What a fun, fast-paced mystery! Waxman has created an entertaining cast of quirky characters in a kind of found-family setup surrounding iconic actress-turned-lawyer Julia Mann. The story is told from the point of view of her new assistant, Mason, who encounters Julia at an AA meeting and becomes her sponsor, then her assistant, right before Julia is arrested for the murder of a studio exec that she says she didn’t commit and they embark on a crazy journey to figure out who did and clear her name. Mason’s snark and bluntness is entertaining, and Julia was such a badass I wanted more of her! There’s also a strong theme of sobriety and AA, as both Mason and Julia are in the program, at first I found it distracting but it grew on me.

This definitely had the feeling of a TV show or movie with the pacing and all the action scenes, kind of reminded me of Lincoln Lawyer or Bosch with the lawyer/PI scenarios and California setting. At times I found the pacing a bit jarring, in several instances Mason suddenly out of nowhere was launched into a high-stakes situation, but it did keep the action going at a rapid clip. I enjoyed how other crimes started coming into play as the story got more complex, it was really well done and kept me guessing as to how it all related. All in all, this was a really fun read, if you’re a fan of zany mysteries this one is for you!

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sending this DRC for review consideration.

One Death at a Time takes readers to Hollywood and introduces an unlikely pair-Julia Mann a former actress, lawyer and Natasha Mason her AA sponsor and brand new assistant. This is a romp and a cozy mystery wrapped into one. I loved the beginning of this story, but I found myself a bit confused as the story went on because of the many characters. I enjoyed Waxman's humor, but that did not make up for the lack of connection I felt with the Mann. I enjoyed Mason's snark and quirkiness, but overall found the story a bit flat at times. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I was super excited when I saw a new book by Abbi Waxman! I loved The Bookish Life of Nina Hill so much and have Adult Assembly Required on my TBR shelf. This book felt a little different for me and I didn’t really jive with FMCs Mason and Julia. Having met in AA and Mason becoming Julia’s sponsor, Mason gets more than she bargained for. As Julia is charged with the murder of Tony after he was found in her pool, Mason becomes Julia’s assistant and becomes important in her life. I found there were a few too many characters and I had a hard time keeping up at times and I found some sections long. It was a solid mystery book in regards to the plot and keeping you guessing, I found the pacing slow.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this new novel by author, Abbi Waxman in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

3.5 ⭐️ for me.

I’m a big fan of Abbi Waxma , with One Death at a Time she tries her hand at a cozy mystery. While I enjoyed it, it was missing the charm her other books have. It seems like she is setting up for a sequel, and I’m hoping the characters grow into their own.

One of those cozy mystery that leave you craving for more as you had a lot of fund and the solid mystery kept you guessing
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I enjoyed Abbi Waxman's take on the madcap murder mystery so much that I hope it becomes a series. I haven't gotten enough of Mason and Julia and their unforgettable circle of friends. The mystery at the heart of the story is tight and well plotted, but even better is Waxman's unique gift for character building and dialogue. She deftly weaves together Hollywood society, recovery ethos, with a dash of absurdity that makes for an ultimately readable and thoroughly delicious novel. High recommended.

Abbi Waxman's' One at a Time is a thrilling rollercoaster of a mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats! Filled with humor and heart, it's impossible not to fall in love with the witty duo at the center of the story and their misadventures. This book is a must-read for mystery enthusiasts and fans of shows like 'Hacks.' With its captivating multi-generational storyline, there's something in this fabulous novel for every type of reader.

I was initially drawn to the book because I’ve loved every other book by Abbi Waxman. One Death at a Time is unlike those books, but that’s not bad. Waxman’s other books focus on friendship and relationships, with several being between women. While there are friendships between women in One Death at a Time, the focus of this story is a mystery.

The cast of characters feels large. But as most played off the stereotypes in Hollywood, it’s easy to keep them separate. That said, keeping Julia and Mason separate in the first few chapters is a bit confusing. There is a lot of rapid-fire dialogue, full of snark and sass, especially between them. There’s also a bit of confusion early on because Mason is often referred to by her last name (which is Mason), but occasionally by her first name (Natasha). The confusion comes from Waxman not establishing Mason’s name for several pages.

Overall, One Death at a Time is unlike any other Abbi Waxman book, but that doesn’t mean anything. If possible, it’s just as good, if not better than The Bookish Life of Nina Hill.

Do you like reading books with realistic characters? What about mysteries where the main investigator is the main suspect? Or books with a diverse cast of characters? If you’re saying yes to any of these, you should read One Death at a Time.

This was the first book I’ve read by Abbi Waxman, and apparently it wasn’t the best one to start with. This was a quirky story with lots and lots of characters. While I enjoyed the mystery, I found the story was too long. I will try another book by the author!

One Death at a Time by Abbi Waxman was such a fun read! Julia and Mason were such wonderful multigenerational characters who drew me into the book with their quirky shenanigans. I laughed out loud many times and hope that this mystery becomes a series!

Synopsis:

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.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley for the advanced digital copy of the book. It will be published on April 15, 2025.

🔍✨ Book Review: "One Death at a Time" by Abbi Waxman 🌟🕵️‍♀️

Prepare yourself for an engaging journey through Los Angeles, filled with humor, mystery, and a colorful cast of characters in Abbi Waxman's "One Death at a Time." This dazzling novel shines a spotlight on the quirks and chaos of Hollywood, making it a standout in the mystery genre. 🎭🚗

The story introduces us to Julia Mann, a fiery former actress with a knack for attracting trouble. After finding a dead body in her swimming pool, Julia's past comes back to haunt her. Enter Natasha Mason, a young Gen Z sobriety sponsor who is determined to prove Julia's innocence and keep her on the straight and narrow. Their unlikely partnership sparks a dynamic and witty investigation into the underbelly of Hollywood’s glitz and glamour. 🌟🕵️‍♀️

Waxman masterfully crafts a narrative full of sharp, laugh-out-loud dialogue and engaging character dynamics. Julia and Mason's intergenerational friendship forms the heart of the story, as they challenge each other and uncover unexpected bonds. The supporting cast, featuring showgirls, agents, and a collection of other eccentric allies, add depth and flavor to the unfolding mystery. 👯‍♂️😄

Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, the novel cleverly explores themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the complexity of second chances. Julia's battle with her past and her determination not to return to prison is both touching and inspiring. Meanwhile, Mason’s journey from drifting millennial to assertive detective brings freshness to the classic detective duo trope. 🌇💡

The engaging plot is a rollercoaster of twists and turns, seamlessly blending cozy mystery elements with fast-paced action. From burlesque clubs to high-end country clubs, the settings are as varied and vibrant as the characters. Waxman's storytelling ensures that readers remain on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth. 🎪🏞️

"One Death at a Time" is not just a mystery; it's an exploration of resilience and friendship set within the glimmering, treacherous world of Hollywood. With its endearing characters, witty banter, and richly layered plot, this novel is a delightful read that leaves you hoping for more adventures with Julia and Mason. 🥂📚

Overall Abbi Waxman has delivered a gem with "One Death at a Time," a novel that blends humor and suspense with effortless charm. Whether you're a fan of cozy mysteries, strong female leads, or just a great story, this book is a must-read. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc and to PRH Audio for the alc.

Abbi Waxman is back with another quirky and charming novel! I had a blast reading this book. While I think I enjoyed Christa Comes Out of Her Shell more than this book, I still finished this book in under two days, which is a record for me. One comment I have about the book is that I had a little bit of a hard time keeping all of the characters in the book straight, but I also must admit they were very funny characters and I loved them. It is my personal opinion that this book could've benefited from having more than one narrator, but Patti Murin who was the narrator, did a fantastic job as the solo narrator too. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to Abbi's next novel!

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.

Julia Mann and Natasha Mason become unlikely sober buddies after “connecting” at an AA meeting. Julia is no stranger to rehab, the former actress in and out of both jail and the tabloids. Meanwhile the Gen Z Natasha, who mostly goes by Mason, is nonplussed by Mann’s infamous reputation and is eager to help out.

Things get complicated though when Mason not only agrees to sponsor Julia, but to help her solve a murder of Julia’s longtime nemesis-a murder that occurred on Julia’s property. While technically Julia has no real recollection of the night, she’s sure she didn’t do it. Well, mostly. Now it’s up to this detoxing duo to not only find the stone cold killer, but to keep each other stone cold sober while doing so.

Historically I really have enjoyed Abbi Waxman’s writing style, her previous works mostly quirky women’s fiction romances. While One Death At a Time still is on brand with Waxman’s sarcastic wit, it’s a notable departure into cozy mystery territory and truthfully, I’m not sure how I feel about it.

While I loved the setup and their unlikely friendship gave me Hacked vibes, I feel like the murder mystery aspect would work better in a different book. Instead I wish this was a story centered around getting centered and the mystery a separate book entirely. There are also a lot of side characters to keep track of which didn’t add to the whodunnit, but did leave me trying to remember who was who.

It seems like this might be a setup for a new series, so if cozy mysteries with a a side of sass are your thing, maybe you would enjoy this one more than I did.

"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."

Here for sarcasm and poof life choices!

One Death at a Time is a fun cozy mystery and if you liked Thursday Murder Club you will enjoy this book, I was glad to read it thru NetGalley and enjoyed the chemistry between the 2 main characters. If did find it a little long and confusing from time to time with too many characters showing up thru the novel. I can absolutely see a sequel coming too

I really do love a good cozy mystery. One of my favorite things to read in the fall.
This book did have a lot going on which did make it hard to sometimes follow the plot.
I saw another review that this might make for a better audiobook with an engaging narrator or a cast.
I did have some fun but I don't know if this will be something I stop thinking about.

Thanks to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

I truly enjoy reading anything Abbi Waxman writes. I know it’s either going to be a very emotional read or just a chaotic yet funny read. She took a take in writing a sassy yet cozy mystery read, One Death at a Time. I got to say that I was not disappointed at all. I literally laughed so many times as well as being interested in who did it.

There are a lot of suspects, including Natasha's new boss, Julia, who may be involved with the murder. Natasha Mason didn’t think that her new sponsee, Julia, would hire her on day one. Natasha just wanted to make sure Julia was doing okay and may be a bit interested in Julia's so-called crime. Natasha also didn’t think that she would be solving the murder while maintaining her sobriety as well as Julia too.

An aging and cynical former actress, wrongly accused of murder, teams up with her young sobriety sponsor to solve the crime. Together, they navigate a world of Hollywood secrets, burlesque dancers, and questionable life choices. Their investigation is as chaotic as their personalities, threatening both their sobriety and their sanity.

This riotous book is fun if hard to follow sometimes. I love the characters, especially Julia. I hope the book becomes a series.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

ONE DEATH AT A TIME is an engaging mystery filled with intriguing characters. The centerpiece is Julia Mann who is a former Oscar-winning actress, convicted murderer who spent fifteen years in prison, and lawyer determined to fight for the underdog.

Natasha Mason is a Gen Z drifting through life. She's smart-mouthed and has poor impulse control.

The two women meet at an AA meeting. Mason decides that she will be Julia's sponsor despite Julia's interest in having a sponsor. Mason has been sober for about three years, Julia for only a few days. And the police are looking at Julia again as a suspected murderer since the shot body of one of the people she worked with back when she was acting has been found dead in her swimming pool with only Julia's fingerprints on the gun. Julia was drunk and doesn't remember what happened when Tony Eckenridge showed up at her home.

Julia and Mason along with some others in Julia's entourage begin investigating to find out who murdered Tony and why. Julia has also taken a young woman named Becky as a client. She's the daughter of one of Julia's prison mates who died in prison. Becky is convinced that someone murdered her girlfriend. The police are more invested in the idea that it was a murder/suicide with Becky as the failed suicide.

Their investigations of both crimes take that all over Los Angeles and even to Palm Springs. Julia knows everyone and frequently sends Mason to talk to people at strip clubs and movie studios and many placed in between.

I loved the dynamic between Julia and Mason. I also enjoyed the side characters from Julia's housekeeper to Julia's research assistant to the lawyer who is substituting for Julia's agent after his heart attack.

This was a fun story. I look forward to more adventures.