Never Lick a Lich

Hijinks Investigations #2

by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

Would accept a case that put your soul in jeopardy?

The day after Hijinks Investigations opens for business, a frantic acquaintance begs Spencer and Leo to find her missing friend. A wild and exotic ruse gets them into the missing woman's hotel room, where they discover her mummified corpse.
How did she die?
Why does the woman's body appear centuries old when she's been missing for less than a day?

Enter Cara Cruz, a field agent for a secret government agency formed to deal with the supernatural. The woman's strange and suspicious death is one thing. Similar murders that follow are another, alerting Cara and the agency that something terrible is brewing.
With Spencer, Leo, and their French Bulldog, Flick, at her side, Cara is determined to hunt down this soul-sucking killer.

Meanwhile, Spencer discovers the key to unlocking his own magical abilities.
Danger...
Dismemberment...
Decapitation...
Death...
All are possible consequences should he make the wrong mistake. He must train in secret, one spell at a time...if he can figure out how to properly execute each spell without killing himself.

What will Flick the Frenchie do next?

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 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
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Reviews

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Business as unusual

This is a great second book. I actually like all the characters even more after reading this book. This is the mark of a great book. Great character development.

Spencer and Leo have started their detective agency, and their first case also brings them back into contact with Cara. However is this an enemy too big for either of them?

I like how both characters have levelled up in this book. Spencer in power and Cara in personal growth, (well somewhat), though she is still scratching the surface of her powers as well. I can't wait for the next book.

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight into the action with this fast paced read, which didn't let go of me from start to finish. The comical aspects, namely Leo and Frisk, belies the seriousness of the plot. Multiple corpses are definitely in the serious department.... The first half of the book was light hearted, extremely humourous, as Cara, Leo and Spencer gang up together to solve a really bizarre occurrence, mummified corpses. But flip, when I hit the halfway mark and especially the final few chapters, my heart rate spiked to dangerous levels! I wasn't expecting this amount of action, which was just so cool (and be warned, a tad gory....) and unexpected awesomeness!

Cara's mouth! OMG 🤣 She just can't help herself, she takes no prisoners, well she does PHYSICALLY but verbally? Nah. Her acerbic, abrasive tongue gets her into tonnes of volatile situations. That's what makes her so awesome, besides the fact that she's a real badass with a teensy weensy anger management problem. This describes her perfectly, "you are a blunt instrument who wields truth like any other weapon" She has a reason why she's as she is, her prior relationship hurts, her father dying, all contributed to her closing herself off, warding against further pain. I love her vibrant no nonsense attitude but she has a determination to right whatever wrongs, to end whoever threatens humanity, to solve whichever mystery comes her way. She's complexity on two badassed legs!

Spencer, a fledgling wizard, is slowly coming into his own. He and Leo have started their own detective agency, not knowing if they'll succeed or not, DEFINITELY not expecting to be battling literal creatures, but there you are...My word was I rooting for him, he and Leo bumbled their way through, well, everything actually, much to my delight. Jeff did exemplary work on portraying the very core of him, as well as all the other characters. Spencer definitely wins the friend of all time prize, he's so patient and caring and, honestly, as challenging as Leo is with all his eccentricities, he never waivers, never falters in his support and genuine affection for Leo. He's an all round cool guy, with some serious daddy issues, but heck, when you have an absent parent for most of your life, that's to be expected. The reminding relationship between father and son was just beautiful!!! Fred definitely grew on me!

And Leo, OMG Leo! He's super cool, although he's wired differently, he's an empath, among other things, and has an obsession with Flick, a bulldog, he'll do anything for. Even jump head first into danger. And he's very handy to have around, IF you can handle his OCD, his loose tongue and.... usual behaviour. His ability to "feel" emotions emanating from others makes him an ideal lie detector. Jeff honestly handled Leo's "affliction" with great sensitivity, a character who's obviously on the spectrum is given depth and understanding. Leo has a special place in my heart, his compulsive behaviour for buttons, for even numbers, his entire being reminds me of an adorable child.

A fabulous supporting cast, each one more fun than the next, from the manliness of the Pharaoh, to the wackiness of Inus, they are entertainment delight! And awww... Fred and Salma.... how cute are they! Oh, you won't know until you read the book 😉 But the star of the show is definitely a farting, licking obsessed bulldog called Flick! So, in conclusion, a quick, fun, fast paced read, with mystery and a whodunnit that'll make your eyes pop out of your head! No matter which genre Jeff pens, you'll be chuckling, you'll be going "eeeewwww", you'll be riveted, entertained, without having to go to Vegas for the thrills, it's ALL here. In this book. By this incredibly talented author.....you don't want to miss this book or series.

[Susan1566 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book!
Cara is getting used to the new director of AGE and the additional staff while Spencer and Leo are opening their own PI business that will accept business from AGE.
Just before they open for business, they are asked by Brin, a woman Spencer is attracted to, to help find out what happened to her friend. What they discover is a mummified body with no explanation of what happened and she is not the only body. AGE discovers some more.
Now there is a mystery of what is happening, who is doing it and how they can stop it.
There is action, suspense, surprises, the mystery and lots of humour.
Spencer is learning magic, Leo is still Leo but his empath abilities are a help. Flick is also a main component of this book.
When I started the first book, I was really annoyed at Leo but as I continued, I became to really like him. The way his disability is handled is extremely well done. Spencer is kind, patient, and willing to do anything for his friend. Spencer’s dad, Fred is also an interesting character. Cara has such a snarky, tough attitude but she is willing to do anything to stop the murders and support her friends.
This is an easy, quick, interesting read. I haven’t read other books by this author before but I’m going to start.
My only complaint is that the next book isn’t out yet.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hilarious hijinks investigations continue with Spencer and Leo opening up their brand new detective agency and getting their first customer. A woman asking them to discover what had happened to her friend and the scary mystery they hit upon. That of a newly killed corpse which has been mummified, to look as though it had been dead for hundreds of years. They inform their friend Cara, who is an agent with AGE, and they soon find themselves embroiled in danger like no other. More bodies turn up, all mummified, and they are forced to face an ancient and very powerful stealer of souls. This is the 2nd investigation, in which Spencer is working hard to learn how to harness his wizard's powers, which though still new to him, prove to be lifesavers. As usual Leo and his little dog are hilarious but also play their roles extremely well and end up saving the day. I really love these lighthearted mystery solvers and look forward to the next book.

[Manie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine that! That is the most likely response you will utter in disbelief as the plot of Never Lick A Lich by author Jeffrey L Kohanek unfolds and one strange (and often hilarious) events unfold.
It started so innocently for Spenser and Leo from their newly formed detective agency
As could only be hoped for, they got hired the day after opening Hijinks Investigations to search for and find a missing person.
Imagine that.
And they found the person quickly. Indeed.
Imagine that!
Except the corps looked like a mummy, only without all the bandages.
Imagine that!
And the autopsy will confirm the corps being old. Hundreds of years old despite having been very much alive the previous day.
Imagine that!
Which is where Cara got involved as well.
And another corps gets discovered. Similarly very mummy like dead.
Imagine that!
Then more corpses followed.
Imagine that!
Phew! And so much more that baffles as well as tickles your funny bone as well.
Enjoy!

[earnest james · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bold, fresh and captivating entry into fantasy genre

The narrative complexity intensifies as the introduction of Spencer's father and Carla's mother enriches the interpersonal landscape, revealing subtle familial tensions and unspoken histories. Spencer, A neurohtypical, and Leo, a neurodivergent, personal relationship remains enigmatic, while the emerging romantic undercurrents between Spencer and Carla, juxtaposed against the delicate interactions of their parents, reshape the story's trajectory, offering a more sophisticated and emotionally layered examination of human connections. While Leo"s uncontrolled empathic abilities adds levity and layers of complexities to the narrative. when you add magic, mayhem and monsters it is a story worth reading.

[Marisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed Jeffrey Kohanek’s Fate of Wizardoms and decided to try this series. Unfortunately, the character of Leo and his behavior was just too irritating and ridiculous, and became too much of a detraction from the actual story for me. I am not sure if the character is meant to be endearing, but for me I found his behavior highly annoying. So I will not be finishing this series, but I will keep reading other series from the author since I found his Wizardoms series so engaging. I like his style of writing and this series seemed interesting, but I just couldn’t get into it because of the one character.

[Jessica McCune · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ Never Lick a Lich is a fast-paced paranormal romp that doesn’t take itself too seriously—and that’s a big part of its charm. Packed with magic, snappy banter, and a steady stream of action, it’s the kind of book that’s easy to fly through in just a few sittings. The humor lands often enough to earn real laughs, especially when the story leans into its absurd moments, and the plot rarely slows down long enough to get boring. If you’re in the mood for something entertaining, high-energy, and unapologetically ridiculous, this one delivers exactly what it promises.

[Smiley · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off I’m a single man in his 70’s so take this review with a grain of sand. First book was enjoyable second book probably okay to those who love fantasy but Leo comes off as so irritating ,annoying and stupid that it ruined the book for me. I enjoy a good fantasy to this day. But just like Sheldon in that TV series I just want to….lets just say put him physically in his place empath or not. I think the younger generations may find this book entertaining.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable story

I am really enjoying this series. The characters are a lot of fun and the storyline is great. I like the mix of of action and humor with plenty of magic thrown in. I think Leo and Flick are hilarious and love the way Spencer tries to make sure they are taken care of. Add in Cara and the way they are rebuilding AGE and you have a series that keeps you entertained and intrigued and looking forward to more.

[Louis N. Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book on a whim. I was pleasantly surprised by it. I read this(the second) out of curiosity. It was just as good as the first book. The storyline moves at a good pace and the characters continue to grow and help the story to move forward. I do find myself at times annoyed by the actions of character Leo. If that was the Authors intention he did a good job. I have already have the the next book standing by to read.

[Wm J Byington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed it

On the whole I enjoyed. That said, the 30 something, acting like a high school kid does wear on me. But all of the characters do seem to be growing, and I do enjoy the relationships between parents and their grown kids and the parents together.

The story is good looking forward to seeing where it goes.

[Kiki · Rating 1 out of 5]

I made it through the first one but couldn’t manage to get through the second. I could handle if one or two of the characters had constant child like humor and in appropriateness but every single character did. It was rough. I ended up giving up on the second book. The story alone couldn’t hold me.

[MimiAmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great paranormal read!

Never Lick a Lich has a very interesting cast of characters, both good and evil. The storyline is packed with danger, mystery and surprises and I enjoyed it very much.

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[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

The first book started slow, but that was to build characters. This book we are getting deeper into the characters and fun bikinis along the way. This book definitely had me laughing at times. Off to the next book in the series.

[debbie ragan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Enjoy reading these books. They are often funny and entertaining, they are well written with a good mystery and fun in mind.

[Martin Ward · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf, I tried to read this book as the some of the author’s previous books were quite interesting but this is god awful pulp.

[Alicia Sperl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow at first

Two-thirds was a long, slow, start; last third was a roller coaster. Some of the dialog and antics were funny and some was over done.

[Stephen Levesque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!

[sandra silliman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

I enjoyed this book and the characters that are in the book and how they had to let go of the past