KILLER VIBES

4 stars out of 5

I admit it. A “debut” novel – even if that means the first in what’s hoped to be a series – makes me nervous. I guess that, at my advanced age, I’ve read too many that just, well, to put it as nicely as possible, fell flatter than a fritter. And I admit, I was a bit edgy going into this one.

Happily, I needn’t have been worried here. I not only enjoyed reading it, but I’ve found another series to look forward to. The main character, Peter Theodore Key, is interesting, intriguing and a guy whose invitation to join him for a beer and conversation at a local pub I’d accept in a heartbeat. He’s a half-hearted Texas-based private eye who enjoys smoking a joint or two now and again, and when it comes to sex, he’s a switch-hitter (though he seems to have more of an affinity for the guys).

Quite unexpectedly, an estate attorney shows up one day to inform him that his recently-deceased Uncle Forrest – whom he barely knew – has left him a house in Austin that’s worth millions. But the millions are elusive because his uncle’s debts are equally substantial; on the positive side, although the house itself can at best be described as a total mess, everybody and his or her brother and sister seem to want to buy it (and incessantly insist that he sell). Problem is, the more information Peter gathers, the more he’s unwilling to part with the property. That’s especially true when he learns that his late uncle – clearly a hoarder – may have a stash of cash that he really, really could use. Problem is, some unsavory characters – including his late uncle’s own son – would love to get their hands on it as well.

Along the way he meets quite a few interesting characters – including his uncle’s estate lawyer and a seasoned private detective who will play a significant role in Peter’s future. Coming from a much older generation, I can’t quite get into his man-bun thing, especially when it seems to need readjusting every half hour or so (but hey, maybe they all do – what does an old lady like me know)? Other than that, though, he’s an intriguing character I look forward to reading about again in the next installment. Meantime, I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for letting me in on the action by way of a pre-release copy. Well done!

Killer Vibes by Jack Friday (Minotaur Books, July 2026); 352 pp.