"Killer Vibes" By Jack Friday: Review/Giveaway

Review by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase it.

Selling weed since high school hasn’t exactly been a profitable profession for Peter Theodore Key, especially since he spends most of the time stoned and either squatting in his aunt’s condo or, most recently, living out of a friend’s garage. Sleeping with the friend’s girlfriend brings an end to that, so it’s rather timely that attorney Arthur Brennance manages to find him, bringing the news that Peter’s Uncle Forrest has died and left an inheritance. Unfortunately, along with a possibly $1,000,000 run-down home comes the accompanying $500,000 debt, as apparently Forrest took out a cash loan from a bank just days before his death. Peter is disturbed to learn that a man who won street car races inexplicably died in a car crash, especially when he finds a bundle of cash hidden in the house’s walls. His uncle’s Austin home would seem like a money pit to be offloaded as soon as possible, but the price of housing – not to mention the predatory real estate agents all too eager to for a sale – have Peter rather obstinately moving in and refusing to sell. So when real estate broker Eric Lance is blown up in what is a possible case of mistaken identity, Peter begins investigating under the guidance of Grady Bernaise, a private detective initially hired by Peter’s Aunt Sylvie to protect her nephew.

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Periodically high but very determined, Peter finds his focus as he follows an elaborate maze of clues and motives for his uncle’s death. Nearly 30, bisexual, and susceptible to a pretty face, Peter is often distracted by attractive suspects with dubious motives. Peter’s sexuality caused a fracture in his relationship with his mother, whose recent death caused him to spiral despite their complicated relationship. Austin, Texas is the perfect setting for these witty, chaotic characters, as the signs proclaiming “Keep Austin Weird” reflect the community’s attitude and well, vibes. Peter often finds himself in the midst of problems he himself created, as his judgment is questionable at best and morally complicated at its worst. Yet this somehow makes him more likable, as Peter knows his flaws all too well and finally focuses on an actual goal and path for the future. The mystery goes in multiple, completely unexpected directions, yet it somehow always makes sense and is so much to follow. There is never a moment of boredom and Peter proves to be a surprisingly vulnerable, funny, sympathetic mess. Eventually secrets about his family are rolled into the plot as well, and the answers he finds may be frustrating but also give him a path to acceptance and forgiveness.

This debut series is written by the perfectly named author Jack Friday, which explains why it is actually the pen name of suspense and thriller author John Fram. Harkening back to the era of writing when Carl Hiaasen, Dave Barry, and Robert Crais made roguish beach detectives so much fun, this entertaining novel is hopefully just the first of what will be a long-running mystery series.  

To enter to win a copy of Killer Vibes, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "vibes,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen August 22, 2026. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors!

You can click here to purchase this book.

Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos.

 Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.