Title: Death by Pantyhose
Author: Laura Levine
First published June 1, 2007
244 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780758207852 (ISBN10: 0758207859)
Rating: 3.91
Overview
Jaine Austen, a freelance writer, is struggling to make ends meet. She finds herself working with Dorcas, a stand-up comedian with a terrible act, who has an unusual way of throwing her pantyhose at the audience.
When Vic, a handsome fellow comedian, is murdered with Dorcas’s pantyhose and she’s caught standing over his dead body, the police are quick to arrest her. However, Jaine is convinced that the killer is still out there and sets out to find the real culprit.
Her investigation is complicated by a series of disastrous dates with Andrew, an old flame. As she gets closer to the truth, Jaine realizes that the world of comedy can be a dark and dangerous place, and that the killer may be closer than she thinks.
About the Author
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York during a time when mastodons and Edsels were still around.
After completing my education at Barnard College, I landed my first job as a reporter and photographer for a small newspaper. Our photos were developed at the local camera shop!
My biggest claim to fame in the advertising industry was creating Count Chocula and Frankenberry cereals for General Mills.
As TV became more popular, I transitioned to a career as a sitcom writer. I wrote scripts for shows like The Bob Newhart Show, Three’s Company, Laverne & Shirley, The Love Boat, The Jeffersons, and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.
Currently, I enjoy writing Jaine Austen mysteries the most.
I am happily married to Mark Lacter, who is a business journalist. He covers the Los Angeles business scene and you can read his insightful coverage daily.
When it comes to reading, I enjoy comedy from Joe Keenan, mystery novels from Agatha Christie, and serious literature from Anne Tyler. In my free time, I love to read, swim, garden, and take walks (mostly to visit the fridge).
Editoral Review
Death by Pantyhose by Laura Levine is a cozy mystery novel that was first published on June 1, 2007. The author, Laura Levine, is known for her humorous and witty writing style, which is evident throughout the book.
The novel follows Jaine Austen, a freelance writer who takes on odd jobs to support herself. After being hired by a local department store to write their holiday newsletter, Jaine finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation when one of the store’s employees is found dead in the pantyhose department.
With her friend and fellow amateur sleuth, Lance, Jaine sets out to uncover the truth, despite the danger that may come with it. The book is set in Los Angeles, where the glitz and glamour of Hollywood provide a contrasting backdrop to the dark and gritty reality of the murder investigation.
The characters are well-developed and have distinct personalities that add to the book’s charm. Jaine’s quick wit and sarcastic humor make her a likable and relatable protagonist, while Lance’s quirky personality and obsession with astrology provide comic relief.
Levine’s writing style is engaging and keeps the reader hooked throughout the book. The pacing is well-balanced, and the plot is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.
The themes of friendship, loyalty, and determination are woven into the story, providing a deeper layer of meaning. However, the book does have its flaws.
Some of the dialogue can be repetitive and predictable, and the resolution of the mystery may seem rushed to some readers. Additionally, the secondary characters are not as well-developed as the main characters, which may leave readers wanting more.
Overall, Death by Pantyhose is a fun and entertaining read that will keep readers engaged until the end. Fans of cozy mysteries and humorous writing will enjoy this book.
However, readers looking for a more complex and detailed mystery may be disappointed.
I would recommend Death by Pantyhose to anyone looking for a lighthearted and entertaining read.
It would be particularly enjoyable for readers who are fans of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series or Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone series. I give this book a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
