Book burble: Freelance writer Jaine Austen has a new job, a tropical vacation on the horizon, and her cat Prozac is slated to star in a major commercial. But when the claws come ot behind the scenes, murder is the only thing to meow about . . .

When Jaine’s cat, Prozac, is tapped to star in a Skinny Kitty commercial. But Jaine never would have guessed the world of cat food could be quite so catty. Jaine is nervous that Prozac won't be able to take direction, but the finicky furball ditches her diva behavior for the camera, eating and napping on cue like a seasoned pro.

But just as Jaine begins dreaming of fame and fortune, Skinny Kitty's inventor drops dead on the set. Everyone is a suspect - including Jaine. And she'll have to get her paws on the truth before the killer takes a swipe at another victim . . .

“Levine’s charming heroine is right on target” –Kirkus Reviews

MURDER HAS NINE LIVES (Jaine Austen 10) by LAURA LEVINE (2016) | ISBN: 0758285108 / 9780758285102 (USA Mass Mrkt Ed) | Publisher: Kensington

Hmmm, this did not press many of my humour buttons with unbounded verve, it felt far too ferociously forced on a high energy super whacky vibe. And points off for too many key plot threads being tidied up in the two and a half page epilogue. Absolutely great cartoon tabby featured on the cover though, nice work from illustrator Hiro Kimura “who so brilliantly brings Prozac to life” on the book covers and Lou Malcangi the book’s dust jacket designer.

Planning to release MURDER HAS NINE LIVES at a Book Swap / BookCrossing MeetUp, 7:30 pm this Thu at Jeremiah’s Taproom, Leith Walk, Edinburgh. I expect to leave this on the window-sill book shelf if no-one is of a mind to scoot off with it from the evenings assorted pile of books on the table.
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Received as part of the advent book parcel for Christmas 2019 from rainbow3.

I have to agree that I was not laughing out at this one but it was an easy, very fast paced yet oddly enjoyable romp of a cosy murder! Even although the full reveal was left rather late in the plot and there was a lot of completely unrelated family sideshow, it was nonetheless a fun, undemanding read.

Much as the cat features in the headlines of this book, Prozac is noticeably 'missing in action' throughout much of it being relegated to a sit on position in the wings (at home).

I have a plan for this which may happen sooner rather than later!

Added to the Cosy Crime Bookbox.

Chosen from the Cosy Mystery Bookbox, thank you!

Ditzy Jaine's is at the vet when someone suggests her cat Prozac should audition for a commercial for Skinny Kitty catfood, but it's only when her vile best friend suggests she can't do it that she actually goes for it. After all eating is about the only thing Prozac can be guaranteed to do! But then the inventor behind it is poisoned by his own catfood, Prozac's chances of stardom are smashed. When Jaine discovers she's not to leave the country and so at risk of missing her upcoming Hawaiian holiday, she decides to investigate herself. All highly unbelievable but good fun stuff.

Going back into the Cosy Mystery Bookbox.

Taken out of the Cosy Mystery Bookbox