Hijinks Investigations

Hijinks Investigations #1

by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

Some secrets are dangerous. Some will get you murdered.

Agent Cara Cruz is sworn to protect society from beings of myth and magic. She goes after her targets with relentless determination and a heavy dose of snark. Despite her unconventional methods, the results are among the best in her agency.

A supernatural event forces Cara to return home to Las Vegas, where she must deal with her dark and painful past.
Can she survive when faced with the enemy she harbors deep inside herself?

On vacation from their peaceful lives in rural Minnesota, Spencer Mack and his best friend arrive in Sin City, excited to compete in a national escape room competition. Their lives are upended when a rogue sorcerer’s terrifying magic nearly destroys them. Under Cara’s protection, the two men find themselves as targets of paranormal creatures and deadly spells.

Unknown to Spencer is a secret about himself, one that could get him killed.

From bestselling author Jeffrey L Kohanek comes an urban fantasy thriller packed with mystery, twists, and humor at every turn. Fans of Sarah Noffke, Jim Butcher, and Martha Carr will love this new paranormal detective series.
Preorder now and be among the first to dive into this action-packed adventure.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2025

About the author

I love fantasy, adventure, and magic. More than that, I adore my readers.

My books are written to entertain -- fantasy adventures filled with compelling characters, spectacular magic, thrilling action, constant intrigue, and a sense of discovery. I equate them to the "Marvel Movie" version of fiction, intended to be a fun escape.

I would love to have you join me and my quirky characters for one outrageous adventure after another. With over a million published words, my author journey has just begun.

Best wishes,
Jeff

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Jeffrey L. Kohanek grew up in rural Minnesota where comic books sparked his young imagination, inspiring fantasies of heroes with super-powers saving the day. His tastes later evolved to fantasy epics featuring unlikely heroes overcoming impossible odds to save worlds born from the writer's imagination.

Now residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jeff uses that imagination to weave tales of engaging characters caught in fantastic plots to inspire young adults and the child within us all.
_________________________________

"Would you like FREE books and access to exclusive content? Join my author newsletter, which frequently includes special offers and inside info on my books.
Join at www.JeffreyLKohanek.com and download a free eBook today." -Jeff

"I LOVE to hear from readers and fans. Connect with me through email or social media."

Email - author@JeffreyLKohanek.com
Facebook - /JeffreyLKohanek

Reviews

[Khurram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hijinks all round

A good start to this series. It has a lot of potential and good likeable characters with lots of room for development.

The AGE agency is not what it once was. In fact, Agent Cara might be their last field agent. After finishing her current job, she is recalled to the main office in Las Vegas. She is used to secrets and magic. However, the biggest secret might be what AGE has been keeping from her. Also, what is so special about a couple of strange boys from out of town. Why are very powerful people and assassins trying to kill them?

It's a good story, a little obvious in places, but wrapped up tight in secrets in others. It is a good blend of investigation, action, science, magic, and comedic moments. I am interested to see what happens next.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Hijinks Investigations by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

A Snarky, Supercharged Urban Fantasy Ride
As an avid reader of urban fantasy, Kohanek’s Hijinks Investigations hooked me with its irresistible blend of razor-sharp wit and heart-pounding paranormal action. This isn’t just another detective story—it’s a high-stakes emotional rollercoaster wrapped in magical chaos, and I devoured every page.

Why It Grabbed Me
Cara Cruz’s snarky bravado masks a vulnerability that made her instantly compelling. Her “unconventional methods” (read: gloriously messy confrontations) had me cackling one moment and white-knuckling my Kindle the next. The Las Vegas setting crackles with neon-drenched danger, perfectly mirroring Cara’s internal battle with her past.

Spencer and his best friend’s fish-out-of-water energy injects delightful contrast—their escape-room savvy vs. supernatural peril creates a tension that’s both hilarious and harrowing. Kohanek nails the balance between humor and horror, especially when spells go disastrously sideways (one particular casino scene lives rent-free in my mind).

Constructive Notes

-Pacing Whiplash: The breakneck action occasionally overshadows quieter character moments—I craved more depth in Cara’s relationships beyond her snark-laden armor.
-Minnesota Duo’s Arc: While Spencer’s secret is intriguing, his friend sometimes feels like comic relief; their dynamic could use more emotional layers.
-Worldbuilding Appetizers: The magic system’s rules tease but don’t fully satisfy—hopefully future books expand on the tantalizing hints dropped here.

Why It Sticks
Kohanek’s genius lies in making the paranormal feel personal. Cara’s struggle with her “enemy within” elevates this beyond typical urban fantasy fare, while Spencer’s journey from wide-eyed tourist to unwitting target adds poignant stakes. The dialogue crackles with Dresden Files-worthy zingers, and the twists? Chef’s kiss.

Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads Giveaways for this electrifying ARC. Fans of Jim Butcher’s grit or Sarah Noffke’s humor will adore this series starter—it’s Supernatural meets Ocean’s Eleven with a magical body count.

Rating: 4.5/5 (A near-perfect genre cocktail—shaken, stirred, and spiked with potential.)

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars, rounded up because the story was interesting and I didn't skim TOO much to get to the ending

I had attempted a few of the author's books before, and then I chose to start with this one. I tend to enjoy urban fantasy more than epic, and I was hopeful that a book addressed to an adult audience would have more mature humor, and increased writing experience would result in less awkward prose.

Alas.

Plotline = interesting and complex, plenty of action to keep it moving
Humor = juvenile and crude, primarily focused on boobs, genitals, and bathroom humor
Writing = adequate, although the prose is occasionally awkward, particularly noticeable in the dialogue. Plus the intended adult audience meant a scattering of swear words throughout.
Characters = interesting and complex, a variety of characters and interpersonal relations to keep the story interesting. Some friends, some family, some former friends.

Honestly, the book had quite a lot going for it and many readers will enjoy it. But I obviously am not the intended audience.

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long been an avid, bordering on rabid, fan of this author. Every book he writes has activated a "snuggle up comfy and don't disturb me, lest I bite" mode and boy did I keep that sign up until I'd read the book! I was very excited to see how Jeff would infuse his magic into this book when I discovered he was diversifying to UF, a complete 360 from his normal genre and though I had no idea what to expect, I had a feeling I was going to love it. I was wrong...I ADORED IT!

Exciting it starts, exciting it continues, and then WHAM, it feels as though all the moisture has been sucked out of me. The shocks I get exposed to rattle my brain, make my heart jump so bad, if I didn't have a ribcage, I'm positive it would have been thrust out! It's as though Jeff has hooked me up to a brain freeze probe and defibrillator at the same time! And that's just from the plot and storytelling alone! And then we get the characters...no... we are graced with the most splendid characters, full of heart, full of flawed moral compasses, full of badassary! How he comes up with such genuine, realistically penned characters is beyond me, they're pure perfection with a comical twist, yeah, Mr Kohanek has a flair for the unexpected humour littered throughout, chuckle worthy, I promise! Geez, where to start... I guess I already have 🤣 but this book was a delight a minute, the dramatic aspects loud and clear, the shenanigans precisely planned and placed, a fabulous fast paced, roaring tale, with the comical facets, well heck, now you know why I'm a fan! The prose flows so smoothly, I get caught by the comical, it appears scribbed almost without even trying, Iike a certain sweet bulldog made his flatulent appearance!

Three very different people, all carrying their own burdens, are in "the right place at the right time" if you call being fallen upon by creatures who shouldn't exist, assassins who are after you, and a bit of a mystery seeped in necromancy. See??? WHERE do I start? Deep breath... Winning a competition and a vacation sounds cool, doesn't it? Well, THIS trip was a trip from hell! Or to hell ..I really love Spencer, he has to be the best friend anyone can possibly have. His care, his consideration, his protectiveness, his non judgemental attitude, his acceptance of his friend Leo is exceptional. Leo is different, his observation, of everything, unique. Leo needs "handling" in a very specific way and Spencer goes all out for him. I do confess, Leo was like a breath of fresh air, his impulsive behaviour, his empathetic skills were extremely endearing. Cara, a government official, hides herself within herself, often brash, always snarky, determined to be the best agent she can, is perceived as cold by some, as only dedicated to her job but as Spencer observed "she cares more than she lets on" But put me in a top and spin me round, I was NOT expecting Cara to.... to...aggggg, it's killing me but I can't say! What I can say is WHOA! WOWZA!

The conversation in this book is so easy, the storytelling so easy, you wouldn't imagine it's anything other than a light-hearted read. It is, to a certain degree but it packs a punch, it has hair raising moments, it has smile worthy moments and it has so much hidden under layers, that when they started falling off one by one, I was knocked for 6! And it's crystal clear, Jeff can write the alphabet, the phone book, an instruction manual and I'll be lapping it up like a thirsty bulldog! Fantabulous read! I can't wait for more!

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Jeffrey Kohanek is dipping into a totally different genre than his usual Wizardom series, and this time he is venturing into an urban fantasy with detectives and suprenatural beings. This first book is really fun to read, it takes place in Las Vegas where Cara the detective in charge of protecting society from magic and supernatural beings gets to meet up with Spencer and Leo. These two arrive in Vegas from quiet Minnesota in order to compete in an escape room competition which goes amok. Magic is used during the competiton, with many losing their lives, but these two friends survive. However from witnesses they soon find out they are the intended victims, as more attempts are made on their lives, well at least on Spencer's. Someone is out for his blood, literally and Cara ends up taking them under her wing, little knowing the trouble these two seem to get up to. I really love that Spencer and Leo end up becoming Cara's sidekicks, and that she is such a kickass heroine, I love that the friends look out for each other, and that Leo with all his quirks is such a sweet guy especially caring for his adopted little dog. I also love that both Cara and Spencer seem to be getting a new chance to redeem their past and get closer to their long lost parents. This first book is a really good start to a new series.

[Susan1566 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts with a bang and just keeps going.
After an exciting chase to capture a thief, Cara Cruz, an agent with a paranormal policing agency, is called back to Las Vegas due to a death in the agency.
Spencer Mack and his best friend Leo Yakamoto, have won a trip to Vegas and end up witnessing a dragon come through a portal where they barely escape with their lives. When Cara goes to question them, she interrupts an attempt on their lives.
Then the fun begins.
Cara is a snarky and tough with some obvious problems with opening up to people. Spencer is strong, steady, patient with some snark and some surprising background. and Leo is an empath with OCD that only Spencer seems to be able to control. Leo has an obsession with pushing buttons, it doesn’t matter what they do, sometimes to surprising results like when he blows up a microwave. And don’t forget the dog, Flick who wants to lick everything and everybody.
There is fair amount of action, surprises, suspense, humour all combined in a quick, easy, enjoyable read.
Somethings really surprised me and I can see so many possibilities for future books.
Definitely going to read more.

[Lara R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hijinks Investigations is an urban fantasy adventure that mixes mystery, danger, and humor in all the right ways. When Spencer and his best friend Leo head to Las Vegas for an escape room competition, things take a sharp turn into the supernatural. Soon, they’re tangled up in a world of magic, paranormal creatures, and dark secrets, with the witty and relentless Cara Cruz acting as their guide and protector.

I absolutely loved the characters—especially Spencer and Leo. Their friendship, banter, and the way they always had each other’s backs brought so much heart (and plenty of laughs) to the story. The magical creatures were fascinating, and the explanation of how magic ended up in our world was both creative and satisfying.

The detective angle wrapped into the urban fantasy setting worked really well for me—even though I’m usually not the biggest fan of urban fantasy, this one completely won me over. And I can’t forget to mention Flick, who absolutely stole the show whenever he appeared.

If you enjoy fast-paced stories with sharp humor, inventive worldbuilding, and characters you’ll root for, this book is a must-read.

[earnest james · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Promising Beginning

The novel presents an intriguing premise but falls short of the author's established standard of excellence. While the characters of Leo and Spencer show potential, their relationship lacks depth and nuance, rendering their interactions somewhat unconvincing. Carla emerges as the most compelling character, with her internal struggle surrounding her extraordinary abilities providing a fascinating narrative thread. However, the exploration of her reluctance to use her powers feels inconsistent, particularly given her description of her father as a composed and exemplary figure. This narrative contradiction diminishes the credibility of her character's central conflict and reduces the story's overall dramatic tension. Despite these shortcomings, the book offers glimpses of promise, suggesting that subsequent installments in the series may delve more deeply into the characters' motivations and relationships. The author's potential is evident, and readers can anticipate future developments with cautious optimism given his past successes..

[Lacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was entertaining. I saw the advertisement on my Kindle and thought the blurb sounded interesting and not as heavy as the books I'd been reading recently. I liked the story and the characters, but my big disappointment was how superficial the writing was. We get backstories but they are just the surface and don't give the characters much actual character. Just bits of idiosyncrasies tied together to form an outline of a person. Lots of she felt this, and he did that but not really adding depth. Cara's superpower seemed so weak compared to the other characters. I did enjoy the inclusion of the escape rooms and how the boys reasoned through them. Fun, but I won't be continuing on with the series.

Also, as an aside I was disappointed that someone who was moving was just giving their dog away to some stranger in a cemetery. I'm so tired of people thinking that just because life situations change that it's OK to abandon or neglect their animals. Pets are not disposable!

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sorry. I will pass. I am trying to cut back on pain, torture, and fear.” — If you’re looking for the vibes of this book, this quote does a pretty good job!

This is such a fun first installment for the new series! It’s a quick paced urban fantasy solving a string of unusual and fantastical crimes with tons of action! The main cast of characters have some snark, some wacky humor, and some really unique abilities that make them instantly lovable. As someone who’s very familiar with Vegas it’s really cool to read about real places around town that the characters visit and have supernatural encounters in! This is perfect for people who really enjoy the comedy and crime/detective vibes of shows like Psych, Monk, and Castle. I can’t wait for the next one!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serious and fun caper style fantasy story

I liked this book much more than I thought I would. It’s about Cara, an agent for a secret agency handling people with special powers. She’s investigating unusual crimes/events. Two quirky guys, Spencer and Leo, stumble into the investigation and make it more of a fun, although serious, caper. Or so it seems. Leo’s serious quirks, Cara’s tough exterior, and Spencer’s attempts to balance out the makeshift team creates a good story style. And there are creatures involved that the guy believed mythical. Some chase scenes. All wrapped up well. The end seemed a bit long but had a purpose. This is book 1 in a series.

[Jessica McCune · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ Hijinks Investigations is a paranormal detective thriller with a goofy streak. It follows two oddball, lovable guys who head to Las Vegas for an escape room competition—only to get yanked into a whole lot of magical chaos they absolutely did not sign up for. The humor is moderate, with some genuinely funny moments driven by their banter and “how did we get here?” energy. If you’ve read Dresden Files, this feels very much in that lane: paranormal shenanigans, reluctant heroes, and escalating weirdness—though it doesn’t quite hit the same level of polish or laugh-out-loud humor. Still, it’s a fun, fast read if you enjoy supernatural mysteries with a lighthearted, slightly absurd vibe.

[Mark Lucas-Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hijinks Investigations: Book 1

This start to a series starts of evenly then ramps the pace up right to the finish.
Spencer and Leo are not your average guys, Leo is high on the autism spectrum and an empath to boot, Spencer is his childhood friend and somewhat carer with a photographic memory and perfect recall and other abilities that become apparent as the story develops. In conjunction with Clara an AGE agent and Flick a French Bulldog they become embroiled in some serious paranormal events.
Fun, entertaining and well written this is well worth the read.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining paranormal thriller!

I enjoyed getting acquainted with the main characters, especially Leo. Cara is a bit rough but, I feel, she has great potential. I really like the variety of paranormal creatures and their unique abilities. The world is well developed and the storyline is very entertaining. The main complaint I have is the dialogue is a a little stilted with almost no contractions. I so recommend it and have already picked up book 2 from KU. Enjoy!

Kindle Unlimited

[Manie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hijinks Investigations had me flabbergasted in do many ways I have never experienced before.
The characters are plain out of this world, figuratively as well as literally, including the main characters.
The plot is a huge surprise as one gets to assimilate so many strange events as to leave one totally slack jawed.
But for not one minute would you stop reading avariciously for anything in this world (or for that matter, beyond this world either).
Author Jeffrey L Kohanek did it again!
Enjoy.

[Alan Kuchar · Rating 3 out of 5]

It appears that the author's knowledge of firearms is based on Hollywood movies where the actors don't know what they're doing. The professionals in law enforcement and other agencies keep their pistols loaded with a round in the chamber because it takes too long to rack the slide in a confrontation. They also didn't carry the gun pointed up because it blocks their line of sight; it's carried at the low ready. And ammunition is in a magazine, or mag, not a clip.

[Marie Haight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weird, but oh so good!

The characters are well developed and wonderful written. The story intrigues and draws you in from the start. Spencer and Leo have the type of friendship we all want and their banter and snark are beautifully matched. Cara is a badass and though stoic in the beginning her acceptance of the boy’s weirdness shows her own growth. It’s a wonderful read.

[Michelle L. Reeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cara Cruz is an AGE agent who’s job it is to deal with the mystical and fantastical creatures that live among us. Someone behind the scenes is pulling strings resulting in a chance meeting in Vegas with some strange young men that gets Cara involved in a deadly game of snake and mouse. What a great read!

[Carla Langston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable!

This was a fun book, it is built in an interesting version of our world. There is still some story building exposition that needs to happen, I'm sure Leo is aberrant, try just need to figure out what he is, there's a lot of background that could be explained, however, I am looking forward to exploring more of this world.

[Donna Ruggiero-McNeill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bikinis Investigations. By Jeffrey L. kohanek

Funny and very enjoyable story about two unusual friends that trouble follows them everywhere they go. I found myself laughing at their shenanigans. Never a dull moment and lots of wild happenings for these two. A fun read with lots of wild acction.

[irv Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A interesting book to enjoy.

This is about a agent Cara Cruz who was suppose to protect from society from myth & magic . But things start to go strange because of vampires and other strange things , they all want blood . This is were the author takes you on a journey that will not stop reading , they did a good job with the book .

[Alicia Sperl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Pleasant Surprise

This is a new author for me. At first, the book started out slow; by the third chapter, I was hooked. The suspense, humor, and characters kept me reading and entertained.

[Yael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the action, snark, and plot twists. Well written UF with supernatural creatures, paranormal mysteries, and plenty of hijinks. Cara, Spencer, Leo, and Lick, make a great team and can’t wait to read what they get up to next.

[Kassandra R Hernblom · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first ever time read a book Thriller book, and I really enjoyed reading it. Would highly recommend this book, and will be getting a physical copy of this book. I will also be reading the second and third book to this book series when I can.

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun

The story was fun and an easy read. It kept me interested without feeling like I had to re-read paragraphs because it got complicated. The characters are well developed and fun. Looking forward to the next book and you recommend

[Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and Weird Story

This story is fun but our main characters are strange and interesting.
There is no way to describe them without ruining the story. One can fit to some extent into society while the other one just wouldn't fix just about anywhere.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed

It started slow, but it picked speed as the book went along. I enjoyed the characters and their quirks. I know the characters will flush out even more as the series progresses.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you like different kinds of people & magic & snark - you'll love it as much as I did - couldn't put it down

[dianna harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paranormal

A funny paranormal fantasy story. Enjoyed this book and loved the characters. Looking forward to reading more and to see what the character get into next.

[Smiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. Always enjoy taking a break from thrillers espionage and other type of spy novels and murder mysteries.