I'd heard of Abbi Waxman, but this was the first book I've read by her. I love behind-the-scenes-in-Hollywood stories & mysteries, so I was excited. The story's main characters meet at an AA meeting, and I learned some new things about the program from the book, but in a fun & light-hearted way. These characters are quirky & funny, and I enjoyed spending time with them as Morgan tried to prove Julia didn't kill a man in her backyard... even though she had blacked out and wasn't sure she'd done it herself. Lots of drama, lots of humor, a burlesque club & a weird looking dog... great twists & turns!
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Julia and Natasha are one of the most unlikely amateur sleuthing duos I've ever read, but they just might be one of all-time favorites! The sarcasm, the banter, the generational differences, they all combine to set up One Death at a Time as one heck of a witty and fun Hollywood mystery. Waxman can rest assured that departing from her usual genre was well worth the risk. I loved it!

5 stars = Outstanding!

I LOVED THIS! All of it - the sassy main characters, the fascinating context, the recovery aspects, and the rock solid mystery. This has a darker, more irreverant tone than Waxman's other books (which I have also loved), but it works and I can't wait for more! (Language - TW: Suicide)

Julie Mann has an issue: someone has been found dead in her swimming pool and she doesn't remember anything. Meeting Natasha Mason at an AA meeting, she decides to hire her as her assistant and to help clear her name. Taking them throughout Hollywood and Palm Springs, they work together to crack the case and clear Julie's name.. and solve another mystery at the same time.

One Death at a Time is a HILARIOUS mystery/thriller that I definitely recommend Waxman fans pick up. Filled with laughs, "omg" shock moments, and noteworthy side characters, I could not stop reading once I hit that half way mark. It's got the wit of a Finley Donovan novel and I can't wait to see whatever Waxman churns out next.

Recommended for: people who love to read murder mysteries with some sassy writing

Summary: Julia finds herself in an AA meeting with an eclectic group of people, reluctantly sharing the few memories of her last night of drinking, ending with her waking up in her pool next to a dead guy. Since she had already served time for another murder, the cops believe she is responsible. A fellow AA attendee, Mason, offers to become Julia’s sponsor without realizing it will lead to becoming her assistant and ultimately helping her investigate a few other murders in the process.

Review: I understand that with a title like this there are bound to be multiple murders and many people involved. That being said, I feel that there were a few too many characters to keep them all straight. However, Waxman is an artist at writing the witty dynamic of how all these characters interact. I am hoping this becomes a series that I can enjoy reading for many years to come.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to honestly review.

"One Death at a Time" is a witty and fast-paced mystery that blends dark humor, redemption, and an unconventional friendship into a thoroughly entertaining read. Set against the quirky backdrop of Los Angeles, the novel introduces readers to Julia Mann, a sharp-tongued former actress with a complicated past—including a stint in prison for murder. When she discovers a dead body floating in her swimming pool, suspicion quickly falls on her, threatening to upend her hard-won sobriety and freedom.

Enter Natasha Mason, a determined Gen Z sobriety sponsor who sees more in Julia than just her gruff exterior. Despite Julia's initial resistance, the two form an unlikely alliance to clear Julia's name. Their investigation takes them from the glitzy Hollywood Hills to the eccentric world of burlesque and the elite circles of Palm Springs. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including showgirls, cat burglars, and Hollywood agents, each adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.

Waxman's signature blend of humor and heart shines throughout the novel. The dynamic between Julia and Natasha is both hilarious and touching, showcasing the power of unexpected friendships and the importance of second chances. The plot is filled with clever twists, deadpan dialogue, and absurd yet endearing scenarios—think dead piranhas and oversized martini glasses—that keep readers engaged and amused.

One Death at a Time is more than just a murder mystery; it's a story about personal growth, resilience, and the bonds that form in the most unlikely circumstances. Perfect for fans of character-driven mysteries with a comedic edge, this novel offers a refreshing take on the genre and solidifies Waxman's place as a master of blending levity with depth.

This is an entertaining and sarcastic look at Hollywood, old and new.
When Natasha meets the beautiful and remote famous former actress Julia Mann at an AA meeting, she signs up as her sponsor. She doesn’t know at the time that this will involve working for her and trying to solve a murder mystery or two.
The book is a fun romp through different parts of LA and Palm Springs. The characters are witty and funny, and the story is well written. This is a great getaway read for times when you need to read something a special that takes you away from.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

One Death at a Time is a fun and fast-paced cozy mystery by Abbi Waxman.

Ex-actress (turned lawyer) Julia teams up with her Gen Z sobriety sponsor, Mason, to solve a murder she's been accused of that could send her back (yes, back) to prison. Known to be bad-tempered, the police consider her a suspect after she wakes up to find a dead body in her swimming pool.

This is my first book by the author and it will not be the last. There's sarcasm and black humor and I live for it. I particularly enjoyed the odd couple partnership between Julia and Mason. I'm a sucker for the found-family trope, and this book has it in spades.

There were a lot of characters in here and at times it was a little hard to keep up with who was who. I think my immersive reading helped a little there, but only so much. But I did really like all of the characters and felt that many of them still had depth.

I did enjoy the plot of the overall mystery, and it made sense to me. I loved getting to go a little behind-the-scenes of the film industry in Hollywood. Hopefully there will be more books following Julia and Mason (and the rest of their rag-tag crew) solving crimes!

If you were a fan of Killers of a Certain Age you should give this one a try! The pacing is pretty similar, though One Death at a Time definitely feels like it leans a little harder into cozy mystery genre overall.

CW: alcoholism, suicide, murder, addition, drug abuse, drug use, death, firearms, violence, fire

Thank you NetGalley, Berkley & the author for the gifted arc!

How fun was this little cozy mystery!? I had a super great time snickering at all the snarky banter between the characters! Such witty & clever writing with a high energy, fast-paced, chaotic & messy vibe that added a whole 'nutha level of enjoyment and entertainment!

The mystery itself was engaging & page flipping worthy! I can totally see this cast going on more adventures together and that would be just fine with me!

All the critiques of the book are true, but I don't care because I loved the book for it's characters and not the plot. Yes, the plot is messy and meanders a bit too much, but who cares when you have such an interesting, quirky and loveable cast. Hoping this becomes a series. Mixed reviews from Waxman fans, but this fan says yes.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

What a fabulous, fast-paced mystery! This would be a great start to a series, because I would like to see more of these are characters. The mystery is challenging, and I couldn’t figure out the killer(s)’s identity. The main characters are highly engaging, their conversations including much sarcastic banter. For Julia, a former big-name actress to accept – and invite – the Gen Z, college dropout Mason, into her life so quickly was remarkable. They are complex, strong women with hidden scars contributing to their strength.

Julia introduces Natasha Mason, who goes by Mason, to a world beyond the several part-time jobs that help pay her rent. The movie industry in SoCal can seem fascinating until they see the truth behind the scenes.

Mason and Julia meet for the first time at a recovery group. Mason has been sober for three years, and Julia is coming back after having wreaked inevitable havoc on a long bender. Mason is fascinated by Julia’s account of why she is there. Julia had come to from a blackout and found Tony, the head of her former studio, dead in her pool with no idea what happened. She was then in a car chase in her Lamborghini in an impressive, laugh-out-loud police encounter. The arresting officer wasn’t laughing.

When Julia was much younger, she was in prison, charged with killing her husband. She still maintains her innocence. Police assume that if she killed before, she probably killed again. She has to attend meetings and stop drinking again as the investigation begins. The group facilitator suggested Julia get an interim sponsor until she chooses a regular sponsor. Despite being less than half Julia’s age, Mason volunteered, and promised to visit Julia the next day.

Julia had many irons in the fire for an active alcoholic. She had not acted in movies for many years, having obtained a law degree while in prison. She especially works for those without means, giving them fair representation and fighting on their behalf. Her motley crew includes Will, five years sober, who does her research. Claudia, her housekeeper, has been a close friend since they met in prison. Archie, a junior partner in her attorney’s firm, is filling in for Larry, recovering from open heart surgery. Add Mason, whose sarcasm, intelligence, and grit rivals Julia’s and Will’s. She becomes Julia’s new assistant.

Julia acquired a new case even as she deals with her own. Becky, the daughter of a friend who died in prison, is accused of murder. Becky was out cold when her very best friend was murdered where they worked. The murder could be related to acquaintances from her acting career, so we learn of Julia’s acting career, her best-known movie, and the remake in which they want her to act.

Both cases take Mason to parts of California she has never seen. She and others receive death threats. She is tested in ways she has never been before. Yet, for the first time in a very long time, she hasn’t been depressed since becoming an interim sponsor, helping search for killers, and keeping Julia active in meetings.

The mysteries were complex, and it was a race to attempt to clear both Julia and Becky from being prime suspects. Time and pages flew. I was written so well, I felt as if I were, at times, with them. Suspects came and went, and I’m not sure why I discounted the killer(s) while settling for red herrings. It was a shock to see who really committed the murders, especially when an unexpected letter surfaced.

This was an excellent read. Some booksellers have categorized this as a cozy mystery, but cozies contain little to no profanity. There is an excessive use of f-bombs that distracted me even as I tried to scan past them. Without them, it would be perfect. Hope comes slips in through the pages, for Julia, Becky, Mason, and even Claudia. Hope for their future endeavors, and for Mason, a sense of purpose and belonging. I highly recommend this novel, and hope to see more of their story!

I have read one other book by Abby Waxman and gave it 5 stars so I was excited to try this one. This is a cozy mystery set in Hollywood with an aging former star and her sponsor. When Julia, the actress, find a body in her pool she becomes the prime suspect. We meet a host of other characters along the way while trying to solve the murder.

I love how Abby writes characters that you really feel like get to you know well. Her characters are fun and quirky and make for a good time reading.

Abbi, you're still a great writer in my eyes even though this one was not necessarily for me. I'm excited to see if we continue into the cozy mystery genre because I think there's a lot of hope this particular one just wasn't for me

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review!

I love Abbi’s books and this one did not disappoint. It’s mystery - not romance - but that’s ok! Well written and fun, this quirky murder mystery was fast paced and kept me guessing. Hopefully, Abbi writes more like this. Highly recommend!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Abbi Waxman boldly steps away from her signature rom-com charm and dives headfirst into the world of amateur sleuthing, proving that sometimes a sharp left turn is exactly what an author—and readers—need. One Death at a Time is a genre shake-up packed with acerbic wit, mismatched partnerships, and enough intrigue to launch a full-fledged series.

Julia Mann, a perpetually cranky former actress with a sharp tongue and an allergy to societal norms, stumbles into sobriety coach Natasha Mason at a chance AA meeting. Mason, a Gen X pragmatist who prefers using her last name, is every bit Julia’s opposite—structured, competent, and generally exasperated by her newfound client. Their forced alliance is built on sarcasm, reluctant respect, and the undeniable chemistry of two people who know they’re a mess but refuse to admit it.

While Waxman throws in a whirlwind of names, past grievances, and relationships, she manages to keep them distinct and memorable, ensuring readers never lose track of who’s who. The central mystery kicks off with a dead man floating in Julia’s pool—a man she had a decades-long contentious relationship with, but, unfortunately, no memory of speaking to before his untimely death. The police, unimpressed by her lack of recall, charge her with murder.

Enter Mason, alongside a ragtag team of close friends, new acquaintances, and accidental tagalongs. Together, they tumble from one predicament to the next, stumbling upon clues, dodging trouble, and unwittingly collecting more stray characters as they go. The novel is a chaotic, laugh-out-loud romp that thrives on the charm of its flawed but fiercely entertaining protagonists.

By the time readers reach the final page, they’ll be holding their breath for Waxman to continue Julia and Mason’s escapades. One Death at a Time isn’t just a mystery—it’s an absolute riot, with the perfect balance of humor, tension, and irresistible character dynamics. Here’s hoping this is just the beginning of their wild misadventures.

This is a fun murder mystery in the likes of a Stephanie Plum or Findlay Donovan; Crazy hi-jinx ensue and aren't taken too seriously. I enjoyed the characters, though I think there were a few too many to keep track of, and I liked the Hollywood setting and movie vibe. I'm not sure that it's a memorable book, but it gave good feelings for the time.

Pretty standard plot, nothing too unique or interesting. I felt like the book was far too long for the little story there was and should have been much shorter. What kept me reading were the characters! They're witty and sharp with fantastic dialogue! I'd love to see a short story with these characters!

This was a fun cozy whodunnit mystery!

It was full of quirkiness, snarkiness and sarcasm. And what a cast of characters! All of the characters, even the secondary ones, were very entertaining.

I enjoyed trying to figure out who the murderer was alongside them. I also found it to be a pretty quick read with good pacing.

I will say I was a little hesitant in the beginning when a few chapters in if this one would be for me, but glad I did read it as it ended up being a fun ride.

I will say I was a little confused why Natasha Mason was referred to by last name as Mason the whole time (when others were referred by first name) and Julian Mann was sometimes referred to by Julia and sometimes by Mann - the inconsistency just bothered me some, but that was a minor/me issue lol

Recommend this one if you like cozy whodunnit mysteries!

I loved seeing Abbi Waslxman's range as a storyteller. This was such a fun cozy mystery. I absolute loved the Hollywood setting.

This one, like many mysteries, has a lot of characters. I recommend the reader jotting down notes to keep them straight

I enjoyed the characters and the repartee that they had with each other. Mason was a little toughie, interrupted everyone and had a little too much moxie. Julie was an aging movie queen, a lawyer, blunt and not liked by many (also a murder suspect). Will was mildly autistic and spouted off book loads of facts. These three were all members of AA and currently sober from their vices. There is Archie--I imagine him as very HOT, with a matching sense of humor. I would suggest reading the book just to meet all these characters. I occasionally had trouble following the plot; there was a lot going on. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley/Penguin Random House for the digital ARC. I give this book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. This review is my own words and opinion.