Book Extract: Ten to the 405 By Kevin R. Andrade

Published July 19, 2026 | By Laura

It’s a pleasure to be welcoming Kevin R. Andrade to Novel Kicks as we shine a light on his book, Ten to the 405.

When disgraced investigative journalist Jake Hansen accepts a missing person case in Los Angeles, he uncovers a conspiracy linking organized crime, political corruption, and a powerful family determined to keep its secrets buried.

Seven years after an investigation destroyed his career, his marriage, and his reputation, Jake Hansen is barely keeping his life together.

He spends his days running a struggling dive bar with retired NYPD detective Pete Mills and reformed ex-con Lamar Wagner, taking the occasional private investigation to stay afloat. When a powerful casino executive hires them to find his missing daughter, Jake sees more than another case. He sees a chance to reclaim the life he lost.

The search leads deep into a world of gambling debts, dangerous loyalties, and long-buried secrets where every answer uncovers another layer of deception.

As the stakes rise, Jake must rely on the investigative instincts that once made him one of the city’s most respected journalists, even if finding the truth means risking everything he’s managed to rebuild.

Blending the sharp dialogue of a classic detective novel with the pace of a modern thriller, Ten to the 405 is driven by unforgettable characters, hard-earned redemption, and the unlikely friendships that hold Jake Hansen’s team together when everything else falls apart.

Ideal for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries, flawed investigators, layered conspiracies, and fast-moving crime fiction with emotional depth. Fans of Michael Connelly, James Ellroy, Dennis Lehane, and Raymond Chandler will feel right at home with Jake Hansen.

Kevin has shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

INT. TROTTER’S TAVERN- BACK BAR AREA- MORNING

JAKE HANSEN, 35, a half-Latino and half-white male is asleep on the bar top of the dark tavern. Jake is smart, funny and a lovable rogue but also a disaster of a person. He lies on his back with one leg off of the bar. Jake has two black eyes and scrapes on his face with puffy red eyes.

A 60-inch TV above the bar is on.

INSERT TELEVISION – NEWS CONFERENCE

MAYOR ALEX VILA, 45, a handsome Latino male, dressed in a sharp suit, speaks behind a podium. To the right of Alex Vila is LILY VILA, 35, his beautiful wife. She wears a stunning green dress.

ALEX VILA

(ON TV)

I wish I could answer that question, Rick, but it really is premature.

Jake, groaning, opens his eyes and looks at the television.

JAKE

(Grumbling)

Asshole.

REPORTER

(O.S. On TV)

So you are not announcing your re- election candidacy today, Mayor?

ALEX VILA

(On TV)

I can not comment on that question at this time.

The TV is turned off from behind Jake. He quickly closes his eyes.

A large black male, LAMAR WAGNER, 45, with remote control in hand, approaches Jake. Lamar always has a cherubic smile on his face but that hides a tough but loving persona.

LAMAR

You awake, boss?

Jake’s eyes remained closed.

JAKE

I’m awake, Lamar.

LAMAR

Your eyes are closed.

JAKE

I guess you’re gonna have to take my word for it.

Jake opens his eyes and sees Lamar smiling down at him.

JAKE (CONT’D)

What the hell are you smiling at?

LAMAR

Just you, Jake. I know your three day bender’s over when you pass out on top of the bar.

Jake, grunting, rolls over and closes his eyes again.

LAMAR (CONT’D)

Lily looked pretty good.

JAKE

Don’t know what you’re talking about.

LAMAR

You sure, boss? Your ex-wife looked pretty comfy next to the mayor.

JAKE

I didn’t notice.

LAMAR

(Laughing)

You gotta wake up.

JAKE

What time is it?

LAMAR

Nine bells.

JAKE

Jesus, Lamar, we don’t open for another two bells.

SOPHIE, 20, a fit and attractive, brunette, enters the bar area. Sophie is shy and quiet but she hides a sad truth.

SOPHIE

Mr. Hansen?

JAKE

It’s Jake, Sophie. What is it?

SOPHIE

There’s a man here to see you.

Jake sits upright, nervous, looking toward the front.

LAMAR

I saw him. Relax, it ain’t Tony Tahoe.

JAKE

Thank God.

LAMAR

C’mon Jake, you know Pete and me won’t let that gorilla Tahoe lay a hand on you.

JAKE

(Pointing to his eyes)

You did see what Pete did to my face, right?

LAMAR

You deserved it and he didn’t even use his claw, so whatcha bitchin’ about?

Jake turns to Sophie.

JAKE Did the man tell you who he was? His business? Anything?

SOPHIE

He said he was an old friend of yours from Palm Springs.

LAMAR

Your old stomping grounds.

JAKE

Palm Springs? Okay Sophie, you might wanna go grab Pete for this.

SOPHIE

Right away, Mr. Hansen.

Sophie exits.

JAKE

Jake. Call me Jake.

*****end of extract*****

About Kevin R. Andrade –

Kevin R. Andrade is the author of the Jake Hansen Mystery series, including Ten to the 405 and In For a Dime.

A Mexican American raised in Ohio, Kevin earned degrees in English and Political Science from Bowling Green State University before building a career as a speechwriter, music journalist, travel writer, and novelist. He has lived in Los Angeles, Mexico City, Boston, and New York City, experiences that continue to influence the authentic settings, dialogue, and characters throughout his fiction.

Before writing novels, Kevin crafted speeches for politicians, interviewed music legends, and explored destinations around the world as a travel writer. Those experiences taught him that every person has a story worth telling, a philosophy that continues to shape the characters and investigations at the heart of the Jake Hansen Mystery series.

Say hello to Kevin on Facebook and Instagram.

Ten to the 405 was released in 2025 by Wild Rose Press. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Amazon US, Barnes & Noble and Waterstones.