What do you think?
Rate this book
A Jaine Austen Mystery #19
Death by Smoothie
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 murder from the past comes back to haunt the Hollywood writer-for-hire!
Freelance writer Jaine Austen is all too familiar with the short-lived sitcom I Married a Zombie--she once solved the murder of its star, Cryptessa Muldoon. But in true zombie fashion, Cryptessa is back from the grave--sort of--courtesy of a new theatrical production, and murder is on the bill once more...
The Bewitched knockoff I Married a Zombie may have flopped in its day, but it's got a devoted cult following. Jaine is delighted when one of those rabid fans hires her as script doctor for his new play based on the show--until she reads the awful script and meets Misty, the actress who'll be playing Cryptessa's role. Misty has Audrey Hepburn's doe eyes but not a smidgen of her ability. Yet she can certainly act the diva, demanding a special smoothie every day at 3pm. Meanwhile, Jaine is grappling with another spoiled female--her uncooperative cat, Prozac, who's refusing to be wrangled into a kitty harness for outside walks.
When someone spikes Misty's signature drink with a fatal shot of rat poison, the cast of suspects extends far beyond the theater. What Misty lacked in talent she made up for in enemies. Everyone Jaine talks to maintains their innocence, but one of them is clearly only playing the part. And it's up to Jaine to figure out who, before a killer schedules an encore performance . . .
Freelance writer Jaine Austen is all too familiar with the short-lived sitcom I Married a Zombie--she once solved the murder of its star, Cryptessa Muldoon. But in true zombie fashion, Cryptessa is back from the grave--sort of--courtesy of a new theatrical production, and murder is on the bill once more...
The Bewitched knockoff I Married a Zombie may have flopped in its day, but it's got a devoted cult following. Jaine is delighted when one of those rabid fans hires her as script doctor for his new play based on the show--until she reads the awful script and meets Misty, the actress who'll be playing Cryptessa's role. Misty has Audrey Hepburn's doe eyes but not a smidgen of her ability. Yet she can certainly act the diva, demanding a special smoothie every day at 3pm. Meanwhile, Jaine is grappling with another spoiled female--her uncooperative cat, Prozac, who's refusing to be wrangled into a kitty harness for outside walks.
When someone spikes Misty's signature drink with a fatal shot of rat poison, the cast of suspects extends far beyond the theater. What Misty lacked in talent she made up for in enemies. Everyone Jaine talks to maintains their innocence, but one of them is clearly only playing the part. And it's up to Jaine to figure out who, before a killer schedules an encore performance . . .
240 pages, Hardcover
First published November 29, 2022
54 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Laura Levine
57 books1,234 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 165 reviews
July 25, 2023
Another great addition to the Jaine Austen series filled w/ parent emails, junk food, bad dates, an and a bumbling sleuth!! This series makes me laugh every time.
I recommend to any cozy fan!
I received an arc of this book in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank netgalley, the author Laura Levine, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
I recommend to any cozy fan!
I received an arc of this book in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank netgalley, the author Laura Levine, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
January 13, 2023
Someone is trying to revive the cult classic sitcom I Married a Zombie as a stage musical, and freelance writer Jaine Austen has been hired to punch up the script. Since the producer is also the writer and the star, the script needs a lot of work, but the biggest problem is Misty, the actress hired to play the lead. She can’t act and she can’t remember her lines, but the producer is enchanted with her. That is until someone poisons her afternoon smoothie. Jaine jumps into action to figure out who the killer is. Can she do it?
Anyone familiar with this series will know exactly what to expect here, and they will be delighted by it. It’s more of the same in the best way possible. By my count, we have four sub-plots that weave in and out of the story, and they keep the reader from ever getting bored. The sub-plot involving her parents might be my favorite yet. These sub-plots also help provide plenty of wacky situations, and this book is filled with humor from beginning to end. The characters are a bit more types as a result, created for their humor potential, but they work. The mystery is strong and kept me guessing until the end, even when I thought I had it figured out early on. I was smiling or laughing with every page. It’s always a treat to pick up a book in this series. If you are looking for a light, fun mystery, this is the one for you.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Anyone familiar with this series will know exactly what to expect here, and they will be delighted by it. It’s more of the same in the best way possible. By my count, we have four sub-plots that weave in and out of the story, and they keep the reader from ever getting bored. The sub-plot involving her parents might be my favorite yet. These sub-plots also help provide plenty of wacky situations, and this book is filled with humor from beginning to end. The characters are a bit more types as a result, created for their humor potential, but they work. The mystery is strong and kept me guessing until the end, even when I thought I had it figured out early on. I was smiling or laughing with every page. It’s always a treat to pick up a book in this series. If you are looking for a light, fun mystery, this is the one for you.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
July 10, 2022
I really like this series and I'm always excited for a new book that's coming out.
As much as I enjoy Jaine and her cat, Prozac, I think this series is getting stale.
It seems nothing ever changes for Jaine, which was funny in the beginning of the series, but now it's just become repetitive silly stuff.
I hope the author creates something different for Jaine in the future, because Jaine deserves to have something amazing happen to her.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
#DeathbySmoothie #NetGalley
As much as I enjoy Jaine and her cat, Prozac, I think this series is getting stale.
It seems nothing ever changes for Jaine, which was funny in the beginning of the series, but now it's just become repetitive silly stuff.
I hope the author creates something different for Jaine in the future, because Jaine deserves to have something amazing happen to her.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
#DeathbySmoothie #NetGalley
November 28, 2022
Cryptessa is alive and well again, which should never have happened. That I open up this review with those words should warn readers that I did not like Death by Smoothie. There is no mystery in this cozy mystery; there are no likable characters, and what would have been humorous thirty years ago is no longer funny unless you have the maturity of a pre-adolescent boy.
When the main character, Jaine, is hired to doctor a script based on an old TV character, Cryptessa, and the director hasn’t got a clue what he is doing and hires the first girl to flirt with him, you already know nothing good will come from this writing job. Jaine isn’t a great character; I honestly have not disliked another fictional character as much as Jaine. She has not grown even a little after nineteen books. She has the mentality and maturity of a spoiled rotten kid who never learned self-control. But as hard as it is to believe, she isn’t the worst character in this story. That distinction goes to her neighbor, Lance, who is even worse than she is! If he is her idea of a friend, I would hate to see her enemies. Jaine doesn’t care what she looks like; she is overly obsessed with food and has never been right about any of the suspects or the motives for any of the murders she has investigated. If this were real life, she wouldn’t be able to get a job writing anything, not even a jingle for plumbing supplies.
The killer, and who reading this book, didn’t know the identity of the murderer right from the start; it was as obvious as… well as someone screaming it at you from two inches away? The motive for the killer, besides writing an extremely bad script based on Cyptessa, a character from an old tv show that no one wanted to see when it was new, and most would assume based on this alone that he would be the victim, was just too simple and unrefined. Death by Smoothie isn’t at all original or funny. There came a point while reading this book when I hoped Jaine would be the next victim and that the killer would get by with murder in her case.
I can’t recommend this book or series as much as I would have liked. I do not find the main character to be funny, smart, or even interesting, and that applies equally to all the other returning characters. You can add as many poison smoothies and bad TV characters such as Cryptessa all you want; it won’t change the fact that overall, this book and series has outlasted its fun factor by at least seventeen or eighteen books. I am happy to say that I won’t be reading any new installments in the future.
When the main character, Jaine, is hired to doctor a script based on an old TV character, Cryptessa, and the director hasn’t got a clue what he is doing and hires the first girl to flirt with him, you already know nothing good will come from this writing job. Jaine isn’t a great character; I honestly have not disliked another fictional character as much as Jaine. She has not grown even a little after nineteen books. She has the mentality and maturity of a spoiled rotten kid who never learned self-control. But as hard as it is to believe, she isn’t the worst character in this story. That distinction goes to her neighbor, Lance, who is even worse than she is! If he is her idea of a friend, I would hate to see her enemies. Jaine doesn’t care what she looks like; she is overly obsessed with food and has never been right about any of the suspects or the motives for any of the murders she has investigated. If this were real life, she wouldn’t be able to get a job writing anything, not even a jingle for plumbing supplies.
The killer, and who reading this book, didn’t know the identity of the murderer right from the start; it was as obvious as… well as someone screaming it at you from two inches away? The motive for the killer, besides writing an extremely bad script based on Cyptessa, a character from an old tv show that no one wanted to see when it was new, and most would assume based on this alone that he would be the victim, was just too simple and unrefined. Death by Smoothie isn’t at all original or funny. There came a point while reading this book when I hoped Jaine would be the next victim and that the killer would get by with murder in her case.
I can’t recommend this book or series as much as I would have liked. I do not find the main character to be funny, smart, or even interesting, and that applies equally to all the other returning characters. You can add as many poison smoothies and bad TV characters such as Cryptessa all you want; it won’t change the fact that overall, this book and series has outlasted its fun factor by at least seventeen or eighteen books. I am happy to say that I won’t be reading any new installments in the future.
November 15, 2022
When I pick up a Jaine Austen novel, I know I will be entertained by Jaine's cat, Prozac, and her many failed attempts at dating, not to mention her wardrobe dilemmas. This book was no different. I laughed so much reading about her bachelor auction date and her walks with Prozac. The mystery was well written and I thought I had it all figured out but was proved wrong (again). Looking forward to what she gets up to next.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
January 1, 2023
Laura Levine returns to form. Almost, but not quite, 4 stars.
Short on money, as usual, Jaine takes a job rewriting a play. It seems a lottery winner wants to revive an old sitcom with a cult following called I Married A Zombie.
The play is just bad. Making it worse is the no-talent actress who finagles her way into the lead part. When the no-talent is murdered, Jaine has to investigate, for the show must go on.
Now, I'd like to see episodes of I Married A Zombie.
Short on money, as usual, Jaine takes a job rewriting a play. It seems a lottery winner wants to revive an old sitcom with a cult following called I Married A Zombie.
The play is just bad. Making it worse is the no-talent actress who finagles her way into the lead part. When the no-talent is murdered, Jaine has to investigate, for the show must go on.
Now, I'd like to see episodes of I Married A Zombie.
July 7, 2022
I really like this series and I'm always excited for a new book that's coming out.
As much as I enjoy Jaine and her cat, Prozac, I think this series is getting stale.
It seems nothing ever changes for Jaine, which was funny in the beginning of the series, but now it's just become repetitive silly stuff.
I hope the author creates something different for Jaine in the future, because Jaine deserves to have something amazing happen to her.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
#DeathbySmoothie #NetGalley
As much as I enjoy Jaine and her cat, Prozac, I think this series is getting stale.
It seems nothing ever changes for Jaine, which was funny in the beginning of the series, but now it's just become repetitive silly stuff.
I hope the author creates something different for Jaine in the future, because Jaine deserves to have something amazing happen to her.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
#DeathbySmoothie #NetGalley
January 24, 2023
I was all set to say that this was the strongest of the series among the recent entries and then I got to the end. Look, these books follow a pattern and while I'm beginning to think Jaine DOES need to trade Prozac in for a gerbil and cut Lance out of her life, I particularly enjoyed the dating disaster this time around. The mystery was also pretty good, with a lot of suspects and motives to choose from. Unfortunately the author went with the weakest suspect with the most absurd motive of all - which knocked this one down a bit for me. Seriously, literally anyone else as the murderer would have been more believable.
January 22, 2025
So much fun. Just what the doctor ordered 🥰
July 21, 2022
Jaine Austin is working on a play that may give a murderous meaning to "break a leg"! After solving the murder of Cryptessa Muldoon, she never thought she'd be back in the "I Married a Zombie" world. When a fan brings the tv show back as a play, Jaine is hired to re-work the trouble spots. However, when the unlikable leading lady is murdered with a "not so tasty smoothie", she has to find the killer before she's the next target - and she doesn't even like smoothies!
This series keeps me guessing and laughing! Daddi-o and Prozac are out of control and driving Jaine and her Mom nuts, Lance is his lovable, narcissistic self and a lot of ice cream is consumed. I was surprised to discover "whodunit" but it made sense and all the puzzle pieces fell into place.
It's fun to read a series where the main character is not perfect and never gives up. That keeps me coming back, book after book and I'm already looking forward to the next mystery!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This series keeps me guessing and laughing! Daddi-o and Prozac are out of control and driving Jaine and her Mom nuts, Lance is his lovable, narcissistic self and a lot of ice cream is consumed. I was surprised to discover "whodunit" but it made sense and all the puzzle pieces fell into place.
It's fun to read a series where the main character is not perfect and never gives up. That keeps me coming back, book after book and I'm already looking forward to the next mystery!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
November 24, 2022
This is the 19th in this laugh out loud funny cozy series starring Jaine Austen, her family and her cat, Prozac. I have never been disappointed. Not only is Jaine a hoot but the asides from her parents are hysterical. I won't give any spoilers.
This time Jaine is offered $5K to do re-writes on a play, I Married a Zombie. This play is so bad it would be so off, off Broadway that it would be in the next state. Jaine needs the money so she accepts. They should have paid her triple considering what what was to come. Not only is the script a stinker and needs a complete rework, the lead actress has less acting ability than a snail (sorry to insult the poor snail). Jaine is at a loss as to what processed the director to choose her over another actress, one who would have been the perfect choice. No surprise who becomes the corpse.
The list of suspects is not short and the mystery is twisty enough that it will keep the reader guessing. When I came to the last page I wished that the next, #20, was already at hand. This series is a great stress reliever.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This time Jaine is offered $5K to do re-writes on a play, I Married a Zombie. This play is so bad it would be so off, off Broadway that it would be in the next state. Jaine needs the money so she accepts. They should have paid her triple considering what what was to come. Not only is the script a stinker and needs a complete rework, the lead actress has less acting ability than a snail (sorry to insult the poor snail). Jaine is at a loss as to what processed the director to choose her over another actress, one who would have been the perfect choice. No surprise who becomes the corpse.
The list of suspects is not short and the mystery is twisty enough that it will keep the reader guessing. When I came to the last page I wished that the next, #20, was already at hand. This series is a great stress reliever.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 27, 2022
This is the 19th book in the humorous cozy Jaine Austin mystery series. I have read each and every one and enjoyed them all. In this book Jaine has been hired to do some script revisions and comedic additions on a revitalized cult classic, I Married a Zombie. Jaine finds the play has a horrible script and even a more horrible leading lady. Unfortunately, the leading lady dies after her 3 pm Smoothie has been tampered with which starts Jaine's investigate juices.
The murder aside I love Jaine's hilarious side comments to the reader as well as the emails from her parents in Florida. The mystery is a good one with a variety of suspects. I did not guess the murderer, however, I did yearn for Chunky Monkey Ice Cream while reading this book.
my only con is that isn't time at this stage for Jaine to find love?
Thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. It publishes 11/29/22
The murder aside I love Jaine's hilarious side comments to the reader as well as the emails from her parents in Florida. The mystery is a good one with a variety of suspects. I did not guess the murderer, however, I did yearn for Chunky Monkey Ice Cream while reading this book.
my only con is that isn't time at this stage for Jaine to find love?
Thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. It publishes 11/29/22
August 13, 2022
A quick, fun read. Jaine Austen is about as down-to-earth as they come, her "fame" as a writer coming from writing a catchy spot jingle for plumbing. Her cat Prozac continues to baffle and defy her at every turn, all while being the sweetest kitty on earth to neighbor Lance and others, and even the best sounding job opportunities seem to wind up leading not just to disaster but a murder. A murder Jaine solves, I might mention. She also deals with her parents' flow of wacky emails, usually detailing some wild situation her father has gotten himself into, such as tap dancing with an iguana on his head. Nope, not making that one up. It's in the book with all the hilarious details.
As for the murder, who offed Misty, the lead actress in a revival of the zombie show. True, she sounds like an atrocious actress but, hey, even bad actors don't deserve to die. Who killed her? Well, I think we can eliminate Prozac....maybe. How about Lance's new boyfriend, Aiden. He seems nice enough but, well, looks can also be deceiving. Misty's director/co-star who was obviously lusting, er, enchanted by her youthful appeal and flirting? How about the director's long suffering girlfriend?
Is Jaine's trip to a bachelor auction somehow related to all this? How did she wind up bidding and winning, anyway? Has neighbor Lance found true love, at least for this week? What is a good reason to kill someone? Will Jaine succeed in teaching Prozac to walk calmly on a leash? Why is she trying to teach Prozac to walk on a leash anyway? And, back to the Iguana....tap dancing with an iguana on your top hat? Oh, the image not only this little detail but so many images that this book conjures up.
Bottom line, if you're looking for a fun, quick read with lots of laughs, this is it. I've read this series since discovering the cozy mystery genre and as predictable as much of the action is, it still hasn't gone stale for me. Jaine is likable, well, by everyone but Prozac, and the zany characters and situations she finds herself in are a hoot. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonPress for inviting me to check out the zombie play Jaine is trying to whip into shape. Can't wait to see what she's up to next visit.
As for the murder, who offed Misty, the lead actress in a revival of the zombie show. True, she sounds like an atrocious actress but, hey, even bad actors don't deserve to die. Who killed her? Well, I think we can eliminate Prozac....maybe. How about Lance's new boyfriend, Aiden. He seems nice enough but, well, looks can also be deceiving. Misty's director/co-star who was obviously lusting, er, enchanted by her youthful appeal and flirting? How about the director's long suffering girlfriend?
Is Jaine's trip to a bachelor auction somehow related to all this? How did she wind up bidding and winning, anyway? Has neighbor Lance found true love, at least for this week? What is a good reason to kill someone? Will Jaine succeed in teaching Prozac to walk calmly on a leash? Why is she trying to teach Prozac to walk on a leash anyway? And, back to the Iguana....tap dancing with an iguana on your top hat? Oh, the image not only this little detail but so many images that this book conjures up.
Bottom line, if you're looking for a fun, quick read with lots of laughs, this is it. I've read this series since discovering the cozy mystery genre and as predictable as much of the action is, it still hasn't gone stale for me. Jaine is likable, well, by everyone but Prozac, and the zany characters and situations she finds herself in are a hoot. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonPress for inviting me to check out the zombie play Jaine is trying to whip into shape. Can't wait to see what she's up to next visit.
August 8, 2022
Things are looking up for Jaine Austen...sort of. She has been hired to do revisions on a really awful play, I Married A Zombie, based on an equally awful and thankfully quickly cancelled TV show by the same name (Jaine had solved the murder of the star of the show in a past book). As bad as the play is, the woman hired as lead actor somehow manages to make it worse. She has no discernible acting skills beyond the ability to twist the director/producer around her little finger and she uses this to make constant demands, one of which is that she is allowed time every rehearsal for her favourite smoothie. No surprise to anyone when she is murdered by said smoothie. The only problem is who dunnit and a whole cast of suspects who seem to have been more than willing to play the role of murderer.
Death by Smoothie is the nineteenth in A Jaine Austen Mystery series and it is a fast, fun, and, at times, laugh-out-loud funny cozy mystery and I'd like to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review. There's plenty of twists and turns and it kept me guessing. But I'll admit the best part of the novel for me were the antics of her cat Prozac and the emails of her parents. Loved it!
Death by Smoothie is the nineteenth in A Jaine Austen Mystery series and it is a fast, fun, and, at times, laugh-out-loud funny cozy mystery and I'd like to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review. There's plenty of twists and turns and it kept me guessing. But I'll admit the best part of the novel for me were the antics of her cat Prozac and the emails of her parents. Loved it!
December 7, 2022
The reason for the low rating is I am just not a fan of this author's sense of humor. I didn't care for all the sexual inuendoes. And Jaine's obsession with food was over the top. I mean enough already. We get it......she loves to eat. Lance is beyond annoying. Every time he opens his mouth I cringe. He is so overdramatic about everything! And the ending was very anticlimactic. The big "reveal" wasn't exciting in the least. I don't think I will be reading any more from this author.
October 28, 2022
WARNING: Crude content, innuendo, and cursing. Not a cozy mystery.
The first half of the book goes into detail about Jaine (a food-obsessed woman) getting an annoying but paying job doing rewrites for a play based on a cancelled tv show called I Married a Zombie. The show was reportedly dreadful.
Producer/writer/director/backer of the play, David (who had won the lottery), and his girlfriend Becca (the doormat and finance department), had loved the sitcom and dreamed of taking it to the stage; and someday...Broadway! They were delusional. The script was perhaps a micron better that the tv series (of 9 episodes).
Disaster did not show up until a non-actress waitress with an adorable face and a complete absence of talent came for an audition as the lead, Cryptessa. David was instantly in lust (forgetting his girlfriend except to shout orders at her) and hired Misty the siren on the spot.
After Misty has belittled and abused everyone, especially Becca (the forgotten girlfriend), she is murdered. Yay. Jaine offers to work her detecting magic and save the accused. None of this is a surprise.
This book is apparently supposed to be hilarious. I smiled a time or two, but I can only assume the story's descent into muck must be a further attempt at humor. Things had been iffy until now, but as the story goes on, the book's author becomes even more crude in subject and descriptions of Jaine's thoughts (or the actions of others), through to the end--which is tied up in a grubby bow.
It does not qualify as a cozy mystery, in my opinion, and I regret choosing to read it.
2/5 Stars
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the temporary digital preview; any review is voluntary and completely my own opinion.
#DeathbySmoothie #NetGalley
#KensingtonBooks
#FictionStagePlayProductionMystery
#MysteryCrudeContent
#AmateurSleuthMysteriesKindleStore
#AmateurSleuths
#FictionAnimalMystery
The first half of the book goes into detail about Jaine (a food-obsessed woman) getting an annoying but paying job doing rewrites for a play based on a cancelled tv show called I Married a Zombie. The show was reportedly dreadful.
Producer/writer/director/backer of the play, David (who had won the lottery), and his girlfriend Becca (the doormat and finance department), had loved the sitcom and dreamed of taking it to the stage; and someday...Broadway! They were delusional. The script was perhaps a micron better that the tv series (of 9 episodes).
Disaster did not show up until a non-actress waitress with an adorable face and a complete absence of talent came for an audition as the lead, Cryptessa. David was instantly in lust (forgetting his girlfriend except to shout orders at her) and hired Misty the siren on the spot.
After Misty has belittled and abused everyone, especially Becca (the forgotten girlfriend), she is murdered. Yay. Jaine offers to work her detecting magic and save the accused. None of this is a surprise.
This book is apparently supposed to be hilarious. I smiled a time or two, but I can only assume the story's descent into muck must be a further attempt at humor. Things had been iffy until now, but as the story goes on, the book's author becomes even more crude in subject and descriptions of Jaine's thoughts (or the actions of others), through to the end--which is tied up in a grubby bow.
It does not qualify as a cozy mystery, in my opinion, and I regret choosing to read it.
2/5 Stars
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the temporary digital preview; any review is voluntary and completely my own opinion.
#DeathbySmoothie #NetGalley
#KensingtonBooks
#FictionStagePlayProductionMystery
#MysteryCrudeContent
#AmateurSleuthMysteriesKindleStore
#AmateurSleuths
#FictionAnimalMystery
July 10, 2022
I’d like to thank NetGalley for providing me with an advanced readers copy of this book.
Jaine Austen has been asked to review and edit a script for ‘I Married a Zombie”. As the title of the book “Death by Smoothie” suggests, when a member of the cast dies after drinking a daily smoothie, Jaine is once again involved in the investigation. Janie goes into full detective mode to solve the murder. Jaine is a script writer by trade but she just can’t help herself when it comes to solving a murder. She always manages to solve the crime but she also comes close to being a victim herself. Laura Levine is one of my favorite mystery authors. She is extremely creative and always combines humor with mystery. I have read all of her books and I highly recommend this one.
Jaine Austen has been asked to review and edit a script for ‘I Married a Zombie”. As the title of the book “Death by Smoothie” suggests, when a member of the cast dies after drinking a daily smoothie, Jaine is once again involved in the investigation. Janie goes into full detective mode to solve the murder. Jaine is a script writer by trade but she just can’t help herself when it comes to solving a murder. She always manages to solve the crime but she also comes close to being a victim herself. Laura Levine is one of my favorite mystery authors. She is extremely creative and always combines humor with mystery. I have read all of her books and I highly recommend this one.
Want to read
October 9, 2022Death by Smoothie is about a freelance writer, Jaine, with a snarky cat, Prozac, an always-helpful gay neighbor, Lance, devoted parents who drive each other crazy in a retirement community miles away in Florida, and a best friend, Kandi, writer for an animated TV series about a cockroach, in a cozy mystery that's like being dropped into a sitcom where the person who most deserves it is always murdered off.
Punching-up a script for a play based on a flop sitcom with a cult following-- I Married a Zombie, is Jaine's newest nightmare of a job ----and readers who are sick to death of beautiful size 0, marathon-running heroines who are always forgetting to eat and end up with predictably rich, powerful, hunky husband have found their newest, favorite fun read in Death By Smoothie.
Punching-up a script for a play based on a flop sitcom with a cult following-- I Married a Zombie, is Jaine's newest nightmare of a job ----and readers who are sick to death of beautiful size 0, marathon-running heroines who are always forgetting to eat and end up with predictably rich, powerful, hunky husband have found their newest, favorite fun read in Death By Smoothie.
November 14, 2022
I have been reading the Jaine Austen mystery series since the first book hit the shelves. This one like all the others did not disappoint. Loved every minute of Jaine’s quirky hilarious story telling. Laura Levine needs to write more of these books forever and ever. Love Prozac the cat, loved laughing at Jaine’s dating hi-jinx. Just such a cute quick read!!!
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
#read #reader #book #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookreview #greatreads #alwaysreading #reading #ilovebooks #currentreads #bookaddict #booknerd #bookish #bibliophile #goodreads #readerlife #booklife #readandreview
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
#read #reader #book #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookreview #greatreads #alwaysreading #reading #ilovebooks #currentreads #bookaddict #booknerd #bookish #bibliophile #goodreads #readerlife #booklife #readandreview
June 2, 2024
Prozac the Cat and DaddyO deserve five stars apiece - the humor never stops. This is a great series, even out of order. I am at the mercy of the library.
I like that I can’t guess who the murderer is and am not told until the last few pages. Jaine’s is one of a kind. I love her dating fiascos.
A nitpickity- Tiffany’s gift boxes are always described as “ronin’s-egg blue”, not turquoise!!
I like that I can’t guess who the murderer is and am not told until the last few pages. Jaine’s is one of a kind. I love her dating fiascos.
A nitpickity- Tiffany’s gift boxes are always described as “ronin’s-egg blue”, not turquoise!!
November 16, 2022
Freelance writer Jaine Austen is always on the lookout for the perfect assignment, a great boyfriend, a way to keep her cat out of trouble, and a delicious snack. For a while, Jaine thinks she may have hit the jackpot in all of these, starting with an assignment helping a playwright modify his script for a zombie play based on a short-lived sitcom. When the beautiful, demanding, but talentless lead actress dies after someone poisons her smoothie, Jaine decides to investigate to find out which of Misty’s enemies wanted her dead.
This book is the nineteenth in this series, but each book works well as a standalone. The books follow somewhat of a formula with Jaine getting a new writing job and getting her hopes up for her career and her love life with something usually happening to cause a disaster in either one or both. On hand to create even more trouble for Jaine is her mischievous cat Prozac. However, there are always enough differences in the details of the stories to keep each book fresh, for even longtime readers. Jaine isn’t perfect and doesn’t always have the greatest luck, but she is good at investigating crimes. I love the way she remains determined to find out who killed Misty in spite of the obstacles she encounters. The investigation goes much smoother than the play which is full of problems and conflicts.
This is such a fun series and each book has several laugh-out-loud moments. The added drama from the chapters taking place during the play rehearsals gives the book some extra fun. I enjoyed this entertaining book and even though things don't turn out the way Jaine had hoped in her latest writing assignment, she still proves she is a great investigator even when luck isn't always on her side in other areas of her life. I was entertained by Jaine and Prozac and enjoyed this fast-paced, humorous mystery.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Kensington Books. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased. This review will also appear on the Smitten Review Site and Blog.
This book is the nineteenth in this series, but each book works well as a standalone. The books follow somewhat of a formula with Jaine getting a new writing job and getting her hopes up for her career and her love life with something usually happening to cause a disaster in either one or both. On hand to create even more trouble for Jaine is her mischievous cat Prozac. However, there are always enough differences in the details of the stories to keep each book fresh, for even longtime readers. Jaine isn’t perfect and doesn’t always have the greatest luck, but she is good at investigating crimes. I love the way she remains determined to find out who killed Misty in spite of the obstacles she encounters. The investigation goes much smoother than the play which is full of problems and conflicts.
This is such a fun series and each book has several laugh-out-loud moments. The added drama from the chapters taking place during the play rehearsals gives the book some extra fun. I enjoyed this entertaining book and even though things don't turn out the way Jaine had hoped in her latest writing assignment, she still proves she is a great investigator even when luck isn't always on her side in other areas of her life. I was entertained by Jaine and Prozac and enjoyed this fast-paced, humorous mystery.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Kensington Books. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased. This review will also appear on the Smitten Review Site and Blog.
December 12, 2022
Another humorous installment in one of my favorite cozy series that's up to 19 books! Jaine's career looks like it's picking up when she's asked to be a script doctor for I Married a Zombie, a knock-off of Bewitched that has a rabid cult following.
Jaine second-guesses her good fortune when she reads the abysmal script and meets Misty, the actress who’ll be playing Cryptessa’s role. Misty has zero talent yet acts like a diva on the set, demanding a special smoothie every day at 3:00 sharp, which the crew takes turn spitting in before serving it to her.
When someone spikes Misty’s smoothie with a fatal shot of rat poison, the cast of suspects is large. Jaine once again finds herself determined to solve a mystery while dealing with her own problems, such as the dubious date she won at a charity auction, her parents' antics that are sprinkled in via e-mails, and the latest exploits of her fat, misbehaved cat, Prozac.
The humor is always sharp, and Jaine's antics are always laugh out loud funny. I hope this series continues for a long, long time!
Jaine second-guesses her good fortune when she reads the abysmal script and meets Misty, the actress who’ll be playing Cryptessa’s role. Misty has zero talent yet acts like a diva on the set, demanding a special smoothie every day at 3:00 sharp, which the crew takes turn spitting in before serving it to her.
When someone spikes Misty’s smoothie with a fatal shot of rat poison, the cast of suspects is large. Jaine once again finds herself determined to solve a mystery while dealing with her own problems, such as the dubious date she won at a charity auction, her parents' antics that are sprinkled in via e-mails, and the latest exploits of her fat, misbehaved cat, Prozac.
The humor is always sharp, and Jaine's antics are always laugh out loud funny. I hope this series continues for a long, long time!
December 28, 2022
My second in this series although it is the nineteenth instalment, Jaine Austen lives with her cat Prozac in L.A. Thirty-odd-year-old Jaine is a writer-for-hire and she is delighted to be hired as a script doctor for the theatrical revival of a tv show, based on I Married a Zombie. Jaine meets the actress and realises that there is not a single acting bone in her. But when Misty dies tragically after imbibing a smoothie, Jaine throws herself wholeheartedly into the whodunit. Her parents’ hilarious emails liven up this murder mystery and there is plenty more to amuse in this great cozy including the mad deva-like feline. I was flummoxed whilst attempting to identify the culprit. A superb and wacky tale, I'll be reading more by Laura Levine, for sure.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
April 12, 2023
Jaine gets hired to streamline a play based on an old TV show. When the main actress, who got the job only because she's flirting with the director, is poisoned during rehearsal, Jaine wants to clear her name. Way too many people wanted Misty out of the way. There are at least two people she was blackmailing, the high school nerd who she'd tortured, the sibling of the woman she practily killed, the ex-boyfriend, the chef she got fired, the actress who should have gotten the part and who knows how many more.
Her cat Prozac is up to no good sneaking out of the apartment and creating havoc at a neighbor's house; Lance, her next-door friend is once again in love; and BFF Kandi is trying to talk her into a Bachelor's auction that she can't afford.
There are lots of suspects in this one, and the killer turned out to be second on my list.
Her cat Prozac is up to no good sneaking out of the apartment and creating havoc at a neighbor's house; Lance, her next-door friend is once again in love; and BFF Kandi is trying to talk her into a Bachelor's auction that she can't afford.
There are lots of suspects in this one, and the killer turned out to be second on my list.
April 14, 2023
Freelance writer Jaine Austen is hired to punch up the script of a play based on a cult favorite sit-com. Unfortunately, the script, written by the play's producer/director/star and backer, a geeky lottery winner, is terrible, but not as bad as the bimbo he has hired to play the female lead. As the bimbo antagonizes the rest of the cast, Jaine prepares for a date she's inadvertently bid on at a bachelor auction. When someone in the play's cast dies, Jaine tries to investigate to clear a young actor who's dating her best gay friend. E-mails from her parents keep her informed of their adventures in a Florida retirement community.
July 15, 2022
Jaine's career is booming! She's getting a huge paycheck for working on a stinky revival play based on the equally-stinky cult classic TV show I Married a Zombie, and she's got the opportunity to add a new client to her roster, the classy Pasadena Historical Society, that will look amazing on her resume next to Toiletmasters. But of course Prozac is always there to keep Jaine grounded. And as usual there's a pesky little murder to contend with as well.
I freaking love Jaine Austen. If someone were to ask me for my favorite cozy mystery series I wouldn't be able to narrow it down to just one but Jaine would most definitely be on the short list. The way Levine injects humor into the story is so impressive. Even when stumbling upon a dead body, Jaine can make you laugh out loud. The antics of her demon cat Prozac and the adventures Jaine finds herself caught up in while trying to question suspects are hysterical. And I won't even mention what happens when she tries to go on a date. Jaine wants to pretend those things were part of a terrible dream.
To avoid giving anything away I will simply say: Read this book. Read all the books in this series. Now. Go. Download them to your ereader, check them out at the library, grab them at the bookstore, whatever. Just do it. I'll wait.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
https://cozy-cove-books.wixsite.com/m...
I freaking love Jaine Austen. If someone were to ask me for my favorite cozy mystery series I wouldn't be able to narrow it down to just one but Jaine would most definitely be on the short list. The way Levine injects humor into the story is so impressive. Even when stumbling upon a dead body, Jaine can make you laugh out loud. The antics of her demon cat Prozac and the adventures Jaine finds herself caught up in while trying to question suspects are hysterical. And I won't even mention what happens when she tries to go on a date. Jaine wants to pretend those things were part of a terrible dream.
To avoid giving anything away I will simply say: Read this book. Read all the books in this series. Now. Go. Download them to your ereader, check them out at the library, grab them at the bookstore, whatever. Just do it. I'll wait.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
https://cozy-cove-books.wixsite.com/m...
December 29, 2022
Some things stay the same in the books of the series. Janie is always a bit of a mess-ketchup stains, etc. Prozac is always self centered and unruly. Lance-well his world always revolves around him! Fortunately, the author excels at humorous ways to keep these endearing (? well do you want me to call them annoying?) traits fresh.
I loved the new venture into script rewriting that Janie bravely jumps into as soon as she learns the salary she will be paid! But it's hard to make a silk purse out of a pig's ear as the saying goes...and even Janie's rewrites can't make a lousy script and bad actors great! This was a great setting for the story. Even though it is somewhat predictable, There are great twists and a couple shocking moments in the book. A fun book!
I loved the new venture into script rewriting that Janie bravely jumps into as soon as she learns the salary she will be paid! But it's hard to make a silk purse out of a pig's ear as the saying goes...and even Janie's rewrites can't make a lousy script and bad actors great! This was a great setting for the story. Even though it is somewhat predictable, There are great twists and a couple shocking moments in the book. A fun book!
December 4, 2022
Loved this light hearted mystery romp. Laura Levine never disappoints me when I need a laugh !! Love her.
December 30, 2022
Wash. Rinse. Repeat. I keep reading despite these mysteries being the same basic story, book after book. Jaine is still frustrating. Lance is still annoying. At least I was wrong about the killer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews