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Killer Vibes: The First Peter Key Mystery
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26A 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
Meet Peter self-proclaimed “laziest private investigator in Texas” (it’s harder than it looks), full-time bisexual, dedicated stoner, and the surprised recipient of a windfall inheritance from an uncle he barely knew. Peter’s life was a mess before he became the owner of a dilapidated house in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Austin, but now he has a mountain of debt to deal with—and pushy realtors popping up on every corner to convince him to sell the land while the market is hot.
But Peter doesn’t like to be pushed around. And when he discovers a bag full of cash and a suggestion that his uncle's death might not have been an accident, he starts asking questions. When they said “Keep Austin Weird,” they weren’t joking. Just about everyone Peter meets seems to have a hidden agenda, and he soon finds himself pulled into a lethal game where not everybody plays by the rules. Fortunately for Peter, he’s never been a rule follower anyway.
Sexy, suspenseful, and packed with Austin’s quirks, Killer Vibes is the start of an iconic new series with a singular, unforgettable cast of characters.
"Everything you want in a great mystery."—Steven Rowley
"Peter Key is my new favorite amateur sleuth."—Elle Cosimano
Meet Peter self-proclaimed “laziest private investigator in Texas” (it’s harder than it looks), full-time bisexual, dedicated stoner, and the surprised recipient of a windfall inheritance from an uncle he barely knew. Peter’s life was a mess before he became the owner of a dilapidated house in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Austin, but now he has a mountain of debt to deal with—and pushy realtors popping up on every corner to convince him to sell the land while the market is hot.
But Peter doesn’t like to be pushed around. And when he discovers a bag full of cash and a suggestion that his uncle's death might not have been an accident, he starts asking questions. When they said “Keep Austin Weird,” they weren’t joking. Just about everyone Peter meets seems to have a hidden agenda, and he soon finds himself pulled into a lethal game where not everybody plays by the rules. Fortunately for Peter, he’s never been a rule follower anyway.
Sexy, suspenseful, and packed with Austin’s quirks, Killer Vibes is the start of an iconic new series with a singular, unforgettable cast of characters.
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Expected publication July 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was looking for a bingeable read and, after giving up on several other books, I finally found what I wanted with Killer Vibes! Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's for the eARC.
The main character, Peter, is not at all like me, and yet he was somehow really relatable. And ballsy, so ballsy! He takes his weed and his manbun into a dilapidated house that is the eyesore of the neighborhood (and inconveniently the target of angry high rollers and hitmen) and makes a silk purse out of that sow's ear of a situation.
To be honest, it takes a really special mystery/thriller to lure me into the genre. It has often felt like a straight white man's genre glutted with cookie cutter books by a few big names. Despite having a male lead for the private investigator, this book felt like a breath of fresh air. It was funny without being silly, it had plot twists that snuck up on the reader without being convoluted or contrived, and it was genuinely well written. I was hooked by the premise (mysterious inheritances are always a delight) but then could not put the book down once the plot got rolling.
But, Jack Friday, please give us more of Aunt Sylvie next time. That woman has secrets upon secrets and the most delightful snobbery to boot. Anyone who can be described as "a bayonet of a woman" is someone I want to hear more about.
I will definitely be continuing with this series.
The main character, Peter, is not at all like me, and yet he was somehow really relatable. And ballsy, so ballsy! He takes his weed and his manbun into a dilapidated house that is the eyesore of the neighborhood (and inconveniently the target of angry high rollers and hitmen) and makes a silk purse out of that sow's ear of a situation.
To be honest, it takes a really special mystery/thriller to lure me into the genre. It has often felt like a straight white man's genre glutted with cookie cutter books by a few big names. Despite having a male lead for the private investigator, this book felt like a breath of fresh air. It was funny without being silly, it had plot twists that snuck up on the reader without being convoluted or contrived, and it was genuinely well written. I was hooked by the premise (mysterious inheritances are always a delight) but then could not put the book down once the plot got rolling.
But, Jack Friday, please give us more of Aunt Sylvie next time. That woman has secrets upon secrets and the most delightful snobbery to boot. Anyone who can be described as "a bayonet of a woman" is someone I want to hear more about.
I will definitely be continuing with this series.
April 16, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. It had a classic noir detective novel feel but with 21st century characters. Peter is living in a friend’s garage, selling drugs to make ends meet, and pretty much failing at life after his mother’s death. Until he inherits his uncle’s house worth a small fortune, his uncle’s debt, and the trouble that got his uncle killed in the first place. Peter sets out trying to figure out how to stay alive while searching for answers about his uncle’s death. In walks Grady, a private detective who offers to help Peter in exchange for Peter’s help at his office. In a story that kept me engaged from the moment I started until I finished, Peter finds out who he is and what he wants for his life. This was a quick read, but that could be because I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend this novel!
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of Killer Vibes: The First Peter Key Mystery, by Jack Friday, from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 4 ⭐
Y’all?
I had no business in the world liking this book as much as I did.
I’m old, I’m not bisexual (plus I’m a prude when it comes to sex in books, usually), and I don’t smoke dope (any more, those days are decades behind me). Nor do I live in Texas (as much as I’ve wanted to over the years).
But for some reason this very easy read just sucked me in. And it was easy to put down and pick back up again (I had some stupid adulting to do over the past few days that necessitated such). Plus, as I told My Beloved Husband, I realized at some point that I was dragging out the reading of it because it was so much fun that I didn’t want it to end, knowing that there wasn’t a second in the series yet.
So hurry up and write that and more, Jack Friday! And definitely give us more of the aunt and the sister as you go forward.
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
Meet 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.
Received a complimentary copy of Killer Vibes: The First Peter Key Mystery, by Jack Friday, from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 4 ⭐
Y’all?
I had no business in the world liking this book as much as I did.
I’m old, I’m not bisexual (plus I’m a prude when it comes to sex in books, usually), and I don’t smoke dope (any more, those days are decades behind me). Nor do I live in Texas (as much as I’ve wanted to over the years).
But for some reason this very easy read just sucked me in. And it was easy to put down and pick back up again (I had some stupid adulting to do over the past few days that necessitated such). Plus, as I told My Beloved Husband, I realized at some point that I was dragging out the reading of it because it was so much fun that I didn’t want it to end, knowing that there wasn’t a second in the series yet.
So hurry up and write that and more, Jack Friday! And definitely give us more of the aunt and the sister as you go forward.
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
Meet 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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 3.5
This is my first read of this author. I didn’t know what to expect from a bisexual-man-bun-wearing-weed-smoking amateur sleuth. We really get a look at how Peter ends up in Austin, right from the start. It sets the stage, and looks like we will have an unlikely, unreliable hero/sleuth/narrator that we may or may not like. I had an inkling at the beginning that some people were not who they portrayed themselves to be, but I was way off on so many things. There are quite a few characters, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed or the need to have a notepad while reading.
Peter is having a time of it. Getting kicked out of his home (deservedly), getting threatened, getting saddled with a large loan, getting followed, and did I mention getting threatened? While Peter may have initially come across as a slacker, you know there is more to him, as his aunt points out; he has been selling marijuana most of his life and has not been caught.
I liked Peter's growth throughout the story and how he used his wits/instincts. He went through a lot searching for answers to his uncle’s death as well as finding his own direction instead of floating from garage to garage.
To say Peter’s family is complicated is an understatement. I hope there is more of Aunt Sylvie in the books to come. With Grady, LaShirl, and Carlos, Peter will do okay in Austin, but Austin may not be ready for him.
Thank you, #NetGalley and #MinotaurBooks, for the opportunity to read and share my thoughts.
Happy Reading!
This is my first read of this author. I didn’t know what to expect from a bisexual-man-bun-wearing-weed-smoking amateur sleuth. We really get a look at how Peter ends up in Austin, right from the start. It sets the stage, and looks like we will have an unlikely, unreliable hero/sleuth/narrator that we may or may not like. I had an inkling at the beginning that some people were not who they portrayed themselves to be, but I was way off on so many things. There are quite a few characters, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed or the need to have a notepad while reading.
Peter is having a time of it. Getting kicked out of his home (deservedly), getting threatened, getting saddled with a large loan, getting followed, and did I mention getting threatened? While Peter may have initially come across as a slacker, you know there is more to him, as his aunt points out; he has been selling marijuana most of his life and has not been caught.
I liked Peter's growth throughout the story and how he used his wits/instincts. He went through a lot searching for answers to his uncle’s death as well as finding his own direction instead of floating from garage to garage.
To say Peter’s family is complicated is an understatement. I hope there is more of Aunt Sylvie in the books to come. With Grady, LaShirl, and Carlos, Peter will do okay in Austin, but Austin may not be ready for him.
Thank you, #NetGalley and #MinotaurBooks, for the opportunity to read and share my thoughts.
Happy Reading!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Peter Key is a hilarious character, he's lazy, get's stoned, sells weed, and lives in other's people houses and yet he is somehow endearing. Peter is about to be kicked out of his current garage residence when he finds outs his Uncle Forrest has left him a house in Austin. By the time Peter arrives to the house, he has learned, the house is worth millions, there is an overdue loan on the house, somewhere in the house may be $500K hidden, and oh and his uncle may have been murdered. Add in a cast of characters with their own agenda, Eric, the realtor who needs to sell Peter's inherited house so he can fix his own life, Alice, a property manager who wants to also sell the house, a couple of small town thugs, a private detective and Brutus the dog. Trying to figure out the mystery of what happened to Uncle Forrest, staying one step ahead of everyone who wants Peter dead or wants his money, not to mention how deep the family secrets go all add to the whirlwind odyssey.
Well written, funny characters and a good mystery with enough red herrings and distractions for the reader to really become engaged in. I laughed out loud, the character of Peter was part immature but thickheaded enough to get himself into situations foolishly. Other characters added to the plot and to the mystery, LaShirl and her no nonsense presence, Tristian was a character I never quite knew where he stood and Sylvia with her secrets. Overall, a good read, an captivating mystery, fun characters, don't miss this one. Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press.
Well written, funny characters and a good mystery with enough red herrings and distractions for the reader to really become engaged in. I laughed out loud, the character of Peter was part immature but thickheaded enough to get himself into situations foolishly. Other characters added to the plot and to the mystery, LaShirl and her no nonsense presence, Tristian was a character I never quite knew where he stood and Sylvia with her secrets. Overall, a good read, an captivating mystery, fun characters, don't miss this one. Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and to St. Martin's Press for the ARC of Killer Vibes by Jack Friday.
What a fun read this was! And a great start to a new PI detective series!
I was really pleasantly surprised and invested in this book. It has Carl Hiaasen-esque humor, the grittiness and violence of S.A. Cosby, and a layered mystery style similar to Michael Connelly. It also has its own style and vibes that really draw a reader in -- Peter Key is so easy to identify with because he has no idea what he's doing, and so stumbling along with him feels really genuine in both his story and in the development of a PI series/origin point.
The mystery itself develops slowly, and then goes all in, but our introduction to Peter is a hilarious scene with his landlord's brother and girlfriend and its aftermath that really sets the scene for a mystery story that is serious but doesn't take itself too seriously. Once the mystery really starts to pick up, there is a lot of action, character development and character introduction - some of which is a bit dark and definitely means this is not a cozy mystery (TW There is a sexual assault scene late in the book, not to mention some pretty detailed death descriptions). The mystery keeps going in layers, a few that you can start to predict, and some that slam into you as "Oh, of course!" as soon as you get to them. It keeps you guessing, and it keeps you invested.
I would definitely continue to read more books in this series.
What a fun read this was! And a great start to a new PI detective series!
I was really pleasantly surprised and invested in this book. It has Carl Hiaasen-esque humor, the grittiness and violence of S.A. Cosby, and a layered mystery style similar to Michael Connelly. It also has its own style and vibes that really draw a reader in -- Peter Key is so easy to identify with because he has no idea what he's doing, and so stumbling along with him feels really genuine in both his story and in the development of a PI series/origin point.
The mystery itself develops slowly, and then goes all in, but our introduction to Peter is a hilarious scene with his landlord's brother and girlfriend and its aftermath that really sets the scene for a mystery story that is serious but doesn't take itself too seriously. Once the mystery really starts to pick up, there is a lot of action, character development and character introduction - some of which is a bit dark and definitely means this is not a cozy mystery (TW There is a sexual assault scene late in the book, not to mention some pretty detailed death descriptions). The mystery keeps going in layers, a few that you can start to predict, and some that slam into you as "Oh, of course!" as soon as you get to them. It keeps you guessing, and it keeps you invested.
I would definitely continue to read more books in this series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Peter Key, the protagonist, is a small time weed dealer whose supplier goes by the name “Chlorine.” When not dealing to local minor league baseball players, he is getting high and having sex with random men and women. Peter is bisexual, which is a somewhat important aspect of the story. His choice of recreational activities will get him in trouble when his “landlord” (Peter is living in the guy’s garage) comes home early and finds Peter engaged in intimate activities with the landlord’s girlfriend and landlord’s brother. He loses his housing, his supplier, and what little cash he has.
With this opening sequence, it seems like this story could be farcical in nature. And it certainly has its humorous moments. However, the story ends up being more serious when Peter learns that his Uncle Forrest, who he hardly knew, has named him as sole beneficiary to his estate, which includes a rundown house on an expensive piece of property in Austin, as well as a mysterious $500,000 loan, the proceeds of which are unaccounted for. Multiple people are very interested in the house; the bank wants the loan repaid (and the house was the collateral); someone seems to be following Peter; and a young man visits with a cryptic warning. Before long there are attempts on his life, the discovery of $1 million; the appearance of a private detective (who becomes his employer); a mysterious fraternity; suspicion about his uncle’s death; a friendly barista; a professional gambler.
With this opening sequence, it seems like this story could be farcical in nature. And it certainly has its humorous moments. However, the story ends up being more serious when Peter learns that his Uncle Forrest, who he hardly knew, has named him as sole beneficiary to his estate, which includes a rundown house on an expensive piece of property in Austin, as well as a mysterious $500,000 loan, the proceeds of which are unaccounted for. Multiple people are very interested in the house; the bank wants the loan repaid (and the house was the collateral); someone seems to be following Peter; and a young man visits with a cryptic warning. Before long there are attempts on his life, the discovery of $1 million; the appearance of a private detective (who becomes his employer); a mysterious fraternity; suspicion about his uncle’s death; a friendly barista; a professional gambler.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley
“Lazy” Texas private investigator Peter Key has been living in a friend’s garage; the unexpected death of his Uncle Forrest leaves him the lone beneficiary of his estate. There’s a house in Austin along with and a mountain of debt . . . and a missing half a million dollars in cash.
Although ramshackle is a polite description of the house, Pete decides to stay and see if he can figure out why his Uncle left him a house worth more than a million dollars. It isn’t long before a stranger arrives at his door, warning him to sell the house and leave while he still can.
Could something malevolent have led to Uncle Forrest’s death?
=========
The shenanigans in this delightfully unique mystery pull the reader into the telling of the tale from the outset. Peter is an engaging character in a twisty story that keeps the pages turning as fast as possible. Short chapters keep the suspense building while humorous moments offer some respite from the tension. Readers are likely to find it impossible to set this book aside before turning the final page.
Readers who enjoy character-driven tales, surprising mysteries, and a good bit of humor will find much to appreciate here.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#KillerVibes #NetGalley
“Lazy” Texas private investigator Peter Key has been living in a friend’s garage; the unexpected death of his Uncle Forrest leaves him the lone beneficiary of his estate. There’s a house in Austin along with and a mountain of debt . . . and a missing half a million dollars in cash.
Although ramshackle is a polite description of the house, Pete decides to stay and see if he can figure out why his Uncle left him a house worth more than a million dollars. It isn’t long before a stranger arrives at his door, warning him to sell the house and leave while he still can.
Could something malevolent have led to Uncle Forrest’s death?
=========
The shenanigans in this delightfully unique mystery pull the reader into the telling of the tale from the outset. Peter is an engaging character in a twisty story that keeps the pages turning as fast as possible. Short chapters keep the suspense building while humorous moments offer some respite from the tension. Readers are likely to find it impossible to set this book aside before turning the final page.
Readers who enjoy character-driven tales, surprising mysteries, and a good bit of humor will find much to appreciate here.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#KillerVibes #NetGalley
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March 29, 2026⬦ Bisexual MC (Friends with Benefits Male Love Interest & Suspicious Frenemy Female Love Interest)
⬦ EVERYONE is Sus (except the dog who is an angel)
⬦ Creepy Paranoia-Inducing Neighbourhood
⬦ A Surprising Lot of Explosions
⬦ Complicated Family Relationships
When MC is down on his luck and on the verge of becoming homeless, he miraculously comes into a substantial inheritance from his uncle. But his uncle’s house also comes with life threatening dangers, with many people desperate to claw the inheritance away from MC...
This was such a fun and entertaining read! It had me hooked from the first few paragraphs as it teased the mystery of how MC ended up in such a peculiar situation. Most importantly, MC is a VERY entertaining and witty narrator, making Killer Vibes an enjoyable and easy read. I also really liked how everyone in the town just seemed SO suspicious to the reader, they seriously gave me the creeps! I was basically questioning everyone’s trustworthiness just like MC as the story progressed. All the characters were memorable, but I have to give a special shoutout to Brutus the German Shepherd for being the goodest boy!!
I do feel that , but overall, the little teasing hints and clues had me devouring this book!!!
⬦ EVERYONE is Sus (except the dog who is an angel)
⬦ Creepy Paranoia-Inducing Neighbourhood
⬦ A Surprising Lot of Explosions
⬦ Complicated Family Relationships
When MC is down on his luck and on the verge of becoming homeless, he miraculously comes into a substantial inheritance from his uncle. But his uncle’s house also comes with life threatening dangers, with many people desperate to claw the inheritance away from MC...
This was such a fun and entertaining read! It had me hooked from the first few paragraphs as it teased the mystery of how MC ended up in such a peculiar situation. Most importantly, MC is a VERY entertaining and witty narrator, making Killer Vibes an enjoyable and easy read. I also really liked how everyone in the town just seemed SO suspicious to the reader, they seriously gave me the creeps! I was basically questioning everyone’s trustworthiness just like MC as the story progressed. All the characters were memorable, but I have to give a special shoutout to Brutus the German Shepherd for being the goodest boy!!
I do feel that , but overall, the little teasing hints and clues had me devouring this book!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the first outing of the Peter Key Mystery Series. The late-to-launch stoner dude is what pulled me into the crowded detective genre. Peter is proudly Bi-sexual and there is a lot of that woven into the pages. What stood out more to me, though, is Peter is a decent human with pretty strong deductive skills under all of that un/misdirected life.
With a bit of mentoring from his new boss, Peter finds himself somewhat of a private detective sidekick. Peter's Uncle has died and left him his entire estate. That kicks off a few murders, attempted murders, meeting up with his long-lost cousin, various sharks (aka real estate agents), a pile of cash people are willing to kill for, and a dilapidated home in a wealthy neighborhood. There is a bit of the madcap to it all.
Killer Vibes takes place in Austin, TX known for its weirdness among other things. The author pokes fun at the self-importance of the city and its inhabitants while also honoring its beauty and what originally made it special. For now, it seems gentrification has taken over yet another locale.
Though set in Austin, Killer Vibes would be perfect for a beach or poolside read come publication day, July 14, 2026.
With a bit of mentoring from his new boss, Peter finds himself somewhat of a private detective sidekick. Peter's Uncle has died and left him his entire estate. That kicks off a few murders, attempted murders, meeting up with his long-lost cousin, various sharks (aka real estate agents), a pile of cash people are willing to kill for, and a dilapidated home in a wealthy neighborhood. There is a bit of the madcap to it all.
Killer Vibes takes place in Austin, TX known for its weirdness among other things. The author pokes fun at the self-importance of the city and its inhabitants while also honoring its beauty and what originally made it special. For now, it seems gentrification has taken over yet another locale.
Though set in Austin, Killer Vibes would be perfect for a beach or poolside read come publication day, July 14, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is one of the best mysteries I've read in a long time. The setup is fascinating, and the place most of the action happens is one of my favorites: Austin, Texas. The author does a great job of evoking the location, as well as giving a novel description of learning to be a private investigator. So it's a kind of Everyman story of a guy getting caught up in a murder mystery, but also this man discovering a talent for investigations, ie "being a pain in the ass."
The mystery unfolds in a very engaging way and has a good twist at the end (and others along the way). Usually, I can barely keep up, but somehow there were clues I could think about and at least suspect some of the things that were going to happen. Great fun!
One of the things I like about mystery/thrillers is that the investigator is an astute observer of people and place; I feel I must point out that this guy is bisexual, and so it seems that everyone he observes gets evaluated on their sexual attractiveness. He does it in a very amusing way, but honestly, being a cis man, I think he spends way too much time thinking about that stuff. This does not diminish the credibility, it just makes me sad that a hundred years of corporate marketing has victimized so many people of every orientation, including my own.
The mystery unfolds in a very engaging way and has a good twist at the end (and others along the way). Usually, I can barely keep up, but somehow there were clues I could think about and at least suspect some of the things that were going to happen. Great fun!
One of the things I like about mystery/thrillers is that the investigator is an astute observer of people and place; I feel I must point out that this guy is bisexual, and so it seems that everyone he observes gets evaluated on their sexual attractiveness. He does it in a very amusing way, but honestly, being a cis man, I think he spends way too much time thinking about that stuff. This does not diminish the credibility, it just makes me sad that a hundred years of corporate marketing has victimized so many people of every orientation, including my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(4.5*) [Netgalley ARC] There's a always excitement mixed with a little bit of trepidation when you pick up a mystery novel centered around a P.I. It is well trodden ground for a reason - it is hard to beat the enoyment of reading a well-crafted mystery - yet, it is such a well mined vein of storytelling, there's always a nagging concern that any fresh ideas for the genre have been depleted. So, what a delight it is that Friday is able to create a compelling stroy that invokes the well-drawn character work of Elmore Leonard, the cynacsim of someone like Ross Thomas, and dashes of the surreality and humor of someone like Pynchon or a Shane Black script.
Peter Key is a bisexual stoner who has nothing going for him, until he very suddenly has everything going for him. However, the stings attached to his newfound fortune are more likely to kill him than see him enjoy them for long. His charm and his run of good luck nets him some valuable friends, lovers, allies and a German Sheppard that give him a fighting chance of surviving, and also discovering some truths about himself along the way.
I look forward to reading more Peter Key stories in the future!
Peter Key is a bisexual stoner who has nothing going for him, until he very suddenly has everything going for him. However, the stings attached to his newfound fortune are more likely to kill him than see him enjoy them for long. His charm and his run of good luck nets him some valuable friends, lovers, allies and a German Sheppard that give him a fighting chance of surviving, and also discovering some truths about himself along the way.
I look forward to reading more Peter Key stories in the future!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Peter Key, about to be homeless, miraculously found himself the recipient of a house worth over a million dollars. Still cash broke, but he at least will have a roof over his head. Unfortunately, he inherited more than the house. He inherited a whole lot of trouble.
This is a fun story, yet it has some heart aching situations. Peter's inner musings really light up the story. There's a colorful cast of characters, and everyone is suspicious in Peter's eye. Can't tell who is friend and who is foe, who is honest and who is lying, who is victim and who is villain. The mystery starts with the money, but it seems like the more answers Peter gets, the more questions he has. There are some twists and surprise revelations along the way.
There is some violence, including a few explosions. There are a few deaths. There isn't any explicit sexual content, but there are things that are alluded to and/or hinted at (or the start of...)
I really enjoyed the writing style of the book. It's a fantastic start to the series, and I look forward to seeing what happens next in Peter's life.
*I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.
This is a fun story, yet it has some heart aching situations. Peter's inner musings really light up the story. There's a colorful cast of characters, and everyone is suspicious in Peter's eye. Can't tell who is friend and who is foe, who is honest and who is lying, who is victim and who is villain. The mystery starts with the money, but it seems like the more answers Peter gets, the more questions he has. There are some twists and surprise revelations along the way.
There is some violence, including a few explosions. There are a few deaths. There isn't any explicit sexual content, but there are things that are alluded to and/or hinted at (or the start of...)
I really enjoyed the writing style of the book. It's a fantastic start to the series, and I look forward to seeing what happens next in Peter's life.
*I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This book was a fun and engaging mystery that balanced humor with real tension. The story follows Peter Key as he gets caught up in a case that starts simple and slowly becomes more complicated. Each new clue adds another layer to the mystery. The pacing feels steady and keeps the story moving without feeling rushed or slow. It was easy to stay interested as the stakes continued to grow.
Peter Key is a strong main character who feels realistic and flawed. He is clever but not perfect which makes his decisions more interesting. His thoughts add light humor even in serious moments. The side characters also help build the story and each one has a clear role. The interactions between them make the world feel more real and add to the overall experience.
The plot includes a mix of predictable and surprising twists which made it fun to follow. It feels like a puzzle that slowly comes together. The tone stays light even when the story turns darker which adds to the enjoyment. I gave this book four stars because some moments could have had more depth. Even so it was an entertaining read and a solid start to the series
Peter Key is a strong main character who feels realistic and flawed. He is clever but not perfect which makes his decisions more interesting. His thoughts add light humor even in serious moments. The side characters also help build the story and each one has a clear role. The interactions between them make the world feel more real and add to the overall experience.
The plot includes a mix of predictable and surprising twists which made it fun to follow. It feels like a puzzle that slowly comes together. The tone stays light even when the story turns darker which adds to the enjoyment. I gave this book four stars because some moments could have had more depth. Even so it was an entertaining read and a solid start to the series
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I don't read a ton of mystery and I was hoping that this would be a promising, if not decently okay entry when I added it to my list -- back when the book still had months to be released (at the time of writing this). On a whim, I entered Goodreads' giveaway, surprisingly won, and am really glad of the fact because not only was this decently okay, it was actually really damn good!
This book gave me everything I could want in a mystery: Queer, for a start. A little messy, then a LOT messy. Drama. Intrigue. Beyoncé. Friday starts with a relative easy speed then jams it into high gear and doesn't take his foot off the pedal until it's done. The short chapters help a lot with that kind of break neck speed as the mystery unravels nicely.
My only slight problem was near the end with the framing of the antagonist. Obviously trying to set up a Big Bad for future installments, so I get it. There probably could have been a workaround for addressing the power dynamics other than "they're both abusive to each other." But that is a small issue in the grand scheme of things, and probably won't really matter should there be more to come.
And I do hope there is more! I'll be seated for them for sure.
This book gave me everything I could want in a mystery: Queer, for a start. A little messy, then a LOT messy. Drama. Intrigue. Beyoncé. Friday starts with a relative easy speed then jams it into high gear and doesn't take his foot off the pedal until it's done. The short chapters help a lot with that kind of break neck speed as the mystery unravels nicely.
My only slight problem was near the end with the framing of the antagonist. Obviously trying to set up a Big Bad for future installments, so I get it. There probably could have been a workaround for addressing the power dynamics other than "they're both abusive to each other." But that is a small issue in the grand scheme of things, and probably won't really matter should there be more to come.
And I do hope there is more! I'll be seated for them for sure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Peter Kay likes to sell and smoke dope and do not much of anything else. Unfortunately he just been kicked out of his friend's garage where he has been living and has no money, no car, and nowhere else to go. Luckily he has also been informed that he has received a surprise inheritance from an uncle who recently died so he immediately heads to Austin to collect. This book pulled me in from the beginning by immediately plunging me into the complete chaos that is Peter Kay. For a spectacularly unambitious guy, he seems to always be plunging from one chaotic mess into another and only surviving a wide array of dangerous situations by sheer luck and occasional flashes of weed-fueled brilliance. When Peter discovers that his uncle's accidental death was actually murder, he vows to get revenge on those responsible and embarks on his mission with more humor and zeal than common sense. This book was entertaining all the way through and I can't wait to see what the next book in the series brings. #NetGalley #KillerVibes
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Peter is a pothead who is perfectly content selling pot and couch surfing. Just when his luck runs out on couches, a lawyer finds him to let him know that his uncle has left him an estate. He is confused since he has only met this uncle once. With no place else to go, he heads to Hyde Park in Texas.
He finds his estate ,while worth a fortune, is in need of serious TLC. The more he learns about his new area, the pushy neighbor and additional insight into his uncle's last days, he starts to see that maybe this was no accident.
With the help of Grady, a P.I. who has hired him and a cast of other characters, Peter learns very quickly that he is in danger.
This book is really fun. It is a quick and easy read that keeps you engaged the whole way through. While Peter is a bit lazy with no real direction, you can't help but love him and his personality. At his core, he is just a really caring and good human being.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
He finds his estate ,while worth a fortune, is in need of serious TLC. The more he learns about his new area, the pushy neighbor and additional insight into his uncle's last days, he starts to see that maybe this was no accident.
With the help of Grady, a P.I. who has hired him and a cast of other characters, Peter learns very quickly that he is in danger.
This book is really fun. It is a quick and easy read that keeps you engaged the whole way through. While Peter is a bit lazy with no real direction, you can't help but love him and his personality. At his core, he is just a really caring and good human being.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
8/10
Jack Friday has balls.
One day it seems he sat down and decided that he’s going to take a homeless, jobless, pot smoking, bisexual slacker who has a lot more sass than ambition, and somehow turn him into a hero.
That’s not an easy sell. That story can go sideways pretty quickly.
It turns out Mr. Friday pulled it off.
Peter Key is the most unlikely hero from the beginning and he remains the most unlikely hero through until the end. There’s more than a little bit of luck that goes his way, but somehow he’s living his best life.
When Peter is just a few minutes from being broke and kicked out of the garage he’s living in, he finds out his estranged uncle died and left him his house - which is worth $1m or more.
It all sounds good until Peter gets down to the house and the weird shenanigans start happening.
Car chases, murder, suspense, sex… it’s got it all.
And I can’t wait until the next book in the series.
#netgalley #killervibes
Jack Friday has balls.
One day it seems he sat down and decided that he’s going to take a homeless, jobless, pot smoking, bisexual slacker who has a lot more sass than ambition, and somehow turn him into a hero.
That’s not an easy sell. That story can go sideways pretty quickly.
It turns out Mr. Friday pulled it off.
Peter Key is the most unlikely hero from the beginning and he remains the most unlikely hero through until the end. There’s more than a little bit of luck that goes his way, but somehow he’s living his best life.
When Peter is just a few minutes from being broke and kicked out of the garage he’s living in, he finds out his estranged uncle died and left him his house - which is worth $1m or more.
It all sounds good until Peter gets down to the house and the weird shenanigans start happening.
Car chases, murder, suspense, sex… it’s got it all.
And I can’t wait until the next book in the series.
#netgalley #killervibes
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC of Killer Vibes by Jack Friday. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the first in the Peter Key series. Peter is down on his luck. He has no money and is living in friend’s garage in Dallas when an attorney informs him that his Uncle Forrest has died and left him a million dollar house in Austin. Forrest also took out a $500k loan but those proceeds are missing. This good fortune is just in time until Peter shows up at the house in Austin, a dump, and people show up to either sell or rent the house and won’t take no for an answer. He is also followed by some suspicious characters and is warned that Forrest was in deep trouble that is likely to find Peter.
Overall, the book kept me engaged with a few twists and a surprise ending. I liked Peter. He has a great sarcastic whit. I would definitely come back for round two.
This book is the first in the Peter Key series. Peter is down on his luck. He has no money and is living in friend’s garage in Dallas when an attorney informs him that his Uncle Forrest has died and left him a million dollar house in Austin. Forrest also took out a $500k loan but those proceeds are missing. This good fortune is just in time until Peter shows up at the house in Austin, a dump, and people show up to either sell or rent the house and won’t take no for an answer. He is also followed by some suspicious characters and is warned that Forrest was in deep trouble that is likely to find Peter.
Overall, the book kept me engaged with a few twists and a surprise ending. I liked Peter. He has a great sarcastic whit. I would definitely come back for round two.
March 30, 2026
This is definitely not my typical type of read, but it sounded interesting so I thought I’d give it a try. I am so glad I did! Even though I found the characters pretty typical of what I’d expect in this genre I still liked them.
Peter has pretty much hit rock bottom, and while trying to figure out what he’s going to do he finds out his estranged uncle left him his home and a $500,000 debt that he took out shortly before his death. Convinced his uncle’s death was not an accident Peter begins looking into it.
From the very beginning I was sucked into Peter’s story. I found the ending and the way Peter pieced together all of the pieces of the puzzle to be very satisfying. It reminded me of Ocean’s Eleven when they show you how the stole the money.
I will definitely be looking for the next Peter Key book!
Peter has pretty much hit rock bottom, and while trying to figure out what he’s going to do he finds out his estranged uncle left him his home and a $500,000 debt that he took out shortly before his death. Convinced his uncle’s death was not an accident Peter begins looking into it.
From the very beginning I was sucked into Peter’s story. I found the ending and the way Peter pieced together all of the pieces of the puzzle to be very satisfying. It reminded me of Ocean’s Eleven when they show you how the stole the money.
I will definitely be looking for the next Peter Key book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Peter Key is the main character and hasn't had the best life. So when he finds out one day that he has inherited his uncle's house and money he thinks his life is about to turn around for the better. The only problem is that everyone wants a piece of his money and will do anything to get it.
I had no idea going into this book who the author was (Jack Friday) or that it was labeled LGBT. I was just reading it because it was a thriller. On that note, it was not overly sexual and was an easy read. But I would not label it as a thriller. It was more of a cozy mystery to me. There were a lot of characters so you do need to keep them straight and pay attention. But other than that it was a decent book with a couple fun characters in it.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I had no idea going into this book who the author was (Jack Friday) or that it was labeled LGBT. I was just reading it because it was a thriller. On that note, it was not overly sexual and was an easy read. But I would not label it as a thriller. It was more of a cozy mystery to me. There were a lot of characters so you do need to keep them straight and pay attention. But other than that it was a decent book with a couple fun characters in it.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Before you start reading this quirky mystery, you have to pack away all of your preconceived ideas of what you think a private investigator is, because Peter Kay is not what you are picturing in your head. He is way better!
This is a funny, sweet, scary mystery that makes you feel all the feels, and I loved it. A quick read for anyone who enjoys a clever mystery packed full of funny quotes, family drama, and an ending that clears up everything. I cannot wait to read the next book in the Peter Kay mystery series!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for picking another winner and gifting me with the ability to read it in advance of the July 14, 2026, publication date. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC.
This is a funny, sweet, scary mystery that makes you feel all the feels, and I loved it. A quick read for anyone who enjoys a clever mystery packed full of funny quotes, family drama, and an ending that clears up everything. I cannot wait to read the next book in the Peter Kay mystery series!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for picking another winner and gifting me with the ability to read it in advance of the July 14, 2026, publication date. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I saw this book listed on a Jordy’s Book Club post, and I was excited by the idea of a funny mystery. This was definitely that with a few twists along the way. There were some stereotypes and comments made that I didn’t love, but I do think that they were all part of developing character. I just wish this could be done in a different way. I was taken in by the main characters though and I’m excited about the possibility of a second book in this series. The book is released in mid-July 2026. Read the overview and check it out if you think it might be for you.
January 19, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This mystery follows Peter Key, a down on his luck burnout, who in turn of events inherits his uncles home in Austin, TX right as he is kicked out of his current place. Once in the home he finds himself tangled in a mystery of his uncles death and subsequent debts that are now his, and a nagging felling that he needs to get the bottom of what’s going on.
This was great kickoff to what I assume will be a series, the characters are entertaining and the mystery was full of fun twists. I was hooked from beginning to end.
This mystery follows Peter Key, a down on his luck burnout, who in turn of events inherits his uncles home in Austin, TX right as he is kicked out of his current place. Once in the home he finds himself tangled in a mystery of his uncles death and subsequent debts that are now his, and a nagging felling that he needs to get the bottom of what’s going on.
This was great kickoff to what I assume will be a series, the characters are entertaining and the mystery was full of fun twists. I was hooked from beginning to end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I didn't think I was going to like this novel about a bisexual, unambitious stoner dude. Surprisingly I liked him quite a bit. He's a nice guy and that attribute really comes through. Peter received an inheritance from an uncle he barely knew. He inherited the house, the money, the car, the would-be assassins. You know. Turns out Uncle Forrest was keeping a few secrets. This is almost a cozy mystery, but I think there are a few too many dead bodies to really qualify. I look forward to seeing what Peter is getting up to in the next book. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
(3 1/2). Hard to take a breath once you start this one. Peter Key is just a fascinating guy. This whole story is off the page in the most interesting ways. Yes, Peter is bi-sexual, but that only adds to the intrigue of everything. To say there are twists and turns in this book is the understatement of the year, everything keeps spinning around in the strangest yet most logical ways you can imagine. Pretty much from start to finish. Some very decent supporting characters here and a wonderful dog makes it all work nicely as well. I will be happy to read another in this series when it happens. Good stuff.
April 6, 2026
A really solid start to the Peter Key series. It pulled me in fast with a darker, slightly gritty vibe that kept me reading. Peter is messy and not perfect, which made him more interesting to follow.
The pacing was steady with a few twists that actually surprised me. The atmosphere stood out the most—there’s this constant uneasy feeling throughout.
The ending worked, though I wouldn’t have minded a little more closure. Overall, a strong first book and I’d keep going with the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC
The pacing was steady with a few twists that actually surprised me. The atmosphere stood out the most—there’s this constant uneasy feeling throughout.
The ending worked, though I wouldn’t have minded a little more closure. Overall, a strong first book and I’d keep going with the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.
This is such an enjoyable read, I loved it and Peter is such an enjoyable character, quite unique: he's broke, has no job, smokes a lot of weed and is bisexual. Plus, he has a lot of guts!
Just about to start couch surfing again, he finds out he has inherited a house in a very desirable area of Austin, Texas. However, there are some strings attached, strings that could easily cost him his life!
This is the 1st in the series and I can't wait to see what's in store for him next. Accompanied by trusted hound Brutus of course.
This is such an enjoyable read, I loved it and Peter is such an enjoyable character, quite unique: he's broke, has no job, smokes a lot of weed and is bisexual. Plus, he has a lot of guts!
Just about to start couch surfing again, he finds out he has inherited a house in a very desirable area of Austin, Texas. However, there are some strings attached, strings that could easily cost him his life!
This is the 1st in the series and I can't wait to see what's in store for him next. Accompanied by trusted hound Brutus of course.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Reminds me of a Carl Hiaasen book - Original eclectic offbeat characters that become embroiled in questionable activities with morally gray outcomes creating a fun ride for the reader. These characters are working hard to Keep Austin Weird.
Good mystery with Peter trying to figure out what happened to his uncle who left him a house along with a lot of trouble. It did get a little dark at times, but it was very interesting. Great start for a series.
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Peter is the kind of guy who you would have as a loyal friend. He is absolutely at rock bottom, when a "gift" from his now deceased uncle lands literally in his lap. Add in a dog, a family he never knew about, as well as funny side kicks he runs into and there you go. Not a type of story I normally would have picked up, but it was easy to read, funny, serious at times, and makes you root for the underdog who clearly has zero idea what he is doing--in life or in his job!
Thanks to NetGalley, Mr Friday, and St Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to NetGalley, Mr Friday, and St Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
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