Title:	Murder has Nine Lives
	Author:	Laura Levine
	Published:	2016, Kensington
	No. of Pages:	304
	Cover Price:	$25.00 Hardcover, $11.99 Kindle

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Sometimes readers get a bit too deep into the suspense and drama of thrillers, and long for a bit of comic relief. Laura Levine, a popular comedy writer, created the Jaine Austen mystery series, and while there is plenty of suspense, the novels are cozies, without sex, profanity, or violence – a nice change. Murder has Nine Lives features Jaine and her cat, Prosac, who, at the prompting of an animal agent, auditions for a cat commercial about Skinny Kitty cat food. Prosac is perfect for the job, lands the part, and she and Jaine show up to make the commercial. Things go wrong, however, when Prosac learns she is the “before” cat, and her self esteem plummets; she refuses to cooperate and is fired from the job. Not, however, before Dean Oliver, the inventor of the product, is murdered on the sound stage. Jaine is one of the suspects, and since she is an amateur sleuth, knows she must find the real murderer before she is arrested.

Although it is a mystery as to who the murderer really is, it’s the humor that keeps readers on the edge. The characters are unique, albeit barely believable, and no reader will be able to finish the book without non-stop smiles and possibly belly laughs. The novel is a fast read, and one that is suitable for all ages. Jaine is a character that almost everyone will be able to relate to. She’s single, has a slight weight problem, and is a bit pushy for her own good.

Levine is a seasoned writer, and the Jaine Austen series is a great one for readers who want to read a few books that aren’t too serious. Murder has Nine Lives makes a great summer read – take it on vacation. It’s upbeat and fun. For readers who enjoy cozies, this is a perfect fit.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this novel.

This book may be purchased at Amazon:
Murder Has Nine Lives (A Jaine Austen Mystery)