A cosy paranormal story that shines even brighter through its narrators
There’s something about a cosy paranormal audiobook that just works, and Strange Lights gave me that feeling from the start. The moment Vico Ortiz’s voice settled into Reggie’s no-nonsense rhythm, I knew I was in for a strange and heartfelt ride. A paranormal investigator travelling in a magical Winnebago with her adopted chupacabra toddler is already a brilliant setup, but hearing it performed with such warmth made it even better.
The opening stretch is my favourite part of the whole experience. It’s full of cryptids, odd household creatures, UFO sightings and a toddler who might eat goats if left unsupervised. The humour lands beautifully in audio form. The possessed vacuums and the Winnebago’s personality had me smiling because the narration gives them such distinct energy. Reggie and Eldi’s relationship also feels even more tender when voiced. There’s a softness in the quieter moments that made me lean in.
The middle section is where the pacing slipped for me. The long dive into Reggie’s past is important and well written, but in audio it slowed the momentum more than I expected. I found myself drifting a little and wishing we were back in the present timeline with the chaos and cryptids. Once the story returned to the main thread, I felt fully invested again. Nick Walther’s sections, as Calvin added, had a nice shift in tone and helped pull me back into the story.
What worked incredibly well was the emotional core. The book explores identity, belonging and the complicated ways we build our own families. The narration brings out the vulnerability in those moments, but it never feels heavy. The mix of sci-fi and paranormal elements also feels fresh, especially the cryptid lore and the alien twist later on.
Strange Lights is warm, weird and full of heart. The audiobook lifts the humour and deepens the emotional beats, even though the pacing wobbles in the middle. If you enjoy cosy paranormal adventures, queer found family, cryptid chaos and narrators who bring characters to life with real personality, this one is worth listening to.
Title: Strange Lights
Author: Mira González
Narrators: Vico Ortiz, Nick Walther
Publisher: RB Media
Length: 16 Hours, 6 Minutes
Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC!
Publishing Date: 6 October 2026
