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Donna D. (Riverside, IL)
A book to add to your reading list
Reading 'One Death at a Time' was a pleasure. The characters with all their talents, flaws and foibles are revealed layer by layer creating little surprises through the story. I think it gives the mystery a few more twists and turns. When I reached the end I thought « I hope there is another book . I want to know more about these people. » The mystery is solid and the characters a bit quirky but worth knowing.
As a person in recovery, I was impressed by the author's inclusion of the topic as a reoccurring theme. Attending meetings, having a sponsor, being someone's sponsor and the lasting fragility of
…more sobriety are all included with out great fanfare and in no way painted as odd or abnormal. Using a riff on the sobriety slogan ´One day at a time ´ as the title is a nice touch. If you enjoy mysteries that lean a bit more toward cozy than dark, you will enjoy this book. (less)I enjoyed this mystery! The characters were unique and interesting. I did not predict the ending, but there were bread crumbs throughout so a more savvy reader may solve it.
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
…more 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. (less)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
…more murderer is before someone else ends up dead. I quite enjoyed this one! (less)One Death at a Time is a modern twist on a classic 'who dunnit' novel. The story slowly builds around characters that you love to hate and you'll change your mind time and again! The description of scenes is so vivid and the author really took time to set the stage and present the story.
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.
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
…more 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! (less)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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