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One Death at a Time
“Abbi Waxman is both irreverent and thoughtful.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Giffin
A cranky former actress teams up with her Gen Z sobriety sponsor to solve the murder that threatens to send her back to prison in this dazzling new mystery novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill.
When Julia Mann, a bad-tempered ex-actress and professional thorn in the side of authority, runs into Natasha Mason at an AA meeting, it’s anything but a meet-cute. Julia just found a dead body in her swimming pool, and the cops say she did it (she already went to jail for murder once, so now they think she’s making a habit of it). Mason is eager to clear Julia’s name and help keep her sober, but all Julia wants is for Mason to leave her alone.
As their investigation ranges from the Hollywood Hills to the world of burlesque to the country clubs of Palm Springs, this unconventional team realizes their shared love of sarcasm and poor life choices are proving to be a powerful combination. Will secrets from their past trip them up, or will their team of showgirls, cat burglars, and Hollywood agents help them stay one step ahead? Are dead piranhas, false noses, and a giant martini glass important clues or simply your typical day in Los Angeles? And will they manage to solve the crime before they kill each other, or worse, fall off the wagon? Trying to keep it simple and take it easy is one thing—trying to find a murderer before they kill again is a whole other program.
A cranky former actress teams up with her Gen Z sobriety sponsor to solve the murder that threatens to send her back to prison in this dazzling new mystery novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill.
When Julia Mann, a bad-tempered ex-actress and professional thorn in the side of authority, runs into Natasha Mason at an AA meeting, it’s anything but a meet-cute. Julia just found a dead body in her swimming pool, and the cops say she did it (she already went to jail for murder once, so now they think she’s making a habit of it). Mason is eager to clear Julia’s name and help keep her sober, but all Julia wants is for Mason to leave her alone.
As their investigation ranges from the Hollywood Hills to the world of burlesque to the country clubs of Palm Springs, this unconventional team realizes their shared love of sarcasm and poor life choices are proving to be a powerful combination. Will secrets from their past trip them up, or will their team of showgirls, cat burglars, and Hollywood agents help them stay one step ahead? Are dead piranhas, false noses, and a giant martini glass important clues or simply your typical day in Los Angeles? And will they manage to solve the crime before they kill each other, or worse, fall off the wagon? Trying to keep it simple and take it easy is one thing—trying to find a murderer before they kill again is a whole other program.
400 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2025
231 people are currently reading
18579 people want to read
About the author
Abbi Waxman
12 books4,804 followersHi there. I'm a chocolate loving, dog loving writer living in Los Angeles. I sit down if I can, and lie down whenever possible. If you enjoy my book and would like a personalized, signed bookplate to go in it, email me your name and address and I'll send you one! [email protected]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews
March 10, 2025
I still adore Abbi Waxman, even if I didn’t totally adore this book!
I loved The Bookish Life of Nina Hill and liked Adult Assembly Required, both of which were romance/women’s fiction, which she’s SO good at! I was excited to see her try her hand at a cozy mystery. It was decent - it just didn’t work as well for me as her efforts in her usual genres.
I won’t rehash the entire plot - there are plenty of reviews or the blurb for that. I’ll only say that aging alcoholic actress Julia Mann has been accused of murdering an old professional nemesis - the second time she’s been arrested for a murder, and she joins forces with her twenty-something AA sponsor/personal assistant (Natasha) Mason to solve the mystery.
For me, this was too long with too many characters to keep track of, the story was chaotic at times, and I struggled to find a single character I liked or cared about - especially the two aforementioned leads. Julia is bossy and has a mouth like a sailor and Mason is just downright obnoxious most of the time. While some might find them funny - the humor wasn’t landing for me.
On the good side, the mystery was solid and despite the dreaded villain monologue, I did find the explanation believable and surprisingly thought-provoking. The insights into Hollywood and the machinations of the film industry were fascinating! I also respect the insights Waxman provided into alcoholism and addiction, which was a major issue for both leads. If you have a family member with the disease, you may find all the talk about it triggering. I did. 🙋🏻
It’s a decent mystery which seems to hint at a possible sequel or series. The many four and five star reviews on this one shows there’s an audience for it. I just hope Waxman doesn’t completely leave her romance roots behind!
★★★
Thanks to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and author Abbi Waxman for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out on April 15, 2025.
I loved The Bookish Life of Nina Hill and liked Adult Assembly Required, both of which were romance/women’s fiction, which she’s SO good at! I was excited to see her try her hand at a cozy mystery. It was decent - it just didn’t work as well for me as her efforts in her usual genres.
I won’t rehash the entire plot - there are plenty of reviews or the blurb for that. I’ll only say that aging alcoholic actress Julia Mann has been accused of murdering an old professional nemesis - the second time she’s been arrested for a murder, and she joins forces with her twenty-something AA sponsor/personal assistant (Natasha) Mason to solve the mystery.
For me, this was too long with too many characters to keep track of, the story was chaotic at times, and I struggled to find a single character I liked or cared about - especially the two aforementioned leads. Julia is bossy and has a mouth like a sailor and Mason is just downright obnoxious most of the time. While some might find them funny - the humor wasn’t landing for me.
On the good side, the mystery was solid and despite the dreaded villain monologue, I did find the explanation believable and surprisingly thought-provoking. The insights into Hollywood and the machinations of the film industry were fascinating! I also respect the insights Waxman provided into alcoholism and addiction, which was a major issue for both leads. If you have a family member with the disease, you may find all the talk about it triggering. I did. 🙋🏻
It’s a decent mystery which seems to hint at a possible sequel or series. The many four and five star reviews on this one shows there’s an audience for it. I just hope Waxman doesn’t completely leave her romance roots behind!
★★★
Thanks to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and author Abbi Waxman for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out on April 15, 2025.
November 21, 2024
One Death at a Time is a quirky and fun cozy murder mystery with delightful characters. There's a Gen Z recovering alcoholic who doesn't quite have her life together, an ex-con former Hollywood actress with an attitude problem, a dead man in a swimming pool (the mortal enemy of the aforementioned ex-actress … the dead man, that is, not the pool), and a whole lot of criminal shenanigans. I mean, forget the murder, you guys … there's golf cart theft and (justified) dog-napping in this one.
This is a fairly frenetic novel – no one ever seems to sleep and they're constantly driving all over Los Angeles (and beyond) and people are getting attacked left and right and everyone's always eating and basically I feel bad for Mason's cat because when is she ever home to actually pet the poor thing? Mild cat neglect aside, however, it's all pretty entertaining and Julia and Mason make an amusing pair. There's lots of sass and wit and humor, and the mystery itself is slightly absurd but in a well-written way. This is definitely a story that doesn't take itself too seriously – it's not exactly Agatha Christie, but it's also not really supposed be.
So, yeah. The characters are great. The plot is great. The animals all live to see the end of the book. My one minor complaint is the big reveal – the murderer's actions and reasonings just seem so, so over the top. Not that the rest of this novel is exactly … restrained, but, I dunno, they just seem so excessively bitter and obsessed that it takes a bit of the fun out of it. At the same time, though, I guess I kind of get it? I mean, I wouldn't murder anyone over it, but you do you, crazy murderer person.
Oh, and there's not much romance, which is nice if you're not into that sort of thing. There's some mild attraction between two characters but that's about as far as the lovey-dovey stuff goes.
If you're normally a fan of humorous cozy mysteries with eccentric characters, definitely consider giving One Death at a Time a read. It's pretty great and it looks like it could possibly be the first book in a (hopefully awesome) new series?
My overall rating: 3.95 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is April 15, 2025.
This is a fairly frenetic novel – no one ever seems to sleep and they're constantly driving all over Los Angeles (and beyond) and people are getting attacked left and right and everyone's always eating and basically I feel bad for Mason's cat because when is she ever home to actually pet the poor thing? Mild cat neglect aside, however, it's all pretty entertaining and Julia and Mason make an amusing pair. There's lots of sass and wit and humor, and the mystery itself is slightly absurd but in a well-written way. This is definitely a story that doesn't take itself too seriously – it's not exactly Agatha Christie, but it's also not really supposed be.
So, yeah. The characters are great. The plot is great. The animals all live to see the end of the book. My one minor complaint is the big reveal – the murderer's actions and reasonings just seem so, so over the top. Not that the rest of this novel is exactly … restrained, but, I dunno, they just seem so excessively bitter and obsessed that it takes a bit of the fun out of it. At the same time, though, I guess I kind of get it? I mean, I wouldn't murder anyone over it, but you do you, crazy murderer person.
Oh, and there's not much romance, which is nice if you're not into that sort of thing. There's some mild attraction between two characters but that's about as far as the lovey-dovey stuff goes.
If you're normally a fan of humorous cozy mysteries with eccentric characters, definitely consider giving One Death at a Time a read. It's pretty great and it looks like it could possibly be the first book in a (hopefully awesome) new series?
My overall rating: 3.95 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is April 15, 2025.
April 24, 2025
3 stars - rather disappointing😔. Waxman’s cozy mystery was just too many and unlikeable characters and very confusing for me. The only part I really liked was the L.A. setting and Hollywood history🎥. Also too much emphasis on the characters all being in recovery. I skimmed the whole middle of it just to get to "who did it" & finish, which is not a recommendation - meh!! Really hope the author returns to women’s fiction which she does so very well!
November 25, 2024
In Abbi Waxman's latest cozy mystery, former actress Julia Mann, who’s no stranger to murder accusations, teams up with her Gen Z sobriety sponsor Natasha Mason to solve a murder that threatens to send her back to prison. After Julia discovers a dead body in her swimming pool, the police immediately suspect her due to her criminal past. Though Julia would rather be left alone, Natasha is determined to prove her innocence and keep her sober in the process.
The story kicks off when Julia and Natasha meet at an AA meeting, forging an unlikely partnership that propels them through the glamorous, yet treacherous, landscapes of Hollywood Hills, burlesque venues, and the country clubs of Palm Springs. Joined by a colorful cast of showgirls, agents, and even cat burglars, the duo embarks on a fast-paced journey filled with twists, dead piranhas, and giant martini glasses, leading to a series of witty and entertaining revelations. However, secrets from their own pasts threaten to complicate things further.
Though I didn’t feel as much of a connection with Julia, Natasha's character stood out, offering more depth and relatability compared to the rest of the cast. The plot is well-executed with entertaining locations and high-energy pacing, though it lacks some of the quirky character magic seen in Waxman’s previous works. Despite the shortcomings, the novel’s intriguing setup and engaging dynamics, especially with its exploration of addiction, kept me hooked until the end.
Overall, this cozy Hollywood mystery delivers plenty of fun and suspense, making it a perfect light read for fans of Waxman’s witty storytelling.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
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The story kicks off when Julia and Natasha meet at an AA meeting, forging an unlikely partnership that propels them through the glamorous, yet treacherous, landscapes of Hollywood Hills, burlesque venues, and the country clubs of Palm Springs. Joined by a colorful cast of showgirls, agents, and even cat burglars, the duo embarks on a fast-paced journey filled with twists, dead piranhas, and giant martini glasses, leading to a series of witty and entertaining revelations. However, secrets from their own pasts threaten to complicate things further.
Though I didn’t feel as much of a connection with Julia, Natasha's character stood out, offering more depth and relatability compared to the rest of the cast. The plot is well-executed with entertaining locations and high-energy pacing, though it lacks some of the quirky character magic seen in Waxman’s previous works. Despite the shortcomings, the novel’s intriguing setup and engaging dynamics, especially with its exploration of addiction, kept me hooked until the end.
Overall, this cozy Hollywood mystery delivers plenty of fun and suspense, making it a perfect light read for fans of Waxman’s witty storytelling.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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May 28, 2025
Lights, snark, and action! Think sharp dialogue, chaotic energy, and just enough plot to keep you guessing.
This one follows Julia, a grumpy former actress with a messy past, and Mason, her younger sobriety sponsor, as they find themselves unexpectedly caught up in a murder investigation. The whole thing is very L.A.—quirky, fast-paced, and full of personality.
At first, I was into it. The voice is clever, sarcastic, and full of energy, and for a while, that really worked for me. But over time, I found myself wishing for a little more quiet and a little less quip. The humour didn’t always hit the right note for me, and I caught myself wanting to connect more with the characters underneath all the snark.
There were also a lot of side characters and detours, which made the plot feel a bit scattered. I struggled to stay fully grounded in the story, especially since I didn’t feel a strong emotional connection to Julia or Mason. Their dynamic had potential, but it never fully clicked for me.
That said, I’ve really enjoyed Abbi Waxman’s previous novels—Nina Hill is still a favourite—and I’ll absolutely keep reading her work. This one just wasn’t quite the right fit, but I can see it working well for readers who love sharp banter and a madcap mystery vibe.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
This one follows Julia, a grumpy former actress with a messy past, and Mason, her younger sobriety sponsor, as they find themselves unexpectedly caught up in a murder investigation. The whole thing is very L.A.—quirky, fast-paced, and full of personality.
At first, I was into it. The voice is clever, sarcastic, and full of energy, and for a while, that really worked for me. But over time, I found myself wishing for a little more quiet and a little less quip. The humour didn’t always hit the right note for me, and I caught myself wanting to connect more with the characters underneath all the snark.
There were also a lot of side characters and detours, which made the plot feel a bit scattered. I struggled to stay fully grounded in the story, especially since I didn’t feel a strong emotional connection to Julia or Mason. Their dynamic had potential, but it never fully clicked for me.
That said, I’ve really enjoyed Abbi Waxman’s previous novels—Nina Hill is still a favourite—and I’ll absolutely keep reading her work. This one just wasn’t quite the right fit, but I can see it working well for readers who love sharp banter and a madcap mystery vibe.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
April 15, 2025
Update 4/15/25: Reposting my review to celebrate that today is publication day!
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sending me an ARC of One Death at a Time in exchange for an honest review.
The Goodreads description of One Death at a Time is pretty solid, so I’ll jump directly to my thoughts. This novel is a departure for Ms. Waxman, who seems to relish jumping around different genres. This book is a whodunnit mystery that’s set in the present but somehow has an old timey Hollywood vibe, especially with the whole ‘was the legendary old movie cursed’ angle. Your enjoyment will largely depend on you tolerance for the lead characters, Julia and Mason. They have a Hacks vibe—funny, snarky, abrasive, but underneath you know they care about each other—which for me is a compliment but your mileage may vary. There was a solid collection of supporting characters. And I found the recovering alcoholic storylines believable.
I think One Death at a Time is a slightly more serious version of the Findlay Donovan series, which is another compliment. I won’t be at all surprised if Ms. Waxman returns to these characters in a sequel, and I’ll absolutely read it if she does. Recommended.
“Sometimes you can see things coming but still can’t avoid them.”
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sending me an ARC of One Death at a Time in exchange for an honest review.
The Goodreads description of One Death at a Time is pretty solid, so I’ll jump directly to my thoughts. This novel is a departure for Ms. Waxman, who seems to relish jumping around different genres. This book is a whodunnit mystery that’s set in the present but somehow has an old timey Hollywood vibe, especially with the whole ‘was the legendary old movie cursed’ angle. Your enjoyment will largely depend on you tolerance for the lead characters, Julia and Mason. They have a Hacks vibe—funny, snarky, abrasive, but underneath you know they care about each other—which for me is a compliment but your mileage may vary. There was a solid collection of supporting characters. And I found the recovering alcoholic storylines believable.
I think One Death at a Time is a slightly more serious version of the Findlay Donovan series, which is another compliment. I won’t be at all surprised if Ms. Waxman returns to these characters in a sequel, and I’ll absolutely read it if she does. Recommended.
January 22, 2025
When I saw Abbi Waxman had a new release coming soon I was all in. I am an O.G. fan who loved not only Nina Hill, but also The Garden of Small Beginnings, Other People’s Houses and I Was Told This Would Get Easier so it was a no-brainer when it came to taking Berkley’s offer of an advanced freebie and I jumped right in without bothering to look at anything about this one. Waxman is one of the greats when it comes to the umbrella of “chick lit” that contains very different characters and storylines. I had no idea this was REALLY going to be a murder mystery . . .
^That’s rhetorical. I get that cozies have somehow become all the rage, but ooof – this was simply not good. I knew I was in for a rough road right off the bat with Mason, a real obnoxious loudmouth who won’t STFU during a damn AA meeting. Hated her instantly. Hated that she appointed herself as a sponsor to the other leading lady Julia in order to create a connection between the two that felt very inauthentic. Hated the convoluted plot of Julia being blackout drunk and accused of murder – FOR THE SECOND TIME – and also she’s an Oscar winning actress who went to prison for killing her husband, got her law degree and somehow she’s now taken seriously as a formidable barrister? Uh yeah, no. Hated that there were then MULTIPLE dead bodies. Hated that there were eleventy thousand characters that I was supposed to keep straight (lord help me if I had listened to this instead of read it). Hated that at least 100 pages could have been cut. Authors: Keep. It. Simple. ESPECIALLY if you are writing a “simple” cozy. Good grief.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
^That’s rhetorical. I get that cozies have somehow become all the rage, but ooof – this was simply not good. I knew I was in for a rough road right off the bat with Mason, a real obnoxious loudmouth who won’t STFU during a damn AA meeting. Hated her instantly. Hated that she appointed herself as a sponsor to the other leading lady Julia in order to create a connection between the two that felt very inauthentic. Hated the convoluted plot of Julia being blackout drunk and accused of murder – FOR THE SECOND TIME – and also she’s an Oscar winning actress who went to prison for killing her husband, got her law degree and somehow she’s now taken seriously as a formidable barrister? Uh yeah, no. Hated that there were then MULTIPLE dead bodies. Hated that there were eleventy thousand characters that I was supposed to keep straight (lord help me if I had listened to this instead of read it). Hated that at least 100 pages could have been cut. Authors: Keep. It. Simple. ESPECIALLY if you are writing a “simple” cozy. Good grief.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2025
3 stars
This is my second book by Waxman. I have also read The Bookish Life of Nina Hill and I must say I enjoyed that one moreso than this book. To get the cons out of the way, I felt that the book was way too long - cutting 100 pages would have been better. I also thought that Waxman added about 6 additional characters that she could have left out. They seemed to be just busy work - unnecessary - they added nothing to the story and took the character count way too high for my satisfaction. When you have too many to keep track of you begin to ask yourself if the story is even worth reading. Instead of being entertaining it becomes just another problem of the day.
On the plus side Waxman's writing style is good - simple easy prose that keeps you turning pages. Her main characters have good development and are likeable. Some of the added themes are good - however she is a bit heavy handed in adding these. The plot was simple enough, yet had a good fundamental concept.
An alcoholic starlet, prone to blackouts, and her assistant try to track down a murderer, even though the starlet is the one accused - currently released after having been incarcerated for an earlier murder. Everyone is a suspect - but who took the fatal shot?
I am hoping that this book is just one that doesn't quite suit me -since I have another Waxman book on my shelf. Hoping that I can put that book in the positive column, with her first one.
This is my second book by Waxman. I have also read The Bookish Life of Nina Hill and I must say I enjoyed that one moreso than this book. To get the cons out of the way, I felt that the book was way too long - cutting 100 pages would have been better. I also thought that Waxman added about 6 additional characters that she could have left out. They seemed to be just busy work - unnecessary - they added nothing to the story and took the character count way too high for my satisfaction. When you have too many to keep track of you begin to ask yourself if the story is even worth reading. Instead of being entertaining it becomes just another problem of the day.
On the plus side Waxman's writing style is good - simple easy prose that keeps you turning pages. Her main characters have good development and are likeable. Some of the added themes are good - however she is a bit heavy handed in adding these. The plot was simple enough, yet had a good fundamental concept.
An alcoholic starlet, prone to blackouts, and her assistant try to track down a murderer, even though the starlet is the one accused - currently released after having been incarcerated for an earlier murder. Everyone is a suspect - but who took the fatal shot?
I am hoping that this book is just one that doesn't quite suit me -since I have another Waxman book on my shelf. Hoping that I can put that book in the positive column, with her first one.
January 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely hilarious, fun raucous mystery set in Hollywood, complete with burlesque dancers, AA meetings, studio politics and unexplained deaths. Abbi Waxman is my new favorite writer!
Mason is at her typical recovery meeting, complete with recovering alcoholics from all walks of life who complain that each other is guilty of “cross talk.” Just then, an older woman - Julian Mann- comes in with a court card, 3 days sober and with a crazy story. A dead body in a pool followed by a high speed Lamborghini car chase and assault to the police officers. Oh and she blew a 0.35. So naturally Mason volunteers to be Julia’s temporary sponsor.
Soon Julia is arrested for the murder of the aforementioned, dead body, her sworn enemy and past lover, Tony. Back in the day, Julia was an Oscar winning actress, then she went to prison for murdering her husband, a crime of which she has always maintained her innocence. While imprisoned, Julia became a lawyer. Julia hires Mason to be her assistant, they set out to find the real killer.
Murder mysteries either can be a police procedural, which handicaps the author into following the actual process, or some sort of vigilante type investigation. This one is the latter. Figuring out the how and why of someone is investigating a murder without being a cop is always a challenge. Often you have a former cop, a true crime podcaster, a mystery writer. It’s really hard to come up with a plot device to create this storyline in a creative way. An AA sponsor has to be my all time favorite. The banter between Mason and Julia is truly outstanding, some of the most clever dialogue I have read. They have incredible chemistry together, despite being different generations and backgrounds, both being alcoholics.
This book is a MUST READ for those who love a feel good mystery
Abbi Waxman, you had me from the dedication. Thanks to @netgalley and @berkleypub for the ARC. I can’t wait until the pub day, this will be the first thing in my shopping cart on April 15, 2025.
***top read of 2025***
Mason is at her typical recovery meeting, complete with recovering alcoholics from all walks of life who complain that each other is guilty of “cross talk.” Just then, an older woman - Julian Mann- comes in with a court card, 3 days sober and with a crazy story. A dead body in a pool followed by a high speed Lamborghini car chase and assault to the police officers. Oh and she blew a 0.35. So naturally Mason volunteers to be Julia’s temporary sponsor.
Soon Julia is arrested for the murder of the aforementioned, dead body, her sworn enemy and past lover, Tony. Back in the day, Julia was an Oscar winning actress, then she went to prison for murdering her husband, a crime of which she has always maintained her innocence. While imprisoned, Julia became a lawyer. Julia hires Mason to be her assistant, they set out to find the real killer.
Murder mysteries either can be a police procedural, which handicaps the author into following the actual process, or some sort of vigilante type investigation. This one is the latter. Figuring out the how and why of someone is investigating a murder without being a cop is always a challenge. Often you have a former cop, a true crime podcaster, a mystery writer. It’s really hard to come up with a plot device to create this storyline in a creative way. An AA sponsor has to be my all time favorite. The banter between Mason and Julia is truly outstanding, some of the most clever dialogue I have read. They have incredible chemistry together, despite being different generations and backgrounds, both being alcoholics.
This book is a MUST READ for those who love a feel good mystery
Abbi Waxman, you had me from the dedication. Thanks to @netgalley and @berkleypub for the ARC. I can’t wait until the pub day, this will be the first thing in my shopping cart on April 15, 2025.
***top read of 2025***
August 10, 2025
"Sometimes you can see things coming, but still can't avoid them."
There's just something about Abbi's voice when she writes that keeps me on edge and full of laughter. Even changing genres didn't change that, but I do have to say that this didn't hit the same way her romance novels do. There is joy among.. a bit of confusion.
That said, I loved the way this book was set up. Sobriety, and comedy, and mystery, and so much humanity in a text. I loved getting to know Julia and Mason, loved the way they worked off of each other, and will never get over their progression into friendship. They really tried to understand each other, which is all we can do for the people we love.
I'm looking forward to seeing Abbi grow in this genre, but more, to continue to hear her voice.
There's just something about Abbi's voice when she writes that keeps me on edge and full of laughter. Even changing genres didn't change that, but I do have to say that this didn't hit the same way her romance novels do. There is joy among.. a bit of confusion.
That said, I loved the way this book was set up. Sobriety, and comedy, and mystery, and so much humanity in a text. I loved getting to know Julia and Mason, loved the way they worked off of each other, and will never get over their progression into friendship. They really tried to understand each other, which is all we can do for the people we love.
I'm looking forward to seeing Abbi grow in this genre, but more, to continue to hear her voice.
April 22, 2025
Abbi Waxman is my secret author BFF, and this book just seals the deal.
Mason and Mann are my new favorite duo. Two very large personalities on opposite ends of the spectrum, pair them up in a very original way, and have them solve mysteries.
Abbi, I hope you're prepared to write a new installment every year, because I love them and I want more!
Mason and Mann are my new favorite duo. Two very large personalities on opposite ends of the spectrum, pair them up in a very original way, and have them solve mysteries.
Abbi, I hope you're prepared to write a new installment every year, because I love them and I want more!
April 19, 2025
3.5 rounding up. This was way more fun than I expected! The murder itself is meh but the cast of characters are a sheer delight and I found myself hoping this would be a series so I’ll spend more time with them
Julia Mann is an ex-actress with a bad track record with the local cops. When she discovers a dead body in her pool, runs from the scene, assaults a cop all while under the influence she ends up in court mandated AA sessions where she meets Natasha Mason. Mason is a Gen Z hustler with poor impulse control and finds herself the sponsor and personal assistant to Julia. The two decide to clear her name and maybe cause some trouble along the way.
Julia and Mason have sparks flying across the page and it’s a delight. I full on laughed at so many scenes and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I really wish the mystery was meatier. There are three deaths referenced and it ends up that none of them are related and I wish more time had been spent creating a more believable motive and crime. However it wouldn’t have been worth it if it had come at the expense of the character development so I’m not too upset. Can’t wait for more
Julia Mann is an ex-actress with a bad track record with the local cops. When she discovers a dead body in her pool, runs from the scene, assaults a cop all while under the influence she ends up in court mandated AA sessions where she meets Natasha Mason. Mason is a Gen Z hustler with poor impulse control and finds herself the sponsor and personal assistant to Julia. The two decide to clear her name and maybe cause some trouble along the way.
Julia and Mason have sparks flying across the page and it’s a delight. I full on laughed at so many scenes and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I really wish the mystery was meatier. There are three deaths referenced and it ends up that none of them are related and I wish more time had been spent creating a more believable motive and crime. However it wouldn’t have been worth it if it had come at the expense of the character development so I’m not too upset. Can’t wait for more
February 10, 2025
4.5 Stars
Really freaking good and just shy of perfect. I just think the beginning felt a little muddled, like I needed to read the first few chapters twice to get a handle on the setup and MCs. But then it quickly took off and I was addicted to the characters, settings, and adrenaline.
I love the abrasive and snarky women leads with incredible and deep backstories. It’s entertaining and funny but not fluffy. Full of serious topics but told through humorous characters and delightful antics. Murder and mayhem woven together with intelligence and a bit of bravado.
Also, Waxman is so good at creating a wide cast of secondary characters. Quirky, unique, or relatable. Add in murder mystery, Hollywood drama, trips around picturesque California, a burlesque club, glamorous homes, car chases, and a justifiable dog-napping… it’s an incredible story for the fantastic characters to navigate.
It all adds up to a must- read book. Highly recommend and can’t wait for more.
* I received a free early ecopy from the publisher
Really freaking good and just shy of perfect. I just think the beginning felt a little muddled, like I needed to read the first few chapters twice to get a handle on the setup and MCs. But then it quickly took off and I was addicted to the characters, settings, and adrenaline.
I love the abrasive and snarky women leads with incredible and deep backstories. It’s entertaining and funny but not fluffy. Full of serious topics but told through humorous characters and delightful antics. Murder and mayhem woven together with intelligence and a bit of bravado.
Also, Waxman is so good at creating a wide cast of secondary characters. Quirky, unique, or relatable. Add in murder mystery, Hollywood drama, trips around picturesque California, a burlesque club, glamorous homes, car chases, and a justifiable dog-napping… it’s an incredible story for the fantastic characters to navigate.
It all adds up to a must- read book. Highly recommend and can’t wait for more.
* I received a free early ecopy from the publisher
May 4, 2025
The most fun I’ve had in a very long time.
April 19, 2025
Thanks for the free e-ARC and #gifted ALC @berkleypub
#BerkleyPartner #Berkley & @prhaudio #prhaudiopartner
🔎 Review - ONE DEATH AT A TIME 🔎
Author - Abbi Waxman
Pub Date - 4/15/25
I’m a huge fan of Abbi Waxman’s romance novels so I was excited to hear that she was writing a cozy mystery, and I’m thrilled to say that One Death at a Time did not disappoint. Filled with quirky characters, a mystery that’s a real page turner, and plenty of humor, I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish!
Julia Mann is a cranky former actress who has already done time for murder once and she has no interest in doing it again, so when she finds a dead body in her pool and is wrongfully accused of murder, she sets out to clear her name. When she meets gen Z Natasha Mason at an AA meeting, Julia is not a fan, but at Mason’s insistence, Julia reluctantly agrees to let her serve as her sobriety sponsor and to let her help find the real killer.
Waxman has a real gift for creating characters that are both quirky and endearing, and both Julia and Mason fit that bill. They might be an unlikely duo but it was so much fun watching them bond and banter over their shared love of sarcasm and poor life choices as they worked together to solve the murder. I also think the two of them needed each other more than they realized, and everything about their bond was giving me found family vibes, which I loved.
I read this one with my eyes & ears and highly recommend both formats. You can’t go wrong with the audio, which is narrated by the wonderful Patti Murin. I especially enjoyed her spirited portrayal of the sassy, snarky Julia.
If you like mysteries along the lines of Finlay Donovan and Vera Wong, you should definitely check this one out!
4.5 stars
Note: I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
#BerkleyPartner #Berkley & @prhaudio #prhaudiopartner
🔎 Review - ONE DEATH AT A TIME 🔎
Author - Abbi Waxman
Pub Date - 4/15/25
I’m a huge fan of Abbi Waxman’s romance novels so I was excited to hear that she was writing a cozy mystery, and I’m thrilled to say that One Death at a Time did not disappoint. Filled with quirky characters, a mystery that’s a real page turner, and plenty of humor, I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish!
Julia Mann is a cranky former actress who has already done time for murder once and she has no interest in doing it again, so when she finds a dead body in her pool and is wrongfully accused of murder, she sets out to clear her name. When she meets gen Z Natasha Mason at an AA meeting, Julia is not a fan, but at Mason’s insistence, Julia reluctantly agrees to let her serve as her sobriety sponsor and to let her help find the real killer.
Waxman has a real gift for creating characters that are both quirky and endearing, and both Julia and Mason fit that bill. They might be an unlikely duo but it was so much fun watching them bond and banter over their shared love of sarcasm and poor life choices as they worked together to solve the murder. I also think the two of them needed each other more than they realized, and everything about their bond was giving me found family vibes, which I loved.
I read this one with my eyes & ears and highly recommend both formats. You can’t go wrong with the audio, which is narrated by the wonderful Patti Murin. I especially enjoyed her spirited portrayal of the sassy, snarky Julia.
If you like mysteries along the lines of Finlay Donovan and Vera Wong, you should definitely check this one out!
4.5 stars
Note: I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
April 24, 2025
In this cozy-ish mystery, Natasha Mason (who goes by Mason) meets Julia Mann at an AA meeting and offers to be her sponsor - not knowing that Julia is a former Hollywood actress from decades before. Before long, Mason is hired as Julia’s assistant - and helping her investigate several murders including one Julia herself is a suspect in.
This book is a pretty big departure for Abbi Waxman - think if an author like Emma Straub or Katherine Center was suddenly instead writing books like the Finlay Donovan series. So I must admit, as a long time fan of Abbi’s, I spent the first quarter or so of the book somewhat thrown and comparing it to her other books. But then I realized I had to set that aside and just read it as if I didn’t know the author, and then I found myself truly enjoying and engrossed in it. It was funny, enjoyed the Hollywood stuff, and it was a good mystery that I didn’t guess but that still made sense once revealed. And if it’s the beginning of a series, I’d definitely read more.
This book is a pretty big departure for Abbi Waxman - think if an author like Emma Straub or Katherine Center was suddenly instead writing books like the Finlay Donovan series. So I must admit, as a long time fan of Abbi’s, I spent the first quarter or so of the book somewhat thrown and comparing it to her other books. But then I realized I had to set that aside and just read it as if I didn’t know the author, and then I found myself truly enjoying and engrossed in it. It was funny, enjoyed the Hollywood stuff, and it was a good mystery that I didn’t guess but that still made sense once revealed. And if it’s the beginning of a series, I’d definitely read more.
May 24, 2025
This was good. It’s my first novel by this author and I enjoyed it. My one criticism is the length as I think it could have been shorter. The characters are quirky and the relationship between Julia and Natasha (Mason) is so hilarious and endearing. Julia collects lost souls to her and champions the underdog. Being charged with murder TWICE it’s wonder she kept her sanity. The investigation covers the movie business both past and present as well as both Julia and Mason being in recovery. It seems this is the first of a series so we will see what book 2 brings
May 30, 2025
Waxman's attempt at a cozy mystery fell a bit flat for me. Not to say I didn't laugh out loud a few times, but there were waaay to0 many characters (& murders) to keep track of. By the end, I just didn't care much at all who murdered who...
March 1, 2025
Oh my goodness! I WON an ARC copy of this book! I have been salivating over it ever since I heard it was coming. Naturally, I jumped into the Giveaway.
Thank you Goodreads and Berkley Publishing! So thrilled to win anything, much less the brilliant Ms. Waxman's newest!
So of course I gobbled it down. And I loved it!
First let me say -- she writes like a dream. Her skills have matured, and her astute observations of people are treasure!
In this, her first mystery, her signature style has kicked up to a new level. It's fast, vivid, full of surprises, wisecracks, and plot twists and turns. I absolutely bow down to her mastery of descriptive details and metaphor. And not least, her humor is wickedly fun.
At first, I wasn't 100% sure I was going to relate to Mason, the smart, tough main character. And having recently come through a major trauma in my own family, thanks to an addict, the themes around alcoholism and addiction can be triggering for me. So I wasn't sure I was going to be able to connect.
It was still hard at times, but it was such a vital part of the story, and Ms. Waxman did not pull any punches, which I appreciated.
This is not what I would call a cozy mystery, but neither is it a hard-nosed police procedural. Not by a long shot. There were a couple of scenes that were a little confusing, and might have benefitted from either being cut or pared down, but that's just me being picky.
Because all in all, I could NOT put this book down, and I relished every moment of it.
If you like Ms. Waxman's smart-ass, fierce protagonists and her keen superpowers of observing and commenting on Life, this will be as much of a treat for you as it was for me!
Thank you again, Goodreads and Berkley, for this delicious ride!
Thank you Goodreads and Berkley Publishing! So thrilled to win anything, much less the brilliant Ms. Waxman's newest!
So of course I gobbled it down. And I loved it!
First let me say -- she writes like a dream. Her skills have matured, and her astute observations of people are treasure!
In this, her first mystery, her signature style has kicked up to a new level. It's fast, vivid, full of surprises, wisecracks, and plot twists and turns. I absolutely bow down to her mastery of descriptive details and metaphor. And not least, her humor is wickedly fun.
At first, I wasn't 100% sure I was going to relate to Mason, the smart, tough main character. And having recently come through a major trauma in my own family, thanks to an addict, the themes around alcoholism and addiction can be triggering for me. So I wasn't sure I was going to be able to connect.
It was still hard at times, but it was such a vital part of the story, and Ms. Waxman did not pull any punches, which I appreciated.
This is not what I would call a cozy mystery, but neither is it a hard-nosed police procedural. Not by a long shot. There were a couple of scenes that were a little confusing, and might have benefitted from either being cut or pared down, but that's just me being picky.
Because all in all, I could NOT put this book down, and I relished every moment of it.
If you like Ms. Waxman's smart-ass, fierce protagonists and her keen superpowers of observing and commenting on Life, this will be as much of a treat for you as it was for me!
Thank you again, Goodreads and Berkley, for this delicious ride!
April 21, 2025
4.5 rounded up
This book was SO good! I really enjoyed it and will definitely be looking into this author's backlist.
Natasha Mason has been attending AA meetings for a while, but when she meets Julia Mann and becomes her sponsor, her life takes a turn. Julia is a retired actress turned lawyer who has been to jail and is now a suspect in a murder. Her court-appointed, mandatory AA meetings are because she was blackout drunk and doesn't remember anything about that night, but she knows she didn't do it and is determined to prove her innocence. Mason is all about helping her with the investigation and keeping her sober. As the investigation intensifies, things become more dangerous, and secrets start to come to light. Can the team work together to figure out who the real killer is?
This book was a lot of fun to read! It was fast-paced and kept me completely engaged. The mystery was intriguing, and the drama kept me turning pages. I found this book to be extremely entertaining, and I really hope it's the start of a new series. There were a lot of characters, and I enjoyed getting to know them all! Obviously, I'm a #cargirl, so I absolutely loved that Julia's late husband was a collector and Mason drove a different car every time she went out! If you're looking for an exciting cozy mystery, this is the book for you! I highly recommend this one!
This book was SO good! I really enjoyed it and will definitely be looking into this author's backlist.
Natasha Mason has been attending AA meetings for a while, but when she meets Julia Mann and becomes her sponsor, her life takes a turn. Julia is a retired actress turned lawyer who has been to jail and is now a suspect in a murder. Her court-appointed, mandatory AA meetings are because she was blackout drunk and doesn't remember anything about that night, but she knows she didn't do it and is determined to prove her innocence. Mason is all about helping her with the investigation and keeping her sober. As the investigation intensifies, things become more dangerous, and secrets start to come to light. Can the team work together to figure out who the real killer is?
This book was a lot of fun to read! It was fast-paced and kept me completely engaged. The mystery was intriguing, and the drama kept me turning pages. I found this book to be extremely entertaining, and I really hope it's the start of a new series. There were a lot of characters, and I enjoyed getting to know them all! Obviously, I'm a #cargirl, so I absolutely loved that Julia's late husband was a collector and Mason drove a different car every time she went out! If you're looking for an exciting cozy mystery, this is the book for you! I highly recommend this one!
March 31, 2025
Many thanks to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for this complimentary copy.
Abbi Waxman's books are always so much fun! This was an insanely entertaining, fast-paced mystery! The characters were fantastic! Everything about this book was unique and interesting. I sincerely hope it becomes a series.
One Death at a Time was a truly delightful read. It has wonderful, found-family vibes, and I loved the Hollywood setting. My only gripe is that I would have preferred the book being told from Julia's perspective. She was definitely the more intriguing of the two characters, in my opinion.
This book reminded me a lot of Finlay Donavan. If you love that series, then this book is for you.
Abbi Waxman's books are always so much fun! This was an insanely entertaining, fast-paced mystery! The characters were fantastic! Everything about this book was unique and interesting. I sincerely hope it becomes a series.
One Death at a Time was a truly delightful read. It has wonderful, found-family vibes, and I loved the Hollywood setting. My only gripe is that I would have preferred the book being told from Julia's perspective. She was definitely the more intriguing of the two characters, in my opinion.
This book reminded me a lot of Finlay Donavan. If you love that series, then this book is for you.
April 15, 2025
Book Review 🔪📖
Thank you @berkleypub for the free copy! #Berkley #BerkleyPartner
One Death at a Time
by Abbi Waxman
About the book 👇🏽
When Julia Mann, a bad-tempered ex-actress and professional thorn in the side of authority, runs into Natasha Mason at an AA meeting, it’s anything but a meet-cute. Julia just found a dead body in her swimming pool, and the cops say she did it (she already went to jail for murder once, so now they think she’s making a habit of it). Mason is eager to clear Julia’s name and help keep her sober, but all Julia wants is for Mason to leave her alone.
As their investigation ranges from the Hollywood Hills to the world of burlesque to the country clubs of Palm Springs, this unconventional team realizes their shared love of sarcasm and poor life choices are proving to be a powerful combination.
🔪 My thoughts:
This was so fun and a very quick read! I love a good cozy mystery and this one delivered. I just loved Julia’s bad attitude and was a major stand out in my opinion and will probably be the most memorable part of this story for me. I guess I should say her character as a whole will be a memorable part for me! I loved the back and forth between Julia and Mason… you can tell they cared for one another even if they got on each other’s nerves. I thought the mystery was pretty solid as I did not figure out who had done it, making this a very enjoyable read! If you enjoy cozy mysteries, with quirky & snark characters, that you can read in one sitting… you’ll need to pick this one up! One Death at a Time is out TODAY 4/15/25!
Happy reading 🔪📖
Thank you @berkleypub for the free copy! #Berkley #BerkleyPartner
One Death at a Time
by Abbi Waxman
About the book 👇🏽
When Julia Mann, a bad-tempered ex-actress and professional thorn in the side of authority, runs into Natasha Mason at an AA meeting, it’s anything but a meet-cute. Julia just found a dead body in her swimming pool, and the cops say she did it (she already went to jail for murder once, so now they think she’s making a habit of it). Mason is eager to clear Julia’s name and help keep her sober, but all Julia wants is for Mason to leave her alone.
As their investigation ranges from the Hollywood Hills to the world of burlesque to the country clubs of Palm Springs, this unconventional team realizes their shared love of sarcasm and poor life choices are proving to be a powerful combination.
🔪 My thoughts:
This was so fun and a very quick read! I love a good cozy mystery and this one delivered. I just loved Julia’s bad attitude and was a major stand out in my opinion and will probably be the most memorable part of this story for me. I guess I should say her character as a whole will be a memorable part for me! I loved the back and forth between Julia and Mason… you can tell they cared for one another even if they got on each other’s nerves. I thought the mystery was pretty solid as I did not figure out who had done it, making this a very enjoyable read! If you enjoy cozy mysteries, with quirky & snark characters, that you can read in one sitting… you’ll need to pick this one up! One Death at a Time is out TODAY 4/15/25!
Happy reading 🔪📖
November 18, 2024
Love Waxman and the concept behind this cozy mystery was great. It was just a whole lot - it was very breakneck and all over the place.
A mismatched duo of an aged Hollywood icon turned lawyer after a stretch in prison paired with a Gen Z (maybe young millennial) AA sponsor/former law student try to solve a murder and wind up on a twisty journey through Hollywood
A mismatched duo of an aged Hollywood icon turned lawyer after a stretch in prison paired with a Gen Z (maybe young millennial) AA sponsor/former law student try to solve a murder and wind up on a twisty journey through Hollywood
May 12, 2025
Entertaining enough but not a favourite. 3-3.5 stars.
May 26, 2025
These characters are characters and I would read more from this crew. Audiobook was fun!
August 3, 2025
I see that reviews are mixed on this one, but I found the characters and their varying degrees of sass quite fun. This is a mystery with an edge that is more biting than dark or gruesome. I often don’t enjoy stories revolving around sobriety struggles, but this one really worked for me.
July 26, 2025
It was okay. I couldn't get totally into it though, so it was a LONG read.
May 30, 2025
Ridiculously charming! I really really hope this is the first in a series because I adore the whole cast of characters. Abbi Waxman's first attempt at a cozy murder mystery was just as delightful as I had hoped!
Update: There will be second in the series! Out next year! YAAAAY!
Update: There will be second in the series! Out next year! YAAAAY!
December 6, 2024
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.
*ebook from Book Browse via NetGalley
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.
*ebook from Book Browse via NetGalley
February 23, 2025
One Death at a Time is the newest book by author Abbi Waxman and is a non-stop wild ride from beginning to end. Mason is a young woman who is at a bit of loose ends. Julia is a former star actress who finds herself in hot water, once again. They meet at an AA meeting where Mason offers to be Julia’s sponsor, and has no idea the path that choice will lead her on. They work together with a cast of other fun characters to solve the murders that keep adding up.
I absolutely loved this book. It was a genre bending book, taking the found family feel-good stories Abbi Waxman is known for, but adding in a mystery and non-stop action story to what she does so well. The story was like jumping into one of Julia’s amazing cars and holding on while we fly through the story at top speed. In the best possible way. Julia and Mason are a match made in Hollywood heaven; they were perfect for each other.
I would say this is great for fans of Finlay Donovan, but I liked One Death at a Time even more. I hope the author considers writing more about this amazing team. The setting at Julia’s amazing home, throughout LA, and even a few side trips to Palm Springs were so fun. The other characters that team up to help Julia were perfect, I loved them all, especially Claudia.
Thank you to the publisher Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley, author Abbi Waxman, and NetGalley for the gifted digital ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely loved this book. It was a genre bending book, taking the found family feel-good stories Abbi Waxman is known for, but adding in a mystery and non-stop action story to what she does so well. The story was like jumping into one of Julia’s amazing cars and holding on while we fly through the story at top speed. In the best possible way. Julia and Mason are a match made in Hollywood heaven; they were perfect for each other.
I would say this is great for fans of Finlay Donovan, but I liked One Death at a Time even more. I hope the author considers writing more about this amazing team. The setting at Julia’s amazing home, throughout LA, and even a few side trips to Palm Springs were so fun. The other characters that team up to help Julia were perfect, I loved them all, especially Claudia.
Thank you to the publisher Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley, author Abbi Waxman, and NetGalley for the gifted digital ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
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