Strange Lights

by Mira González

Parenting 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?

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Science Fiction, LGBT, Horror

Paperback

Expected publication October 6, 2026

About the author

Mira 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.

Reviews

[Nora (NoraLeest) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sarah Sorace · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 👹

[Kels Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Michael Chew · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[hon · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Brittany Unwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[J. Blake Myersmann · Rating 2 out of 5]

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!

[Martina Weiß · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[erica utti-hodge ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[BB · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Birch · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mya Joan Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Caitlin Teaches · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Janet Halsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A shape-shifting toddler chupacabra.
A sentient RV that is way bigger on the inside than the outside.
And a sudden increase in UFO sightings in the sky.

Paranormal investigator Reggie, is doing her best to raise Eldi, the toddler chupacabra that showed up on her doorstep one random day. Running from her past, and dedicating her time cruising around in her creepy self-driving RV, Reggie investigates a rash of paranormal anomalies that seem to be connected to her blood-thirsty toddler. Now teamed up with fellow investigator and podcaster, Calvin, they set in motion a plan to figure out what the strange lights in the sky mean, while keeping Eldi safe from a notorious secret agency hell bent on ridding the Earth from the supernatural.

Strange Lights by Mira Gonzalez was an entertaining read, although I felt the book took a turn about a third of the way through. The story starts out following Reggie and Eldi as they investigate suspiciously behaving robot vacuums and werewolf outbreaks. After the agency catches up with Reggie, the book takes a turn and we spend the better part of the book back in time with Reggie growing up and her involvement with the agency. We really never go back to the supernatural investigations which is what I was hoping this book was about. Despite that, I thought the ending was fine and nicely wrapped up. Overall it was fine. I hope Mira Gonzalez writes a sequel so we can follow Reggie and her team on more paranormal investigations.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy from Bindery Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Reggie enjoys life on the road in their beat up old Winnebago. It’s not exactly a normal RV… and their daughter may or may not be a Chupacabra. They spend their days investigating all things paranormal while making sure their so-called mortal enemy and paranormal podcaster crush, Calvin, doesn’t stumble on anything legit. Things were going well until the anti-supernatural agency that Reggie’s been hiding from finally catches up to them, and their poor daughter, Eldi, is caught in the cross-fire! Now Reggie is ready to put everything on the line as long as they’re able to help Eldi escape to safety.

While I enjoyed reading this, I felt like the story was told out of order. We follow Reggie through the book, which is told in five parts. The first half was one crazy and wild ride that’s told in two parts. There was so much going on that it occasionally got overwhelming, but I was fully entertained and having a great time while reading it. Part 3 was totally out of place and should’ve actually been part 1. I was extremely confused at first because the story suddenly jumped into a very serious prequel detailing years of parental abuse without warning.

Other than this feeling like three books squished into one while being told slightly out of order, I did enjoy reading this. Just prepare to get your heart stomped on several times! I highly recommend starting with part 3 and then read parts 1-2 and 4-5. Trust me, it will make so much more sense this way!

[tinysparkreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐Primarily First Person POV
⭐Chaotic Family Dynamics
⭐Adventuring in a Winnebago

This is a departure for me from my usual sapphic books. In saying that, I really enjoyed reading this book. I’m always down for a good adventure storyline and this definitely delivered on that.

Reggie “I do not care to be perceived” Quinn is parent to a toddler unlike most. Unless most toddlers like to suck the blood out of goats that is. Eldi is a toddler that looks to be around 2 years old, but is actually a Chupacabra. Reggie with Eldi in tow, spends their time roaming around the country solving paranormal mysteries in their very magical somewhat sentient Winnebago. Calvin St. James is a podcaster/science sleuth who debunks paranormal mysteries online. Occasionally they work together to investigate the paranormal.

I felt like the story was really fun and original. There was a big element of found family. There were a few different instances of multi-chapter flashback scenes, that I thought added some really good context and information about what happened to the characters and what made them the way they are now.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun queer sci-fi romp around the place. It also has some darker elements though, so be aware of potential triggers of child abuse.

Rep: Non-binary/gender-fluid MC

Thanks to Mira González, Bindery Books, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book.

[Gabby Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

Thank you NetGalley, Bindery Books, and Mira González for gifting me with this ARC to review!

I absolutely loved this book! It was so fun to read about Reggie, Eldi, Calvin, and the colorful entourage that followed them.

Liked:

-Reggie has flaws and isn’t a perfect person. I liked seeing the side of Reggie that she tries to pretend doesn’t exist. She made so many mistakes but realistically what can you expect from someone who grew up the way she did. She had to be a mother before she even got her period and constantly fight to keep the people she loved safe. I’m glad that she is now understanding what love really is and is finally getting to enjoy her life.

-magical/supernatural/extraterrestrial are everywhere. I mean we start off with Eldi the adorable toddler sized chupacabra, the sentient winnebago, and robot vacuums that would murder you in your sleep if you tried to hurt Eldi (shout out Doug and Dave for being real ones). It was fun seeing how much people weren’t really even affected by the fact that they live with these beings.

-Calvin, Reggie, and Luca were very cute and I’m glad they’re all one big happy family who is working on healthy communication (good job to Luca and Calvin for telling Reggie to get her act together lol). Also I love a good throuple representation 🥰

Disliked:

-it dragged a little bit in the middle when we where going through Reggie’s past. It just went on for a tad too long in my opinion.

[Linda W. Fast · Rating 4 out of 5]

(e-ARC received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; thank you to Mira González and Bindery Books)

actual rating: 4.25 ⭐️

This was such a heartwarming story, encompassing the love & value of found family and the struggles of parenthood so well. If you’ve ever felt alone in this great expansive world, or have felt like you’re not enough or hard to love, this book is for you. Plus, there’s cryptids (including werewolves and a toddler chupacabra), sentient robot vacuums, and a magical Winnebago. This was such a fun adventure from start to finish.

There were parts in the middle where things did drag a little; lots of info-dumping and exploring character backstories. It was all important to the overall plot, but I felt that some of it could’ve been scattered throughout the story more. Maybe the book would’ve benefited from a dual timeline? But everything was still interesting to read and kept me engaged because I was so invested in all the characters. I truly loved every single one of them.

The author’s writing style was exceptional, and the plot/storyline was incredibly unique. I loved the queer/non-binary representation, and the found family dynamic was wonderful. There was no spice, but still had a throuple/why choose (small) romance sub-plot that was very sweet.

I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone. It was such a fun and touching story that I’ll be thinking about often.

[Katie Petriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

a blood-sucking toddler, a sentient Winnebago, and an undead raccoon walk into a book... and somehow it works??

Strange Lights had absolutely no business being this heartfelt. I went in expecting quirky paranormal fun and got genuinely emotional about found family and what it means to be human (and, you know, not human). Mira González nailed the tone. It's funny without ever undercutting the moments that matter, which is so hard to pull off.

the characters are the real star here. Reggie is great, Eldi is an icon (she eats goats. she's a baby. I love her), and the whole cast that grows around them feels natural and earned in a way that so many found family stories just don't manage.

the worldbuilding is also just fun. cryptids and aliens and magic all sharing one story and it somehow never tips over into too much, which honestly feels like a small miracle.

my one gripe: the flashbacks. they pump the brakes on a book that otherwise clips along really nicely, and every time one popped up I was counting the pages until we got back to the main story. not a dealbreaker but definitely noticeable.

really impressive debut. if González writes a sequel I'm first in line.

4 stars.

(thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC copy. all thoughts are my own.)

[Nyssa Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ton of fun and full of heart, Strange Lights follows nonbinary Reggie, cryptozoologist/paranormal investigator set on a rescue mission to save her/his chupacabra daughter from her/his evil mother, all in the midst of what is looking like a soon-to-be alien invasion. Thankfully, she/he is not alone, with the help of a hot cryptid skeptic podcaster, 2 clearly haunted roombas and her/his sentient winnebago with questionable fashion sense, she/he is semi-ready to face her/his past, so her/his daughter might have a future.

What a rollercoaster of emotions, from learning about Reggie's past to see her/him navigate rasing her/his daughter while taking on paranormal cases. There is a strong emphasis on finding one's family, escaping from abuse, struggles of parenting, and learning to forgive oneself for their mistakes. Do I wish we got more of the funny paranormal cases, absolutely, but I also really appreciated reading Reggie's story with all that it entails, and can easily see myself re-reading it at a later date. González has a way of writing that make you laugh at one moment, then tugs at your heartstrings the next. Does it need a Sequel? no. Do I wish it gets one? Absolutely. I'm really just not ready to leave this world quite yet.

[Opal Edgar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story about a toddler-monster's mum?
Totally in.
I was very curious about this story and loved a lot of it: in fact loved all the messy, funny, found-family, supernatural, wacky sci-fi bits.

The only down was that the pace drastically slowed at the 2/3 mark, when we are suddenly dropped into a super-long backstory.
I probably wouldn't have minded if there were any twists or reveals in it, but everything there is things we guessed at and saw coming... so the only purpose is the emotional baggage, and the behavior of Reggie already showed that.
I think it could have been almost entirely cut out without losing impact. It does allow us to learn more about some characters, but not really that much, and a few present-time-line scenes would have worked just as well. In fact, a lot of secondary characters would have deserved a little more unpacking, But this story is very much about Reggie and her daughter Eldi.

That said, I would totally look out for the next volume if this novel became a series and will watch out for the author's future work. This book was great fun, with a lot of fresh takes. If you know a mum around you who likes the supernatural, this is a fantastic gift that will make her laugh while still giving a thought-provoking plot.

[Moe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Mira. You did a wonderful thing here.

Strange Lights is about Reggie, vanlifeing, paranormal investigator and adoptive parent to toddler Eldi…who happens to be a chupacabra. Add to that a hot podcast dude, intent on debunking paranormal stories, some hauntings, some aliens, enemy agencies and a few household electronics.

First things first: I love the cover. And judging this book by it turned out to be a great idea.
As a fan of cryptids, the X-Files, Gravity Falls and as a mom to a special needs toddler with ADHD, I thought Strange Lights sounds fun and a little relatable. My kid isn’t a literal Chupacabra, but aside from the consumption of goat‘s blood, Eldi feels like a regular toddler.
I didn’t try to guess the plot too hard, I went with the flow and just enjoyed the ride. For the most part. I enjoyed the writing very much, there were a good amount of laugh-out-loud bits and a lot of heartwarming moments. Strange Lights also deals with some pretty heavy topics and made me shed a tear or two.
What I love the most about this book tho, is that it expanded my mind. It made me imagine and think things, that I have never envisioned before. That happens so rarely, that anyone or anything provokes my brain to go beyond what I think. (It’s hard to explain, obviously I know that my knowledge is very limited and that things outside of my imagination exist. But even that „outside“ space is kinda limited, and as I said, rarely challenged.)
So this „fun little cryptid adventure story“ is actually a story about identity, love, family, us and the universe on a pretty epic level. I enjoyed it thoroughly and highly recommend to give it a read!

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC 🫶

[Patience · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4) | Intriguing Concept with Memorable Moments

Strange Lights was an interesting and atmospheric read that definitely had its standout moments.
From the start, I was drawn in by the unique premise and the sense of mystery woven throughout the story. There were elements that really worked for me—particularly the mood and the way certain scenes were written. The author created a vivid atmosphere that made the story feel immersive at times, which I appreciated.

There were also moments where the story truly pulled me in, especially when the tension built and the plot leaned into its more mysterious and emotional layers. Those were the highlights for me.

That said, there were a few areas where I wanted a bit more—whether it was deeper character development or a tighter connection between certain plot points. At times, the pacing felt uneven, which made it a little harder to stay fully engaged all the way through.

Overall, this was a solid read with strong ideas and some really enjoyable elements. While it didn’t completely hit all the marks for me, I can definitely see the appeal and would still recommend it to readers who enjoy atmospheric stories with a touch of mystery.

[The Atlas of Stars · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Bindery Books for a copy of this eARC!

Aliens, werewolves, blood-thirsty toddlers, magic, familial trauma, polyamorous relationships, and SO MUCH MORE?? What else could you want from a book???

This book turned out to be so much more than I could have ever expected and I am absolutely ecstatic that it was. The mix of humor, raw human emotions, and so much love makes this whole story stand out and shine so bright.

I can't get over how much I felt like I could relate to Reggie as a character. Watching her get thrown into a parental role at such a young age and always carrying the weight that only the eldest sibling can carry. The need to perform and try to make your parents happy just for approval. It hits home.

"The Carpathia came for the survivors of the Titanic. My Carpathia will not fail me. I am loved."

UGH. Are you KIDDING ME?? Absolutely beautiful and heartfelt. I am obsessed with a really solid found family dynamic and this book has it down pact. I'm so so happy that I got an opportunity to read this!

[Hannah Deverall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strange Lights by Mira Gonzáles is an atmospheric novel perfect for fans of cryptids, conspiracies, and Supernatural. The novel follows Reggie, a paranormal invesitgator working to keep the supernatural out of the public eye, dealing with problems before they catch too much attention. However, when the infant chupracabra she's de facto adopted is targeted by the obsessive corporation of the past, Reggie must team up with Calvin, a podcaster determined to prove that supernatural entities do NOT exists, and mysterious and sentient household appliances.

I really enjoyed the premise of this novel: it's fun, well constructed, and somehow cosy - what more could you want? The characters felt well rounded and flawed, and generally I felt that character relationships were thouroughly explored. (I would have liked a bit more developement with Reggie and the werewolves, though.) Plot-wise, the pacing was good, and didn't lag for long periods of time. However, I do have a small quibble with the ending, which I found to be a bit rushed. The climactic scene should have gone on a bit longer, and as previously mentioned, character relationships after that scene's revelations could have been more deeply explored. A final problem that I have with the novel is that the main character, while she does suffer for the wrongs that she commits, the repercusions for her actions were much lighter than if she had been a supporting character.

Overall, I really enjoy Strange Lights. It was an easy, compelling, and funny read that I devoured in a matter of hours. 4.75/5 stars. Thank you to Bindery Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[RosewynReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a unique and well-written story it just wasn’t the right fit for me personally.

Our main FMC is caring for a child who… eats goats because she’s a Chupacabra. And yes, I had to look up what that was, so you can imagine my genuine shock as I started piecing things together. That alone tells you how original this book is.

On top of that, her best friend is also supernatural, and the house she lives in carries its own kind of magic.

I read the whole book because the writing itself is strong and intriguing it kept me curious but I never fully felt invested in the story. It didn’t emotionally pull me in the way I hoped it would.

That being said, the Roomba's and the mannequin were such a funny, The unexpected touches genuinely made me smile.

Overall, this was well written, imaginative, and bold just not a story that personally clicked with me. I would absolutely try another book by this author because the uniqueness and writing style are definitely there.

[Giggles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for letting me read this early ☺️


this isn't my type of book at all. but the thing that drew me in & made me want to read this book was on the synopsis where it said - Reggie has embraced her fate as parent to an adopted toddler- a blood- sucking chupacabra 👀 so I'm thankful i got approved to read this book as i was really intruiged by that sentence 😂
but overall i loved this book i loved that it had
-short chapters
-"some people collect coffee mugs, i collect tattoos"- I loved this quote so much 😆
-I loved reggie , her attitude & her personality
she had me laughing loads.
-I loved the other characters they all had their own personalities & none of them annoyed me.
It was a really interesting read & i loved the book , it had me hooked & i was finding myself wanting to know what happened next.
I've never heard of the author but after reading this i will be checking out their other stuff in the future ☺️

[frey · Rating 4 out of 5]

(thank you for the opportunity to read this as an ARC)

What a unique read!

So, on paper, this plot sounds insane. It’s gripping and humorous and mysterious, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little worried going in.

Because I feel that sometimes, when a plot sounds this wacky, it’s easy for the execution to fall short.

However that was not the case here. We have the Chupacabras, the rogue Roombas, the UFOs and crop circles and werewolf podcasters all balanced alongside a story about finding connections and building family. It was actually really heartwarming and if you’re a fan of ‘found family’ stories, it’s hard to go wrong here.

The only real critique I have here is that (and this could be personal because I admit, I’m not a fan of flashbacks) there is a lengthy flashback in the middle of the book that I felt wasn’t entirely necessary.

Other than that, I really enjoyed this read and think it’s well worth checking out!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well. I have had a multitude of thoughts while reading this, and now I'm finding it hard to put them together in a cohesive way. Actually, that's a good segue to this book. As a youngster I would have paid a high price for a story that somehow included werewolves and aliens and shapeshifters and magic? and mysterious women with a tragic backstory and babies who are adorable and also monsters. Now, it just seems hard to follow. Seems like this book couldn't find a genre to sit in, and so it tried to do it all. It was frustrating to see how little foreshadowing was involved with the many plot twists and made the story seem jumpy and disorganized. Also the tone shift partway through the book really caught me off guard. BUT I do love a found family story, and these characters really do a lot of the heavy lifting. Plus, I love the cover. If you can dig in deep enough, you can really see that the message is "Be yourself, love everyone, make mistakes, and take big chances."