Liza Palmer’s endearing novel about a tech startup that may not be everything its investors hope for is narrated by Joan Dixon, who has defined herself as an investigative journalist since landing a job at the Los Angeles Times right out of high school. But now in her late 30s, she can’t even find freelance work and is forced to move back in with her parents.

Her confidence shattered, Joan admits to herself (and everyone around her) that she has failed, both as a writer and as a fully functioning adult. So when a startup hires her as a junior copywriter, she’s both relieved and cautious. Is Bloom as successful as it purports to be, and what exactly is that success based on?

"Palmer has managed to create a real world where the neurotic heroine is surrounded by a loving and lovable cast with whom readers will enjoy hanging out."

While most of the millennial employees focus on what snacks and games are available rather than on the mission of the company --- which is run by two obnoxious Caltech bros --- Joan can’t help but wonder about its business model. She is relieved to find some equally nonconformist co-workers, including her boss, Thornton, another Caltech grad going through similar self-doubts about his talents.

As she begins to suspect that there's something odd going on underneath the motivational speeches and free snacks at Bloom, Joan enlists the help of her colleagues and Thornton to get to the truth. This takes some clever, fun-to-follow sleuthing that has the reader rooting for the merry band of outliers. A surprise denouement opens the door to a sequel while providing a satisfying explanation for all the shenanigans.

However, what gives THE NOBODIES depth is that over the course of the story, Joan and Thornton grow as individuals and come to terms with what they need to do to change their respective, and maybe joint, narratives.

Though Joan is the main protagonist, several characters are equally well-developed, including Thornton, Joan’s supportive family, and her quirky co-workers and friends. Palmer has managed to create a real world where the neurotic heroine is surrounded by a loving and lovable cast with whom readers will enjoy hanging out.