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Kelly Jenks

Caffeine & Nicotine

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The deceased are judge and jury. They have an executioner.

Kelly knows the dead boy is going to show him something awful. Jonathan is seven. He never wears shoes and his feet are always clean. He cruises between this world and the next in an old muscle car. Jonathan has a message for Kelly: There is a faceless man preying on the city’s homeless.

Jackie Carmichael hires Kelly to find an employee who has vanished. The case appears simple at first, but Kelly discovers that the missing girl is not who she seems. As Kelly attempts to the solve the mystery of the missing girl and the faceless man, Jonathan brings him another message: Jackie Carmichael is hiding something.

With the beaches, mansions, and dive bars of Orange County, CA as the backdrop, Caffeine & Nicotine is a dark and brutal look at what happens when the dead pass sentence.

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2020

60 people are currently reading
114 people want to read

About the author

Eric Weule

13 books24 followers
Eric Weule lives in Southern California. He’s written some books.

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5 stars
49 (65%)
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17 (22%)
3 stars
7 (9%)
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1 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Ivy.
64 reviews4 followers
December 15, 2020
One word for this novel!!
FANTASTIC!!

This novel is extra ordinary.

thriller
mystery
Paranormal
Rom-Com
All in one book..

Amazingly written and a real page turner..

I love the character of Jakie, a strong independent woman, has lovely personality yet intimidating.
A happy single lady and she has a lovely golden retriever named Booger and a cat named Ninja.. ok enough with Jakie.😂😂😂😂 im here to say that you should read it too. Highly recommended..😍😍😍
Profile Image for Charlie Tyler.
Author 2 books82 followers
October 27, 2020
This is a dark, compelling mystery with a trace of the supernatural. You’ll be wanting copious amounts of coffee and the occasional pink vodka lemonade (plus secret ingredient) to accompany you on this awesome a read. Also, warning, if you aren’t a smoker, you might be by the end of the novel.

Enter Kelly Jenks, one-time bartender and ex-mailman with a past which is somehow connected to notorious criminals; The Gardener and Terrance Ills. Kelly gets by on a diet of cigarettes and alcohol and drives around in a Cougar with eighties soundtrack blaring and usually ends up crashing out in a trailer which contains a fridge full of vodka. Over the course of the novel the readers discovers more about Kelly, but Weule leaves you to make your own mind up as to whether his actions are justified – this part-time avenging angel and occasional PI with a drifter lifestyle. Is it fate that his path crosses with that of Jackie co-owner of the coolest sounding Bolsa Coffee & Tea truck? She is concerned about missing employee, Kelci, although Weule suggests that other demons within her are the driving force which compel her to investigate – to an outsider, her need to find the girl must surely be an over-reaction. At the same time, Kelly discovers the body of a badly beaten woman in a bathtub which he investigates much to the annoyance of Detective Gibbon. I particularly enjoyed this thread of the story, how it unfolded and ended with such a thrilling conclusion.

The opening hits hard. A gruesome lye filled hole in the middle of the desert creates a haunting impression which lingers throughout the story. I love the imagery of this book – who is the mysterious Jonathan who haunts Kelly’s dreams with his vivid orange tee and missing teeth? Why does Kelly have these horrific nightmares about elevators with five scenes of death and torture and what’s with the leech? Who is the blond, beautiful Victoria who smells of wildflowers? Weule gives tantalising snippets of surreal prose which may or may not be related to events playing out in real time.

I love greedy Booger, the disobedient retriever – his internal dialogue made me laugh – it’s also telling that Kelly is the only one who has a calming effect on the creature. Kristin, who works in Talon Investigations is a great secondary character and I love it when she finds her voice. Weule excels at dialogue and I like how he flits between close third person for Jackie and first person for Jenks – I think it works really well. There are stacks of lies to sift through, but it all ties up super neatly at the end. A bizarre text message, uber drivers who smell like Vomit and Vicks, a mysterious guy in DC, doomed relationships and a rendition of a chicken dance that will burn an unpleasant image behind your eyes. Slick, fast-paced, funny and compelling – I really hope this isn’t the last I see of Kelly.
Profile Image for Austrian Spencer.
Author 4 books93 followers
November 3, 2020
Eric Weule’s book makes me so mad.

There are authors that have the ability to write dialogue so well, it is as real as if you were standing in the same room. The ability to do this is remarkably irritating – so naturally done you cannot imagine that it took any effort, and only realize that you have read 100 pages of it after blinking and wondering where the time went. Mr Weule’s book reads exactly like this – annoyingly flawlessly, stretched out onto the page so invitingly, that you are drawn along in his story applauding all of the characters, feeling as comfortable as if this were about you and your friends. It’s wonderful. It’s like “the joy of reading” condensed into a formula you don’t even know you are addicted to, as you get your fix. Dialogue, character relationships, competent detective work. With solid humour and respect as the basis of all the relationships the main character encounters. Damn it. Damn it again.

This book has all of the characteristics of a Lee Child Reacher novel (to whom the author throws an open reference to – which had me say out loud “Eric – you’re being cheeky! Who is next? Connelly?”) - Connelly was next, and I laughed at that too, because he had me. The writing is so friendly, you feel a part of the book. It is as if all the best elements of a detective story have been put together at once. Child’s Gentlemanly giant, a powerhouse with principles, Is in evidence. But there’s a strong female respect and love interest thrown in – the female characters aren’t just independent and well represented – they actively embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and fulfilment. It is as if Mr Weule has taken the best elements of the genre and modernized them but done so immersed in finely tuned relationship studies. It’s just wonderful. You want to stay in that world forever.

"Caffeine and nicotine" is as satisfying a book as I have read in the last half a year. It shows an author on the top of his game, and one of the finest dialogue builders I have read. Respect. How the hell did he do that? Dammit. I’m forgetting to be mad at him again. I just know there was something else perfect in the…



Ah yes.



The damn dog, Eric. One of the highlights of my damn year.


How dare you get a dog so spot on?

Dammit. We need more of the dog, Eric. Please. More dog.

(I think I have fulfilled my grumpy nature. This book is remarkable. Go buy it.)
Profile Image for P.J. Mordant.
Author 4 books240 followers
November 21, 2020
This is a deceptive novel. It purports to be a crime fiction, but in actuality it's a great deal more than that. Primarily, I think, it's about cleaning up the world.

There are two main characters, each with their own POVs: Jackie, a strong but secretly damaged individual who has forged a life for herself as a surf-loving eco-minded entrepreneur. Owning a beachfront coffee business, she trawls the beach every morning, frustratedly taking pictures of all the litter and detritus she picks up on the way, assiduously binning it before she starts work. Soon she becomes embroiled in the affairs of an employee and her journey to the other mc, Kelly the beach-bum detective, begins.

But this is deception. He isn't really a beach bum, but a super-chill, deterministic sort of chap - guided by spirits (not the alcoholic kind) - and who has such a handle on the world, even Booger the dog listens (and, in his own way, replies.) At the start of the novel, we find Kelly binning his own form of detritus: the sort of waste HE combs the world to eradicate.

It's this counterpointing that makes the novel so interesting and unusual. I also love it when the setting becomes almost a character in itself. Sun, surf, coffee, smoke: the whole thing positively shimmered with Pacific vibes and beat culture.

Not what I expected at all. A gem of a book that's a cut-above, Eric Weule. A cut above.

:-)
Profile Image for Jennifer Worrell.
Author 16 books119 followers
December 1, 2020
What's interesting about Caffeine & Nicotine is, the story focuses as much on character and relationship development as solving the crime, a combination that's so refreshing to see. Weule's characters are vivid and real, and they invite you into their lives and dramas so that you don't want to stop reading. The story leads to an ending unlike what you'd expect, yet ties up perfectly. This is definitely one to catch!

Also, I want to snuggle Booger. He's suchagoodboy.
Profile Image for Rachel Deliciously .
530 reviews
January 3, 2021
Wow. This book!!!One of the best I have read in some time.
Thriller ✔️
Mystery ✔️
Supernatural ✔️
Rom-Com✔️
Dark comedy✔️
I loved it. I also found out that this is a sequel. So...off to find the first book. I love Kelly. His character is fabulous. Great read❤️
Profile Image for Ashley Meggitt.
Author 3 books13 followers
June 4, 2021
The cards are on the table from the start with Caffeine & Nicotine. Kelly Jenks is a hard hitting, straight-talking PI, with a moral compass that points in two directions - compassionate towards those in need, ruthless towards those that perpetrate the worst kind of crimes. Kelly is a relatable and likeable character, one that grows on you was the multi-threaded story unwinds.

I enjoyed the beach settings, the references to music, the constant quality coffee, and as an ex-smoker I understood the pleasure of combining those two things with a smoke. I was right there – it felt good.

Given it is a PI story, be it one with a supernatural twist, it’s not surprising that I detect some classic elements of the genre. For me it has a touch of Chandler, but perhaps more of a sprinkling of Kinky Friedman. And that’s a good thing – a really good thing as it’s done well. Eric Weule has created a great character in Kelly and put together a well written, fast paced, and thoroughly enjoyable read. Here’s hoping that’s not the last we see of Kelly Jenks.
Profile Image for Sarah Davis.
Author 6 books251 followers
February 2, 2021
Paranormal SoCal Noir - Fist Pump

So here's the thing. I love a book that can incorporate a dog into the storyline. Caffeine & Nicotine met that bar with Booger! Even better, Eric Weule mixed SoCal Surfer vibe with a P.I. Noir exceptionally well! Caffeine & Nicotine is a California sunset illuminating a metal trailer with an alcohol loving, chain-smoking, ghost communicating private investigator who takes matters into his own hands to eliminate the bad guys. I loved the mystery, the characters, the settings, the songs! My favorite book so far this 2021.
Thank you, Eric, for writing this story! I will be checking out your other writings!!
Profile Image for Rachel Deliciously .
530 reviews
January 3, 2021
Best mystery/thriller/supernatural/comedy I have read in some time. This author has immense talent. I am looking for ALL his books now.
Profile Image for R.K. Emery.
1,260 reviews56 followers
March 1, 2021
Wow, I was not expecting this. The story is not light and fluffy, it is gritty in the best possible way. Eric Weule does not shy away from dark topics and he really makes the reader think with the story he has crafted. You will be completely immersed in his story from beginning to end and it will be hard to put it down to come up for air. Weule is very honest in his writing, he doesn't pull his punches. Great word building and the story really builds from chapter to chapter. It was wonderful!
Profile Image for Ann LaHaza.
23 reviews
February 10, 2021
I liked it

You don’t need to read book 1, The Interview, but it adds depth & understanding to some character interactions in this book. I don’t want to like Kelly Jenks, but I do. I liked the surprises in the story. Kelly looks into a missing person that ends differently than expected. The new friendships he forms are interesting & his secretary finding her voice—awesome! Read it!
Profile Image for Lynn Mccarthy.
662 reviews32 followers
January 25, 2021
Loved this book hope there is more of this series to come ....the characters was great..
Kept me reading to the end of the book no boring bits in this book....
Profile Image for Eric Weule.
Author 13 books24 followers
Read
November 8, 2020
A Collection of Editorial Reviews

"Mystery, crime, and the supernatural are all mixed in Caffeine & Nicotine by Eric Weule, an engaging story with a lot of fun characters and a gripping plot. If you enjoy atmospheric writing, terrific descriptions, and humorous narrative, then this is a great treat for you." - Romuald Dzemo for Readers’ Favorite

"A solid and absorbing piece of work." - Debra Doyle, co-author of the Mageworlds series

"The dark and intriguing backdrop of Caffeine & Nicotine by Eric Weule captivated my interest immediately. This is a brilliant tale of suspense, human relationships, and the mysteries of the afterlife." - Lesley Jones for Readers’ Favorite

"It is as if Mr Weule has taken the best elements of the genre and modernized them but done so immersed in finely tuned relationship studies. It’s just wonderful. You want to stay in that world forever." - Austrian Spencer, author of The Sadeiest

"His main character is fascinating, if occasionally repellent, and he had me applauding his actions even as I cringed a bit.Debra Doyle Weule’s characters are finely honed and believable, and his plot is agile and unpredictable." - Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite

"Slick, fast-paced, funny and compelling." - Charlie Tyler author of The Cry of the Lake
Profile Image for Adrienne Naibauer.
67 reviews3 followers
March 14, 2022
Jackie Carmichael owns Bolsa Coffee and Tea with her best friend Quinn. They have a great staff, except one day when Kelsi doesn't show up at work. Jackie tries to find Kelsi, but comes up with little more than dead ends. Kelly Jenks is a former mailman turned private detective who is looking for a missing girl, only to find her beaten and left unconscious in a bathtub. Jackie enlists Kelly's help you find her employee, but the situation is so much bigger than either of them could see at first. This was a great book. It is action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat. I found myself nervous about what was coming next. I am looking forward to a follow up!
Profile Image for Crystal Tadlock.
374 reviews8 followers
January 3, 2021
In this book Jackie was a wonderful, strong and likeable character. She meets Kelly, a private investigator, although she doesn't know it yet. Kelly is a strong hotheaded private investigator who shows his more gentle side as we delve further into the book. Jackie is looking to make sure one of her employees, who has come up missing, is ok. I genuinely liked this book and I would love to read more from this author. I love how it incorporated paranormal, suspense, romance and legal all into one book!
Profile Image for Ann.
1,117 reviews19 followers
January 4, 2021
A girl that was a good employee didnt show up one morning at the coffee shop. So the owner decided she was going to find out if she was okay and why she never called or showed up for work. She hired a private investigator to help look for her. In the mean time she didnt find alot of information on her own searching. But she did find that Kelci was gone but where.
10.9k reviews125 followers
January 16, 2021
This is the 1st book I've read written by Eric Weule; he has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of his books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gina Stamper.
826 reviews37 followers
March 2, 2021
I loved the descriptive way this novel was written. It really submerges the reader into the world.
There were a lot of moving a parts to this one and I really liked the originality that Weule brought.
This novel was very vivid in the descriptions, the writing really jumped off the pages and into my mind, so kudos to him for that.
223 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2021
Captivating Read

I may have missed a book but there was a big disconnect between the second Kelly Jenks book and this one. Overall, it was a well-written piece of action literature with realistic characters and a compelling storyline. Hope to see more from this author.
860 reviews22 followers
November 22, 2020
A free book from Voracious Readers thank you

Justice is served to killers, perverts and scammers in this tale. Well written and keeps you turning the pages to see what will happen next
Profile Image for C. Gonzales.
1,149 reviews56 followers
March 2, 2021
This book kept me in suspense, great fast paced read. Each chapter ending left me wanting to dive into the next. Great writing style. Will check out more books from this author.
Profile Image for Alyssacourtney.
46 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2024
LOVED! Couldn’t put it down. Great character development, loved that it was set in Orange County. I haven’t read such a page turner in years! 5 stars - absolutely recommend.
1,099 reviews24 followers
December 19, 2020
I didn't get this from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review. Because I was too late. But because I liked the sound of the blurb, I found it on Kindle Unlimited. So, hey, that was a win.
The protagonist is an insufferable aging surf bro who's a self diagnosed psychopath with a thing for philtrums, women half his age, and killing people who "deserve" it. (He also felt like an author stand-in, but maybe that's just me being uncharitable.) Yeah, no, I really did find him unbearable (and the fact that a good chunk of the story is told by him in the first person didn't help). But that's not a bad thing. I think it was a testament to the quality of the writing. He was believable. As were the rest of the cast of characters.
The mystery was interesting and, again, believable, but I feel like it took a back seat. It was straightforward and quickly solved with minimal detection. The focus seemed more on the characters and the setting. Which is fine, just not quite what I was after.
Profile Image for Meghan Belmares.
9 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2023
I wanted to really like this one! I really did but how it ended deeply disappointed me on how quick it did end.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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