Laura Levine

Laura Levine is a well-known American author, particularly celebrated for her cozy mystery novels, specifically the Jaine Austen series. Although she has been a writer for many years, she did not become a novelist right away. Levine has drawn inspiration for her writing from famous authors such as Agatha Christie, Anne Tyler, and Joe Keenan.

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Levine developed her writing skills at Barnard College and began her career as a reporter/photographer for a small local newspaper. She later transitioned into advertising, where she created the iconic Count Chocula and Frankenberry cereals for General Mills. Afterward, she moved into television, writing for popular sitcoms such as The Bob Newhart Show, Three’s Company, Laverne & Shirley, The Love Boat, The Jeffersons, and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.

In her current role as a novelist, Levine is dedicated to writing the Jaine Austen series, which she began in 2002 with the publication of “This Pen for Hire.” She has since published at least one book in the series every year, demonstrating her commitment to the genre and her fans. When she’s not writing, Levine enjoys spending her time reading, swimming, gardening, and taking walks. She is married to business journalist Mark Lacter and considers herself lucky to be a writer in the mystery and thriller genres.
Jaine Austen Books
# Title Year
1 This Pen for Hire 2002
2 Last Writes 2003
3 Killer Blonde 2004
4 Shoes to Die For 2005
5 The PMS Murder 2006
6 Death by Pantyhose 2007
7 Killing Bridezilla 2008
8 Killer Cruise 2009
9 Death of a Trophy Wife 2010
10 The Dangers of Gingerbread Cookies 2010
11 Pampered to Death 2011
12 Death of a Neighborhood Witch 2012
13 Killing Cupid 2013
14 Death by Tiara 2015
15 Murder Has Nine Lives 2016
16 Death of a Bachelorette 2017
17 Death of a Neighborhood Scrooge 2018
18 Death of a Gigolo 2019
19 Murder Gets a Makeover 2021
20 Death by Smoothie 2022
21 Nightmare on Elf Street 2023
22 The Dangers of Candy Canes 2023
Laura Levine Anthologies
# Title Year
1 Candy Cane Murder 2007
2 Gingerbread Cookie Murder 2010
3 Christmas Sweets 2019