Description:
A wild and wickedly funny series debut, introducing readers to the irresistible and irrepressible private investigator, Peter Key.
"Everything you want in a great mystery."--Steven Rowley "Peter Key is my new favorite amateur sleuth."--Elle Cosimano "Jack Friday is sharp, inventive, and funny as hell."--Robert CraisMeet Peter Key: self-proclaimed "laziest private investigator in Texas" (it's harder than it looks), unapologetic bisexual, dedicated stoner, and the surprised recipient of a windfall inheritance from an uncle he barely knew. Peter's life was a mess before, but now-- as the owner of a dilapidated house in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Austin--he has a mountain of debt to deal with and pressure to sell from every side. But Peter doesn't like to be pushed around. And when he discovers a bag full of cash, he starts to suspect his uncle's death wasn't an accident. He soon finds himself pulled into a lethal game where not everybody plays by the rules. Fortunately, Peter's never been good at following rules. Sexy, suspenseful, and packed with Austin's quirks, Killer Vibes is a wild and wickedly funny romp that introduces us to the irresistible and irrepressible PI, Peter Key.
Brief description: JACK FRIDAY is the pen name of John Fram, the author of several queer supernatural thrillers such as The Bright Lands and The Midnight Knock. He lives in Austin, where he does as little as possible.
Review Quotes:
One of Deep South Magazine's "Summer Reading List 2026"
One of BookRiot's "The Best Mystery Books of 2026"
"In a voice reminiscent of Carl Hiaasen and David Handler, the story hurtles from one outrageous development to another on the cushion of Peter's puckish snark. A promising and compulsively readable series kickoff--hard-boiled light, and curiously refreshing."--Kirkus Reviews
"With plenty of action and hip dialogue, Killer Vibes is a terrific start to a new series."--BookPage "I was all in."--Sarah Weinman, The New York Times Book Review
"Friday turns Killer Vibes into a witty coming-of-age story that shows the value of friendship and family bonds, and how it's never too late to grow up."--Oline Cogdill, South Florida Sun-Sentinel "The fun in this novel-and there is plenty-is thanks to Peter, whose inner musings (he has an imaginary butler who lends support) keeps the book bouyant."--firstCLUE (Book of the Week) "Everyone, including this reader, loves a mouthy, witty, not-quite-on-the-level amateur sleuth with an inherited dog . . . Jack Friday vows to continue strewing Key's path with glistering iron pyrite."--Lavender Magazine "Peter Key provides a fresh take on sleuthing with his unconventional techniques, making for a suspenseful and laugh-out-loud read."--KUT News "The best debut of 2026 so far . . . Killer Vibes offers the perfect mix of light and dark, reminiscent in all the right ways of James W. Hall's terrific and underrated Thorne series. Come to think of it, Peter also has a bit of Donald Westlake's (writing as Richard Stark) fabulous Parker in the crass nobility that fuels his simmering machismo. Friday's debut is as much fun as a book can possibly be, and the sequel can't come fast enough."--BookTrib "Killer Vibes offers the perfect mix of light and dark, reminiscent in all the right ways of James W. Hall's terrific and underrated Thorne series. Come to think of it, Peter also has a bit of Donald Westlake's (writing as Richard Stark) fabulous Parker in the crass nobility that fuels his simmering machismo. Friday's debut is as much fun as a book can possibly be, and the sequel can't come fast enough."--BookTrib "Original, exceptional, and a wickedly funny read from cover to cover for dedicated suspense/thriller fans."--Midwest Book Review "Jack Friday is sharp, inventive, and funny as hell."--Robert Crais "Killer Vibes is propulsive, hilarious, clever and endearing--everything you want in a great mystery. Peter Key may be our newest amateur sleuth, but Jack Friday is a bona fide master of his craft. I would read a hundred more of these books."--Steven Rowley, New York Times bestselling author of The Guncle "Jack Friday delivers an explosive and witty kickoff to a twisty new mystery series with Killer Vibes! Hilarious, gutsy and resourceful, Peter Key is my new favorite amateur sleuth."--Elle Cosimano, New York Times bestselling author of the Finlay Donovan series "Prepare to meet your latest obsession. Killer Vibes is masterfully crafted, full of both ingenious plotting and honest-to-God laugh out loud moments. I couldn't tear myself away and will happily follow Peter Key on all his future investigations. Destined to be one of the buzziest books of the summer!"--May Cobb, bestselling author of The Hunting Wives "A fun, wild, hilarious ride--Peter Key is not your grandma's amateur sleuth, in the best way. This is a fresh take on some classic themes, and it tackles them with a bite. An out of the blue inheritance that's more than it seems, a fancy neighborhood with a dark underbelly, and a snarky world-weary bisexual disaster child who is, underneath it all, endearingly tenacious. Trust me, it's the murder mystery mash-up you didn't know you needed."--Kristen Perrin, New York Times bestselling author of How to Solve Your Own Murder "A standout new accidental detective. Page-turning, queer fun!"--Lev AC Rosen, award-winning author of the Evander Mills series "With Killer Vibes, Jack Friday has created one of the most memorable private investigators I've read in years, revealing one twist after another until a final, explosive ending. I devoured it in a weekend and can't wait for Peter Key's next investigation."--Kellye Garrett, award-winning author of Missing White Woman "Daring, electrifying, and irresistible. Jack Friday delivers a tantalizing and twisty mystery with an unlikely hero at the helm. I promise you've never seen Texas like this before!"--Hannah Morrissey, USA Today bestselling author of The Unlucky Ones