Death of a Gigolo: A Jaine Austen Mystery

In Levine’s humorous 17th mystery featuring L.A. freelance writer Jaine Austen (after 2018’s Death of a Neighborhood Scrooge), Jaine leaps at the chance to write a cheesy romance novel for eccentric, 60-ish Bel Air heiress Daisy Kincaid. At Daisy’s mansion, Jaine gets to know a host of distinctive characters, including Daisy’s best friend, caftan-wearing socialite Esme Larkin; aging lothario tennis player Clayton Manning, who’s in love with Daisy; and chef Raymond, who has secrets to hide. Then hunky Tommy LaSalle, the long-lost nephew of Daisy’s companion who died decades ago in a hiking accident, shows up and starts to woo Daisy. The smitten Daisy decides to marry the much younger Tommy and changes her will to leave her fortune to him. The day before the wedding, Tommy is found stabbed to death across a tanning bed. Daisy is inconsolable, everyone else is relieved, and just about everybody is a suspect. Jaine’s subsequent sleuthing reveals a surprising culprit. Jaine’s cat, Prozac, offers witty commentary throughout. Cozy fans are in for a treat. Agent: Evan Marshall, Evan Marshall Agency. (Oct.)