Jesse Kalfel
Mystery & Screenplay Writer

“Step right up for … a surprising murder mystery.”

A freelance journalist’s latest assignment threatens to give new meaning to the word deadline when he comes upon a murder mystery with century-old roots. The plot kicks in with a vivid evocation of circus life and some finely etched characters… including a diminutive fortuneteller and a sideshow act with some serious baggage.

"This novel delivers on every level!"

Kalfel has a confident robust voice and a sharp eye for humanity's humor and pathos. The plot deftly brings together unsolved murder, long-buried dangerous secrets, and hired assassins. And the characters are engagingly human and truly unforgettable (you have to read it to see what I mean). The story is told in the clear funny edgy wise voice of narrator Fenn Cooper, who I hope we’ll see more of. Every page is entertaining. A great read!

Fantastic Read, Truly Remarkable

This is a rare book that takes the reader on a fantastic journey with the most interesting of characters. From New York, to Florida, and Los Angeles, the reader is chartered on an intriguing story full of suspense and mystery. The storyline holds you, with unforgettable characters and is written in a way that you can't put it down. This is a must read if you like well developed characters, and a truly plausible tale. From character to character, good and evil, you will find masterfully written details, that are rare in today's 'pump them out' world of mystery novels. Get a copy. You won't regret it.

"Fim Noir" Genre In A Book!

Written within a tinge of the genre of "Film Noir" but with at times a light touch, characters are very real and one can identify with the plight of each with their own particular style of lingo. The book has suspenseful twists and turns that keep you turning the page, a good read to settle in with a cocoa or three in front of the fire.

A Hard Boiled Amusing Thriller

Paper Ghosts is well researched and evocative for anyone who enjoys an amusing murder mystery. It offers a noir look at a time when men were men, women were women and crime is the focus of an unusual novel.

A Round-Trip Visit to Humanities Dark Side

I really enjoyed this book. Written in a hardboiled style, very punchy - sometimes below the belt. Characters from old and new Hollywood and present-day Ithaca NY, including a too-cool journalist, hippie-era survivors, and circus midway folks struggling to understand the past and the very threatening forces closing in. A real page-turner that sucks you into a dark web of very desperate people.

A Unique and Engaging Novel

Reading "Paper Ghosts" plunged me headlong into an unfamiliar world; one that included journalists, movie executives, hitmen, circus performers, forensic accountants and little people. The narrative drive, unique and compelling characters, laugh-out-loud humor and heart-thumping action kept me engaged and turning the pages, delightfully unable to predict what would happen next. Mr. Kalfel has obviously done his research on everything from legal contracts in perpetuity (the "paper ghosts"), to the history of Ithaca, NY, to the gritty life of traveling circus performers. My only gripe? This is part 1 of a multi-part series and part 2 is not out yet! Keep writing, Jesse!

Best ever mistery with a little person!

Great characters and fun adventure. Humor and thrills mixed together. Really liked the”little person” fortune teller. Highly recommend.

What a fun ride!

I loved this book! Filled with humor, suspense, irreverence, and very entertaining repartee, it's a romp from start to finish! I'll miss my daily visits with Zena, Holey John, and Fenn. The characters jump off the page and the snappy repartee makes you laugh, cringe, and want for more. We want more!!!

Fast paced thriller with great characters and humor

I loved the quirky characters and nail-biting scenes. Not many mysteries have a little person as a main character and I enjoyed seeing the world through her eyes.

Fast paced, page-turner, perfect summer escapist story

If you love Sam Spade inspired detective novels, this one is for you. Sex, murder, fast paced dialogue, all in a circus big-top freak show inspired setting. The protagonist is a pot smoking journalist with keen deductive reasoning skills, and major characters include a midget (or is it dwarf?) fortune teller and her pin cushioned pain obsessed side show freak colleague, with a secret that even he doesn’t know! The action is furious, the plot line has twists and turns, and it all wraps up neatly at the end, except for one unanswered question: will Fenn Cooper return in another novel??? Only time will tell, and we can’t wait! LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!

Tense and Thrilling

This book is a fast-paced mystery with colorful characters. I like the way Zena, a “little person” is portrayed not as a caricature but as a fully formed person where we see how the world treats her. Paper Ghosts is a unique read from start to finish!

Emotional and Suspenseful

The conversation between the narrator and his father, where he confesses to killing someone, is written with such intensity. It adds layers to an already suspense-filled plot. If you enjoy thrillers with emotional depth, Paper Ghosts is a must-read.

Engaging and Gripping

I found myself fully immersed in Paper Ghosts. The characters are dynamic, and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. It’s a perfect blend of psychological intrigue and suspense that is also laced with humor.

Sharp Dialogue and Suspense

The encounter between the Fenn Cooper and Ronny, a street thug with a tough exterior, was brilliantly written. The exchange about the woke fashion history and street culture had me laughing and biting my nails at the same time. Paper Ghosts mixes tension with humor effortlessly.

Fast-Paced and Intriguing

I was hooked from the very first page. The author’s writing style is sharp and direct, pulling you into a world of mystery and murder, with wit, and psychological depth. It’s a highly enjoyable read.

Clever and Dark

An engaging mystery thriller that kept me hooked since I don’t normally read this genre. The characters are engagingly portrayed. Kalfel includes clever insights to help readers see how a series of grisly mysteries slowly reveal a serial killer’s motives. It was a thoroughly fascinating and exciting read!

Dark Humor and Realism

Chapter 5 had me chuckling with the “F***-It List” as Fenn reflects on his past relationships that have expiration dates. The mix of humor with deeper insights into his psyche displays his commitment phobia that is challenged by Zena, a dwarf, when they begin to have a relationship. The novel shows how well this book balances dark themes with levity.

Fast-Paced and Intriguing

I was hooked from the very first page. The author’s writing style is sharp and direct, pulling you into a world of mystery, wit, and touching depth. It’s a highly enjoyable read.

Insightful and Hilarious

Paper Ghosts mixes action and humor beautifully. The witty banter throughout is sharp and entertaining. Paper Ghosts delivers not just suspense but genuine laughs as well, making it a joy to read.

A Clever and Gritty Read

I liked the scenes that take place when silent movies were made as they intersect with modern day Hollywood. The writing is sharp, witty, and full of vivid imagery. Paper Ghosts grabs you with its fast-paced storytelling.

A Great Mix of Danger and Humor

The mixture of humor, suspense, and tension makes Paper Ghosts a satisfying read. The sarcastic tone between its main characters adds a fun flavor to this mystery.

Unexpected Depth

Paper Ghosts is more than just a mystery—it’s a character-driven thriller that stays with you.

A Masterpiece of Suspense

Paper Ghosts is a page-turner from start to finish. The story builds with intensity, and the sharp dialogue adds layers to the characters. A definite must-read for mystery fans.

Unputdownable

If you’re a fan of books that keep you guessing with unpredictable twists, this is it. The suspense never lets up, and the characters feel incredibly real. Highly recommended for mystery lovers.

Intricate and Suspenseful

Chapter 7 where we see the mother-son interactions adds so much depth to the story. His conversation with his mother reveals layers of guilt and complexity. It’s scenes like these that show the human side of this story not usually seen in typical mystery novels.

Unsettling and Brilliant

The book balances internal reflection and external action. A great mix of light and dark.

Gripping from Start to Finish

The description of the carnival world, where Zena navigates her role as a little person fortune-teller, is captivating. Paper Ghosts is rich with suspenseful, atmospheric moments.

A Unique Take on a Mystery Novel

Paper Ghosts keeps you guessing with every interaction. Dark and light moments are weaved throughout.

A Brilliantly Crafted Thriller

This book keeps you hooked with its intricate plot and well-developed characters. The suspense builds up with every chapter, making it impossible to put down. A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers!

Complex and Engaging Characters

The characters in this book are wonderfully flawed and deeply human. Each one brings something unique to the story, and the dynamic between them adds so much depth. It’s rare to find such well-rounded character development in a thriller.

A Page-Turner from Beginning to End

I couldn’t stop reading once I started. The pacing is perfect, with just the right amount of action and intrigue. If you love mysteries with fast-paced plots and well-timed reveals, this book is for you.

Intricate Plot and Great Twists

The author weaves a complex web of suspense, leaving readers guessing until the very end. The plot twists feel organic and perfectly timed, keeping you engaged throughout. It’s a thrilling ride!

Unique Voice in the Mystery Genre

Paper Ghosts stands out for its clever writing and unique take on the mystery genre. It’s fresh, engaging, and filled with smart dialogue that makes it more than just your average thriller. Definitely worth a read!

Unique Voice in the Mystery Genre

Paper Ghosts stands out for its clever writing and unique take on the mystery genre. It’s fresh, engaging, and filled with smart dialogue that makes it more than just your average thriller. Definitely worth a read!

A Deep Dive into the Human Psyche

What sets Paper Ghosts apart is how well it explores the psychological aspects of its characters. The motivations and inner turmoil of the protagonist are fascinating to read, adding emotional weight to the suspense.

Full of Surprises

Just when you think you’ve figured it out, Paper Ghosts throws another curveball. The plot is meticulously designed, with layers of intrigue that unravel slowly. It’s a gripping mystery that never lets up.