What do you think?
Rate this book
A Jaine Austen Mystery #17
Death of a Gigolo
Freelance writer Jaine Austen’s life is suddenly full of romance. For one thing, she’s reconnected with her ex—though her cat, Prozac, isn’t happy about it. And Jaine’s also got a new ghostwriting gig, working on a steamy novel called Fifty Shades of Turquoise . . . Daisy Kincaid is in her sixties and heiress to a fortune. Now she wants to make a name for herself as a romance author . . . with a little help from Jaine, that is. As Jaine labors away on love scenes, she gets to know the wealthy woman’s gentleman friend, her household staff, and her social circle—every one of whom is horrified when Daisy falls under the spell of a much younger stud named Tommy, a rude, crude lothario who’s made himself a fixture in Daisy’s Bel Air mansion. After Tommy and Daisy shock everyone by announcing their engagement, it doesn’t take long for someone to stab him in the neck—with the solid gold Swiss Army knife that Daisy gave him as a gift. But to narrow down the list of suspects, Jaine will have to put a bookmark in that love story—and focus all her creative talent into untangling a tale of money and murder . . . “Cozy fans are in for a treat.” —Publishers Weekly
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2019
90 people are currently reading
2529 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).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
March 19, 2020
This series has now incurred diminishing returns for its faithful readers, but one can still see the traces of greatness that the initial entries had.
The title is slightly misleading. Just read for yourself. The heroine is Jaine Austen. I'm a bit glad that there is no cat to distract her, nor is her neighbor and friend Lance, a foreground fixture.
Having read most of the books pertinent to this one, I guessed the culprit's identity. There's no need to pat myself on the back. I'll keep reading this series as long as the books are 3 starred.
The title is slightly misleading. Just read for yourself. The heroine is Jaine Austen. I'm a bit glad that there is no cat to distract her, nor is her neighbor and friend Lance, a foreground fixture.
Having read most of the books pertinent to this one, I guessed the culprit's identity. There's no need to pat myself on the back. I'll keep reading this series as long as the books are 3 starred.
October 24, 2022
This was a fun Jaine Austen cozy mystery. Freelance writer Jaine has been hired by rich heiress Daisy Kincaid to ghostwrite a steamy romance titled Fifty Shades of Turquoise. Daisy is in her sixties and has an entire staff of workers and friends who are eager to get their hands on her fortune, both while she’s still alive and when she passes away, and that includes Tommy, the young lover who has gotten her to rewrite her will leaving everything to him. Tommy turns up dead (not a spoiler as it’s state in the blurb and the title), and one of Jaine’s friends is blamed so she starts snooping around. In other fun side stories, her ex “the blob” is back and trying to woo her, but unfortunately he has given up meat, sugar, wheat, and fat (basically all of Jaine’s favorite food groups.) Between the crazy diet and Prozac the cat shunning him, this had some hilarious scenes. And the emails from Jaine’s parents are always a hoot. 5/5 stars.
September 16, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Death of a Gigolo is the 17th entry in the Jaine Austen Mystery Series and it well might have been the 3rd, 9th or 12th cause it’s a carbon copy of all the previous books. Although I can understand the “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” philosophy and that it’s not that kind of book, I can’t help but wish it had something more (some character development would be nice). The book itself is a decent mystery so if this is your first Jaine Austen book you might find it funny and charming. The problem is that when you’ve read the previous books, you can’t help but recognize the same structures, plot setups, type of characters, red herrings, jokes and turns of phrase. And while I found all that funny and entertaining for a few books now I simply find it lazy and irritating (epic eye rolls every time the MC “inhales” or “scarfs down” a wide variety of junk food or whenever the emails from her parents came up). So Jaine, I think it’s best if from now on we each go our separate ways. It was fun while it lasted.
Death of a Gigolo is the 17th entry in the Jaine Austen Mystery Series and it well might have been the 3rd, 9th or 12th cause it’s a carbon copy of all the previous books. Although I can understand the “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” philosophy and that it’s not that kind of book, I can’t help but wish it had something more (some character development would be nice). The book itself is a decent mystery so if this is your first Jaine Austen book you might find it funny and charming. The problem is that when you’ve read the previous books, you can’t help but recognize the same structures, plot setups, type of characters, red herrings, jokes and turns of phrase. And while I found all that funny and entertaining for a few books now I simply find it lazy and irritating (epic eye rolls every time the MC “inhales” or “scarfs down” a wide variety of junk food or whenever the emails from her parents came up). So Jaine, I think it’s best if from now on we each go our separate ways. It was fun while it lasted.
October 28, 2019
Freeland writer Jaine Austen has landed a new job, this time for Bel Air heiress Daisy Kincaid. Daisy hires Jaine to write a romance novel entitled Fifty Shades of Turquoise. Jaine is working at Daisy’s house each day, so she is there for the arrival of Tommy, a young man who quickly worms his way into Daisy’s heart while alienating everyone else in Daisy’s life. To everyone’s horror, it isn’t long before the two announce their engagement. But when Tommy is murdered the day before the wedding, Jaine finds herself trying to figure out what really happened. Can she do it?
Yes, there are some strong sub-plots as well. Jaine is back with an ex. Will the romance bloom this time? Or will Jaine’s cat, Prozac, derail everything. Meanwhile, in a series of e-mails, we learn about the latest saga her parents are going through. All I will tell you is it involves a bad haircut and a sculpting class.
Those familiar with the series know what to expect, and they won’t be disappointed. Yes, the murder takes place a little late in the book, but the time isn’t wasted as everything is set up. Once Tommy dies, we are off to the races with plenty of twists and turns. Meanwhile, the two sub-plots weave in and out perfectly. There are tons of laughs along the way as all the stories build to their climaxes. The characters are more caricatures, but they fit this book perfectly. More realistic characters wouldn’t work here. Author Laura Levine used to write sitcoms, and that really is the best way to look at this book – as if your favorite sitcom characters were involved in a murder mystery. The result is light, fun, and delightful. So next time you need to smile, pick up this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Yes, there are some strong sub-plots as well. Jaine is back with an ex. Will the romance bloom this time? Or will Jaine’s cat, Prozac, derail everything. Meanwhile, in a series of e-mails, we learn about the latest saga her parents are going through. All I will tell you is it involves a bad haircut and a sculpting class.
Those familiar with the series know what to expect, and they won’t be disappointed. Yes, the murder takes place a little late in the book, but the time isn’t wasted as everything is set up. Once Tommy dies, we are off to the races with plenty of twists and turns. Meanwhile, the two sub-plots weave in and out perfectly. There are tons of laughs along the way as all the stories build to their climaxes. The characters are more caricatures, but they fit this book perfectly. More realistic characters wouldn’t work here. Author Laura Levine used to write sitcoms, and that really is the best way to look at this book – as if your favorite sitcom characters were involved in a murder mystery. The result is light, fun, and delightful. So next time you need to smile, pick up this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
August 7, 2019
Death of a Gigolo is another adventure into the life of Jaine Austin.
Jaine lives with her cat Prozac, a wonderfully spoiled feline who definitely has her human trained.
Jaine has never had much luck in the love department, but she is sure she has found the one this time, if only Prozac would warn up to him. Things are finally looking up for Jaine after she is hired to help write a romance novel with a wealthy woman.
Things go horribly wrong and poor Jaine is once again caught in the middle of a murder investigation.
Between her love life, murder, and the crazy antics of her parents, it's no wonder Jaine heads to her stash of junk food when it all hits the fan.
This is a great story, I adore this series, but this mystery really kept me guessing and I was shocked by the reveal.
Death of a Gigolo is definitely a 5 star book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for approving me to read this book.
Jaine lives with her cat Prozac, a wonderfully spoiled feline who definitely has her human trained.
Jaine has never had much luck in the love department, but she is sure she has found the one this time, if only Prozac would warn up to him. Things are finally looking up for Jaine after she is hired to help write a romance novel with a wealthy woman.
Things go horribly wrong and poor Jaine is once again caught in the middle of a murder investigation.
Between her love life, murder, and the crazy antics of her parents, it's no wonder Jaine heads to her stash of junk food when it all hits the fan.
This is a great story, I adore this series, but this mystery really kept me guessing and I was shocked by the reveal.
Death of a Gigolo is definitely a 5 star book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for approving me to read this book.
November 9, 2019
A quick fun read just what I needed 😻😻
October 18, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book.
I do love cozy, and it's been a while so I decided to dip my toes into the genre again. I did enjoy this one, but I felt like the mystery was really a back story to the romance. This was mainly because the murder doesn't occur until the 40% mark, and for a cozy mystery that is pretty late in the game. It doesn't leave any time for sleuthing, so while I appreciated the jokes and the email snippets, I needed a murder in my cozy mystery. I didn't pick the suspect though, probably because very little of the sleuthing occured.
This is the first time I've read a book in this series, so maybe at book 17 the author is trying new things. I did enjoy the humour and the side characters, and the story line was refreshing for cozy. The characters were probably the best part, especially Jaine herself and her father. I could see where his story was going, but it was still a wild ride!
I'd read this series again, and I'd recommend it if you like your cozies with a dash of modern humour. Having the story of Clarissa added a little flair as well. Four stars.
I do love cozy, and it's been a while so I decided to dip my toes into the genre again. I did enjoy this one, but I felt like the mystery was really a back story to the romance. This was mainly because the murder doesn't occur until the 40% mark, and for a cozy mystery that is pretty late in the game. It doesn't leave any time for sleuthing, so while I appreciated the jokes and the email snippets, I needed a murder in my cozy mystery. I didn't pick the suspect though, probably because very little of the sleuthing occured.
This is the first time I've read a book in this series, so maybe at book 17 the author is trying new things. I did enjoy the humour and the side characters, and the story line was refreshing for cozy. The characters were probably the best part, especially Jaine herself and her father. I could see where his story was going, but it was still a wild ride!
I'd read this series again, and I'd recommend it if you like your cozies with a dash of modern humour. Having the story of Clarissa added a little flair as well. Four stars.
October 6, 2019
Cute, not as good as Laura Levine's older books in the series. But was enjoyable.
August 18, 2019
Jaine is a busy gal - ghost writing a romance novel for a 60-something heiress, trying to reconcile with her ex-husband, solving a murder and trying to avoid being the next victim!
I loved the book and it's witty dialogue. The emails from Jaine's parents are priceless! Never a dull moment for an Austen. The mystery kept me guessing and I was stumped until the last pages. Lance was his obnoxiously lovable self and it was a treat to see the new and improved Dickie.
Plan for a long time to read because you won't want to put the book down!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
I loved the book and it's witty dialogue. The emails from Jaine's parents are priceless! Never a dull moment for an Austen. The mystery kept me guessing and I was stumped until the last pages. Lance was his obnoxiously lovable self and it was a treat to see the new and improved Dickie.
Plan for a long time to read because you won't want to put the book down!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
February 3, 2020
Perhaps after many books in a series it may feel like a template is used and names are changed...I do not care. I love each and every book in the Jaine Austin series. The humor is hilarious, the emails from her parents are great comical side stories, Prozac, Jaine's cat, has some classic opinions ..and the mysteries are very good too. The ending on this one really caught me by surprise...next book.soon please.
February 8, 2021
This was a fun read, although i’ve so far enjoyed all the books in this series. This one did have a fun plot twist at the end.
April 17, 2020
Probably 3.5 stars. There's some (mostly) gentle poking fun at romance novels and the mystery is pretty good. A con man who gets his claws in an aging heiress is found murdered in his tanning bed. I was pretty confident I had figured out the murderer (I did!) but the motive came as a surprise and it was clever. Levine spins out Jaine's reunion with her ex (The Blob) that was dropped at the end of the last book and she actually stands up to Lance at one point - which was long overdue (Lance used to be a lot of fun - but the last several books he's gone mean). There are, of course, more antics from Jaine's parents and a mountain of junk food references. At this point there are no surprises in this series, but I keep reading because Levine can write a cracking good mystery that keeps you guessing. This one only partially kept me guessing but I inhaled this like comfort food so....winning!
October 4, 2019
Series: A Jaine Austin Mystery – Book 17
Author: Laura Levine
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Animal/Pet
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count: 240
New from Kensington Books comes the 17th addition to the cozy mystery series “A Jaine Austin Mystery” by Laura Levine, Death of a Gigolo.
I have to say right at the start, the basic story is interesting, and at times humorous. This applies to all of the books in this cozy mystery series. New readers and old will love the interaction between Jaine, her friends, and family. The “emails” between her and her parents are one of the best parts of this book and the series at large.
Janie is always getting involved in murder cases and sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong. Every suspect is hiding something, and in some cases, their secrets could be a motive for murder. Janie finds out that many of the key players are thieves, liars and worse. All of them with a motive to kill the victim who was not in the least likable. Technically, Janie uncovers the killer by accident.
Unfortunately, I took issue with every suspect having some secret intention and no redeeming value. And the fact that Janie uncovered hidden motives, as well as crimes, and she doesn’t report any of it to the police or anyone else. Which is a bit too farfetched to be credible. Also, Janie falling for her ex knowing full well what type of sleazeball he is, and for which she has done nothing but complain about for 16 books, was so far off the mark as to be ridiculous. Then her being upset about him lying to her when throughout the book she is lying to him about the “diet” she supposedly is on to please him, is hypocritical. Add the childish fixation Janie has with food, junk food, in particular, makes it impossible to overlook the glaring problems with this story. The lack of any real police investigation just makes the entire book rather blah. Any cozy mystery series or book needs believable characters and motives, and this one just doesn’t have either.
I wanted to like this cozy mystery book more than I actually did. Humor was present and the story was easy to read but, in the end,, I couldn’t wrap my head around all the issues that plagued Death of a Gigolo and still enjoy the book. I hope the next addition will be something new and will invigorate the series. Perhaps its time for Janie to grow up.
Author: Laura Levine
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Animal/Pet
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count: 240
New from Kensington Books comes the 17th addition to the cozy mystery series “A Jaine Austin Mystery” by Laura Levine, Death of a Gigolo.
I have to say right at the start, the basic story is interesting, and at times humorous. This applies to all of the books in this cozy mystery series. New readers and old will love the interaction between Jaine, her friends, and family. The “emails” between her and her parents are one of the best parts of this book and the series at large.
Janie is always getting involved in murder cases and sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong. Every suspect is hiding something, and in some cases, their secrets could be a motive for murder. Janie finds out that many of the key players are thieves, liars and worse. All of them with a motive to kill the victim who was not in the least likable. Technically, Janie uncovers the killer by accident.
Unfortunately, I took issue with every suspect having some secret intention and no redeeming value. And the fact that Janie uncovered hidden motives, as well as crimes, and she doesn’t report any of it to the police or anyone else. Which is a bit too farfetched to be credible. Also, Janie falling for her ex knowing full well what type of sleazeball he is, and for which she has done nothing but complain about for 16 books, was so far off the mark as to be ridiculous. Then her being upset about him lying to her when throughout the book she is lying to him about the “diet” she supposedly is on to please him, is hypocritical. Add the childish fixation Janie has with food, junk food, in particular, makes it impossible to overlook the glaring problems with this story. The lack of any real police investigation just makes the entire book rather blah. Any cozy mystery series or book needs believable characters and motives, and this one just doesn’t have either.
I wanted to like this cozy mystery book more than I actually did. Humor was present and the story was easy to read but, in the end,, I couldn’t wrap my head around all the issues that plagued Death of a Gigolo and still enjoy the book. I hope the next addition will be something new and will invigorate the series. Perhaps its time for Janie to grow up.
August 23, 2019
Jaine Austen is in love - with her ex-husband Dickie Elliott. Although her best friend Lance and her vocal cat Prozac don't approve, Jaine couldn't be happier with her rekindled romance. Jaine is also pleased with a well-paying job she landed ghost-writing a romance novel for wealthy woman living in a Bel-Air mansion. When a smooth-talking younger man arrives and turns the much older woman's head, the whole household is in turmoil. When Tommy is found murdered, Jaine has a house full of suspects to investigate to find the real killer.
I have read all of the books in this series and have enjoyed every one. Jaine is funny and real, with a weakness for junk food and an aversion to exercise. However, she is a talented writer, a loyal friend, and a clever investigator. The investigation in this installment is interesting and the mansion is full of quirky characters. Jaine's romance with Dickie is also entertaining as the reader, along with Lance, fear that Jaine is going to get hurt again. New readers could read the book as a standalone and enjoy it but will definitely want to check out earlier books in the series, too. The book is on the short side, but I appreciate that it is a quick, fast-paced read
I was surprised at how the investigation turned out and was pleased with how other things in Jaine's life turned out. As always, I enjoyed the st0ry-within-a-story of Jaine's parents' latest escapades in Florida. Their misadventures are relayed to Jaine through a series of amusing emails throughout the book. Prozac is always an important character in these books and his antics are for Jaine's own good this time.
I had several laugh out loud moments during this book from Prozac, Jayne's parents, and the situations Jaine gets into. When I pick up a new Jaine Austen mystery, I know I will begin and end with a smile on my face with lots of laughs in between. "Death of a Gigolo" is another well-written, entertaining mystery from Laura Levine that I would rate 4.5 stars.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Kensington Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
I have read all of the books in this series and have enjoyed every one. Jaine is funny and real, with a weakness for junk food and an aversion to exercise. However, she is a talented writer, a loyal friend, and a clever investigator. The investigation in this installment is interesting and the mansion is full of quirky characters. Jaine's romance with Dickie is also entertaining as the reader, along with Lance, fear that Jaine is going to get hurt again. New readers could read the book as a standalone and enjoy it but will definitely want to check out earlier books in the series, too. The book is on the short side, but I appreciate that it is a quick, fast-paced read
I was surprised at how the investigation turned out and was pleased with how other things in Jaine's life turned out. As always, I enjoyed the st0ry-within-a-story of Jaine's parents' latest escapades in Florida. Their misadventures are relayed to Jaine through a series of amusing emails throughout the book. Prozac is always an important character in these books and his antics are for Jaine's own good this time.
I had several laugh out loud moments during this book from Prozac, Jayne's parents, and the situations Jaine gets into. When I pick up a new Jaine Austen mystery, I know I will begin and end with a smile on my face with lots of laughs in between. "Death of a Gigolo" is another well-written, entertaining mystery from Laura Levine that I would rate 4.5 stars.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Kensington Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2020
So funny! I love this series and the Jaine we all know and love is back!
August 18, 2019
Jaine Austen is back! And this time around romance is in the air! She's reconnected with The Blob (much to her cat Prozac dismay) and she's been hired as a ghost writer by Daisy Kincaid, a millionaire heiress, to pen the next big steamy novel "Fifty shades of Turquoise". When Daisy falls under the spell of a much younger guy, everyone is in shock, and when he gets stabbed in the neck is time for Jaine to find who the killer is.
Funny and fast paced murder mystery with several laugh out loud moments that make for a perfect beach read. The whodunit is deftly developed with a satisfying resolution that reminisces a short story by the Queen of Crime, Mrs. Agatha Christie.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Funny and fast paced murder mystery with several laugh out loud moments that make for a perfect beach read. The whodunit is deftly developed with a satisfying resolution that reminisces a short story by the Queen of Crime, Mrs. Agatha Christie.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2019
I recently discovered Laura Levine and fell in love with her books. To be honest I fell in love with her sense of humour, her tongue in cheek style of writing and Prozac, one of the funniest feline in the cozyverse.
I had high expectations and I can say I wasn't disappointed.
Amazing style of writing and humour, check.
Laughing out loudly at Prozac antics, check.
An engrossing mystery that keeps you guessing, check.
Jaine romantic disasters, check.
The only issue is that I will have to wait for the next instalment.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I had high expectations and I can say I wasn't disappointed.
Amazing style of writing and humour, check.
Laughing out loudly at Prozac antics, check.
An engrossing mystery that keeps you guessing, check.
Jaine romantic disasters, check.
The only issue is that I will have to wait for the next instalment.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
August 15, 2019
I love this series! The books are quick reads and humorous. I love the characters and the things that Jaine gets into are funny. I didn't see the end coming in this book. I did not have it figured out. The end felt a little rushed, but everything was wrapped up. I'm already eagerly awaiting the next book!
October 2, 2019
Entertaining read! Light, humorous, nice mystery and engaging characters. I do love Prozac the cat LOL, little devil that she is! Having Jaine's parents' funny escapades coming through in various emails is hilarious. Really looking forward to the next book in the series. Thanks to the author for a refreshing read that left me feeling happy!
October 9, 2019
Oh, Jaine........so unlucky to keep stumbling upon murder after murder and worthless guy after worthless guy.....
Love the shout out of Mar Vista - its my childhood 'hood and its always a treat to see it in a book.
Please bring back Candi as a character though...its been too long since we've seen her female bestie and sometimes Lance can be a little....well....Lance.
Love the shout out of Mar Vista - its my childhood 'hood and its always a treat to see it in a book.
Please bring back Candi as a character though...its been too long since we've seen her female bestie and sometimes Lance can be a little....well....Lance.
August 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I read it straight through. I liked the writing style, its' light and breezy, especially the emails from her parents. I liked Lance and the cat's attitude as well. #DeathOfAGigolo #NetGalley
September 30, 2019
I really enjoy this series!!
October 29, 2019
Absolutely adore this author!
February 24, 2020
Romance for freelance writer Jaine Austen is looking up—both personally and professionally. After ditching her deadbeat husband, Dickie Elliot, several years ago for more reasons than this review has space to list, he pops back into her life, a changed man with a great job, and the kind of washboard abs that only ongoing workouts at the local gym can produce. Dickie’s also become a vegetarian and is into meditation, but Jaine’s willing to forgive that part as long as she can still have her junk food fix on the sly.
A hot and steamy romance novel is also what Jaine’s hired to ghostwrite for wealthy, eccentric, Daisy Kincaid, who’s determined to make a name for herself as a professional writer. As Jaine toils away spewing out purple prose galore, she gets to know and become friends with Daisy’s inner circle: her elderly suitor, her personal chef, her maid, and her secretary. Everyone is getting along well until Daisy falls under the spell of a much younger stud named Tommy who moves into Daisy’s mansion and completely takes over her life. Daisy’s inner circle is appalled at the influence Tommy has over her. When Daisy and Tommy announce their engagement, and their wedding is scheduled to take place in just a few days on a huge yacht Daisy has booked for the occasion, it’s the last straw for everyone, particularly Tommy, who’s found a short time later stabbed to death.
The always curious Jaine can’t resist snooping around, and she discovers that each person in the inner circle not only hated Tommy, but also has a secret they’re desperate to hide from Daisy. And Daisy has a humdinger of a secret, too.
“Death of a Gigolo” is 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.
A hot and steamy romance novel is also what Jaine’s hired to ghostwrite for wealthy, eccentric, Daisy Kincaid, who’s determined to make a name for herself as a professional writer. As Jaine toils away spewing out purple prose galore, she gets to know and become friends with Daisy’s inner circle: her elderly suitor, her personal chef, her maid, and her secretary. Everyone is getting along well until Daisy falls under the spell of a much younger stud named Tommy who moves into Daisy’s mansion and completely takes over her life. Daisy’s inner circle is appalled at the influence Tommy has over her. When Daisy and Tommy announce their engagement, and their wedding is scheduled to take place in just a few days on a huge yacht Daisy has booked for the occasion, it’s the last straw for everyone, particularly Tommy, who’s found a short time later stabbed to death.
The always curious Jaine can’t resist snooping around, and she discovers that each person in the inner circle not only hated Tommy, but also has a secret they’re desperate to hide from Daisy. And Daisy has a humdinger of a secret, too.
“Death of a Gigolo” is 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.
August 30, 2019
As usual, I giggled my way through the latest Jaine Austen book, “Death of a Gigolo.” Laura Levine has such a deft touch that the reader never feels as if the humor is forced, rather it flows from the circumstances in which Jaine finds herself. I dearly love the emails to Jaine from her never seen parents in Florida; we see whatever crisis is engulfing them now at Tampa Vistas from both points of view, and very funny they are, too. Jaine’s cat, Prozac, (whom Jaine’s mother always calls “Zoloft”) adds her inimitable voice, and Lance, Jaine’s best friend, brings his ebullient personality to the mix.
In “Death of a Gigolo,” Jaine gets a job as ghostwriter for a wealthy woman who wants to publish a romance book. She also has a boyfriend! There is a cast of characters who make up the usual suspects list, and a not very gory murder. I don’t like spoilers, so I am not going to say any more about the plot.
The Jaine Austen books are not deep and profound literature. They are light, funny, cozy mysteries. Sometimes you don’t want PD James, you want Laura Levine and there is nothing wrong with that. “Death of a Gigolo” was a pleasure to read, and I look forward to the continuing adventures of Jaine and her friends.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions are my own.
In “Death of a Gigolo,” Jaine gets a job as ghostwriter for a wealthy woman who wants to publish a romance book. She also has a boyfriend! There is a cast of characters who make up the usual suspects list, and a not very gory murder. I don’t like spoilers, so I am not going to say any more about the plot.
The Jaine Austen books are not deep and profound literature. They are light, funny, cozy mysteries. Sometimes you don’t want PD James, you want Laura Levine and there is nothing wrong with that. “Death of a Gigolo” was a pleasure to read, and I look forward to the continuing adventures of Jaine and her friends.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions are my own.
November 19, 2019
Jaine Austen is hired to ghost write a steamy romance, called 50 Shades of Turquoise for a wealthy woman.
The food at the mansion is fabulous until a gorgeous hunk moves in and the seemingly besotted Daisy has the chef making his favourite foods - Tater Tots, Ding Dongs, cocktail wienies, etc. When he is murdered with the gold Swiss Army Knife Daisy has gifted him (so useful for cleaning his teeth), everyone who knew him, but for the grieving Daisy, is suspect.
Jaine's ex husband Dickie, formerly known as The Blob, is back on the scene and looking good, although he is now a health freak and wants Jaine to go to spin classes with him and live off of his vegan minimalist foods. She tries to go along with this, but cabbage lasagne was just too much!
Much to the dismay of Jaine's long-suffering mother. her Dad is up to his usual mischief in their retirement community in Florida. He has a new mullet-like hairstyle which is gelled into shape with something that smells like rotten fish. He has also taken up sculpting.
Like all the Jaine Austen books, this one is fun!
The food at the mansion is fabulous until a gorgeous hunk moves in and the seemingly besotted Daisy has the chef making his favourite foods - Tater Tots, Ding Dongs, cocktail wienies, etc. When he is murdered with the gold Swiss Army Knife Daisy has gifted him (so useful for cleaning his teeth), everyone who knew him, but for the grieving Daisy, is suspect.
Jaine's ex husband Dickie, formerly known as The Blob, is back on the scene and looking good, although he is now a health freak and wants Jaine to go to spin classes with him and live off of his vegan minimalist foods. She tries to go along with this, but cabbage lasagne was just too much!
Much to the dismay of Jaine's long-suffering mother. her Dad is up to his usual mischief in their retirement community in Florida. He has a new mullet-like hairstyle which is gelled into shape with something that smells like rotten fish. He has also taken up sculpting.
Like all the Jaine Austen books, this one is fun!
May 20, 2025
Review:
This was my first book from the Jaine Austen mystery series. It’s been on my TBR for so long now I totally forgot about it! It was gifted to me through a buddy swap, a fun little gift to receive. Though it’s the 17th book in this mystery series, it can be read as a standalone. Let me first admit that in my initial interest in this book, I had absolutely no idea what a Gigolo was. Yes, apparently I grew up under a rock. 🙃 After getting halfway through the book, I googled it and realized my mistake. Oops! My own fault for the ick factor! I guess having the gold digger be the subject of the murder makes it easier to deal with, since you’re already completely disgusted with the guy for taking advantage of a wealthy old lady. This is meant to be a cozy murder mystery, which is a genre I typically adore, but I just really struggled to get into this one. What I assume meant to be cute and silly I just found to be annoying. The characters lacked depth and all seemed very immature. There was too much emphasis on Jaine’s obsession with food, Jaine’s parents’ complaining nature I found to be excessive, and Jaine’s desire to get back into an unhealthy relationship with her ex just all really left this one lacking in my opinion. I also had expected more inclusion of Prozac the cat based off cover, and was disappointed that she didn’t play more of a part in the story. I see this book has fairly good ratings, so maybe it’s just me? I did enjoy the suspense in figuring out “who dunnit” and was surprised by the ending, but everything else was just mediocre at best. Not the worst book I’ve read, but far from the best. 2.5 star.
This was my first book from the Jaine Austen mystery series. It’s been on my TBR for so long now I totally forgot about it! It was gifted to me through a buddy swap, a fun little gift to receive. Though it’s the 17th book in this mystery series, it can be read as a standalone. Let me first admit that in my initial interest in this book, I had absolutely no idea what a Gigolo was. Yes, apparently I grew up under a rock. 🙃 After getting halfway through the book, I googled it and realized my mistake. Oops! My own fault for the ick factor! I guess having the gold digger be the subject of the murder makes it easier to deal with, since you’re already completely disgusted with the guy for taking advantage of a wealthy old lady. This is meant to be a cozy murder mystery, which is a genre I typically adore, but I just really struggled to get into this one. What I assume meant to be cute and silly I just found to be annoying. The characters lacked depth and all seemed very immature. There was too much emphasis on Jaine’s obsession with food, Jaine’s parents’ complaining nature I found to be excessive, and Jaine’s desire to get back into an unhealthy relationship with her ex just all really left this one lacking in my opinion. I also had expected more inclusion of Prozac the cat based off cover, and was disappointed that she didn’t play more of a part in the story. I see this book has fairly good ratings, so maybe it’s just me? I did enjoy the suspense in figuring out “who dunnit” and was surprised by the ending, but everything else was just mediocre at best. Not the worst book I’ve read, but far from the best. 2.5 star.
October 7, 2019
This is the seventeenth book in the Jaine Austen series. Jaine feels like everything is finally going her way. She is back with her newly reformed ex husband and has a new writing gig for a romance book. Jaine is tasked with writing 50 shades of Turquoise for Daisy Kincaid. Of course wherever Jaine goes, murder seems to follow. Daisy has become involved with a much younger man named Tommy who is nothing but rude and just plain men to everyone he meets. So it is a complete shock when Daisy says they are getting married. Shortly after Tommy is killed and there is no shortage of suspects since Tommy made enemies wherever he went. Jaine stats to investigate.
This was an ok book. It follows the same pattern as all the others. Jaine taking a writing job and stumbling into trouble. This is a nice quick and easy cozy mystery to read. It is light hearted and fun and just what you need every once in a while.
This was an ok book. It follows the same pattern as all the others. Jaine taking a writing job and stumbling into trouble. This is a nice quick and easy cozy mystery to read. It is light hearted and fun and just what you need every once in a while.
November 1, 2019
I just love this series! Jaine is back with her ex and "in-love" and Prozac is having none of it! Meanwhile, local heiress Daisy asks Jaine to write a romance novel with her - all dining inclusive and a group of misfits to hang out with all day. One day, Daisy has a blast from the past arrive on her doorstep and just as quickly he drops out of their lives and a hunt for the killer begins. Filled with quick and witty dialogue, you may find yourself relating to Jaine when her love tries to place her on a diet and she just can't hack it. The random email storyline is always a fun addition to the story as you never know what Jaine's parents are getting themselves into and it's always a fun interlude to the murder mystery. Yet again, a fun addition to one of my favorite series!
October 7, 2019
Another fun adventure into Jaine's life. This time she is working for a wealthy woman ghostwriting a book. And the blob is in the picture. There are some funny points and it's an easy fun read. If looking for a laugh (and mystery), this is it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews