Murder Has Nine Lives

Fans of sitcom writer Levine’s Jaine Austen series about a L.A.-based freelance writer and her snarky cat, Prozac, will find much to enjoy in this cozy tale of murder in the backstage world of TV commercials. With Prozac set to be the new face for Skinny Kitty feline food, Jaine is introduced to a collection of characters, including talent agent Didi Wallace, an assortment of eccentric cat owners, and a mostly malcontent cast and crew. With excellent timing, reader Pressley gets the most out of Jaine’s self-deprecating narration, during her work as copywriter for Toiletmasters’ innovative self-flushing commodes, her toe-cringing dinner date with the world’s most handsome man, who has a fixation on his teddy bear, and her phone calls from her bizarre parents. But Pressley’s most impressive achievements may be the woozy conversations between Jaine and Prozac, with the latter sounding even more blasé and entitled than Garfield. A Kensington hardcover. (June)