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A Jaine Austen Mystery #20
Murder Buys a One-Way Ticket
Jaine Austen is disappearing into her latest freelance writing assignment—ghostwriting an exercise guidebook for a larger-than-life fitness personality. But before she can whip something into shape, Jaine and her unpredictable cat, Prozac, board a luxury railway 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?
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?
240 pages, Hardcover
First published June 25, 2024
35 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Laura Levine
57 books1,232 followersGrew up in Brooklyn, New York, back when mastodons (and Edsels) still roamed the earth.
Education: Barnard College
First job: Reporter/photographer at a newspaper so small, we had our photos developed in the local camera shop.
Advertising claim to fame: I created Count Chocula and Frankenberry cereals for General Mills.
TV gets invented, and I get a job as a sitcom writer, turning out scripts for shows like The Bob Newhart Show, Three’s Company, Laverne & Shirley, The Love Boat, The Jeffersons, and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.
Current (and favorite) incarnation: Author of Jaine Austen mysteries.
Marital status: Wedded blissfully to business journalist Mark Lacter (aka Mr. Hubby), whose insightful coverage of the Los Angeles business scene can be checked daily at http://www.laobserved.com/biz/
Favorite authors: COMEDY: Joe Keenan. MYSTERY: Agatha Christie. SERIOUS STUFF: Anne Tyler.
Hobbies: Reading, swimming, gardening, and lots of walks (mainly to the refrigerator).
Education: Barnard College
First job: Reporter/photographer at a newspaper so small, we had our photos developed in the local camera shop.
Advertising claim to fame: I created Count Chocula and Frankenberry cereals for General Mills.
TV gets invented, and I get a job as a sitcom writer, turning out scripts for shows like The Bob Newhart Show, Three’s Company, Laverne & Shirley, The Love Boat, The Jeffersons, and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.
Current (and favorite) incarnation: Author of Jaine Austen mysteries.
Marital status: Wedded blissfully to business journalist Mark Lacter (aka Mr. Hubby), whose insightful coverage of the Los Angeles business scene can be checked daily at http://www.laobserved.com/biz/
Favorite authors: COMEDY: Joe Keenan. MYSTERY: Agatha Christie. SERIOUS STUFF: Anne Tyler.
Hobbies: Reading, swimming, gardening, and lots of walks (mainly to the refrigerator).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
January 4, 2025
I absolutely love all of the Jaine Austen mystery books. They’re so lighthearted and such an easy read. I am sad that this will be her last book and I read it way too quickly. I will definitely miss her adventures with Prozac, her cat and all the trouble she gets into. I hope Ms Levine will reconsider and write some more of these in the future.
July 18, 2024
Oh, how I will miss this series! I have loved following along as Jaine works to find her big break and her true love. I've enjoyed following along as she solves case after case with determination and humor. This one is no different with the wacky scenarios, the fascinating characters, the never-ending feud between her father and the HOA (the emails are my favorite part), and the lovable Prozac. I am sad to see it end but wish Laura Levine well in her retirement.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
July 1, 2024
I can't wait to read the newest adventure--coming this June!--by the talented, the hilarious writer LAURA LEVINE, who combines comedy and mystery like NO OTHER WRITER LIVING OR DEAD.
In MURDER BUYS A ONE-WAY TICKET, America's funniest amateur sleuth will be taking a work-related train ride from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara and there is only one thing I know for sure: readers are in for a LOL treat! But, did Jaine pack her elastic waist pants and Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs t-shirt? Will she get to enjoy a pint of Chunky Monkey Ice Cream without having to share? Will her snarky cat Prozac somehow sneak aboard the train? I don't know the answer to any of those questions, or who it is that gets murdered, or who did the murdering, but the one other thing I do know (besides readers being in for a LOL treat) is...I'm dying to find out!!!
UPDATE: Thanks to the wonderful people at NetGalley & Kensington my wish for an ARC of Murder Buys a One-Way Ticket was granted and--I loved, loved, loved it!
Having Laura Levine novels in the house is like keeping a stash of chocolates--it's a necessity. I love to laugh and getting to follow along on Jaine's jobs from Hell every-single-time is a treat. Once I heard she was going to be working for a fitness freak and would be travelling with him on an exclusive private train, I knew we were in for murder and couldn't wait to come along for the ride.
Her books have it all: one liners, a snarky cat we can hear thinking, beloved friends, parents with hearts of gold when it comes to their daughter and her kitty, and bosses so bad it makes plunging a clogged toilet sound like a refreshing afternoon diversion.
The ending came as a complete surprise-- I just hope the next novel is already in the works; I need more Jaine Austen & Prozac!
In MURDER BUYS A ONE-WAY TICKET, America's funniest amateur sleuth will be taking a work-related train ride from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara and there is only one thing I know for sure: readers are in for a LOL treat! But, did Jaine pack her elastic waist pants and Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs t-shirt? Will she get to enjoy a pint of Chunky Monkey Ice Cream without having to share? Will her snarky cat Prozac somehow sneak aboard the train? I don't know the answer to any of those questions, or who it is that gets murdered, or who did the murdering, but the one other thing I do know (besides readers being in for a LOL treat) is...I'm dying to find out!!!
UPDATE: Thanks to the wonderful people at NetGalley & Kensington my wish for an ARC of Murder Buys a One-Way Ticket was granted and--I loved, loved, loved it!
Having Laura Levine novels in the house is like keeping a stash of chocolates--it's a necessity. I love to laugh and getting to follow along on Jaine's jobs from Hell every-single-time is a treat. Once I heard she was going to be working for a fitness freak and would be travelling with him on an exclusive private train, I knew we were in for murder and couldn't wait to come along for the ride.
Her books have it all: one liners, a snarky cat we can hear thinking, beloved friends, parents with hearts of gold when it comes to their daughter and her kitty, and bosses so bad it makes plunging a clogged toilet sound like a refreshing afternoon diversion.
The ending came as a complete surprise-- I just hope the next novel is already in the works; I need more Jaine Austen & Prozac!
February 29, 2024
#MurderBuysaOneWayTicket #NetGalley is the best book of 2024 so far!
Laura Levine is one of my favorite authors, and Jaine Austin is my favorite character of all.
Jaine is a typical thirty something, a little chubby, single, living with her neurotic cat, Prozac.
After a disastrous marriage, Jaine is content working as a free lance writer, sharing laughs and good food with friends, and having to prove her innocence each time she finds herself wrapped up in a murder investigation.
In #MurderBuysaOneWayTicket , Jaine is hoping to get a gig ghost writing an exercise and wellness book, but naturally, nothing goes as planned.
As Jaine discovers a dead body and a greedy family , she realizes that she needs to save herself before she ends up behind bars, after all, our Jaine would never survive on prison food.
Between the odd situations Jaine gets herself into and the emails from her parents, #MurderBuysaOneWayTicket #NetGalley, will have you laughing until the end, which I will admit I may have cheered for Jaine and shed a happy tear.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book, and thank you to Laura Levine, for writing such a great series and keeping me laughing with Jaine and company.
Laura Levine is one of my favorite authors, and Jaine Austin is my favorite character of all.
Jaine is a typical thirty something, a little chubby, single, living with her neurotic cat, Prozac.
After a disastrous marriage, Jaine is content working as a free lance writer, sharing laughs and good food with friends, and having to prove her innocence each time she finds herself wrapped up in a murder investigation.
In #MurderBuysaOneWayTicket , Jaine is hoping to get a gig ghost writing an exercise and wellness book, but naturally, nothing goes as planned.
As Jaine discovers a dead body and a greedy family , she realizes that she needs to save herself before she ends up behind bars, after all, our Jaine would never survive on prison food.
Between the odd situations Jaine gets herself into and the emails from her parents, #MurderBuysaOneWayTicket #NetGalley, will have you laughing until the end, which I will admit I may have cheered for Jaine and shed a happy tear.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book, and thank you to Laura Levine, for writing such a great series and keeping me laughing with Jaine and company.
June 10, 2024
The ending of this book has me thinking it'll be the last in the series and that would basically ruin my entire life from now on. I absolutely love this series and look forward every year to the next Jaine book. Fortunately I have all the books and can start reading the series over from the beginning but knowing there may never be another new Jaine Austen book makes me very sad. Although the twist at the end could also mean a new and very interesting beginning for Jaine, which would be amazing! I'll be on pins and needles until I know more!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
June 25, 2024
From the first page I was enthralled with this story. I adored Jaine and her quirky sense of humor and her consuming love of foods. All of the characters in this book were interesting, even the annoying characters. The plot was fun and full of humor as well as an interesting mystery. The emails between Jaine and her parents were hilarious; one of the best parts to the story as was the parts involving her cat, Prozac. The story flowed well and kept your attention. This was my first book by this author and with this series, but I didn’t feel as if I was missing out on anything by not having read the other books in the series.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
July 13, 2024
I didn’t care much for this book. The earlier Jane Austen Mysteries were much better. The newer books seem to be written childish. And Jane acts ridiculous. And her cat is annoying. It is time to move on from any further Laura Levine books.
August 31, 2024
Murder on the Iron Man Express - a tribute to Agatha Christie, perhaps? Jaine is no Hercule Poirot, but she is sure a lot of fun as she jumps out of frying pans and into fires.
This is Book #20 in the series and I’m afraid it’s the grand finale. I’m going to miss Prozac most of all and the great cover illustrations by Hiro Kimura. But what has happened to Kandi, she didn’t make an appearance in this episode? Lance is so self centered that he won’t even notice she’s gone.
Mom and Daddy will still be terrorizing their retirement community in Florida. Maybe I’ll run into them in Publix- I hope so.
I’ve only missed a couple of books in the series because my library doesn’t have them. I’ll track them down somehow. May the Dickens’s live happily ever after.😎
This is Book #20 in the series and I’m afraid it’s the grand finale. I’m going to miss Prozac most of all and the great cover illustrations by Hiro Kimura. But what has happened to Kandi, she didn’t make an appearance in this episode? Lance is so self centered that he won’t even notice she’s gone.
Mom and Daddy will still be terrorizing their retirement community in Florida. Maybe I’ll run into them in Publix- I hope so.
I’ve only missed a couple of books in the series because my library doesn’t have them. I’ll track them down somehow. May the Dickens’s live happily ever after.😎
June 20, 2024
Murder Buys a One-Way Ticket places freelance writer Jaine Austen in another uncomfortable predicament. Although she hates working out, Jaine accepts a job ghostwriting a fitness guidebook for a wealthy owner of a chain of gyms. She and several people close to the owner take a trip on his private railcar from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. Jaine's mischievous cat Prozac goes along, too, which always spells trouble. The victim has many enemies, but Jaine herself becomes a suspect so she launches her own investigation, taking it upon herself to question the suspects.
Jaine's parents have their own adventures, separate from the plot of the book, in their Florida retirement community. Jaine learns about their escapades through a series of emails throughout the book. I enjoy these funny stories even though they're unrelated to the investigation.
The book is full of slapstick humor since Jaine's sleuthing doesn't always turn out the way she had intended. That type of humor isn't always my favorite in a book, but works well in this series, probably because the author used to be a writer for several hit comedy television shows. The resolution of the case and the book as a whole has several unexpected developments, which raises my rating of the book from 4 to 4 1/2 stars. It’s on the shorter side, but fans of the series won't want to miss this one!
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Kensington Cozies, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
Jaine's parents have their own adventures, separate from the plot of the book, in their Florida retirement community. Jaine learns about their escapades through a series of emails throughout the book. I enjoy these funny stories even though they're unrelated to the investigation.
The book is full of slapstick humor since Jaine's sleuthing doesn't always turn out the way she had intended. That type of humor isn't always my favorite in a book, but works well in this series, probably because the author used to be a writer for several hit comedy television shows. The resolution of the case and the book as a whole has several unexpected developments, which raises my rating of the book from 4 to 4 1/2 stars. It’s on the shorter side, but fans of the series won't want to miss this one!
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Kensington Cozies, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
June 25, 2024
"Murder Buys a One Way Ticket (A Jaine Austen Mystery #20)" by Laura Levine just didn't do it for me. I like my characters to have a few flaws, but being constantly self deprecating and nearly all then other characters are fairly flawed without much redeeming them, it's just not for me. It was a lot of oh they're this but this is what's wrong with them or their personality is just off putting.
I would call this a board line cozy mystery. No out and out sex talk but a bit more lusty talk/thoughts on the part of Jaine and the cat. Yes, the cat. Also, no out and out swearing, but a character gets referred to frequently as "F.U." and meaning it like they're saying it in a swearing way. Also, I don't think I'm totally grasping if Jaine can or can't understand the cat, but the cat has narratives from time to time.
The mystery part was interesting. I did jump around a bit between suspects. I had one character I thought was involved that ended up actually being part of the crime. However, I wasn't quite right about how they were involved.
I would call this a board line cozy mystery. No out and out sex talk but a bit more lusty talk/thoughts on the part of Jaine and the cat. Yes, the cat. Also, no out and out swearing, but a character gets referred to frequently as "F.U." and meaning it like they're saying it in a swearing way. Also, I don't think I'm totally grasping if Jaine can or can't understand the cat, but the cat has narratives from time to time.
The mystery part was interesting. I did jump around a bit between suspects. I had one character I thought was involved that ended up actually being part of the crime. However, I wasn't quite right about how they were involved.
July 22, 2024
I guess this is the last book in the series. Too bad, as it's a consistently entertaining one.
Jaine, needing money as usual, takes a job ghost writing a fitness book for a health guru, despite mainly exercising her fork muscles. The guy is a colossal egotist and jerk. We know the penalty for that in this sort of novel.
Jaine discovered the body and is thus a prime suspect. One would think the police would know better, but they're even more inept than usual here.
Jaine follows the clues, and eventually gets to the bottom of things. Plus her neighbor is desperate to get into a club, and her father is still feuding with the HMO.
A good end to a superior series.
Jaine, needing money as usual, takes a job ghost writing a fitness book for a health guru, despite mainly exercising her fork muscles. The guy is a colossal egotist and jerk. We know the penalty for that in this sort of novel.
Jaine discovered the body and is thus a prime suspect. One would think the police would know better, but they're even more inept than usual here.
Jaine follows the clues, and eventually gets to the bottom of things. Plus her neighbor is desperate to get into a club, and her father is still feuding with the HMO.
A good end to a superior series.
July 8, 2024
One of the strongest entries over the course of the last couple of books. The humor is still broad, Jaine still has an undiagnosed eating disorder, but her father's antics while still wacky seem toned down this time around (well, by Hank Austen standards anyway...) and Lance isn't quite as mean-spirited as he's been in the last several books. Per usual, the mystery here is solid and Levine continues to juggle a lot of potential suspects in a minimal word count. Also, holy wowzers - the ending! I'm curious what it all means for this series, is the author taking Jaine in slightly different direction or has the sun now set on our resident Chunky Monkey, Oreo, Cinnamon Raisin Bagel addict?
August 9, 2024
The emails from Jane's parents are a favorite. Quick read with lots of laugh out loud moments.
November 22, 2024
Beyond ridiculous but a light read. Good ending.
August 5, 2024
Levine never fails to deliver. Jaine is such a relatable character. How could you not love Prozac?? Sometimes a cozy mystery is needed.
July 31, 2024
A really quick read and the end of the series . The same basic formula was used un all 20 books but at least the author gave everyone a happy ending
August 3, 2024
I honestly look forward to each book inthis series. I have to say this is my very favorite mystery series. It is funny, lighthearted, and just a good read when you need some thing nice! The author has written for a different sitcoms on TV over the years and has a great sense of humor!! I love the email dialogue between Jaine Austen and her parents who are retired in Florida! That is the best.
Her cat Prozac always steals the show. I remember when I read her first book which was published back in 2003 I believe, I was enamored with Prozac and working as a psych nurse at the time. I thought what a great name!
I am very sad about this book because it is the last book. The author is 81 and has decided to quit writing. I’m on her email list and got the notification recently. Maybe I’ll have to reread them all again! Such fun!!
Her cat Prozac always steals the show. I remember when I read her first book which was published back in 2003 I believe, I was enamored with Prozac and working as a psych nurse at the time. I thought what a great name!
I am very sad about this book because it is the last book. The author is 81 and has decided to quit writing. I’m on her email list and got the notification recently. Maybe I’ll have to reread them all again! Such fun!!
September 6, 2025
I’m a huge fan of this series and once again it didn’t disappoint. These books are funny, bordering on downright silly at times but always extremely entertaining. I’m always excited when a new one comes out. This one had a great twist at the end that can play out into all kinds of fun stories in the future.
June 27, 2024
OMG….. loved this!!!!! But the ending??????? Please don’t let this be the end of Jaine and Prozac!!! There can be so much shenanigans to be had with her being married!!! Please say it ain’t so !!!!!!! Happy Reading….. more about Jaine I hope:)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2024
All Aboard!
Join Jaine Austin for a zany train ride filled with all of the colorful characters of a reject Clue game as she continues her plight to find love, success and bottomless Oreo bags!
Join Jaine Austin for a zany train ride filled with all of the colorful characters of a reject Clue game as she continues her plight to find love, success and bottomless Oreo bags!
July 24, 2024
I loved all of Laura Levine's books! Including this one! I have read them all. I loved the ending of this book (no spoilers).
I'm just sad that it is the last we will read about Jaine Austen's adventures! And to Laura....Enjoy your retirement! :)
I'm just sad that it is the last we will read about Jaine Austen's adventures! And to Laura....Enjoy your retirement! :)
August 28, 2024
A great read!
This was, as usual, a fun read. The plot was good and the situations were funny and dangerous at the same time. I’m only sorry this is the final Jayne Austin book. I’m going to miss her.
This was, as usual, a fun read. The plot was good and the situations were funny and dangerous at the same time. I’m only sorry this is the final Jayne Austin book. I’m going to miss her.
May 20, 2024
One of my favorite series! I just love all of the predicaments that Jaine gets into. Ready for the next book!
July 18, 2024
Loved it! Like always a great laugh and mystery at the same time. Laura Levine is one of my favorite authors! 👏🏼👏🏼
August 22, 2024
3.5 stars. The ending left a lot to be desired. And where was her BFF? That was a rushed romance story. Is this the last book?
April 26, 2025
Marginally unsuccessful free-lance writer Jaine Austen is perpetually hopeful when she's hired to write an exercise book for gym magnate Chip Miller. Unfortunately, a trip in his private railway car quickly teaches her that he's a disgusting person, despised by his family, and all too ready to find a way to stiff her out of her fee. When he's murdered, she also becomes a suspect. On the bright side, the cater-waiter who is acting as steward on the train car is just what appeals to Jaine--until she finds out that he's concealing a secret that may mean he's really the murderer. Meanwhile, Jaine's parents in Florida are sending her dueling e-mails about her father's new theory that he's a cousin of Elvis's.
October 28, 2024
Quick and fun mystery thriller.
July 21, 2024
According to the authors FB page this is the last in the series! I’m going to miss the funny emails from the parents. At least it has a happy ending, so that’s good.
July 10, 2024
Jaine Austin and her cat Prozac are embroiled in a murder aboard a train. The usual highjinks ensue as Jaine tries to solve the murder. This one has a nice surprise ending!
July 4, 2024
A fun book in the Janie Austen series. I am wondering though if there will be anymore though given the surprise ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews