Amazon Reviews
The Black Jellybeans EPISODE ONE
The First Novellette in the Series
****
Scarlett
4 out of 5 Stars
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2026
Format: Kindle
This story is written in a playful, almost conversational style that doesn’t take itself too seriously most of the time, but does make earnest attempts at conveying more serious themes. Though Jim makes a compelling enough main character, I surprised to find the secondary character, Nelly, to be even more so.
Nelly is a much more complex character than it seems at first glance. She is spunky, quick-witted, intuitive, creative, spontaneous, and charming. She certainly drew some chuckles out of me in the way she was written. Behind the scenes, however, she also struggles quite a bit with her mental health and has serious bouts of depression that she can only keep at bay by distracting herself with her passions. She rails against self reflection for genuine improvement, instead opting to create and practice skits lest she spiral into a despair that can be hard to recover her from.
The story is both quirky and intriguing, setting up various mysteries throughout it, including toward the end. I do wish the ending felt more complete. Since it’s not a standalone and is clearly marked as “Episode One,” I obviously didn’t expect it to answer every question or resolve everything in a neat bow, but I still felt a bit put off by how abruptly it ended.
There are a couple “Bonus Rabbit Holes” at the end of the novella which offer some insight into events in Jim’s past, but part of me does wish I could have seen them in the main story somewhere. That might be a personal hang-up, however, since my brain seems to very strongly prefer a linear storyline in chronological order over flashbacks and later-revealed backstories. I’m that annoying person that has to watch/read a prequel before the main work, and if I’m already experienced the main work before the prequel then I have to go back and do so again after the prequel.
Aside from that, I am interested enough to possibly read the next installment to get answers to some of the questions posed in the teaser at the very end. The author is good telling an engaging story, and I do so love a historical setting.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
****
Debbie Alexander
★★★★★ Great Read
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2026 Format: Paperback
The story takes place around 1906, giving it a strong historical setting. One of the most interesting moments is when Jim Eberton learns he is part Black, which makes him question his identity and where he belongs. The book blends real history with fiction, making the world feel believable. With its strong characters, touches of humor, and deeper themes about identity, it feels like the start of an interesting series. Eager to read episode 2.
Lauren and Steve5.0 out of 5 stars Whimsical
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2026
Format: Kindle
Black Jellybean by Jackson Tel is a wildly entertaining novel that blends fact and fiction with the same confident sleight of hand that made The Da Vinci Code such a cultural phenomenon—only here the ride is sharper, stranger, and far funnier. Tel takes real-world details, historical threads, and plausible ideas, then twists them just enough to keep the reader constantly guessing what’s true and what’s deliciously invented.
Fast-paced, clever, and genuinely fun, Black Jellybean is the kind of book that keeps you turning pages late into the night, laughing one moment and rethinking “facts” the next. A perfect pick for readers who enjoy conspiratorial thrills, intellectual games, and a healthy dose of wit.
****
Migyver
5.0 out of 5 stars Interestingly fun!
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2026
Format: Kindle
Black Jellybean is a fast-paced, smart, and genuinely enjoyable book that will keep you flipping pages late into the night, laughing one minute and then crying the next. It’s the kind of book where you tell yourself, “just one more,” only to realize you’re far into the next chapter. Great job!
****
A Nice Pair of Slacks
4.0 out of 5 stars Insightful
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2026
Format: Kindle
Well-written and unique literary fiction. Insightful prose. Recommended.
****
cleardark
5.0 out of 5 stars Whimsical of Historical Fiction!
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2025
Format: Kindle
A richly textured world where 1890s Baltimore leaps off the page—complete with corsets, cyclones, and counterfeit gold mines—while anchoring the chaos in the deeply human story of Jim Eberton, a reluctant heir chasing freedom on two wheels. The prose crackles with wit, from Nelly’s burlesque banter to Benny’s curmudgeonly engineering wisdom, and every digression (be it a Confederate crow-feather quill or a shipboard birth at the dawn of the 20th century) is a delightful rabbit hole worth tumbling down. By turns hilarious, poignant, and wildly inventive, this episodic gem leaves you hungry for the next installment, jellybean-black tongue and all.
****