# One Death at a Time

By Abbi Waxman · A Mason & Mann Mystery, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/one-death-at-a-time-1aea8b55/

A corpse in Julia Mann's pool threatens to send the former actress back to prison. Her new sobriety sponsor, Natasha Mason, takes on an additional job: helping her find the killer, despite Julia's objections to being helped.

## What makes it funny?

The opening recovery meeting includes a man setting fire to pamphlets. The facilitator handles it with clipboard-waving composure and insists that he apologize to Mason, who has been putting out the flames.

### The comedy at work

Julia's experience as an actress becomes an investigative tool as the pair go undercover around Los Angeles. Their sarcasm supplies the running commentary; Publishers Weekly notes that the repartee occasionally slows the mystery.

### Try this if…

Hollywood settings and argumentative detective partnerships give this mystery its appeal. Readers who like their sleuthing interrupted by sharp conversations have more to enjoy here than those chiefly after a brisk chain of clues.

### Good to know

Alcoholism, relapse, and recovery are central to the setup. The opening chapter includes strong profanity and discussion of drunk driving, alongside the comic exchanges.

## What to expect

- Genre: Mystery
- On the shelf: Amateur sleuth · Cozy mystery
- Kind of humor: Banter · Situational comedy
- The atmosphere: Irreverent
- Format: Novel
- Length: 400 pages
- Audiobook: Available
- Published: 2025

## A few distinguishing details

- A sobriety sponsor becomes a reluctant actress’s investigating partner
- Hollywood acting skills repurposed for undercover sleuthing

## Sources & further reading

- Reading sample: [Chapter one excerpt](https://harlequinjunkie.com/spotlight-giveaway-one-death-at-a-time-by-abbi-waxman)
- Book information: [Series & edition information](https://books.google.com/books/about/One_Death_at_a_Time.html?id=8DwUEQAAQBAJ)
- Publisher: [Publisher](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/750025/one-death-at-a-time-by-abbi-waxman)
- Author commentary: [Author](https://www.abbiwaxman.com/books/one-death-at-a-time)
- Review: [Publishers Weekly review](https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780593816677)