It’s always special to read the first installment of a series, and KILLER VIBES is no exception. The author is Jack Friday, the pseudonym for John Fram, who previously has written THE BRIGHT LANDS, NO ROAD HOME and THE MIDNIGHT KNOCK. They have been described as queer horror novels that deliver mind-bending thrills and nuanced character studies. Fram chose to write this book under a pen name because he wanted to be certain that readers didn’t have any preconceived notions about it.

"I admire mysteries that place their characters in precarious situations but do not require superhuman escapes that defy even basic logic.... KILLER VIBES is an entertaining and enjoyable read, and I look forward to future adventures with much anticipation."

In this slightly more conventional series, Peter Key --- who considers himself to be the laziest private investigator in Texas --- is a bisexual drug user who inherits a home from his uncle in a wealthy Austin neighborhood. He quickly discovers that his uncle’s death was probably not an accident. While Peter may have hoped that his newfound wealth would be the solution to his own financial difficulties, events soon turn against him. The dilapidated house also includes heavy pressure to sell the property. Unbeknownst to him, it was encumbered by his uncle with substantial debt. But Peter is stubborn, and his unwillingness to sell puts his life in danger.

At this point, KILLER VIBES becomes a more traditional mystery novel. Two goons follow Peter as he maneuvers through the streets of Austin. He nicknames them Tweedle Dee and Pond Scum. There is a shady attorney who Peter doesn’t trust and a private investigator, Grady Bernaise, who is brought on to protect him and eventually hires him to help with the large backlog of his cases. Finally, there is a loveable German shepherd named Brutus who becomes Peter’s loyal companion. These characters bring a great deal of humor and suspense to the story.

Jack Friday himself lives in Austin, and he takes the opportunity to mix in the appropriate descriptions of wealth and irreverence that seem to characterize the Texas lifestyle. There are funny moments in Peter’s adventure, as well as several dangerous challenges. I admire mysteries that place their characters in precarious situations but do not require superhuman escapes that defy even basic logic. I also respect the author for not making Peter a sympathetic figure. Whenever faced with a problem, his first solution seems to be to light up a joint or a blunt.

KILLER VIBES is an entertaining and enjoyable read, and I look forward to future adventures with much anticipation.