Killer Vibes: The First Peter Key Mystery (Peter Key Mystery #1)

Killer Vibes: The First Peter Key Mystery (Peter Key Mystery #1)

$34.80

Review Quotes: One of Deep South Magazine's "Summer Reading List 2026""The real treat is pointed social commentary, hilarious one-liners, and joke call-backs . . . With expert pacing and plotting and laughs galore, this book...

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Description

Review Quotes:

One of Deep South Magazine's "Summer Reading List 2026"

"The real treat is pointed social commentary, hilarious one-liners, and joke call-backs . . . With expert pacing and plotting and laughs galore, this book is a rip-roaring good time."--Booklist (Starred Review)

"Writing with a sharp sense of humor of which Carl Hiaasen would approve, and a keen insight into characterization Ross Macdonald would admire, Friday delivers a crime novel with both style and substance."-- Library Journal (Starred Review)

"[A] quirky and charming debut . . . Friday's breezy plotting keeps things moving at a steady pace, and his flawed, funny characters call to mind the antiheroes of Carl Hiaasen. Readers will have fun with this one."-- Publishers Weekly

"In a voice reminiscent of Carl Hiaasen and David Handler, the story hurtles from one outrageous development to another on the cushion of Peter's puckish snark. A promising and compulsively readable series kickoff--hard-boiled light, and curiously refreshing."-- Kirkus Reviews

"The fun in this novel-and there is plenty-is thanks to Peter, whose inner musings (he has an imaginary butler who lends support) keeps the book bouyant."--firstCLUE (Book of the Week)

"Everyone, including this reader, loves a mouthy, witty, not-quite-on-the-level amateur sleuth with an inherited dog . . . Jack Friday vows to continue strewing Key's path with glistering iron pyrite."--Lavender Magazine

" Killer Vibes is propulsive, hilarious, clever and endearing--everything you want in a great mystery. Peter Key may be our newest amateur sleuth, but Jack Friday is a bona fide master of his craft. I would read a hundred more of these books."--Steven Rowley, New York Times bestselling author of The Guncle

"Jack Friday delivers an explosive and witty kickoff to a twisty new mystery series with Killer Vibes! Hilarious, gutsy and resourceful, Peter Key is my new favorite amateur sleuth."--Elle Cosimano, New York Times bestselling author of the Finlay Donovan series

"Prepare to meet your latest obsession. Killer Vibes is masterfully crafted, full of both ingenious plotting and honest-to-God laugh out loud moments. I couldn't tear myself away and will happily follow Peter Key on all his future investigations. Destined to be one of the buzziest books of the summer!"--May Cobb, bestselling author of The Hunting Wives

"A fun, wild, hilarious ride--Peter Key is not your grandma's amateur sleuth, in the best way. This is a fresh take on some classic themes, and it tackles them with a bite. An out of the blue inheritance that's more than it seems, a fancy neighborhood with a dark underbelly, and a snarky world-weary bisexual disaster child who is, underneath it all, endearingly tenacious. Trust me, it's the murder mystery mash-up you didn't know you needed."--Kristen Perrin, New York Times bestselling author of How to Solve Your Own Murder

"A standout new accidental detective. Page-turning, queer fun!"--Lev AC Rosen, award-winning author of the Evander Mills series

"With Killer Vibes, Jack Friday has created one of the most memorable private investigators I've read in years, revealing one twist after another until a final, explosive ending. I devoured it in a weekend and can't wait for Peter Key's next investigation."--Kellye Garrett, award-winning author of Missing White Woman

"Daring, electrifying, and irresistible. Jack Friday delivers a tantalizing and twisty mystery with an unlikely hero at the helm. I promise you've never seen Texas like this before!"--Hannah Morrissey, USA Today bestselling author of The Unlucky Ones



Biographical Note:
JACK FRIDAY is the pen name of John Fram, the author of several queer supernatural thrillers such as The Bright Lands and The Midnight Knock. He lives in Austin, where he does as little as possible.

Publisher Marketing:

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 Citations:

  • Publishers Weekly 04/06/2026 (EAN 9781250428615, Hardcover)
  • Booklist 05/01/2026 (EAN 9781250428615, Hardcover) - *Starred Review
  • Kirkus Reviews 05/15/2026 (EAN 9781250428615, Hardcover)
  • Library Journal 06/01/2026 pg. 60 (EAN 9781250428615, Hardcover) - *Starred Review

Contributor Bio:Friday, Jack
JACK FRIDAY is the pen name of John Fram, the author of several queer supernatural thrillers such as The Bright Lands and The Midnight Knock. He lives in Austin, where he does as little as possible.