Write your own review
Rated 
of 5
by Gina V. (Mesa, AZ)
Hollywood Whodunit A Hollywood whodunit with quirky, but fierce & ultimately lovable female main characters. Natasha Mason volunteers to be caustic, retired actress-turned lawyer, Julia Mann's sponsor and quickly wonders what the heck she has gotten herself into.
Julia is accused of murdering a longtime enemy, but doesn't remember it because she was passed out drunk. The Hollywood media think it's part of a curse that has befallen several people involved in The Codex, a movie Julia starred in. The only way of proving herself innocent is to find the real killer with the help of Mason and some of her eccentric friends.
While Mason and Mann are trying to work through their own issues and to solve the murder Julia is accused of, along comes another murder for them to solve involving the daughter of a friend from when Julia was in prison for the murder of her husband.
The main characters, along with the supporting characters are all well written. This would be a fun book club read. One Death at a Time is a mystery that will keep you laughing and guessing the whole way through. I loved it!
Rated of 5
by Mary G. (Greensboro, GA)
An Absolute Gem! As every avid reader knows, most books are average to good with a fair number of clunkers thrown in. So when you come across a book you truly enjoy, you savor every minute of it.
One Death at a Time is one of those rare gems that are a delight from start to finish. It is as satisfying as receiving a gift you were not expecting. The characters are quirky, smart, and unique. The mystery is intriguing, the dialogue is witty, and there is plenty of drama.
Retired actress Julia teams with her new assistant/AA sponsor, Mason, to discover how her mortal enemy's body ended up in her swimming pool while she was blackout drunk. They are ably assisted by Julia's housekeeper, Claudia, who keeps them all well fed; Will, her researcher with an encyclopedic memory; and, her attractive new attorney, Archie.
Kudos, Ms. Waxman! I hope further adventures await this fun and eccentric team.
Rated of 5
by Suzi S. (The Villages, FL)
An engaging mystery This was a fun read that went from a Los Angeles AA meeting to the Hollywood Hills and the characters that inhabit them. Mason starts off as a tough cookie who is determined to get actress Julia on the path to sobriety. But before she can start her mission, Mason finds herself working as Julia's assistant and yep, Julia is accused of murder!
The relationship between the two, along with a cast of unique characters, made this a book I couldn't put down. Their crazy antics, their unlikely friendship, and the glimpses into Hollywood life combined to make this book a winner.
Rated of 5
by Wendy A. (Naperville, IL)
A fun read I enjoyed reading One Death at a Time. This was a fast paced book with fun over-the-top characters based in Hollywood. An aging former movie star (Julia Mann) and her AA sponsor (Natasha Mason) are on the trail of solving a murder that Julia has been accused of committing. This is a cozy with many great, offbeat characters with a believable resolution. I hope this becomes a series! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Rated of 5
by Ruthie A. (Jersey City, NJ)
A Fun Ride! Author Abbie Waxman is new to me. I was looking for a non-stressful read, and this novel was truly engaging. The novel itself feels like an old school Hollywood movie, with mansions, burlesque, prison, and many interesting settings.
The characters are each very distinct and well rounded. The plot moves along very quickly and is very engaging. Mason meets Julia at an AA meeting and a fraught relationship begins. Throw in a mystery and we are off! I most enjoyed Julia's character, a former actress turned lawyer, she can be dramatic, rude and haughty, and also loyal and caring, but most of all she is fearless!
This was a very enjoyable read. Hopefully Julia, Mason and the gang will all be back for more adventures!
Rated of 5
by Becky D. (Gloucester, VA)
Like sorbet between the courses of a large meal! This is the premise of Abbi Waxman's "One Death at a Time". A young, by the book AA member (Natasha) accepts the challenge of being a temporary sponsor of an aging, cranky, famous and former actor (Julia) who does not feel she needs her help. But she needs someone's help.
Someone (her ex business associate) was killed at her house and she knows/remembers nothing since she was in an alcoholic blackout.
Julia's past history complicated matters further as she was convicted of murdering her ex husband and served a prison sentence for that. Once she was released, she quit acting and got her law degree.
When Natasha shows up at Julia's house for her first sponsor meeting she is offered a job as her personal assistant/investigator. Her's had just quit.
Let the games begin!
This was a fun, rollicking read. The characters, even with their flaws, were likable and add to the story arc.
If it has to be put in a genre I would say a cozy mystery with an edge. It has a fair amount of F-bombs, lots of sarcasm and unscrupulous activities going on. And to top it off, this 'edge' is skillfully interwoven with trying to find out who killed Tony so Julia won't have to go to prison again. This does not give the reader a chance to settle down and get all comfortable and cozy in their chair.
After a year of reading some fairly serious topics, this was a refreshing and entertaining read.
Thank you BookBrowse!
Rated of 5
by Claire M. (Wrentham, MA)
One Death at a TIme, Two for the Road One Death at Time wears its heart on its sleeve. The story opens into a group discussion where intimate details of personal struggles are brought forward in fits and starts, the propulsive beat of the plot begins to build momentum and never stops. In fact, half the action takes place racing around in classic cars and high-end vintage designer clothes with witty dialogue and Los Angeles as the backdrop. Abbi Waxman presents a funny, contemporary madcap romp with edge.
Irresistible characters dash across the page non-stop. When legendary Oscar winner Julia Mann offers temporary sponsor Natasha Mason a job as her as personal assistant it's clear there is more to both these women than meets the eye. An eclectic team of Hollywood writers, agents, and investigators race to find the killer who set up Julia Mann and there are more plot twists than impressive housekeeper Claudia can conjure in pastry. With side excursions to Palm Springs and the underside of burlesque theater, more characters are piled onto the investigative mayhem.
None of this would add up to much if not for the engaging intelligence and vulnerability of Mason and Julia. Mentor and mentee, sponsor and sponsee, they trade roles back and forth as they work together. There is no generational divide as they focus on finding the truth for Julia and saving others from injustice. This team is on a roll and we will hopefully read more of their investigative adventures.
Rated of 5
by Betcei B. (Huntsville, AL)
Be prepared to Laugh Abbi Waxman has written a hilarious romp of a mystery. I laughed out loud numerous times at the antics of Mason becoming an investigator for Julia when all Mason was supposed to be doing was sponsoring Julia in AA. The book takes you through the streets, hills and desert of Los Angeles, into the lives of the rich and famous and why someone just might want a bunch of them dead. Mason is tough, but her innocence in the ways of the wealthy reminds the reader that we too would have the same questions about what is going on. Take the entire weekend for this delightful book.
Thank you to Net galley and Bookbrowse for this advance ecopy.
Rated of 5
by Deborah C. (Seattle, WA)
Another great read from Abbi Waxman! Abbi Waxman's books are all different, but each one is funny and heartwarming, with wonderful, quirky characters. One Death at a Time is no exception. Natasha Mason (who goes by her last name) is a recovering alcoholic who meets crotchety former actress Julia Mann at an AA meeting. Shortly after Mason agrees to act as Julia's personal assistant, the cops come calling. It turns out Julia is the prime suspect in the murder of a longtime enemy. Unfortunately for Julia, she has no recollection of what happened the night of the murder because she was blackout drunk.
Since the cops don't seem to be looking for any other suspects, Julia, Mason, and an assorted cast of characters have to do their own detective work to clear Julia's name.
It was a lot of fun to follow along as Julia and her gang leapt from one improbable situation to another. A very enjoyable plot together with well-drawn and interesting characters made for a great read. I wish Abbi would write more sequels, because I always want to spend more time with her characters!
Rated of 5
by 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!
Rated of 5
by 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.
Rated of 5
by 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.
Rated 
of 5
by Alex M. (Woodland, CA)
A fun, mysterious romp through Hollywood! I really enjoyed this smart mystery based in LA's Hollywood scene! Abbi Waxman has the gift of creating quirky, relatable characters and this was true for main character Mason. I loved her dynamic with actress Julia, and how they bonded as recovering alcoholics.
They team up to solve the murder of a director who was found dead in the pool of Julia's mansion. Although she's 90 certain she didn't kill him, Julia has no idea how he ended up dead. They were former friends turned enemies, yet she had no strong motive to kill him. Julia enlists her team of assistants to solve the crime, and Mason gets pulled into some shenanigans that are somewhat dangerous, but highly entertaining.
This novel was a wild, enjoyable ride! I had a bit of trouble keeping track of all of the characters, but still had fun with the story. I am not a big movie buff so some of the movie details were lost on me, but could see how this aspect would appeal to many readers. I adored the house chef Claudia and the many pets that appeared throughout the story! I recommend this novel and hope Abbi Waxman writes more in the mystery genre!
Rated of 5
by Nicole G. (Andover, MA)
Mason and Julia are my new Justice League! One Death at a Time is a bit of a departure for Waxman and it is well done. There is signature Waxman pacing and strong female characters written with smart, funny dialog, but this time in the service of a buddy comedy/mystery. I enjoyed Mason, Julia and the whole cast, and look forward to (hopefully) a sequel. Highly enjoyable.
For fans of books like: Mother Daughter Murder Night; Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers; Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone; Killers of a Certain Age
Rated of 5
by Patricia G. (Washington, DC)
A fun twisty mystery novel In the detective-mystery genre, the "Odd Couple" pairing is tried and true, but Abby Waxman uses it well in her newest novel "One Death at a Time". Natasha Mason is three-years-sober and twenty-something; Julia Mann is a fabulously famous, perennially gorgeous seventy-something ex-actress who has fallen off the wagon and is accused of murder (again). Naturally, they meet at an AA meeting in Los Angeles and instantly dislike each other.
However, Mason needs a job and Julia needs help finding the actual murderer. As with most fiction, a certain suspension of reality is required to enjoy the story. On top of all her other amazing traits, Julia is brilliant enough to have obtained a law degree while she was serving a lengthy prison sentence. She has also been able to keep her immense fortune intact, and her high-level Hollywood contacts current. Mason has ninja-level fighting skills from some unknown background. Both have attitude to spare, and grudgingly accept each other, and find that they work well together.
The remainder of the cast of characters, including a housekeeper who is also an incredible chef, a personal assistant with a photographic memory, and a new, young and very attractive attorney who makes Mason's life complicated add to the fun. Waxman certainly has familiarity with Hollywood in general, and Hollywood players specifically. Any reader will enjoy the wild ride through the hills with this crew.
There are laugh out loud moments and plenty of action throughout the novel as the plot winds its way to the big reveal of the actual murderers. This is a perfect, fun escapist book to curl up with. So many plot lines were left open at the end that I highly suspect a sequel is in the works, which I look forward to.
Rated of 5
by DeAnn A. (Denver, CO)
Hollywood Nostalgia Murder Mystery Waxman has created a compelling murder mystery featuring a whole bevy of memorable characters in Hollywood. While this one is set in modern times, it has an old Hollywood nostalgic and glamorous feel. There are writers, producers, movie remakes, intrigue, legal cases, fast cars, attacks, disguises, and murder all in the mix.
Natasha Mason is leading an AA meeting when a retired actress, Julia, checks in. The stories can be wild at meetings, and Julia's is no different. She's found a dead man in her pool, and she can't remember anything about that night.
It is a race to see if they will figure out who the murderer is before someone else ends up dead. I quite enjoyed this one!
Rated of 5
by 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.
Rated of 5
by 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!
Rated of 5
by 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.
Rated of 5
by 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.
Rated 
of 5
by Cheryl W. (Zimmerman, MN)
Quirky mystery A little bit of everything in this mystery, several murders, AA, some great characters, and a few great lines. Julia Mann is an aging actress fond of alcohol and Natasha Mason, her sponsor try to solve murders related to one another in Hollywood. I could see this becoming a series.
more...
