Vicegrip!

The Matty Iapen Series, Book 6

Matty Iapen is the most average bounty hunter and investigator you can hire in Cleveland. He graduated from college with a journalism degree only to find work chasing criminals and solving B-rate mysteries. Along with his colleagues Mariah and Alison, Matty will solve any mystery (mainly because he needs to pay the bills).

The impending summer brings impending cases hitting Matty’s desk which is great for the wallet, but bad for the trio who pride themselves on not working too hard. But as spicy as the cases have been, Matty’s summer has been even more caliente with a clandestine series of dates and hangs with Jeff.

The only problem is that Jeff’s ex is the office pariah and Matty’s number one hater, Jack Douhicky. Matty needs to keep the budding relationship between him and Jeff secret, especially as he figures out whether or not these hot trysts are indicative of a true relationship.

But there’s more enemies afoot, as Alison’s ex best-friend Wanda hires the trio for an investigation on a house she’s attempting to purchase. Once secrets come to light, Matty decides they need to conduct a sting operation. And to make things more socially draining, Alison’s sister Ava comes to visit.

Ava’s divorce and downward swing has motivated Alison to coach her sister which leads to a lot of conversation and awkward meals. With Mas staring in a modern retelling of The Wizard of Oz, a cruise where Alison imitates as a therapist, and a nudist on the run, there’s plenty of gripping things in VICEGRIP!

©2026 Starvolt Studios (P)2026 Matt Hribar & Starvolt Studios