Picture a Brooklyn-born storyteller who swapped cereal mascots and sitcom laughs for cozy mysteries that keep you chuckling—meet Laura Levine! A master of wit and intrigue, Levine’s Jaine Austen series has charmed readers since 2002, blending humor, heart, and a snarky cat named Prozac into page-turning whodunits.
From her early days crafting iconic cereal characters to penning scripts for TV classics, Levine’s journey to bestselling mystery novelist is a testament to her creative spark. Let’s dive into her life, her unforgettable stories, and why she’s a cozy mystery must-read.
The Making of Laura Levine
Born in 1943 in Brooklyn, New York, Laura Levine grew up in a world where mastodons (and Edsels) still roamed, as she jokingly recalls. Her love for storytelling bloomed early, inspired by literary giants like Agatha Christie and Anne Tyler. After cutting her teeth asidarianism, Levine started as a small-town reporter, then leaped into television, writing for hits like The Bob Newhart Show, Laverne & Shirley, and The Love Boat. Her knack for humor also birthed Frank Berry General and Count Chocula cereals, proving her versatility long before she turned to novels.
Laura Levine’s Unforgettable Stories
Levine’s Jaine Austen series, launched with This Pen for Hire in 2002, follows a freelance writer (and amateur sleuth) named Jaine Austen—no relation to Jane—who stumbles into murders in sunny Los Angeles. With 22 books by 2024, the series sparkles with Levine’s sitcom-honed wit, relatable characters, and clever plots. In This Pen for Hire, Jaine’s matchmaking gig turns deadly when her client’s date is murdered, landing her as a suspect. Last Writes sees her juggling sitcom writing and a hunky actor’s poisoning. Killer Cruise tosses Jaine (and Prozac) onto a murder-filled ship, while Murder Gets a Makeover delivers a deadly fashion transformation. Levine’s style—light, laugh-out-loud, and layered with pop culture nods—makes every book a cozy escape.
Her holiday novellas, like “The Dangers of Gingerbread Cookies” in Gingerbread Cookie Murder, add festive flair, with Jaine untangling a playboy doctor’s “accidental” death. Fans adore her humor, with one reader calling the series “the best for laughs in the mystery genre.” Levine’s knack for blending suspense and silliness has earned nominations like the Lefty Award and a devoted cult following.
Why Laura Levine Matters
Laura Levine has carved a unique niche in the cozy mystery world, proving you don’t need gritty realism to grip readers. Her Jaine Austen series offers a refreshing antidote to heavy thrillers, wrapping clever puzzles in humor and heart. By making Jaine a curvy, Ben & Jerry’s-loving everywoman, Levine champions relatability, while Prozac the cat steals scenes with diva antics. Her sitcom roots shine through, making her books feel like binge-worthy episodes. Now living in Los Angeles with her husband, Levine continues to delight, cementing her as a cozy mystery staple.
- Born: 1943, Brooklyn, New York
- Key Works: This Pen for Hire, Last Writes, Killer Cruise, Murder Gets a Makeover
- Awards: Nominated for Lefty Award (2003), Writers Guild of America Award
- Fun Fact: Created Frank Berry General and Count Chocula cereals
Snag This Pen for Hire and dive into Laura Levine’s hilarious cozy mysteries—you’ll be hooked by page one!