Book Summary and Reviews of One Death at a Time by Abbi Waxman

Reader Reviews

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Gina V. (Mesa, AZ)

Hollywood Whodunit
A Hollywood whodunit with quirky, but fierce & ultimately lovable female main characters. Natasha Mason volunteers to be caustic, retired actress-turned lawyer, Julia Mann's sponsor and quickly wonders what the heck she has gotten herself into.

Julia is accused of murdering a longtime enemy, but doesn't remember it because she was passed out drunk. The Hollywood media think it's part of a curse that has befallen several people involved in The Codex, a movie Julia starred in. The only way of proving herself innocent is to find the real killer with the help of Mason and some of her eccentric friends.

While Mason and Mann are trying to work through their own issues and to solve the murder Julia is accused of, along comes another murder for them to solve involving the daughter of a friend from when Julia was in prison for the murder of her husband.

The main characters, along with the supporting characters are all well written. This would be a fun book club read. One Death at a Time is a mystery that will keep you laughing and guessing the whole way through. I loved it!

Mary G. (Greensboro, GA)

An Absolute Gem!
As every avid reader knows, most books are average to good with a fair number of clunkers thrown in. So when you come across a book you truly enjoy, you savor every minute of it.

One Death at a Time is one of those rare gems that are a delight from start to finish. It is as satisfying as receiving a gift you were not expecting. The characters are quirky, smart, and unique. The mystery is intriguing, the dialogue is witty, and there is plenty of drama.

Retired actress Julia teams with her new assistant/AA sponsor, Mason, to discover how her mortal enemy's body ended up in her swimming pool while she was blackout drunk. They are ably assisted by Julia's housekeeper, Claudia, who keeps them all well fed; Will, her researcher with an encyclopedic memory; and, her attractive new attorney, Archie.

Kudos, Ms. Waxman! I hope further adventures await this fun and eccentric team.

Ann H. (Boulder, CO)

Great Book...keeps you guessing!
This book kept this reader riveted to reading the next page. Characters were believable, well-developed and likeable. One wanted both Mason and Julia to eventually become friends and allies. This was a "who-done-it" that kept the reader wondering about who was actually responsible for the many deaths/killings. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a great mystery. My book club would love reading this one for sure.

Suzi S. (The Villages, FL)

An engaging mystery
This was a fun read that went from a Los Angeles AA meeting to the Hollywood Hills and the characters that inhabit them. Mason starts off as a tough cookie who is determined to get actress Julia on the path to sobriety. But before she can start her mission, Mason finds herself working as Julia's assistant and yep, Julia is accused of murder!

The relationship between the two, along with a cast of unique characters, made this a book I couldn't put down. Their crazy antics, their unlikely friendship, and the glimpses into Hollywood life combined to make this book a winner.

Wendy A. (Naperville, IL)

A fun read
I enjoyed reading One Death at a Time. This was a fast paced book with fun over-the-top characters based in Hollywood. An aging former movie star (Julia Mann) and her AA sponsor (Natasha Mason) are on the trail of solving a murder that Julia has been accused of committing. This is a cozy with many great, offbeat characters with a believable resolution. I hope this becomes a series! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Ruthie A. (Jersey City, NJ)

A Fun Ride!
Author Abbie Waxman is new to me. I was looking for a non-stressful read, and this novel was truly engaging. The novel itself feels like an old school Hollywood movie, with mansions, burlesque, prison, and many interesting settings.

The characters are each very distinct and well rounded. The plot moves along very quickly and is very engaging. Mason meets Julia at an AA meeting and a fraught relationship begins. Throw in a mystery and we are off! I most enjoyed Julia's character, a former actress turned lawyer, she can be dramatic, rude and haughty, and also loyal and caring, but most of all she is fearless!

This was a very enjoyable read. Hopefully Julia, Mason and the gang will all be back for more adventures!

...22 more reader reviews

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