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There are currently 15 member reviews
for One Death at a Time
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Elizabeth D. (Apple Valley, MN)
One Mystery After Another
What a fun ride! I really enjoyed this mystery, full of strong female characters and witty repartee. It made me laugh out loud several times. I really liked Mason as a character, someone who'd screwed up in the past and struggles with impulse control, but is committed to working the 12 step system and to helping her new sponsee to make choices to support her sobriety. I don't have any first hand experience with AA or with the disease of addiction, but I appreciated that the book acknowledges that people can do well for a long time, relapse, and still get back up to start again, and that it's not a straightforward path.
While their sobriety brings the two main characters together, there's much more action to the book. It kind of made me think of a great buddy-cop movie from the 80s or like the tv show Moonlighting - two strong, different characters who argue but who like and respect each other a lot.
There's also a great supporting cast of characters, all of whom fill stereotypical roles, but felt different than the usual stereotypes.
There are multiple deaths and mysteries, so a lot to untangle with this book. If this duo - and their supporting cast - went on to other adventures, I'd happily read another tale of their exploits.
The one thing that stood out to me as a semi-negative (and it isn't even a negative, just an observation) is that the book felt long. I don't know what the page count is on this book, so will be curious to see how long it is when it's released. It felt long. Not inappropriately so, just that it took me a while to get through. Still enjoyed it though!
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Linda V. (Independence, KY)
Delightful mystery!
Yes, it's a mystery but the beauty of this book is in its dialogue!! Cheeky, irreverent and totally real. You can "hear" the conversations!! Didn't want this to end because I had a wonderful time getting to know the characters and delight in their wit and attitude.
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Patricia L. (Seward, AK)
One Death at a Time
Natalie Mason is described as "an unusually pretty woman of twenty-five with extremely short hair and striking features that might have been overwhelming had they been paired with a more elaborate hairstyle…" In Hollywood everyone is judged first by their looks and second by their issues. Mason's issue is alcohol, which she is being forced to address by attending daily AA meetings while working as an Uber driver and delivery person. A child of Hollywood, Mason has been oblivious to its' glitz, glamour and underbelly. But that changes when Julia enters the room.
Julia Mann is a former Hollywood star turned convicted murderer, turned parolee, turned lawyer for the underdog, with a drinking problem. Her attendance at AA is mandated because after waking up from an alcohol induced black out, she found a body floating in her pool. She can't recall why or how it got there.
One Death at a Time is the story of Julia, Mason and friends trying to solve two murders. While Waxman's storyline may be long with extraneous details, the fast, irreverent, smart, sassy dialog moves the plot at lightening speed. Her characters are well defined and memorable. One Death at a Time is recommended for those who seek a fast read about glamourous people who aren't above a little self-deprecation and laugh out loud humor.
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Jane M. (Carmel, IN)
Fun Read
Fun read that was also a page-turner because of the mystery. The characters were likable and pulled you in. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Mason and Julia. I also liked how they stayed true to the need to continuously need to go to AA meetings. That wasn't just something they threw around when it was convenient.
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Jennie W. (Denver, CO)
Engaging Fun Mystery
This was a quick and enjoyable read with strong female characters and an engaging story. What begins as a straightforward tale of a young Gen Z woman sponsoring an older, former actress soon unfolds into a mystery full of unexpected twists.
Julia, an ex-actress, finds herself at an AA meeting after a night of heavy drinking—one that ended with the shocking discovery of a dead body in her swimming pool. Enter Natasha Mason, or "Mason" as she prefers, who steps up to sponsor Julia, unaware of just how intertwined their lives will become and how much they both need each other.
The story is a whirlwind adventure, from the gritty charm of LA's burlesque bars to the sun-soaked landscapes of Palm Springs. With its blend of lighthearted moments and thrilling turns, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced, not-quite-cozy mystery with strong, dynamic female leads. It's a fun, satisfying read!
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Angela W. (Shelby Twp, MI)
Hollywood Murder Mystery
Mason, a Gen Z AA member, and Julia, a former actor now an attorney revisiting her sobriety, team up to solve two Hollywood murders. With snarky, witty dialogue, this Hollywood mystery is a quick, enjoyable read.
The cast of characters is entertaining—though there are just too many for my memory. For this reason, I rated the book a 4 rather than a 5. I hope there is another adventure for Mason and Julia in the near future!
Thank you to BookBrowse and Berkley for an early read in exchange for a fair review. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to all mystery lovers.
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Randi H. (Bronx, NY)
Engaging!
The novel follows a young woman navigating life after dropping out of school and joining Alcoholics Anonymous. As she rebuilds herself, she lands a job with an ex-con and ex-actress turned attorney, whose unorthodox methods and vibrant personality bring big energy to the story. Together, they dive into solving a murder.
With its clever plot, quirky characters, and a touch of Hollywood glamour, this book is a fun read for fans of mysteries, dramedies, and stories of self-discovery.
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