Review by Booklist Review
The twentieth full-length outing for freelance writer and amateur sleuth Jaine Austen and her demanding cat Prozac (after Death by Smoothie, 2022) finds her taking on a new gig, writing a fitness book for gym mogul Chip Miller. She and Pro are required to join him and family on a trip from L.A. to Santa Barbara in his own private train. If nothing else, she hopes for some really great meals. The family is beyond dysfunctional (Chip insists that Prozac come along because his son is miserably allergic to cats) and the food and drinks are dictated by Chip's selfish whims. Then Chip is murdered, and Jaine discovers the body, leaving DNA on the murder weapon. Fearing she will be railroaded by the police, Jaine staunchly investigates on her own, putting herself in some awkward situations. Jaine even masquerades as foreign royalty to help neighbor Lance join an exclusive club, all the while fielding zany emails from her parents in a Florida retirement community. Then there is Sean--is he the murderer or her perfect match? Fans of the series will appreciate how everything turns out in the end in this romp of a mystery.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Ghostwriting a fitness book proves a mixed bag for copywriter Jaine Austen. Although Jaine's piqued that Chip Miller, owner of The Muscle Factory, sees her muscle-free body as a plus in choosing her to ghostwrite his guide to becoming fit, she reluctantly admits that she might have an advantage in reaching out to the pre-ripped public. That recognition--and the promise of a $20,000 fee--helps her overcome her reluctance to deal with the self-centered fitness guru. She even agrees to take an overnight train trip to Santa Barbara with the Miller entourage. She revels in the cuisine provided by chef Mario and basks in the attention of Sean, the train's steward. But Chip's spoiled adult children and ice queen girlfriend are more of a challenge. The greatest challenge, however, is Iron Man himself. His relentless ego and cruelty to his staff set everyone on edge. So it's no surprise when he's found dead in his stateroom. Encouraged by Chip's down-to-earth sister, Versel, Jaine tries to unmask his killer, but at every turn she discovers deeper and more compelling reasons that almost everyone wanted him dead. Though it will take all her grit and determination to find the murderer, the answer to the riddle of who killed Chip isn't the only, or even the greatest, surprise. The tried and true meet the unexpected in Levine's latest romp. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
