Murder Buys a One-Way Ticket - (Jaine Austen Mystery) by Laura Levine (Hardcover)

About the Book

"What could be more idyllic than starting a new gig with an exclusive train ride from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara? Turns out, a whole lot. Jaine must figure out how to tolerate her client--Chip Miller, aka Iron Man, a wealthy gym chain owner--who Jaine soon discovers is a tyrant and a bully with an ego as pumped as his pecs. Practically everyone on board seems to have it in for Chip--his dysfunctional family members, his beleaguered staff, even his supposed best buddy from the gym. So it's no shocker when he's found dead in his cabin. Unfortunately for Jaine, she's the one who finds Chip's body, leaving her DNA on the murder weapon, and making her a prime suspect in the police investigation. Forced to save her own caboose, can Jaine chug on through an unexpected love connection and ID the killer--or has she finally reached the end of the line?"--

Book Synopsis

It's the funny side of homicide in acclaimed TV comedy writer and novelist Laura Levine's newest mystery featuring Jaine Austen and her snarky cat, Prozac, as a ghostwriting project sends the Hollywood writer-for-hire on a luxury train trip with strange company, extra baggage, and murder . . .

What could be more idyllic than starting a new gig with an exclusive train ride from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara? Turns out, a whole lot. Jaine must figure out how to tolerate her client--Chip Miller, aka Iron Man, a wealthy gym chain owner--who Jaine soon discovers is a tyrant and a bully with an ego as pumped as his pecs.

Practically everyone on board seems to have it in for Chip--his dysfunctional family members, his beleaguered staff, even his supposed best buddy from the gym. So it's no shocker when he's found dead in his cabin. Unfortunately for Jaine, she's the one who finds Chip's body, leaving her DNA on the murder weapon, and making her a prime suspect in the police investigation.

Forced to save her own caboose, can Jaine chug on through an unexpected love connection and ID the killer--or has she finally reached the end of the line?

Review Quotes

Praise for Laura Levine's Jaine Austen Mysteries

"Levine specializes in chaos cozies, and her latest does not disappoint." --Kirkus Reviews on Death by Smoothie

""Jaine's wry sense of humor enlivens the action, while the reports from her retired parents in Florida are often hilarious. Fans of girl-on-the-go cozies will have fun." --Publishers Weekly on Death by Smoothie

"As always, Levine's spunky heroine gets the last laugh." --Kirkus Reviews on Murder Gets a Makeover

"Humorous...cozy fans are in for a treat." --Publishers Weekly on Death of a Gigolo

"Will delight fans who like a sharp comeback--and maybe a tater tot on the side." --Kirkus Reviews on Death of a Gigolo

"Fans of Mary Daheim and Tamar Myers will appreciate the comedy."--Library Journal on Death of a Gigolo

"Austen is a...heroine in the style of Stephanie Plum, and her adventures will appeal to the same audience." --Booklist on Death of a Gigolo

"Delightful." --Criminal Element on Death of a Gigolo

"Another hilarious edition in Laura Levine's Jaine Austen mystery series. It takes a talented author to keep a long-running series fresh, and Laura Levine is at the top of her game in this one." --Suspense Magazine on Death of a Gigolo

"A thoroughly enjoyable cozy with just the right balance of crime, humor, and holiday spirit." --Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW for Death of a Neighborhood Scrooge

"A veteran comedy writer, Levine has the chops to pull off both the hijinks and hilarity." --Criminal Element on Death of a Neighborhood Scrooge

"With a cool California setting and plenty of hilarity, readers will enjoy this lighthearted story." --Parkersburg News & Sentinel on Death of a Neighborhood Scrooge

"You'll soon forget about all your own troubles as you get sucked into the topsy-turvy world of Jaine Austen in this well-plotted cozy mystery...A winner!" --WonderWomen60 on Murder Gets a Makeover

"The cast and crew of a reality show are perfect foils for sharp-tongued Jaine, who outwits everyone on the set, except possibly her cat." --Kirkus Reviews on Death of a Bachelorette

"Jaine pursues justice and sanity in her usual hilarious yet smart way, with Levine infusing wit into her heroine's every thought. A thoroughly fun read that will interest Evanovich fans." --Booklist on Murder Has Nine Lives

"Jaine is absolutely hysterical ...this author continues to write the best cozies." --Suspense Magazine on Killing Cupid

About the Author

Laura Levine is the author of the Jaine Austen Mystery series and a comedy writer whose television credits include The Bob Newhart Show, Laverne & Shirley, The Love Boat, The Jeffersons and Three's Company. She lives in Los Angeles and can be found online at JaineAustenMysteries.com.