling myself to just go with it, there are silly and ridiculous (in the best way) moments that made me laugh aloud, and there are scenes with brutality or intense vulnerability that made me cry. There are layered characters who are so lovable even though I wanted to throttle a few of them more than once.
I enjoyed the pacing and the sometimes-nonlinear-timeline and the slow character development the main character makes. But overall one of the aspects of the book I most loved was how somehow this wild ride of a paranormal adventure felt so cozy. Unhinged and chaotic and harrowing, sure, but also heartfelt and comforting and delightful.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Bindery/Ezeekat Press for the advanced copy!
“Humanity isn’t built from a few pieces of DNA spliced together. It’s built from connection and community. We’re tethered to our friends and our family by something more than shared blood. Life isn’t about the destination; it isn’t about the answer. The meaning we crave is in the journey. It’s with the people we travel through life with. It’s in the company we keep as we make our way around the sun.”
There are books that have found family and then there are books that are ABOUT found family. This one has the most ragtag assortment of members that includes a cryptozoologist, werewolves, chupacabras, crop-circle creating roombas, and a sentient Winnebago for starters. It’s one of those stories where the nonhuman characters really make you think about humanity and relationships and community. And there are so many relationships to examine in the book, including the many facets of sisterhood and parenthood and species-hood. There is an intense longing to be loved and deemed good enough by a parent and there is hesitation about leaning into vulnerability and hoping to be accepted, flaws and all. There is a battle between self-preservation versus self-sacrifice to protect loved ones. The book dives deep into the ways we tether ourselves to others, and all the good and bad that comes with this.
This book is deep, and it’s heavy, and it’s bizarre and wild and funny and witty. There are sci-fi elements that had me scratching my head and telling myself to just go with it, there are silly and ridiculous (in the best way) moments that made me laugh aloud, and there are scenes with brutality or intense vulnerability that made me cry. There are layered characters who are so lovable even though I wanted to throttle a few of them more than once.
I enjoyed the pacing and the sometimes-nonlinear-timeline and the slow character development the main character makes. But overall one of the aspects of the book I most loved was how somehow this wild ride of a paranormal adventure felt so cozy. Unhinged and chaotic and harrowing, sure, but also heartfelt and comforting and delightful.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Bindery/Ezeekat Press for the advanced copy!
March 25, 2026
I was honored to be able to ARC read Strange Lights by Mira Gonzàlez and boy was I surprised by how much I absolutely loved this book.
BLURB:
Paranormal investigator and cryptozoologist Reggie has embraced her fate as parent to an adopted toddler, Eldi—a blood-sucking chupacabra with a fondness for goats. Reggie wants nothing more than to put her complicated past in the rearview mirror and fade into as much obscurity as her toddler will allow. But a rash of UFOs in the night sky and a couple of crop-circle-carving Roombas force Reggie into an investigation that attracts the attention of an old enemy, an anti-supernatural agency hunting for creatures like Eldi. To outwit them, Reggie must team up with Calvin: a podcaster-turned-werewolf whose charm is a real threat to Reggie’s rule against romantic attachments.
With Reggie’s history quickly catching up to her and Eldi in the agency’s crosshairs, any shred of normalcy evaporates. Reggie must decide: Can she confront her dark past to save Eldi—and an entire alien species—from getting wiped out of the universe?
MY REVIEW:
I have never been super into sci-fi until now. The story is more than just extra terrestrials, it’s about loneliness, finding yourself, love, and life. Reggie seems hard on the outside but her soft spot is Eldi. Calvin acts like he has it all together but he longs for love himself. Zara and Meredith feel betrayed by Reggie for leaving them, but they have no idea what it really cost Reggie to go. Adele just longed to be able to love and reunite with her people, but never realized the pain and chaos she caused around her.
All in all, I adored this book. I loved the growth, the found family, the resilience and the absolute love and adoration each character brought to the story. It’s fast paced and so fun. Who knew raising a chupacabra toddler, while traveling in a sentient Winnebago with a Mary poppins basement, a werewolf podcaster, and some alien roombas could be so entertaining.
4/5 chupacabra toddlers 👹
BLURB:
Paranormal investigator and cryptozoologist Reggie has embraced her fate as parent to an adopted toddler, Eldi—a blood-sucking chupacabra with a fondness for goats. Reggie wants nothing more than to put her complicated past in the rearview mirror and fade into as much obscurity as her toddler will allow. But a rash of UFOs in the night sky and a couple of crop-circle-carving Roombas force Reggie into an investigation that attracts the attention of an old enemy, an anti-supernatural agency hunting for creatures like Eldi. To outwit them, Reggie must team up with Calvin: a podcaster-turned-werewolf whose charm is a real threat to Reggie’s rule against romantic attachments.
With Reggie’s history quickly catching up to her and Eldi in the agency’s crosshairs, any shred of normalcy evaporates. Reggie must decide: Can she confront her dark past to save Eldi—and an entire alien species—from getting wiped out of the universe?
MY REVIEW:
I have never been super into sci-fi until now. The story is more than just extra terrestrials, it’s about loneliness, finding yourself, love, and life. Reggie seems hard on the outside but her soft spot is Eldi. Calvin acts like he has it all together but he longs for love himself. Zara and Meredith feel betrayed by Reggie for leaving them, but they have no idea what it really cost Reggie to go. Adele just longed to be able to love and reunite with her people, but never realized the pain and chaos she caused around her.
All in all, I adored this book. I loved the growth, the found family, the resilience and the absolute love and adoration each character brought to the story. It’s fast paced and so fun. Who knew raising a chupacabra toddler, while traveling in a sentient Winnebago with a Mary poppins basement, a werewolf podcaster, and some alien roombas could be so entertaining.
4/5 chupacabra toddlers 👹
March 13, 2026
I would like to start by expressing my gratitude to NetGalley and Bindery Books for granting me access to this ARC. Additionally, I want to thank the author for crafting such a cool and cosmic story; I truly enjoyed it!
Summary - A story revolving around Eldi, a chupacabra adopted by Reggie, a paranormal investigator who has retired from a hectic past, only to be thrown back in when strange UFO activities start happening. She has to face old enemies, an anti-supernatural agency, and Calvin, an old nemesis turned friend turned lover? What happens when he threatens her strict rules of no romantic attachments? Oh, and he has turned into a werewolf. Together, they must protect those they love against the threat that will tear them apart. Follow Reggie, Eldi, and Calvin on a paranormal adventure to save worlds.
Thoughts - As soon as I saw this on NetGalley and that it was from Bindery Books, I knew I wanted to read it. Cryptids and paranormal activity? Yes, please! It started off great, and I loved it so much. The world of cryptids with chupacabras, werewolves, and the adventure of riding around in a Winnebago to investigate activity was such a fun vibe. I loved the different relationships created and the dysfunctional elements portrayed within the story. I, however, did find Reggie extremely frustrating as a character. I understand the reason for her being the way she is; however, I found her character development slow. That was the only downside to this, and maybe not enough cryptids. The first part was great, but as it dove deeper into the story, it kind of veered away from those elements and more toward everyone's backstories.
Now, while I normally hate being in the middle of a book and then suddenly being thrown into the past with backstories, the author did well in how this book was written. I was always captured within the pages, and the little twists and mysteries really emphasised the plot. Mira created complex yet vulnerable characters in her process, and each was relatable in some way, even when they had many layers. The worldbuilding and the paranormal parts of this book were outstanding.
While I do not want to give away spoilers, I will say that in this book, the relationships were frustrating and brilliant all in one. As I said, I felt Reggie's character development was quite frustrating; she often felt as if she had a chip on her shoulder. She was always negative, almost mean, and unnecessary in parts. I just wanted her to chill. That being said, I didn’t hate her at all, and I empathised with her after finding out her past. I just wish she weren’t so "woe is me" right until the very end. I loved how the author wrote about Reggie's family and past—very clever and well done.
The relationship between Eldi and Reggie was both cute, heartwarming, and sad. I loved that she adopted her, and their bond really showed, as well as the love they expressed in their own ways. It wasn’t easy for either of them, and with Eldi's lack of vocabulary, it was hard for them to communicate, but they both cherished one another, and Reggie really stepped up as a mother to Eldi.
It was also sweet Eldi was attached to her toy goat and her relationships with the mismatched weird creatures within the Winnebago. The whole magical RV and its counterparts really made the fun and exciting elements pop, especially when Reggie and Eldi went werewolf hunting and paranormal investigating. Speaking of werewolves, they take center stage in the story, especially when Calvin accidentally transforms into one. He sneaks after Reggie and Eldi to a werewolf pack, attempting to protect Reggie as chaos ensues and gets bit. This marks the beginning of Calvin's adventures in the supernatural realm. It’s particularly amusing that Calvin runs a podcast aimed at debunking the existence of the paranormal and supernatural.I think he will have to change his content.
Calvin and Reggie were an ideal pairing, and I initially felt a pang of sadness for him because, honestly, Reggie was quite challenging. However, as their relationship blossomed throughout the story, it was wonderful to witness how Calvin helped Reggie emerge from her shell. Their love was unique, and in the best possible way—especially with Luca joining the mix. Reggie and her sisters, truly embodied the essence of sisterhood. Although they weren’t related by blood, their bond was unbreakable; no one could take that away from them.
But I think what really made this story stand out from it all was Orion's backstory and what Eldi and Orion went through when they were just babies themselves. The brutality of it and how this was such a big part of the book, with so many backstories and the main story starting differently from where it finished, the Orion backstory was the link to bring them all into place, helping readers to understand what was happening and how it all fit into the main plot. It gave you a much clearer understanding of the antagonist, the relationship between all characters, and the answers to a lot of questions. It was a different sort of sci-fi paranormal plot that I enjoy immensely.
Summary - A story revolving around Eldi, a chupacabra adopted by Reggie, a paranormal investigator who has retired from a hectic past, only to be thrown back in when strange UFO activities start happening. She has to face old enemies, an anti-supernatural agency, and Calvin, an old nemesis turned friend turned lover? What happens when he threatens her strict rules of no romantic attachments? Oh, and he has turned into a werewolf. Together, they must protect those they love against the threat that will tear them apart. Follow Reggie, Eldi, and Calvin on a paranormal adventure to save worlds.
Thoughts - As soon as I saw this on NetGalley and that it was from Bindery Books, I knew I wanted to read it. Cryptids and paranormal activity? Yes, please! It started off great, and I loved it so much. The world of cryptids with chupacabras, werewolves, and the adventure of riding around in a Winnebago to investigate activity was such a fun vibe. I loved the different relationships created and the dysfunctional elements portrayed within the story. I, however, did find Reggie extremely frustrating as a character. I understand the reason for her being the way she is; however, I found her character development slow. That was the only downside to this, and maybe not enough cryptids. The first part was great, but as it dove deeper into the story, it kind of veered away from those elements and more toward everyone's backstories.
Now, while I normally hate being in the middle of a book and then suddenly being thrown into the past with backstories, the author did well in how this book was written. I was always captured within the pages, and the little twists and mysteries really emphasised the plot. Mira created complex yet vulnerable characters in her process, and each was relatable in some way, even when they had many layers. The worldbuilding and the paranormal parts of this book were outstanding.
While I do not want to give away spoilers, I will say that in this book, the relationships were frustrating and brilliant all in one. As I said, I felt Reggie's character development was quite frustrating; she often felt as if she had a chip on her shoulder. She was always negative, almost mean, and unnecessary in parts. I just wanted her to chill. That being said, I didn’t hate her at all, and I empathised with her after finding out her past. I just wish she weren’t so "woe is me" right until the very end. I loved how the author wrote about Reggie's family and past—very clever and well done.
The relationship between Eldi and Reggie was both cute, heartwarming, and sad. I loved that she adopted her, and their bond really showed, as well as the love they expressed in their own ways. It wasn’t easy for either of them, and with Eldi's lack of vocabulary, it was hard for them to communicate, but they both cherished one another, and Reggie really stepped up as a mother to Eldi.
It was also sweet Eldi was attached to her toy goat and her relationships with the mismatched weird creatures within the Winnebago. The whole magical RV and its counterparts really made the fun and exciting elements pop, especially when Reggie and Eldi went werewolf hunting and paranormal investigating. Speaking of werewolves, they take center stage in the story, especially when Calvin accidentally transforms into one. He sneaks after Reggie and Eldi to a werewolf pack, attempting to protect Reggie as chaos ensues and gets bit. This marks the beginning of Calvin's adventures in the supernatural realm. It’s particularly amusing that Calvin runs a podcast aimed at debunking the existence of the paranormal and supernatural.I think he will have to change his content.
Calvin and Reggie were an ideal pairing, and I initially felt a pang of sadness for him because, honestly, Reggie was quite challenging. However, as their relationship blossomed throughout the story, it was wonderful to witness how Calvin helped Reggie emerge from her shell. Their love was unique, and in the best possible way—especially with Luca joining the mix. Reggie and her sisters, truly embodied the essence of sisterhood. Although they weren’t related by blood, their bond was unbreakable; no one could take that away from them.
But I think what really made this story stand out from it all was Orion's backstory and what Eldi and Orion went through when they were just babies themselves. The brutality of it and how this was such a big part of the book, with so many backstories and the main story starting differently from where it finished, the Orion backstory was the link to bring them all into place, helping readers to understand what was happening and how it all fit into the main plot. It gave you a much clearer understanding of the antagonist, the relationship between all characters, and the answers to a lot of questions. It was a different sort of sci-fi paranormal plot that I enjoy immensely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC copy.
I thought this was an excellent debut novel!! What a fun and cozy story that really had it all. A grumpy detective with a cryptid child that eats goats, werewolves, alien technology, magic, a TARDIS-like sentient Winnebago, and a podcasting bro who lives to debunk myths that are right under his nose!
I could not put this book down! I'm not typically looking for found family stories, but this one had me on the edge of my seat. I can't get over how fun and whimsical the journey was.
I thought this was an excellent debut novel!! What a fun and cozy story that really had it all. A grumpy detective with a cryptid child that eats goats, werewolves, alien technology, magic, a TARDIS-like sentient Winnebago, and a podcasting bro who lives to debunk myths that are right under his nose!
I could not put this book down! I'm not typically looking for found family stories, but this one had me on the edge of my seat. I can't get over how fun and whimsical the journey was.
May 7, 2026
thank you to netgalley and bindery books for the arc in exchange for an honest review <3
okay this book was such a weird little chaotic comfort ride and i mean that in the best way possible. a paranormal investigator raising a toddler chupacabra while getting dragged into ufos, cryptids, conspiracy theories, werewolves and sentient roombas??? yeah this book knew exactly what kind of fun it wanted to have and i was so here for it.
what really worked for me was the atmosphere and the characters. the setting felt so vibrant and oddly cosy despite all the supernatural chaos happening every five seconds. there’s this found family warmth underneath all the weirdness that genuinely made me attached to everyone, especially eldi. like sorry but a tiny blood sucking chupacabra child obsessed with goats??? i would die for them actually.
reggie as a main character felt messy, traumatised, guarded and real. i liked that the book didn’t try to make them perfect. their relationships with the people around them slowly unfold throughout the story and i actually enjoyed seeing that emotional vulnerability crack through the humour and sarcasm. calvin was such a fun addition too and the chemistry between them felt playful without overtaking the actual plot.
the pacing was honestly one of the strongest parts for me. urban fantasy books sometimes dump too much information at once and end up feeling exhausting but this one flowed so easily. it’s fast paced without becoming confusing and the writing style is super accessible. witty, quirky, emotional when it needs to be and genuinely funny at times. i flew through it way quicker than i expected.
i will say the ending felt just a tiny bit rushed for me because i wanted more time with certain emotional moments and character dynamics after everything unfolded but overall it still wrapped up satisfyingly enough for me to close the book with a smile.
this would be PERFECT for readers who love quirky sci fi fantasy, cryptids, supernatural road trip vibes, found family, chaotic humour and slightly unhinged wholesome energy. if you like the hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy, supernatural, scooby doo coded adventures, weird little alien stories with heart or books that feel bizarre but comforting at the same time, you’d probably eat this up.
trigger warnings for discussions of trauma, abandonment, violence, government hunting of supernatural beings, death, mentions of abusive parents and some darker emotional themes underneath the humour.
overall a really fun and heartfelt read with lovable weirdos, chaotic paranormal energy and a surprisingly emotional core. 4 stars ⭐
okay this book was such a weird little chaotic comfort ride and i mean that in the best way possible. a paranormal investigator raising a toddler chupacabra while getting dragged into ufos, cryptids, conspiracy theories, werewolves and sentient roombas??? yeah this book knew exactly what kind of fun it wanted to have and i was so here for it.
what really worked for me was the atmosphere and the characters. the setting felt so vibrant and oddly cosy despite all the supernatural chaos happening every five seconds. there’s this found family warmth underneath all the weirdness that genuinely made me attached to everyone, especially eldi. like sorry but a tiny blood sucking chupacabra child obsessed with goats??? i would die for them actually.
reggie as a main character felt messy, traumatised, guarded and real. i liked that the book didn’t try to make them perfect. their relationships with the people around them slowly unfold throughout the story and i actually enjoyed seeing that emotional vulnerability crack through the humour and sarcasm. calvin was such a fun addition too and the chemistry between them felt playful without overtaking the actual plot.
the pacing was honestly one of the strongest parts for me. urban fantasy books sometimes dump too much information at once and end up feeling exhausting but this one flowed so easily. it’s fast paced without becoming confusing and the writing style is super accessible. witty, quirky, emotional when it needs to be and genuinely funny at times. i flew through it way quicker than i expected.
i will say the ending felt just a tiny bit rushed for me because i wanted more time with certain emotional moments and character dynamics after everything unfolded but overall it still wrapped up satisfyingly enough for me to close the book with a smile.
this would be PERFECT for readers who love quirky sci fi fantasy, cryptids, supernatural road trip vibes, found family, chaotic humour and slightly unhinged wholesome energy. if you like the hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy, supernatural, scooby doo coded adventures, weird little alien stories with heart or books that feel bizarre but comforting at the same time, you’d probably eat this up.
trigger warnings for discussions of trauma, abandonment, violence, government hunting of supernatural beings, death, mentions of abusive parents and some darker emotional themes underneath the humour.
overall a really fun and heartfelt read with lovable weirdos, chaotic paranormal energy and a surprisingly emotional core. 4 stars ⭐
July 18, 2026
Strange Lights by Mira González was a really fun, 4-star-cozy-SciFi-adventure novel. I am really glad I had the opportunity to read this ahead of publication, and I’m itching to chat with people about it in October! The bright colors on the cover are honestly what first caught my attention, but the deal was sealed when I realized the worlds of sci fi and camping would collide if I picked this book up.
Strange Lights delivered everything it promised. Think Grimm meets Friends meets Lilo and Stich, with a dash of The Demon in the Freezer, and some nonbinary representation for good measure!
I don’t even know where to start, because this book was so different, and so fun, and I enjoyed it soooo much. Even though the plot itself is SciFi/supernatural, the dialogue and interactions throughout felt extremely realistic and authentic. All of the descriptions- scenery, characters, mood- are all super vivid and well done. Every character in this book has so much ~PERSONALITY~ and I so enjoyed getting to know everyone (even Manny, Dave & Doug, & the raccoon, hahah). The flashbacks to young Reggie are SO different than she is now, so you really get more depth to her and why she keeps people at arms distance. I like the contrast from Reggie before to Reggie after and Reggie when everyone learns the truth about her (a hybrid in terms of her past and present).
That being said- I much preferred the present to the flashbacks. I think I’m just being critical because I enjoyed the parts written in the present SO MUCH, that I feel a lot of the flashback could’ve been abbreviated. The flashback felt really long, and did not hold my attention as well. Along with that, I initially thiught the magic wasn’t overdone and the creatures were the main focus, but as the book progresses within the flashback. the magic take a more prominent roll. Towards the end of the flashback stuff, and when e come back from the flashback I honestly found the magic a bit confusing.
I loved the way everything wrapped up, and I really hope to see more of Reggie in the future. I would HAPPILY continue to read about more of their adventures with the paranormal… and the normal… and I really hope Mira’s book gets the enthusiast reception it deserves! I would recommend this one to any and all chupacabra enthusiasts looking for a cozy read that’ll tug at your heartstrings… while making you laugh out loud A LOT.
Strange Lights delivered everything it promised. Think Grimm meets Friends meets Lilo and Stich, with a dash of The Demon in the Freezer, and some nonbinary representation for good measure!
I don’t even know where to start, because this book was so different, and so fun, and I enjoyed it soooo much. Even though the plot itself is SciFi/supernatural, the dialogue and interactions throughout felt extremely realistic and authentic. All of the descriptions- scenery, characters, mood- are all super vivid and well done. Every character in this book has so much ~PERSONALITY~ and I so enjoyed getting to know everyone (even Manny, Dave & Doug, & the raccoon, hahah). The flashbacks to young Reggie are SO different than she is now, so you really get more depth to her and why she keeps people at arms distance. I like the contrast from Reggie before to Reggie after and Reggie when everyone learns the truth about her (a hybrid in terms of her past and present).
That being said- I much preferred the present to the flashbacks. I think I’m just being critical because I enjoyed the parts written in the present SO MUCH, that I feel a lot of the flashback could’ve been abbreviated. The flashback felt really long, and did not hold my attention as well. Along with that, I initially thiught the magic wasn’t overdone and the creatures were the main focus, but as the book progresses within the flashback. the magic take a more prominent roll. Towards the end of the flashback stuff, and when e come back from the flashback I honestly found the magic a bit confusing.
I loved the way everything wrapped up, and I really hope to see more of Reggie in the future. I would HAPPILY continue to read about more of their adventures with the paranormal… and the normal… and I really hope Mira’s book gets the enthusiast reception it deserves! I would recommend this one to any and all chupacabra enthusiasts looking for a cozy read that’ll tug at your heartstrings… while making you laugh out loud A LOT.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Source: NetGalley
Pages: 464 pages, paperback
Format: Kindle
Trigger Warnings: Blood, Violence, Emotional Abuse, Physical Abuse, Child Abuse, Profanity, Monsters, Aliens, Magic, LGBTQ+ themes, Confinement, Grief, Depression
Rated: Adult
Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for providing me with an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I’m glad I stuck with this because the story kept me engaged, and the many plot twists had me invested until the end.
The writing is strong and easy to follow. I don't typically read science fiction because the genre often relies on convoluted terminology, but this novel leans more toward fantasy with paranormal elements woven throughout. The supernatural aspects felt natural to the story rather than overwhelming it.
The characters are all well developed, including the villain. Each has experienced significant trauma, and seeing how they cope with both their pasts and the events unfolding around them adds an emotional realism that makes them easy to connect with.
Despite being marketed as horror, I don't think that label quite fits. While there are monsters, aliens, and werewolves, they serve the story rather than creating a genuinely frightening atmosphere.
There is also some queer representation through Reggie, who is gender-fluid and mentions it at one point in the story. Personally, I would have preferred if this aspect had simply remained part of the character without being specifically pointed out.
Overall, this is an original and entertaining story with memorable characters and plenty of surprises. If you're a fan of found-family dynamics, this book delivers that in a big way.
Pages: 464 pages, paperback
Format: Kindle
Trigger Warnings: Blood, Violence, Emotional Abuse, Physical Abuse, Child Abuse, Profanity, Monsters, Aliens, Magic, LGBTQ+ themes, Confinement, Grief, Depression
Rated: Adult
Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for providing me with an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I’m glad I stuck with this because the story kept me engaged, and the many plot twists had me invested until the end.
The writing is strong and easy to follow. I don't typically read science fiction because the genre often relies on convoluted terminology, but this novel leans more toward fantasy with paranormal elements woven throughout. The supernatural aspects felt natural to the story rather than overwhelming it.
The characters are all well developed, including the villain. Each has experienced significant trauma, and seeing how they cope with both their pasts and the events unfolding around them adds an emotional realism that makes them easy to connect with.
Despite being marketed as horror, I don't think that label quite fits. While there are monsters, aliens, and werewolves, they serve the story rather than creating a genuinely frightening atmosphere.
There is also some queer representation through Reggie, who is gender-fluid and mentions it at one point in the story. Personally, I would have preferred if this aspect had simply remained part of the character without being specifically pointed out.
Overall, this is an original and entertaining story with memorable characters and plenty of surprises. If you're a fan of found-family dynamics, this book delivers that in a big way.
August 25, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
How do you know that a book is going to be good? When the main character is chaotic, traumatised and very genderqueer.
Strange lights by Mira Gonzales is a cozy (?) sci-fi novel about Reggie, a monster hunter (who actually protects monsters) who travels in their very sentient caravan with their daughter (the creature who showed up one day on their doorstep) and has a healthy rivalry with a monster hunter podcast host (they’re soulmates)
This sounds like a nice life. Right?
The only problem is that Reggie’s past is knocking on their door and the whole world might be in danger because of them.
This book was extremely addictive, surprisingly funny and very heartwarming, heartbreaking and entertaining.
It is one of the most unique sci-fi books I’ve read in the past years and I would have a hard time letting go of the story.
My only problem with it was how much of an unreliable narrator Reggie was. It felt confusing at times, especially at the beginning of the book and I think I would have enjoyed it more if Reggie looked and named some things instead of keeping us at the dark.
Anyway, since I don’t have two werewolf boyfriends to cuddle with I’m now going to cry a little bit.
Thank you NetGalley and Bindery books for the ARC!
How do you know that a book is going to be good? When the main character is chaotic, traumatised and very genderqueer.
Strange lights by Mira Gonzales is a cozy (?) sci-fi novel about Reggie, a monster hunter (who actually protects monsters) who travels in their very sentient caravan with their daughter (the creature who showed up one day on their doorstep) and has a healthy rivalry with a monster hunter podcast host (they’re soulmates)
This sounds like a nice life. Right?
The only problem is that Reggie’s past is knocking on their door and the whole world might be in danger because of them.
This book was extremely addictive, surprisingly funny and very heartwarming, heartbreaking and entertaining.
It is one of the most unique sci-fi books I’ve read in the past years and I would have a hard time letting go of the story.
My only problem with it was how much of an unreliable narrator Reggie was. It felt confusing at times, especially at the beginning of the book and I think I would have enjoyed it more if Reggie looked and named some things instead of keeping us at the dark.
Anyway, since I don’t have two werewolf boyfriends to cuddle with I’m now going to cry a little bit.
Thank you NetGalley and Bindery books for the ARC!
August 21, 2026
Fast paced, chosen family, queer representation and aliens. Such a blast!
"Strange Lights" starts off on a cozy tone with hints of supernatural. This lady, Reggie, lives in her magical van with her chupacabra baby, Eldi. All cute and cozy except for the kid's ocasional goat hunts, but things start getting messy as more secrets are revealed about Reggie, in her attempts to save supernatural creatures, while keeping their existence a secret.
I had lots of fun with this one. I was a bit skeptical at the beginning as it seemed like a casual slice of life type story, but it did not dissapoint. Once the pace starts picking up, the book gets impossible to put down.
I can't but recommend it. Truly a great read! :)
"Strange Lights" starts off on a cozy tone with hints of supernatural. This lady, Reggie, lives in her magical van with her chupacabra baby, Eldi. All cute and cozy except for the kid's ocasional goat hunts, but things start getting messy as more secrets are revealed about Reggie, in her attempts to save supernatural creatures, while keeping their existence a secret.
I had lots of fun with this one. I was a bit skeptical at the beginning as it seemed like a casual slice of life type story, but it did not dissapoint. Once the pace starts picking up, the book gets impossible to put down.
I can't but recommend it. Truly a great read! :)
Did Not Finish
August 25, 2026This review is based on advanced reader copy kindly provided by NetGalley.
DNF @31%
This book offered one of the best opening chapters I’ve read in a long time. It set my expectations really high for a good book about one strange paranormal family.
I’m deeply hurt that it didn’t deliver. I’m DNFing mainly because of the writing, which is poor. I’m tired of the constant insult to my intelligence when the author explains EVERYTHING. Give me some slack, people. I can handle a bit of complexity.
DNF @31%
This book offered one of the best opening chapters I’ve read in a long time. It set my expectations really high for a good book about one strange paranormal family.
I’m deeply hurt that it didn’t deliver. I’m DNFing mainly because of the writing, which is poor. I’m tired of the constant insult to my intelligence when the author explains EVERYTHING. Give me some slack, people. I can handle a bit of complexity.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Mira Gonzalez, Bindery Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for a review.
Strange Lights is a mysterious, supernatural and emotional story following Reggie, a paranormal investigator who travels from case to case in their sentient Winnebago with her adoptive daughter Eldi, a feisty, little gremlin of a thing—taking terrible twos to a whole new meaning—and not exactly human. Calvin is a podcaster and a skeptic who takes on cases to go and investigate—and disprove—all things paranormal and supernatural. Reggie knows the supernatural is real all too well and spends her time investigating cases and secretly helping keep the supernatural under control on the side. Reggie and Calvin began things on less than friendly terms when meeting in a gay bar, as Calvin believed Reggie was a crook taking advantage of unsuspecting customers, but eventually finds out that behind Reggie’s unbothered and distant facade, there’s a big heart—even if he still tries to disprove all of the cases they come across. It’s not just them on their travels though, they have Eldi with them, although she doesn’t need much taking care of than making sure she actually wears clothes, has her teddy “Goat” and the occasional live goat for dinner. Eldi is a Chupacabra with inhuman glowing eyes, fanged teeth and oh, has been a toddler for the seven years she’s lived with Reggie. Life is good, a little chaotic but in the wide scheme of things, good. That’s until there’s a sudden spike in supernatural cases and sightings, genuine ones, and a visit from Reggie’s past—a past she’d rather forget. This is a story of mystery and the supernatural, but more than that it’s a story of dark secrets, of familial abuse, of sort of found family and of overcoming your fears and your past.
I picked this story mostly due to its description. It sounded right up my alley—queer, mystery, supernatural, non-human family members and just the right amount of humour. It started out how I was imagining. The beginning is very fun and I enjoyed getting to know the first three main characters. I liked Reggie and could see the mask she put on, pretending to be a tough wall of stone, uncaring and unbreechable. It’s clear when you see her around Eldi though, that this is not the case. They definitely have a bit of mystery around them and their past is unknown but clearly dark, and I was interested in finding out more about her. Eldi is a very funny and endearing character and a total little demon, but what toddlers aren’t. Her few dialogue lines always had me smiling, she’s definitely a bit of comedic relief within the book. Calvin’s character felt a little less dimensional but I liked him and would have loved to have seen more of him. I enjoyed the back and forth between him and Reggie and the sprinkles of romance they had. As we got more into the supernatural aspects of it, I really started enjoying the book and it felt like a really strong start to the book. Then we get the flashback.
This takes up a huge portion of the book and unfortunately, I didn’t really enjoy much of it. It isn’t necessarily bad in itself, but feels like it’s an entirely different book and should have been a prologue, although I understand why it was needed for the story. While the rest of the book was fun and felt genuinely unique, the flashback felt like it was ripped right out of any average YA dystopian. I did enjoy parts of this section and liked to get a look into why Reggie is the way she is and her bonds with certain people in her past and her inner battle with what to do in the situation she is stuck in, as well as the magical aspects, but it just went on forever. It did give you a good character to hate though, I’ll give it that, and we do meet one of my favourite characters in it—shout out to Meredith. I just feel like a lot of the rest of the book felt rushed and less fleshed out because of how long the flashback section was and I honestly found myself waiting for it to be over.
The section after this was alright and got us back close to the fun feeling the book originally had and we delve into what the book is really about, but it still fell a little short for me to what I was expecting from its strong start. There was one twist near the end of the book that genuinely surprised me and was quite an interesting direction to go, but all in all the ending was happy but predictable. I think I could have loved this book, but the characters, while likeable, fell flat and some parts of the book felt random or without a point. I did however love the quirky, silly characters living inside the Winnie. I would still recommend this book to someone that’s interested in finding a queer, supernatural and extraterrestrial read—maybe it’ll be your next favourite!
Strange Lights is a mysterious, supernatural and emotional story following Reggie, a paranormal investigator who travels from case to case in their sentient Winnebago with her adoptive daughter Eldi, a feisty, little gremlin of a thing—taking terrible twos to a whole new meaning—and not exactly human. Calvin is a podcaster and a skeptic who takes on cases to go and investigate—and disprove—all things paranormal and supernatural. Reggie knows the supernatural is real all too well and spends her time investigating cases and secretly helping keep the supernatural under control on the side. Reggie and Calvin began things on less than friendly terms when meeting in a gay bar, as Calvin believed Reggie was a crook taking advantage of unsuspecting customers, but eventually finds out that behind Reggie’s unbothered and distant facade, there’s a big heart—even if he still tries to disprove all of the cases they come across. It’s not just them on their travels though, they have Eldi with them, although she doesn’t need much taking care of than making sure she actually wears clothes, has her teddy “Goat” and the occasional live goat for dinner. Eldi is a Chupacabra with inhuman glowing eyes, fanged teeth and oh, has been a toddler for the seven years she’s lived with Reggie. Life is good, a little chaotic but in the wide scheme of things, good. That’s until there’s a sudden spike in supernatural cases and sightings, genuine ones, and a visit from Reggie’s past—a past she’d rather forget. This is a story of mystery and the supernatural, but more than that it’s a story of dark secrets, of familial abuse, of sort of found family and of overcoming your fears and your past.
I picked this story mostly due to its description. It sounded right up my alley—queer, mystery, supernatural, non-human family members and just the right amount of humour. It started out how I was imagining. The beginning is very fun and I enjoyed getting to know the first three main characters. I liked Reggie and could see the mask she put on, pretending to be a tough wall of stone, uncaring and unbreechable. It’s clear when you see her around Eldi though, that this is not the case. They definitely have a bit of mystery around them and their past is unknown but clearly dark, and I was interested in finding out more about her. Eldi is a very funny and endearing character and a total little demon, but what toddlers aren’t. Her few dialogue lines always had me smiling, she’s definitely a bit of comedic relief within the book. Calvin’s character felt a little less dimensional but I liked him and would have loved to have seen more of him. I enjoyed the back and forth between him and Reggie and the sprinkles of romance they had. As we got more into the supernatural aspects of it, I really started enjoying the book and it felt like a really strong start to the book. Then we get the flashback.
This takes up a huge portion of the book and unfortunately, I didn’t really enjoy much of it. It isn’t necessarily bad in itself, but feels like it’s an entirely different book and should have been a prologue, although I understand why it was needed for the story. While the rest of the book was fun and felt genuinely unique, the flashback felt like it was ripped right out of any average YA dystopian. I did enjoy parts of this section and liked to get a look into why Reggie is the way she is and her bonds with certain people in her past and her inner battle with what to do in the situation she is stuck in, as well as the magical aspects, but it just went on forever. It did give you a good character to hate though, I’ll give it that, and we do meet one of my favourite characters in it—shout out to Meredith. I just feel like a lot of the rest of the book felt rushed and less fleshed out because of how long the flashback section was and I honestly found myself waiting for it to be over.
The section after this was alright and got us back close to the fun feeling the book originally had and we delve into what the book is really about, but it still fell a little short for me to what I was expecting from its strong start. There was one twist near the end of the book that genuinely surprised me and was quite an interesting direction to go, but all in all the ending was happy but predictable. I think I could have loved this book, but the characters, while likeable, fell flat and some parts of the book felt random or without a point. I did however love the quirky, silly characters living inside the Winnie. I would still recommend this book to someone that’s interested in finding a queer, supernatural and extraterrestrial read—maybe it’ll be your next favourite!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a perfectly NiceTM book, but a) it's not what I thought it would be, and b) it has the common cosy fantasy problem of having absolutely zero tension.
I was expecting Eldie to be Reggie's adopted daughter, but that's not the dynamic they have. Reggie is Eldie's guardian and carer, for sure, and Reggie cares about her a lot. But Eldie is more like a sidekick or complicated pet. Also, Eldie has continued to look and act like a two year old for over a decade - that's got to be skewing their relationship in a less-traditional direction too. Also-also, she's not actually a chupacabra. I was disproportionately disappointed by that.
Strange Lights is perfectly cute and very readable, very accessible. I can see it being a fun popcorn read for the right reader. But it's so placid - on the one hand, I appreciate a lack of info-dumping, that a book does not immediately explain all the mysteries to me. But Reggie's reaction to every mystery is to just...shrug and carry on. It makes for a suffocating emotional flatness. There's no tension to anything; none of the Big Questions actually feel important; I never feel even a prickle of concern or worry for any of the characters. There's zero momentum to the plot, no urgency, no incentive to keep turning pages if you want more than Reggie's banter and general cuteness.
I mean...in ten years, Reggie has learned NOTHING about Eldie or her origins! Doesn't know where she came from, what species she is, whether she'll ever age physically, the full extent of her powers, how the mysterious watch she came with works or who made it - nothing! And there's not a lot to suggest Reggie ever tried all that hard to investigate. I think that situation encapsulates my issue pretty neatly: where's the curiosity? The drive to know, to get answers? Reggie has spent A DECADE looking after this little girl and...seems perfectly content to keep doing it for another few decades? It's both difficult to believe in a character that blase about something so huge, and difficult to care about a character who...doesn't seem to really care about anything? Not really?
And it's not like it would be hard work: everything is easy for Reggie. She doesn't have to worry about money, because she stole it (or something) from some billionaire clients back in the day. Her campervan thing is semi-sentient and full of magic rooms with everything from top-tier lab equipment for running tests, to a library of actual spellbooks. It would have been very believable if Reggie's life-on-the-road was difficult, somewhat hand-to-mouth, but no, even THAT tension is missing here.
Things are so easy for Reggie that she even has a whole Robin Hood thing going on, refusing or returning the fee she charges for her paranormal investigations (usually returning a lot more than they tried to pay her). But there's no passion to it, no sense of genuine feeling behind it. I have no idea why Reggie does it. It's just...something written to make Reggie likeable, not a natural extension of Reggie's character.
Nice. Cute. Unobjectionable. Toothless. I can see the right reader having fun with this one. For me, it's like - biting into an overly-fancy pastry; looks SO GOOD, but there's nothing but air inside.
I was expecting Eldie to be Reggie's adopted daughter, but that's not the dynamic they have. Reggie is Eldie's guardian and carer, for sure, and Reggie cares about her a lot. But Eldie is more like a sidekick or complicated pet. Also, Eldie has continued to look and act like a two year old for over a decade - that's got to be skewing their relationship in a less-traditional direction too. Also-also, she's not actually a chupacabra. I was disproportionately disappointed by that.
Strange Lights is perfectly cute and very readable, very accessible. I can see it being a fun popcorn read for the right reader. But it's so placid - on the one hand, I appreciate a lack of info-dumping, that a book does not immediately explain all the mysteries to me. But Reggie's reaction to every mystery is to just...shrug and carry on. It makes for a suffocating emotional flatness. There's no tension to anything; none of the Big Questions actually feel important; I never feel even a prickle of concern or worry for any of the characters. There's zero momentum to the plot, no urgency, no incentive to keep turning pages if you want more than Reggie's banter and general cuteness.
I mean...in ten years, Reggie has learned NOTHING about Eldie or her origins! Doesn't know where she came from, what species she is, whether she'll ever age physically, the full extent of her powers, how the mysterious watch she came with works or who made it - nothing! And there's not a lot to suggest Reggie ever tried all that hard to investigate. I think that situation encapsulates my issue pretty neatly: where's the curiosity? The drive to know, to get answers? Reggie has spent A DECADE looking after this little girl and...seems perfectly content to keep doing it for another few decades? It's both difficult to believe in a character that blase about something so huge, and difficult to care about a character who...doesn't seem to really care about anything? Not really?
And it's not like it would be hard work: everything is easy for Reggie. She doesn't have to worry about money, because she stole it (or something) from some billionaire clients back in the day. Her campervan thing is semi-sentient and full of magic rooms with everything from top-tier lab equipment for running tests, to a library of actual spellbooks. It would have been very believable if Reggie's life-on-the-road was difficult, somewhat hand-to-mouth, but no, even THAT tension is missing here.
Things are so easy for Reggie that she even has a whole Robin Hood thing going on, refusing or returning the fee she charges for her paranormal investigations (usually returning a lot more than they tried to pay her). But there's no passion to it, no sense of genuine feeling behind it. I have no idea why Reggie does it. It's just...something written to make Reggie likeable, not a natural extension of Reggie's character.
Nice. Cute. Unobjectionable. Toothless. I can see the right reader having fun with this one. For me, it's like - biting into an overly-fancy pastry; looks SO GOOD, but there's nothing but air inside.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I adored this! I was hooked from the first sentence and it only got better from there. There were quite a few twists and turns that I couldn't have predicted. I also love that this book does my most disliked trope accurately! I dislike that trope in general because the name is often inaccurate regarding its use - I won't say it to avoid spoilers but it's in the last few chapters.
I loved Reggie and her relationship with Eldi and other wards (I'm trying very hard not to spoil things). Their interactions so sweet and relatable regarding how (human) toddlers/children act and parenting them. I thought I predicted her big secret but I missed the mark! I quite enjoyed that surprise.
I feel like I related to Reggie a lot due to my recent diagnosis of autism. She's not overtly autistic but there were parts of her that I related to that were/are my autism indicators. It made me feel seen and I liked her even more for it.
I didn't think the plot was rushed through any of the parts including the end. Usually, I find that with a high concept plot like this with many moving pieces that some authors tend to rush parts to get to the conclusion/result which can be detrimental to the story, characters, or development of both. This book doesn't rush anything but also isn't slow. I got to a part where I thought it was going to conclude and was delighted to see I had approx a fifth of the book to go.
None of the plot twists felt contrived or too coincidental. We were drip fed the exact right amount of information to keep the reader engaged and keep the plot twists effective. There was clearly a lot of love for this story and it's construction which absolutely shows in the writing. Hats off to the author and editor who kept to the framework which made this story effective. It wouldn't have been the same without that dedication.
I do like that the villain is flawed and shows it, even when she thinks she isn't. I felt some level of sympathy for her in the last fifth of the book. That character was constructed well and I liked that it's not just a 'bad guy behind a (literal) mask and is 100% evil' type of thing.
Speaking of, a lot of the characters were constructed well and we got to learn some of their motivations without lengthy exposition or similar. My only critique is that Calvin isn't as fleshed out as the rest. I wish we had heard more from him or learned more about him in general. I did like the interludes about his podcast but I feel that his character could have been developed a bit more without slowing down the plot.
All in all, this was a great read and probably in my top 5 novels of this year. I highly recommend it if you like sci fi, the supernatural, cryptozoology and/or mysterious cults with adult characters.
CW for parental neglect, implied child death, grief, abandonment, emotional (and light physical) abuse.
A big thank you to Mira González, Bindery Books, and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and are left voluntarily.
I loved Reggie and her relationship with Eldi and other wards (I'm trying very hard not to spoil things). Their interactions so sweet and relatable regarding how (human) toddlers/children act and parenting them. I thought I predicted her big secret but I missed the mark! I quite enjoyed that surprise.
I feel like I related to Reggie a lot due to my recent diagnosis of autism. She's not overtly autistic but there were parts of her that I related to that were/are my autism indicators. It made me feel seen and I liked her even more for it.
I didn't think the plot was rushed through any of the parts including the end. Usually, I find that with a high concept plot like this with many moving pieces that some authors tend to rush parts to get to the conclusion/result which can be detrimental to the story, characters, or development of both. This book doesn't rush anything but also isn't slow. I got to a part where I thought it was going to conclude and was delighted to see I had approx a fifth of the book to go.
None of the plot twists felt contrived or too coincidental. We were drip fed the exact right amount of information to keep the reader engaged and keep the plot twists effective. There was clearly a lot of love for this story and it's construction which absolutely shows in the writing. Hats off to the author and editor who kept to the framework which made this story effective. It wouldn't have been the same without that dedication.
I do like that the villain is flawed and shows it, even when she thinks she isn't. I felt some level of sympathy for her in the last fifth of the book. That character was constructed well and I liked that it's not just a 'bad guy behind a (literal) mask and is 100% evil' type of thing.
Speaking of, a lot of the characters were constructed well and we got to learn some of their motivations without lengthy exposition or similar. My only critique is that Calvin isn't as fleshed out as the rest. I wish we had heard more from him or learned more about him in general. I did like the interludes about his podcast but I feel that his character could have been developed a bit more without slowing down the plot.
All in all, this was a great read and probably in my top 5 novels of this year. I highly recommend it if you like sci fi, the supernatural, cryptozoology and/or mysterious cults with adult characters.
CW for parental neglect, implied child death, grief, abandonment, emotional (and light physical) abuse.
A big thank you to Mira González, Bindery Books, and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and are left voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a review for a novel yet to be published by Bindery Books and I received an Advanced Reader Copy via Netgalley. Review also posted to my blog, Pages and Parts.
That was a fun read! You know what got me first? The cover (I can’t help but love bold colours), then the idea someone has a toddler chupacabra, and then as I start to read, the winnebago Reggie has sounds so awesome. Strange Lights turned out to be a very fun read with some serious elements and the best characters. I love them all.
I haven’t read a novel with such delightful, diverse, and interesting characters in so long. They’re a mishmash of personalities who all seem to fit so well together. It kind of gives that cosy element where you want to revisit for the familiarity and the love. I was already feeling like that before I finished the story! There was one point where I was hoping Strange Lights was the first in a series, but the ending wrapped up so well I’m now grateful it isn’t.
I adored the vacuum cleaners and how Reggie chose to individualise them. I would so be friends with Reggie. It does help Reggie is a non-binary character as I can relate being an enby myself. They’re funny, quirky, but have definitely suffered from trauma. The distrust they have towards others, as well as their own feelings, reads as very understandable. Granted that is from the perspective of someone who has had trauma and crappy parents, but I think it would come across as understandable for readers who haven’t endured that experience.
Speaking of reading, Strange Lights is so easy to read. I always find the majority of urban fantasy to be convoluted, packing in so much it can make the story very clunky. Every now and then I come across a UF story I feel isn’t weighed down and I get lost in it. Yes, this story does have a whole lot going on, but it flows. Everything works together to create great dynamics between characters, a whimsical background, relatable conflict, and a sinister, yet not black and white, villain.
What I love the most is this is a LGBTQ+ read, without being all about the LGBTQ+. One reason I don’t read much queer fiction is because I want it to read as not a big deal, just an every day part of life (as it is in real life). Granted Reggie does explain a little about being non-binary and their gender, but it’s not constantly throughout. And when it does come up for other characters, it’s not even pointed out. It just happens. I’m so buying a copy after it’s published.
That was a fun read! You know what got me first? The cover (I can’t help but love bold colours), then the idea someone has a toddler chupacabra, and then as I start to read, the winnebago Reggie has sounds so awesome. Strange Lights turned out to be a very fun read with some serious elements and the best characters. I love them all.
I haven’t read a novel with such delightful, diverse, and interesting characters in so long. They’re a mishmash of personalities who all seem to fit so well together. It kind of gives that cosy element where you want to revisit for the familiarity and the love. I was already feeling like that before I finished the story! There was one point where I was hoping Strange Lights was the first in a series, but the ending wrapped up so well I’m now grateful it isn’t.
I adored the vacuum cleaners and how Reggie chose to individualise them. I would so be friends with Reggie. It does help Reggie is a non-binary character as I can relate being an enby myself. They’re funny, quirky, but have definitely suffered from trauma. The distrust they have towards others, as well as their own feelings, reads as very understandable. Granted that is from the perspective of someone who has had trauma and crappy parents, but I think it would come across as understandable for readers who haven’t endured that experience.
Speaking of reading, Strange Lights is so easy to read. I always find the majority of urban fantasy to be convoluted, packing in so much it can make the story very clunky. Every now and then I come across a UF story I feel isn’t weighed down and I get lost in it. Yes, this story does have a whole lot going on, but it flows. Everything works together to create great dynamics between characters, a whimsical background, relatable conflict, and a sinister, yet not black and white, villain.
What I love the most is this is a LGBTQ+ read, without being all about the LGBTQ+. One reason I don’t read much queer fiction is because I want it to read as not a big deal, just an every day part of life (as it is in real life). Granted Reggie does explain a little about being non-binary and their gender, but it’s not constantly throughout. And when it does come up for other characters, it’s not even pointed out. It just happens. I’m so buying a copy after it’s published.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Strange Lights follows Reggie, a paranormal investigator and also adoptive parent to Eldi, a toddler who is maybe a chupacabra and who definitely has an affinity for goats. An investigation brings Reggie face-to-face with her past and leads her to team up with Calvin, a podcaster suffering from a case of lycanthropy.
Upon reading the synopsis for this book, I felt like it was immediately going to be right up my alley. Unfortunately, something just did not click for me.
Positively, González’s writing is punchy and easy to get into. There are also some very fun and funny tidbits sprinkled throughout this book. I quickly fell in love with Eldi, who is both adorable and terrifying, and the cast of characters in Reggie’s Winnebago - including a skeleton and two very loyal Roomba’s - were absolutely hilarious. From these early introductions, I had anticipated getting lost in a book heavily focused on found family.
Instead of found family, however, the book takes a pretty sharp turn into Reggie’s kind of checkered past. At the most climatical part of the story, we enter a flashback that explains how Reggie got to this point in their life, and we’re there for about a third of the book. Frankly, I expected this bit to be more of a training montage, possibly similar to what was shown in the Black Widow film, but instead there was a lot of talk about babies and nannies. Even when Reggie’s big first mission begins, it didn’t feel like much was explained. This part of the book really shifted the novel into a place I was not anticipating it to go.
I also wish I felt more connected to the adult characters in this book, most particularly Reggie and Calvin. Even their relationship with each other felt incredibly surface level. Where I anticipated a bit of a slow burn romance, the two of them really quickly got together, got it on and then immediately began attached at the hip. Honestly, I wanted more of Eldi, her rather possessive Roomba friends, and the rest of the crew of the Winnebago. That’s a story I think I really would have gotten enjoyment out of.
I had really anticipated enjoying this novel, and I’m disappointed that it didn’t work for me. I do think that if you’re a fan of TJ Klune or enjoy books with quirky found families, then you should still look into this book! Thank you Bindery Books and NetGalley for letting me give this one a try.
Upon reading the synopsis for this book, I felt like it was immediately going to be right up my alley. Unfortunately, something just did not click for me.
Positively, González’s writing is punchy and easy to get into. There are also some very fun and funny tidbits sprinkled throughout this book. I quickly fell in love with Eldi, who is both adorable and terrifying, and the cast of characters in Reggie’s Winnebago - including a skeleton and two very loyal Roomba’s - were absolutely hilarious. From these early introductions, I had anticipated getting lost in a book heavily focused on found family.
Instead of found family, however, the book takes a pretty sharp turn into Reggie’s kind of checkered past. At the most climatical part of the story, we enter a flashback that explains how Reggie got to this point in their life, and we’re there for about a third of the book. Frankly, I expected this bit to be more of a training montage, possibly similar to what was shown in the Black Widow film, but instead there was a lot of talk about babies and nannies. Even when Reggie’s big first mission begins, it didn’t feel like much was explained. This part of the book really shifted the novel into a place I was not anticipating it to go.
I also wish I felt more connected to the adult characters in this book, most particularly Reggie and Calvin. Even their relationship with each other felt incredibly surface level. Where I anticipated a bit of a slow burn romance, the two of them really quickly got together, got it on and then immediately began attached at the hip. Honestly, I wanted more of Eldi, her rather possessive Roomba friends, and the rest of the crew of the Winnebago. That’s a story I think I really would have gotten enjoyment out of.
I had really anticipated enjoying this novel, and I’m disappointed that it didn’t work for me. I do think that if you’re a fan of TJ Klune or enjoy books with quirky found families, then you should still look into this book! Thank you Bindery Books and NetGalley for letting me give this one a try.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5⭐️ Rounded up
Thankyou to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC!
Strange Lights introduces us to Reggie and her toddler chupacabra Eldi. Reggie travels around in a magical Winnebago trying to save and protect any magical/paranormal type creature she can (e.g. chupacabras, werewolves). She often finds herself accompanied by her friend Calvin, a popular podcaster who acts as a sort of Scully to her Mulder. They investigate incidents of paranormal activity, with Calvin trying to debunk as much as he can while Reggie tries to protect and rescue right under his nose.
I expected Strange Lights to just be a fun, entertaining book that leant more towards comedy scifi/fantasy. Wow was i wrong! I'm still shocked and amazed at the depth of this book, the different places the story takes us, the emotion, the heartbreak and the beauty. It surprised me SO much, in the best way. This was easily one of the most unique books I've ever read. I honestly had no idea where the story was going and couldn't predict most of the plot twists that popped up. While there were basic elements of the plot that were predictable, the big overarching plot definitely wasn't. I couldn't put this down, dying to find out what would happen and trying (and failing!) to put all the crazy pieces together!
Strange Lights was filled with such an eclectic group of characters. They were so much fun while also holding significantly more depth than I expected. Reggie is such a relatable character and the more we learn about her the more layered and fascinating she becomes. Eldi is insane, chaotic and gorgeous and I loved her! She was hilarious and a lot of fun. Calvin was such a genuinely good guy and the more we saw of him the more he grew on me. There are so many additional characters we meet along the way that are unexpected but hold so much depth, so many intricacies to who they are and how they fit into the story. And the found family vibes woven throughout were so beautiful and really tugged at my heartstrings.
Strange Lights was a massive surprise, a story I definitely didn't see coming in the best way. I can't believe a book I picked up expecting to "just" be a funny, simple read turned into what it did. Amazingly written, paced fantastically and overall just such an incredibly wonderful book!
Thankyou to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC!
Strange Lights introduces us to Reggie and her toddler chupacabra Eldi. Reggie travels around in a magical Winnebago trying to save and protect any magical/paranormal type creature she can (e.g. chupacabras, werewolves). She often finds herself accompanied by her friend Calvin, a popular podcaster who acts as a sort of Scully to her Mulder. They investigate incidents of paranormal activity, with Calvin trying to debunk as much as he can while Reggie tries to protect and rescue right under his nose.
I expected Strange Lights to just be a fun, entertaining book that leant more towards comedy scifi/fantasy. Wow was i wrong! I'm still shocked and amazed at the depth of this book, the different places the story takes us, the emotion, the heartbreak and the beauty. It surprised me SO much, in the best way. This was easily one of the most unique books I've ever read. I honestly had no idea where the story was going and couldn't predict most of the plot twists that popped up. While there were basic elements of the plot that were predictable, the big overarching plot definitely wasn't. I couldn't put this down, dying to find out what would happen and trying (and failing!) to put all the crazy pieces together!
Strange Lights was filled with such an eclectic group of characters. They were so much fun while also holding significantly more depth than I expected. Reggie is such a relatable character and the more we learn about her the more layered and fascinating she becomes. Eldi is insane, chaotic and gorgeous and I loved her! She was hilarious and a lot of fun. Calvin was such a genuinely good guy and the more we saw of him the more he grew on me. There are so many additional characters we meet along the way that are unexpected but hold so much depth, so many intricacies to who they are and how they fit into the story. And the found family vibes woven throughout were so beautiful and really tugged at my heartstrings.
Strange Lights was a massive surprise, a story I definitely didn't see coming in the best way. I can't believe a book I picked up expecting to "just" be a funny, simple read turned into what it did. Amazingly written, paced fantastically and overall just such an incredibly wonderful book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a lovely, quirky little adventure. The book Strange Lights was so interesting to read. It tells of Reggie, a paranormal investigator who knows that paranormal phenomena are real and is setting out to protect those involved and prevent people from freaking out and believing in horror stories. They legitimately help humanity, werewolves, and whatever other creatures they come across. But their backstory is somewhat more complicated (and interesting).
I loved the first third of this book-- it was wild and crazy and I was kept on the edge of my seat. I didn't find the writing itself to be very sophisticated, but this book is a good time. In the middle, though, the entire tone of the book shifts. In some ways, this was welcome. You can't remain invested in a book without stakes or a character without an interesting backstory. I had already started piecing things together by the time we arrived at the main character's revelation and felt that the author inserted it at the right time. However. The backstory was way longer than I expected. So much so that it felt like I was reading a second book. By the time we reemerged into present day, only to jump into a second character's backstory, it felt like a lot. I think I wish the author had spliced the two into a true dual-timeline book so that I could follow both stories without completely dropping the fun, lighthearted vibes. Both flashbacks were important and necessary to the story, but they were very different in tone from the bulk of the book (disclaimer-- I was reading on kindle and don't actually know the page count of these various sections. I just know that the middle of the book felt very, very long). I did enjoy the end of the story, but the surprising revelations weren't surprising anymore given the amount of time spent building them up. I still love the characters and the Winnebago, though.
All in all, I think this author is worth following. The story was imaginative and different than most books out there. I enjoyed it and felt like it attempted to balance fun scenes with meaningful messages about found family and accepting our own pasts. I would give this book 3.5 stars and am curious about what the author will create in the future.
I loved the first third of this book-- it was wild and crazy and I was kept on the edge of my seat. I didn't find the writing itself to be very sophisticated, but this book is a good time. In the middle, though, the entire tone of the book shifts. In some ways, this was welcome. You can't remain invested in a book without stakes or a character without an interesting backstory. I had already started piecing things together by the time we arrived at the main character's revelation and felt that the author inserted it at the right time. However. The backstory was way longer than I expected. So much so that it felt like I was reading a second book. By the time we reemerged into present day, only to jump into a second character's backstory, it felt like a lot. I think I wish the author had spliced the two into a true dual-timeline book so that I could follow both stories without completely dropping the fun, lighthearted vibes. Both flashbacks were important and necessary to the story, but they were very different in tone from the bulk of the book (disclaimer-- I was reading on kindle and don't actually know the page count of these various sections. I just know that the middle of the book felt very, very long). I did enjoy the end of the story, but the surprising revelations weren't surprising anymore given the amount of time spent building them up. I still love the characters and the Winnebago, though.
All in all, I think this author is worth following. The story was imaginative and different than most books out there. I enjoyed it and felt like it attempted to balance fun scenes with meaningful messages about found family and accepting our own pasts. I would give this book 3.5 stars and am curious about what the author will create in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I adored the first two parts of this book. Found family monster-hunting travelogues are my jam, and the cast was SO unique. A non-binary investigator with a mysterious past, a chupacabra/alien in the form of a toddler with a foul mouth, and a Scully-esque thirst trap podcaster with a heart of gold, all traveling in a magic Winnnebago that's bigger on the inside and contains its own cast of minor freaks? Sign me up! The dynamic between Reggie and Calvin is delicious, both from a practical (I need to hide the real magic from this skeptic) and the romantic.
The mysteries are compelling and the action sequences are exciting and visceral! This novel is just dripping with character, and even the single-scene "NPCs" feel three-dimensional (please help me with my haunted vaccuum - I've tried everything, including reading the instructions). Reggie would fit right in with Sam and Dean Winchester, and their episode of Supernatural would be one of the best in the series, I'm positive.
But when the third part began and we flashed back to Reggie's abusive DECADES with the Agency the entire book screeches to a halt. It's not that this section is poorly written - there are some beautiful passages and I feel like it's a grounded description of parental abuse, but it just doesn't fit with the story I'd been reading. I struggled a lot, and nearly made it to the end of the flashback chapters, but I eventually had to stop. When I realized that 1) this had become a completely different book over the course of this QUARTER of the page count, and 2) that it could not going to go back to the kind of book it was in the first half when we eventually jumped back to the present.
I generally don't review books that I don't finish, but since NetGalley and the publisher were so gracious to provide an ARC, I was convinced to adjust that personal rule. Perhaps there's still time to adjust before publication, perhaps not, but at least folks will know going in. If you enjoy the extended flashbacks for the immortals in Buffy and Angel, or perhaps the Six Months Ago episode of Heroes, you may like this book!
The mysteries are compelling and the action sequences are exciting and visceral! This novel is just dripping with character, and even the single-scene "NPCs" feel three-dimensional (please help me with my haunted vaccuum - I've tried everything, including reading the instructions). Reggie would fit right in with Sam and Dean Winchester, and their episode of Supernatural would be one of the best in the series, I'm positive.
But when the third part began and we flashed back to Reggie's abusive DECADES with the Agency the entire book screeches to a halt. It's not that this section is poorly written - there are some beautiful passages and I feel like it's a grounded description of parental abuse, but it just doesn't fit with the story I'd been reading. I struggled a lot, and nearly made it to the end of the flashback chapters, but I eventually had to stop. When I realized that 1) this had become a completely different book over the course of this QUARTER of the page count, and 2) that it could not going to go back to the kind of book it was in the first half when we eventually jumped back to the present.
I generally don't review books that I don't finish, but since NetGalley and the publisher were so gracious to provide an ARC, I was convinced to adjust that personal rule. Perhaps there's still time to adjust before publication, perhaps not, but at least folks will know going in. If you enjoy the extended flashbacks for the immortals in Buffy and Angel, or perhaps the Six Months Ago episode of Heroes, you may like this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher & Netgalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
CW: Child abuse, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Violence, Physical abuse, Minor Sexual Content & Attempted Genocide ?
5 / 5 Stars
I went into Strange Lights expecting something lighthearted and quirky—a fun cryptid story about a found family. And while it does start that way — and said found family stay the core of the story —, I’m also glad it turned out to be about something far more emotional and impactful than I ever anticipated.
We follow Reggie, a paranormal investigator raising an adopted toddler—who just so happens to be chupacabra. It’s a premise that feels playful at first, especially paired with her dynamic with Calvin (who trys to prove cryptides don't exist actually), but the story quickly deepens and raises the stakes in ways that genuinely surprised me.
Without going into spoiler territory, the plot takes a turn that shifts the entire tone of the book. What begins as a story about hiding monsters becomes something much heavier—exploring trauma, identity, and the consequences of the past catching up with you to name a few. Diving into questions of what it means to be human, the difference between blood ties and chosen family, and how much our past shapes who we become — or are destined to be. The found family aspect is especially strong—not just soft and comforting, but messy, complicated, and deeply earned.
(I was also really happy, like, you don't understand how big my smile was, that Reggie has two hands. If you know, you know ;D )
Despite the darker themes, the story never loses its heart. There’s warmth here, there’s love, and there are quiet moments of connection that balance out the heavier elements perfectly.
Final Thoughts:
Strange Lights is so much more than its premise suggests— emotional and unexpectedly powerful. I came in expecting something fun and left with something that will stick with me for a long time.
CW: Child abuse, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Violence, Physical abuse, Minor Sexual Content & Attempted Genocide ?
5 / 5 Stars
I went into Strange Lights expecting something lighthearted and quirky—a fun cryptid story about a found family. And while it does start that way — and said found family stay the core of the story —, I’m also glad it turned out to be about something far more emotional and impactful than I ever anticipated.
We follow Reggie, a paranormal investigator raising an adopted toddler—who just so happens to be chupacabra. It’s a premise that feels playful at first, especially paired with her dynamic with Calvin (who trys to prove cryptides don't exist actually), but the story quickly deepens and raises the stakes in ways that genuinely surprised me.
Without going into spoiler territory, the plot takes a turn that shifts the entire tone of the book. What begins as a story about hiding monsters becomes something much heavier—exploring trauma, identity, and the consequences of the past catching up with you to name a few. Diving into questions of what it means to be human, the difference between blood ties and chosen family, and how much our past shapes who we become — or are destined to be. The found family aspect is especially strong—not just soft and comforting, but messy, complicated, and deeply earned.
(I was also really happy, like, you don't understand how big my smile was, that Reggie has two hands. If you know, you know ;D )
Despite the darker themes, the story never loses its heart. There’s warmth here, there’s love, and there are quiet moments of connection that balance out the heavier elements perfectly.
Final Thoughts:
Strange Lights is so much more than its premise suggests— emotional and unexpectedly powerful. I came in expecting something fun and left with something that will stick with me for a long time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
strange lights is a relatively fast-paced novel that is equal parts plot- and character-driven. our main character, reggie, is a sort of paranormal investigator on the side of the paranormal. she is likable (most of the time) and funny. calvin is her foil, a fellow paranormal investigator and podcaster. i enjoyed the banter between characters and reggie and her family are extremely funny at times. reggie's daughter feels strangely real considering she's not human--its really noticeable how well gonzalez can write children. this novel is full of fun twists, weird characters, and different cryptids.
however, a few things fell short, most of which i think could be solved if this book was split in half or published as a short series. i'm typically accustomed to more serious horror, so this was fun to read, but the metaphors and similes often felt forced and were a bit distracting. further, i feel like this book is slightly too long, but also not long enough. i think this would have worked wonderfully if the first book was all about reggie's adventures as an investigator so that we could get a better feel for who she actually is. then, the second half of the book felt too rushed--it would have been helpful to see more of the interactions between reggie and luca, because their devotion to each other didn't really make sense given the evidence within the story. it feels like every roadblock was too quickly put in place and knocked down, so tension never really gets a chance to build as much as it could, which is a disservice to the great concepts in the novel.
overall, i would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a light, feel-good read that enjoys horror themes and tropes.
however, a few things fell short, most of which i think could be solved if this book was split in half or published as a short series. i'm typically accustomed to more serious horror, so this was fun to read, but the metaphors and similes often felt forced and were a bit distracting. further, i feel like this book is slightly too long, but also not long enough. i think this would have worked wonderfully if the first book was all about reggie's adventures as an investigator so that we could get a better feel for who she actually is. then, the second half of the book felt too rushed--it would have been helpful to see more of the interactions between reggie and luca, because their devotion to each other didn't really make sense given the evidence within the story. it feels like every roadblock was too quickly put in place and knocked down, so tension never really gets a chance to build as much as it could, which is a disservice to the great concepts in the novel.
overall, i would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a light, feel-good read that enjoys horror themes and tropes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you both the publisher and NetGalley for an opportunity to read Strange Lights as a free ARC and share my thoughts about the book.
“Paranormal investigator and cryptozoologist Reggie has embraced her fate as parent to an adopted toddler, Eldi—a blood-sucking chupacabra with a fondness for goats.”
I was sold when I read that first sentence of the description. Add scifi and LGBTQIAP+ tags to that and there is no way that I wouldn’t place something like that to my TBR. But I have to admit that I have some mixed feelings after reading the book.
It started so well. Honestly, give me a funny MC, quite accidental child adoption situation, one goat-eating chupacabra child, a weird car, magical roombas and a funny bantering with a good-looking main love interest and I’m sold. It was funny, snarky, humorous yet quite heart-warming. We were driving on a road to the 5 star read, but it didn’t fully hold that vibe, which is a bit of a shame.
In the middle of the book we travelled back in time, and while that background story explained things and I feel like some parts of it were definitely important to tell the story, I kinda lost it. It had a bit too YA dramatic style in it and it lasted for quite a long time, and after it, the story didn’t quite catch the same vibe as at the beginning of the story.
However, I really enjoyed the book anyway. There was a lot going on. Magic. Aliens. Blood-sucking. Werewolves. Feelings. Accidental parenthood which is one of my favorite things in the stories. Humour. A little bit of flirting. I really enjoyed it and I think the story stayed well on the road although there was so much going on. It’s a shame that it didn’t hold the same vibe throughout the book, but I still feel like it was definitely worth reading.
“Paranormal investigator and cryptozoologist Reggie has embraced her fate as parent to an adopted toddler, Eldi—a blood-sucking chupacabra with a fondness for goats.”
I was sold when I read that first sentence of the description. Add scifi and LGBTQIAP+ tags to that and there is no way that I wouldn’t place something like that to my TBR. But I have to admit that I have some mixed feelings after reading the book.
It started so well. Honestly, give me a funny MC, quite accidental child adoption situation, one goat-eating chupacabra child, a weird car, magical roombas and a funny bantering with a good-looking main love interest and I’m sold. It was funny, snarky, humorous yet quite heart-warming. We were driving on a road to the 5 star read, but it didn’t fully hold that vibe, which is a bit of a shame.
In the middle of the book we travelled back in time, and while that background story explained things and I feel like some parts of it were definitely important to tell the story, I kinda lost it. It had a bit too YA dramatic style in it and it lasted for quite a long time, and after it, the story didn’t quite catch the same vibe as at the beginning of the story.
However, I really enjoyed the book anyway. There was a lot going on. Magic. Aliens. Blood-sucking. Werewolves. Feelings. Accidental parenthood which is one of my favorite things in the stories. Humour. A little bit of flirting. I really enjoyed it and I think the story stayed well on the road although there was so much going on. It’s a shame that it didn’t hold the same vibe throughout the book, but I still feel like it was definitely worth reading.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have never wanted a goat farm more than I do now after reading this book. Let me further explain this isn't a book about goats, but Goat (a once pristine white stuffed animal) plays a huge role in providing comfort to our central character Eldi, a spicy chupacabra toddler that you can't help but love.
Reggie with out truly understanding or noticing has gathered herself a family. She doesn't see herslef how others do and is kind of cobbling herself back together. Found family is one of my favourite tropes in books and this one runs through the entire book. It is messy, hard earned, and the love is unconditional.
If you had to travel into spooky forests to debunk or prove the existence of werewolves you'd want this cast of characters at your side. A few to choose from, the reluctant parent, the handsome banjo player or possessed robots. Winnie, herself is more than a side character, she is like the swiss army knife of a travelling home. Or as I said Winnie is a mix of a tardis and Mary Poppins carpet bag. You never know what she holds.
I live my life with a headless mannequin, my bestie hates her, but she is a fixture in my frontroom and featured in most of my knitting posts (true story). So I loved Manny the mannequin and his curious personality.
When I said this book has a cast of characters, I meant it.You will find yourself chuckling along even when the story gets a little hopeless and you may shed a few tears. But this book was an absolute delight. I can't wait to thrust it at my friends so I have other peeps to chat with.
And you know your limits, so read the author's content warnings. I received a copy of this book from Elle Sterling, and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Reggie with out truly understanding or noticing has gathered herself a family. She doesn't see herslef how others do and is kind of cobbling herself back together. Found family is one of my favourite tropes in books and this one runs through the entire book. It is messy, hard earned, and the love is unconditional.
If you had to travel into spooky forests to debunk or prove the existence of werewolves you'd want this cast of characters at your side. A few to choose from, the reluctant parent, the handsome banjo player or possessed robots. Winnie, herself is more than a side character, she is like the swiss army knife of a travelling home. Or as I said Winnie is a mix of a tardis and Mary Poppins carpet bag. You never know what she holds.
I live my life with a headless mannequin, my bestie hates her, but she is a fixture in my frontroom and featured in most of my knitting posts (true story). So I loved Manny the mannequin and his curious personality.
When I said this book has a cast of characters, I meant it.You will find yourself chuckling along even when the story gets a little hopeless and you may shed a few tears. But this book was an absolute delight. I can't wait to thrust it at my friends so I have other peeps to chat with.
And you know your limits, so read the author's content warnings. I received a copy of this book from Elle Sterling, and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
June 5, 2026
Thank you Net Galley and Bindery Books for the ARC
Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me. This is for the people that love imperfect characters with a perturbed backstory and magical plot lines full of enigmas.
I fell in love with Calvin, and really loved the excerpts from his podcast. He was serving lines there hahaha… like “(…) that we’ve decimated wolves after demonizing them with stories of werewolves? That makes humans the monsters in this story” and “There’s no room for monsters besides man in the modern world”
The first thing that caught my eye was the mention of the Chupacabras, even more so, the fact that it involves single-parenting said Chupacabras. I love finding stories that have Latin representation, I thought this was going to be one, but that’s it, that’s the only reference I found, not even a side character.
At the beginning of the book you find good pace, nice jokes, and it’s easy to read. It starts building up, it makes you theorize and question everything and then… you’re halfway through the book and the rhythm breaks. The magic’s gone (metaphorically speaking, not in the actual book).
Writing becomes tedious, heavy, slow, long. I stopped liking the protagonist, which is fine, that was meant to happen, but with all the other lacks it was hard to bear.
I think there was a lost potential…
-
Voy a ser vaga, pero en muchos aspectos no fue para mí.
Fallaba mucho en la estructura, siendo algo fácil de leer la primer mitad y la segunda siendo cansado y tedioso. Me perdí mucho con las explicaciones de escenas y trasfondos. La protagonista es intolerable, lo cual no tiene nada de malo, pero sí que llega a tener más peso cuando todo lo demás no es solido.
Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me. This is for the people that love imperfect characters with a perturbed backstory and magical plot lines full of enigmas.
I fell in love with Calvin, and really loved the excerpts from his podcast. He was serving lines there hahaha… like “(…) that we’ve decimated wolves after demonizing them with stories of werewolves? That makes humans the monsters in this story” and “There’s no room for monsters besides man in the modern world”
The first thing that caught my eye was the mention of the Chupacabras, even more so, the fact that it involves single-parenting said Chupacabras. I love finding stories that have Latin representation, I thought this was going to be one, but that’s it, that’s the only reference I found, not even a side character.
At the beginning of the book you find good pace, nice jokes, and it’s easy to read. It starts building up, it makes you theorize and question everything and then… you’re halfway through the book and the rhythm breaks. The magic’s gone (metaphorically speaking, not in the actual book).
Writing becomes tedious, heavy, slow, long. I stopped liking the protagonist, which is fine, that was meant to happen, but with all the other lacks it was hard to bear.
I think there was a lost potential…
-
Voy a ser vaga, pero en muchos aspectos no fue para mí.
Fallaba mucho en la estructura, siendo algo fácil de leer la primer mitad y la segunda siendo cansado y tedioso. Me perdí mucho con las explicaciones de escenas y trasfondos. La protagonista es intolerable, lo cual no tiene nada de malo, pero sí que llega a tener más peso cuando todo lo demás no es solido.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really wanted to love this one because the premise is completely my kind of weird. A paranormal investigator raising a chupacabra toddler, a werewolf podcaster, aliens, cryptids, sentient Roombas and a magical Winnebago should not work as well as it does on paper, but somehow the book manages to bring all of these elements together into one story.
I particularly enjoyed the found family aspect and the relationship between Reggie and Eldi. Beneath all the weirdness, there is a genuinely sweet exploration of family, connection and what makes someone family beyond blood. I also enjoyed the more emotional moments surrounding parenting and Reggie's relationship with Eldi.
Where I struggled was with the relationships between the adults. They often felt quite surface-level to me. We are told about the connections between these characters and can see that they care about each other, but I didn't always feel that depth on the page. I wanted more moments that showed why these relationships were important and what these people actually meant to one another beyond the role they played in the story.
This was especially noticeable because the book has such a strong found family premise. I wanted to feel that bond developing into something deeper, but some of the adult relationships felt more like the story needed them to be close than like fully developed relationships.
I also think the book sometimes tries to juggle too many ideas at once. The supernatural elements, humour, family themes, trauma, identity and relationships all have interesting potential, but some of them could have benefited from more space to develop. The story felt strongest when it focused on its central characters and the more personal aspects of the story.
I particularly enjoyed the found family aspect and the relationship between Reggie and Eldi. Beneath all the weirdness, there is a genuinely sweet exploration of family, connection and what makes someone family beyond blood. I also enjoyed the more emotional moments surrounding parenting and Reggie's relationship with Eldi.
Where I struggled was with the relationships between the adults. They often felt quite surface-level to me. We are told about the connections between these characters and can see that they care about each other, but I didn't always feel that depth on the page. I wanted more moments that showed why these relationships were important and what these people actually meant to one another beyond the role they played in the story.
This was especially noticeable because the book has such a strong found family premise. I wanted to feel that bond developing into something deeper, but some of the adult relationships felt more like the story needed them to be close than like fully developed relationships.
I also think the book sometimes tries to juggle too many ideas at once. The supernatural elements, humour, family themes, trauma, identity and relationships all have interesting potential, but some of them could have benefited from more space to develop. The story felt strongest when it focused on its central characters and the more personal aspects of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Strange Lights by Mira Gonzalez is an unforgettable, quietly powerful book that completely exceeded my expectations. From the very first page, it establishes a tone that is intimate, unfiltered, and strangely comforting in its honesty. It feels less like reading and more like being allowed into someone’s unguarded thoughts at 2 a.m.—raw, self-aware, and piercingly real.
Gonzalez has a remarkable ability to capture complex emotional states in deceptively simple language. The writing is spare yet incredibly layered, exploring loneliness, desire, insecurity, mental health, relationships, and the surreal absurdity of modern life. There’s a dry, almost deadpan humor threaded throughout, which makes the heavier themes hit even harder. You might find yourself laughing at a line, only to feel it settle into something much deeper moments later.
What stands out most is the emotional precision. Nothing feels exaggerated or melodramatic. Instead, there’s a steady, deliberate honesty that makes every page feel authentic. Gonzalez doesn’t try to resolve the messiness of being human or (non human)—she presents it plainly, and that directness is what makes it so powerful. The vulnerability never feels performative; it feels lived-in.
It manages to feel deeply personal while also being universally relatable, which is a rare and special balance.
Strange, tender, funny, and devastating in equal measure, Strange Lights is a five-star read through and through. It’s a book I know I’ll return to again—and one I’ll be recommending to anyone who appreciates writing that is bold in its vulnerability and fearless in its truth.
Gonzalez has a remarkable ability to capture complex emotional states in deceptively simple language. The writing is spare yet incredibly layered, exploring loneliness, desire, insecurity, mental health, relationships, and the surreal absurdity of modern life. There’s a dry, almost deadpan humor threaded throughout, which makes the heavier themes hit even harder. You might find yourself laughing at a line, only to feel it settle into something much deeper moments later.
What stands out most is the emotional precision. Nothing feels exaggerated or melodramatic. Instead, there’s a steady, deliberate honesty that makes every page feel authentic. Gonzalez doesn’t try to resolve the messiness of being human or (non human)—she presents it plainly, and that directness is what makes it so powerful. The vulnerability never feels performative; it feels lived-in.
It manages to feel deeply personal while also being universally relatable, which is a rare and special balance.
Strange, tender, funny, and devastating in equal measure, Strange Lights is a five-star read through and through. It’s a book I know I’ll return to again—and one I’ll be recommending to anyone who appreciates writing that is bold in its vulnerability and fearless in its truth.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you love a weird, fun, creepy vibe with just enough high strangeness and cryptids to soften the edges of deeper metaphors, this is for you. If you have ever loved a monster of the week show or Welcome to Nightvale, this book is for you. If you want to read a story where a haunted mannequin and undead raccoon are charming background characters, this story is for you.
Mira Gonzalez has built out a world that feels rich and real and lays the setting for a deeply engaging and funny story. The focus on found and fought for family with a queer lead is a gift that avoids a lot of troublesome tropes while still allowed the characters to be complicated. Reggie is definitely shaped by their relationships and trauma, and the exploration of exactly what that means kept me coming back page after page. Their love for Eldi (and others) is never perfect but always real and meaningful. Especially if you've ever had to be caretaker on your own worst days.
My one critique is that there are two extended flashbacks that feel like being dropped in a different book for a while. The sudden shift in pace and focus, as well as genre in one case, was a bit disorienting. I ended up racing to get back to the main story lines were I could see the impact on the characters I was already invested in.
The overall exploration of hope and growth in the face of terrible and unknowable things feels very valuable. So does the representation of growth in queer relationships. The book always feels like a ride, not a lecture, and I can't wait share it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
Mira Gonzalez has built out a world that feels rich and real and lays the setting for a deeply engaging and funny story. The focus on found and fought for family with a queer lead is a gift that avoids a lot of troublesome tropes while still allowed the characters to be complicated. Reggie is definitely shaped by their relationships and trauma, and the exploration of exactly what that means kept me coming back page after page. Their love for Eldi (and others) is never perfect but always real and meaningful. Especially if you've ever had to be caretaker on your own worst days.
My one critique is that there are two extended flashbacks that feel like being dropped in a different book for a while. The sudden shift in pace and focus, as well as genre in one case, was a bit disorienting. I ended up racing to get back to the main story lines were I could see the impact on the characters I was already invested in.
The overall exploration of hope and growth in the face of terrible and unknowable things feels very valuable. So does the representation of growth in queer relationships. The book always feels like a ride, not a lecture, and I can't wait share it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Strange Lights was such a chaotic, weirdly heartfelt surprise for me. I went in expecting a unique cryptid-paranormal comedy, and while it definitely delivers on that, it also becomes something a lot more emotional than I anticipated.
The story follows Reggie, a paranormal investigator trying very hard to live a quiet, low-profile life while raising her adopted toddler… who just happens to be a blood-sucking chupacabra named Eldi (honestly, the best). Reggie spends her time debunking supernatural sightings, even though she knows firsthand that cryptids, aliens, and everything in between are very real. Of course, her carefully controlled life falls apart when UFO activity, crop-circle Roombas, and an old enemy drag her straight back into the chaos she’s been trying to escape.
I love how quickly this book evolves. It starts off feeling light, funny, and a little absurd, but it gradually builds into something much more emotional and grounded. Beneath all the cryptid chaos, it explores themes of motherhood, identity, found family, and what it actually means to be “human,” even when you don’t fit into any category.
Reggie is such a strong lead, messy, guarded, and deeply relatable in her own way and Eldi absolutely steals every scene she’s in. The found family that forms around them felt natural and earned, and I really appreciated how much emotional weight the relationships carried without losing the humour or energy of the story.
All in all, this was funny, strange, emotional, and surprisingly heartfelt.
Thank you so much Bindery Books, Mira González, and NetGalley for the #gifted earc.
All opinions are my own 🖤
The story follows Reggie, a paranormal investigator trying very hard to live a quiet, low-profile life while raising her adopted toddler… who just happens to be a blood-sucking chupacabra named Eldi (honestly, the best). Reggie spends her time debunking supernatural sightings, even though she knows firsthand that cryptids, aliens, and everything in between are very real. Of course, her carefully controlled life falls apart when UFO activity, crop-circle Roombas, and an old enemy drag her straight back into the chaos she’s been trying to escape.
I love how quickly this book evolves. It starts off feeling light, funny, and a little absurd, but it gradually builds into something much more emotional and grounded. Beneath all the cryptid chaos, it explores themes of motherhood, identity, found family, and what it actually means to be “human,” even when you don’t fit into any category.
Reggie is such a strong lead, messy, guarded, and deeply relatable in her own way and Eldi absolutely steals every scene she’s in. The found family that forms around them felt natural and earned, and I really appreciated how much emotional weight the relationships carried without losing the humour or energy of the story.
All in all, this was funny, strange, emotional, and surprisingly heartfelt.
Thank you so much Bindery Books, Mira González, and NetGalley for the #gifted earc.
All opinions are my own 🖤
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Ezeekat Press, Bindery Books, and Netgalley for the eARC 💜
Strange Lights is an incredibly interesting premise that takes the presence of chupacabras and turns it into an entertaining story of other-worldly beings that are just looking for safe havens. I’ve always been of the opinion that if we thought that we were the only life in this vast, unending universe, that would be incredibly arrogant of us. There HAS to be other life. And to see it mentioned and stressed upon in this book kind of made me feel a little vindicated, I’m not going to lie lol.
I love the found family connection, the unconditional love, the understanding, the sentient Winnebago which was also creepy in its own way, and so much more, but what surprised me the most was the relationship twist at the end. Not in a bad way; just in a way I didn’t see coming. It is also a story of the complicated layers of motherly love, especially when you realise the truth. I love how Reggie is a representation of so many in the real world, craving love but also believing she isn’t worthy of it. It broke me in half, this feeling she felt.
Having said that, I do think that the story fumbles halfway through. While the writing itself is consistent, it is the constant shifts in voices and perspectives that made it feel like I was reading 3 different books. Until we reached the end that is. I felt like I was dissociating from my body or that I had suddenly emerged in a different timeline. Which, in a way, I had.
But overall, I do think that this is a good debut novel, and one that takes a mythical concept and turns it into one of hope, kindness, and love. Would recommend!
Strange Lights is an incredibly interesting premise that takes the presence of chupacabras and turns it into an entertaining story of other-worldly beings that are just looking for safe havens. I’ve always been of the opinion that if we thought that we were the only life in this vast, unending universe, that would be incredibly arrogant of us. There HAS to be other life. And to see it mentioned and stressed upon in this book kind of made me feel a little vindicated, I’m not going to lie lol.
I love the found family connection, the unconditional love, the understanding, the sentient Winnebago which was also creepy in its own way, and so much more, but what surprised me the most was the relationship twist at the end. Not in a bad way; just in a way I didn’t see coming. It is also a story of the complicated layers of motherly love, especially when you realise the truth. I love how Reggie is a representation of so many in the real world, craving love but also believing she isn’t worthy of it. It broke me in half, this feeling she felt.
Having said that, I do think that the story fumbles halfway through. While the writing itself is consistent, it is the constant shifts in voices and perspectives that made it feel like I was reading 3 different books. Until we reached the end that is. I felt like I was dissociating from my body or that I had suddenly emerged in a different timeline. Which, in a way, I had.
But overall, I do think that this is a good debut novel, and one that takes a mythical concept and turns it into one of hope, kindness, and love. Would recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC review. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley
Where do I even begin with this book? From the first sentence on the first page, I fell in love with this book, it's settings and its characters. Reggie, toddler parenting is hard, whether said toddler is supernatural or not. The author did an amazing job of portrating that tired parent life.
In terms of pacing I found this book very well paced. I'd say Act 1 was fast until near the end, then slowed to medium pace. But Act 2 was just right. I felt Act 3 could have done with been paced a little bit slower, just like Act 1 and 2. But thats my personal opinion, and doesn't retract from the book at all. Hence why it's a 5 star read.
The plot was unique, but in a great way. The X-Files meets Modern Family, in the perfect blend of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and sitcom. I need like, 5 seasons and a movie of this. Like now. A good plot can be ruined by the execution, but the whole concept was executed perfectly. The beginning, has you hooked. The middle, questioning everything, and the author stuck the landing.
I need to know if this book is going to have a special edition, because would love to have this on my shelf. I will be spreading the word and I've suggested my book club reads this. Reviews not sponsored, its just a testament of how much I loved this.
It came at a time where I was in a bit of a slump. But it was just the right balance of comedy and sci-fi which is a hard balance to get. So kudos to the author!
Act 2 and 3 hit me hard. But I felt part of this little found family of chaos. Doug and Dave hold a special place in my heart.
TLDR: Read this book.
Where do I even begin with this book? From the first sentence on the first page, I fell in love with this book, it's settings and its characters. Reggie, toddler parenting is hard, whether said toddler is supernatural or not. The author did an amazing job of portrating that tired parent life.
In terms of pacing I found this book very well paced. I'd say Act 1 was fast until near the end, then slowed to medium pace. But Act 2 was just right. I felt Act 3 could have done with been paced a little bit slower, just like Act 1 and 2. But thats my personal opinion, and doesn't retract from the book at all. Hence why it's a 5 star read.
The plot was unique, but in a great way. The X-Files meets Modern Family, in the perfect blend of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and sitcom. I need like, 5 seasons and a movie of this. Like now. A good plot can be ruined by the execution, but the whole concept was executed perfectly. The beginning, has you hooked. The middle, questioning everything, and the author stuck the landing.
I need to know if this book is going to have a special edition, because would love to have this on my shelf. I will be spreading the word and I've suggested my book club reads this. Reviews not sponsored, its just a testament of how much I loved this.
It came at a time where I was in a bit of a slump. But it was just the right balance of comedy and sci-fi which is a hard balance to get. So kudos to the author!
Act 2 and 3 hit me hard. But I felt part of this little found family of chaos. Doug and Dave hold a special place in my heart.
TLDR: Read this book.
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