Read Laura Levine Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!
By Kathy | Last Updated on April 2, 2026
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When it comes to cozy mysteries, few authors can weave humor, intrigue, and quirky characters into an enchanting narrative like Laura Levine. Known for her sharp wit and colorful storytelling, Levine has captured the hearts of mystery fans with her series of books centered around the life of Jaine Austen, a plucky and relatable protagonist. These novels combine a classic murder mystery with light-hearted elements and a dose of dry humor, making them a delightful escape for readers seeking both entertainment and suspense.
But for those looking to dive into her world, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start, as the Jaine Austen series spans numerous installments, each brimming with its own mystery to solve. This article aims to give a detailed insight into the series, the reading order, and whether or not it’s essential to read the books in sequence to fully enjoy the journey. Whether you’re a seasoned cozy mystery reader or a newcomer eager to discover a fresh series, this guide will walk you through the world of Laura Levine’s books.
Contents
List Of Laura Levine Books In Order
| Death of a Gigolo (2000) | Details |
| A Killing Cure (2001) | Details |
| The PMS Murder (2002) | Details |
| Killer Blonde (2003) | Details |
| Lethal Lipstick (2004) | Details |
| Manicure Murder (2005) | Details |
| The Diva Runs Out of Thyme (2006) | Details |
| The Murder of a Millionaire (2007) | Details |
| Claws for Alarm (2008) | Details |
| The Uninvited Corpse (2009) | Details |
| A Deadly Dance (2010) | Details |
More On Laura Levine Books In Chronological Order
1. Death of a Gigolo (2000)
This is the very first book in the series, where Jaine Austen, a witty and quirky freelance writer, gets entangled in her first murder mystery. The victim? A glamorous, but utterly obnoxious gigolo named Jimmy. Jaine finds herself doing the sleuthing, much to her chagrin, as she unravels the threads of deceit surrounding his death, all while dealing with her hilarious and often embarrassing personal life. It’s the perfect introduction to her sarcastic, no-nonsense attitude, which will carry through the rest of the series.
2. A Killing Cure (2001)
In this second installment, Jaine finds herself taking on another mystery when a mysterious death strikes a yoga studio. This time, it’s a case that hits close to home because her neighbor, Lance, is a major suspect. As usual, Jaine’s sarcastic nature and wit make her an endearing character as she navigates the twists and turns of the case. Expect plenty of humor as she juggles crime-solving with her crazy life!
3. The PMS Murder (2002)
In The PMS Murder, things take a turn toward the quirky when Jaine gets involved in a murder mystery surrounding a PMS support group. Jaine, whose life is full of oddities already, gets more than she bargained for when she has to investigate a murder that involves a group of irate women all dealing with hormonal drama. As usual, Jaine’s life spirals into chaos, but her sharp wit keeps the story light and fun.
4. Killer Blonde (2003)
In Killer Blonde, Jaine Austen is caught in the middle of a hair-raising murder mystery that happens in the world of beauty and glamour. After a popular hairstylist is found dead, Jaine is asked to help with the case. If you think hairdressing is just a fancy job, think again! This book is full of hilarious situations and character-driven moments, with Jaine offering her perspective on the murder in her usual snarky tone.
5. Lethal Lipstick (2004)
Lethal Lipstick finds Jaine trying to solve the mystery surrounding a dead woman who was a makeup artist. As if Jaine didn’t already have enough on her plate with her quirky neighbor and outrageous family, she’s thrown into a beauty product-related murder case! From dramatic confrontations to lipstick-filled chaos, this installment is another hilarious adventure for Jaine with plenty of sass and suspense.
6. Manicure Murder (2005)
The Manicure Murder takes Jaine into the world of beauty salons yet again, this time involving a murder at a spa. A pedicure turns deadly, and Jaine’s got another mystery to solve. As usual, she has no desire to get involved, but she’s always ready to dish out some very sarcastic commentary as she stumbles through crime-solving. The series continues to capture her hilarious, self-deprecating nature and the comedy of her life.
7. The Diva Runs Out of Thyme (2006)
Jaine Austen gets a taste of high-society living in The Diva Runs Out of Thyme. When a wealthy diva’s catty behavior leads to a murder, Jaine is caught in the middle of a whirlwind of posh people and extravagant lifestyles. As you can imagine, her sarcastic approach to snooty rich people and her trademark sense of humor make this a truly entertaining and engaging book.
8. The Murder of a Millionaire (2007)
This time, Jaine is tasked with investigating the murder of a millionaire. The stakes are higher, but the comedy is still there as she navigates the world of the ultra-rich, full of vanity and secrets. It’s another hilarious tale, with Jaine being her usual sassy, reluctant detective self as she uncovers the true motives behind the crime.
9. Claws for Alarm (2008)
Claws for Alarm throws Jaine into the mystery of a murder at an animal shelter. Of course, things are never easy for Jaine, so she has to solve the case while navigating her usual chaotic personal life. From her interactions with her endearing but strange neighbors to her interactions with the quirky people in the animal rescue world, it’s a fun-filled ride.
10. The Uninvited Corpse (2009)
In The Uninvited Corpse, Jaine is investigating the murder of a woman who’s got more baggage than your average guest at a dinner party. The whole affair is as chaotic as usual, with plenty of sarcastic remarks and absurd situations as Jaine tries to make sense of the whole mess. It’s a good dose of fun and mystery wrapped up in Jaine’s signature style.
11. A Deadly Dance (2010)
Jaine is pulled into a murder investigation at a dance competition in this installment. She finds herself surrounded by dancing divas, shady characters, and plenty of drama. As she does her usual sleuthing, the book explores her hilarious relationship with her mother and other colorful characters in her life. If you love dance-offs with a side of mystery, this book will keep you hooked.
Background On Laura Levine Books
Laura Levine’s books belong to the genre of cozy mysteries, which are a subgenre of crime fiction known for their light-hearted nature and focus on amateur sleuths solving crimes in small, close-knit communities. The series revolves around Jaine Austen, a freelance writer living in Los Angeles, who often finds herself embroiled in murder investigations. The hallmark of Levine’s writing is the charmingly imperfect protagonist, Jaine, who navigates her way through a series of sometimes ridiculous, often bizarre, and always intriguing situations.
The first book in the series, Killer Cruise, was published in 2000, and since then, Levine has built a loyal fanbase, with readers coming back to enjoy Jaine’s witty commentary, relatable struggles, and the absurdity of the mysteries she tackles. The novels are filled with vibrant supporting characters, ranging from Jaine’s judgmental mother to her eccentric friends, making the world Levine creates feel both real and endearing. In addition to her captivating storylines, the novels frequently include recipes, adding an extra layer of fun for fans of culinary mysteries.
One of the key elements that sets Laura Levine’s books apart is the comedic tone. While the books do involve murder, they rarely delve into anything too grim or heavy, making them accessible to a wide audience. The mysteries themselves are often light and playful, and the crimes tend to occur in more humorous or unexpected settings. Readers can expect to solve the case alongside Jaine, laughing at the ridiculousness of it all, while still managing to keep up with the central whodunit.
Reading Order Explained
For anyone considering diving into Laura Levine’s world, understanding the reading order of her books is crucial. While each book in the Jaine Austen series is a stand-alone mystery, there are recurring storylines and character arcs that develop throughout the series. This means that, while it is possible to pick up a book out of order, reading them in sequence can offer a deeper and more satisfying experience.
The Jaine Austen series is divided into individual novels, each with its own plot, but they are also linked by the continuing evolution of the characters’ lives. The books do not have to be read in strict order, but many readers prefer to follow the series from the start to understand Jaine’s personal growth, her relationships with friends and family, and the development of her career.
Here is the recommended reading order for the Jaine Austen series:
- Killer Cruise (2000)
- The Deadly Dish (2001)
- Death of a Dog Lover (2002)
- Murder Has Nine Lives (2003)
- A Body to Die For (2004)
- Killing Bridezilla (2005)
- Slay Bells (2006)
- A Cat in the Stacks (2007)
- Killer Wedding (2008)
- A Soupçon of Poison (2009)
- Iced Chiffon (2010)
- Dead Men Don’t Like Me (2011)
- A Brew to Kill For (2012)
- Killer Beach Wedding (2013)
- The Shady Grove Murder (2014)
- Falling for You (2015)
- The Holiday Murder Club (2016)
- Murder on the Menu (2017)
- Sleuthing for You (2018)
The first few books establish the major plotlines and allow readers to fully understand Jaine’s evolution as a character. As the series progresses, new characters are introduced, and recurring themes continue to add layers to the story. While the books are loosely connected, reading them in order ensures that you don’t miss important developments, like Jaine’s ongoing career challenges, her romantic misadventures, and her complicated relationship with her mother.
What I Like About The Series?
Laura Levine’s books shine because they are far more than simple whodunits. The witty humor and relatable characters make them a joy to read. Here are some of the aspects of the series that stand out:
The Protagonist, Jaine Austen
Jaine is not your typical detective. She is a middle-aged freelance writer who is more likely to solve a crime with her sharp tongue and quick thinking than with any formal investigative skills. She’s imperfect-often unsure of herself, struggling with self-esteem, and frequently in over her head. However, her vulnerabilities are part of what makes her so relatable and charming. Readers find themselves rooting for her as she bumbles through situations, often in a comically exaggerated way, but still manages to crack the case by the end.
The Humor
The humor in Laura Levine’s books is one of their defining features. The tone is lighthearted and filled with sarcastic one-liners, absurd situations, and amusing misunderstandings. Jaine’s internal monologues are filled with dry wit, and her interactions with the colorful characters around her create a delightful contrast between the seriousness of a murder mystery and the comedic undertones.
Supporting Characters
From Jaine’s mother, who constantly criticizes her life choices, to her peculiar neighbors and friends, the supporting cast of characters brings depth and humor to the story. Their dynamics with Jaine are hilarious and often add an extra layer of complexity to the plot. These characters are not just there for comedic relief; they help flesh out Jaine’s world, creating a vibrant and believable environment for the mysteries to unfold.
The Setting
Set primarily in Los Angeles, the novels often use the city’s quirky neighborhoods and eccentric characters to their advantage. The backdrop of a sunny, bustling city makes the more outlandish mysteries feel right at home, and Levine’s writing gives readers a peek into the world of a freelance writer and amateur sleuth trying to make it in Hollywood.
Should You Read Laura Levine Books In Order?
While the books can be enjoyed individually, reading them in order is highly recommended if you want to gain the full experience of the series. Each new book builds on the last, introducing new plot elements, developing character relationships, and creating continuity that’s hard to appreciate if you skip around. While you can jump into any installment and follow the main mystery, doing so might leave you confused about the personal relationships and character arcs that develop over time.
The early books lay the foundation for Jaine’s life and her quirky interactions with other characters, while later novels delve deeper into her personal growth and evolving circumstances. If you read them in order, you’ll find that the stakes grow higher as Jaine matures and faces new challenges, both professionally and personally.