In Abbi Waxman’s latest novel, “One Death at a Time,” we’re treated to a wickedly entertaining mystery that combines the best elements of hard-boiled detective fiction with the author’s signature irreverent humor. The novel introduces us to an unlikely detective duo: Julia Mann, a prickly ex-actress with a prison record, and Natasha Mason, her young, impulsive sobriety sponsor. When Julia discovers a dead body floating in her pool—and subsequently becomes the prime suspect—Mason’s determination to help keeps her firmly in Julia’s orbit, much to the older woman’s initial chagrin.
What unfolds is a delightfully sardonic adventure through the glamorous and grimy sides of Los Angeles, from Hollywood Hills mansions to Palm Springs country clubs to burlesque theaters. This isn’t just another murder mystery; it’s a refreshing take on the genre that blends snappy dialogue with genuine character development and thoughtful exploration of sobriety, second chances, and finding purpose.
The Dynamically Dysfunctional Detective Duo
At the heart of the novel is the evolving relationship between Julia and Mason—a partnership that begins with reluctance and irritation but gradually transforms into something more meaningful. Julia Mann is a formidable protagonist, equal parts cantankerous and captivating. A former Oscar-winning actress who served time for her husband’s murder (a crime she maintains she didn’t commit), Julia now works as a lawyer helping those who’ve been wronged by the system. She’s brilliant, cutting, and unapologetically difficult—a character whose sharp edges make her all the more compelling.
Natasha Mason provides the perfect counterpoint to Julia’s acerbity. A twenty-five-year-old with “twice the usual allocation of energy and one-quarter the allocation of self-control,” Mason is sober, directionless, and unexpectedly drawn to helping the prickly older woman. Their banter provides much of the novel’s comedic punch, with Mason’s impulsiveness clashing wonderfully against Julia’s calculated control.
What makes their dynamic work so well is that beneath their sparring is a growing mutual respect. Mason sees something in Julia worth fighting for, while Julia recognizes in Mason a potential she refuses to acknowledge in herself. Their relationship evolves organically, punctuated by moments of genuine connection amid the crime-solving chaos.
A Mystery That Keeps You Guessing
The central mystery of who killed Tony Eckenridge—Julia’s former colleague and longtime antagonist—is satisfyingly complex. Waxman masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, red herrings, and a cast of colorful suspects that keeps readers guessing until the end. There’s Christine Greenfield, Tony’s ambitious second-in-command; Cody Malone, his faithful assistant; Helen Eckenridge, his estranged wife with frustrated directorial ambitions; and Jade Solomon, a beautiful young actress with her sights set on stardom.
As Julia and Mason investigate, they uncover a web of connections to an iconic film from Julia’s past called “The Codex,” which seems to carry a curse. The investigation takes them from Hollywood sets to Palm Springs country clubs to a burlesque theater with ties to organized crime, revealing layers of secrets, betrayals, and Hollywood politics along the way.
The parallel storyline involving a murder at Galliano’s burlesque club adds additional depth, connecting to the main mystery in unexpected ways. Waxman navigates these complex plot threads with skill, maintaining tension while delivering regular doses of humor and character development.
Sobriety, Second Chances, and Finding Purpose
Beyond the mystery elements, “One Death at a Time” offers a thoughtful exploration of sobriety. Both protagonists are in recovery—Julia in her early days after a relapse, Mason with three years under her belt—and their struggles are portrayed with honesty and nuance. The novel doesn’t shy away from the daily challenges of maintaining sobriety, from triggers and cravings to the importance of meetings and sponsor relationships.
This focus on recovery adds depth to the characters and stakes to their investigation. When Julia’s sobriety is threatened by stress and trauma, we understand exactly what she has to lose. The AA backdrop also provides a community of supporting characters and a framework for understanding the protagonists’ journeys toward accountability and purpose.
The theme of second chances extends beyond sobriety to Julia’s legal career, where she fights for those wronged by the system, drawing on her own experience of imprisonment for a crime she didn’t commit. This gives her character a compelling motivation beyond mere self-preservation and adds layers to her prickly exterior.
Strengths and Shortcomings
What Works Brilliantly:
- The dialogue sparkles with wit and personality. Waxman has a gift for crafting exchanges that reveal character while advancing the plot and providing genuine laughs.
- The setting comes alive through specific details that capture both the glamour and grit of Los Angeles. From Julia’s modernist house perched on a canyon to the atmospheric Galliano’s burlesque club, each location feels vivid and real.
- The supporting cast is memorable and distinctive. Characters like Claudia (Julia’s loyal housekeeper), Will (her research expert with encyclopedic knowledge), and Becky Sharp (a young woman accused of murdering her girlfriend) are fully realized individuals rather than mere plot devices.
- The balance of humor and substance keeps the narrative engaging without becoming flippant. Even as the protagonists trade barbs, the novel maintains respect for serious issues like addiction, incarceration, and systemic bias.
Where It Could Be Stronger:
- The pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the middle sections. Some investigative scenes feel repetitive, and a few side adventures (like the Palm Springs trip) could have been tightened for greater impact.
- The multiple murder mysteries sometimes compete for attention, leading to moments where one storyline gets temporarily sidelined or resolved too neatly.
- Some secondary characters receive less development than they deserve, particularly those connected to the second murder case at Galliano’s.
- The Hollywood setting, while well-rendered, sometimes relies on familiar tropes about the film industry that more knowledgeable readers might find predictable.
Waxman’s Literary Voice and Growth
Fans of Waxman’s previous works, like “The Bookish Life of Nina Hill” and “The Garden of Small Beginnings,” will recognize her trademark blend of humor and heart, though this mystery represents a departure from her usual contemporary fiction. Her writing here feels more confident and incisive, especially in the dialogue, which crackles with life and precision.
While “One Death at a Time” maintains Waxman’s compassionate outlook, it presents a harder edge than her previous novels. The murder mystery format allows her to explore darker themes while still delivering her distinctive humor, resulting in what feels like a natural evolution of her literary voice.
The novel stands alongside other character-driven mystery series like Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone books or Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, though with a more contemporary sensibility and sharper social commentary. It also shares DNA with Hollywood mysteries like Michael Connelly’s work, combining insider knowledge of the film industry with classic detective elements.
Final Verdict: A Promising Start to a Potential Series
“One Death at a Time” succeeds both as a standalone mystery and as what feels like the promising beginning of a series. By the novel’s conclusion, Julia and Mason have developed a rapport and professional relationship that begs for further adventures. The ending resolves the immediate mysteries while leaving the door open for the duo to take on new cases.
Waxman has created protagonists with staying power—complex, flawed individuals whose strengths and weaknesses complement each other perfectly. Their dynamic recalls classic detective partnerships while feeling thoroughly modern and fresh.
For readers seeking a mystery with both substance and style, “One Death at a Time” delivers. It offers the satisfaction of a well-constructed whodunit alongside character development that elevates it above standard genre fare. The novel balances light moments with genuine emotional resonance, creating a reading experience that’s as thoughtful as it is entertaining.
Whether you’re a longtime Waxman fan or new to her work, this foray into mystery proves her versatility as a writer and her ability to craft compelling characters across genres. Like Mason and Julia’s reluctant partnership, this novel represents an unexpected but ultimately rewarding combination of elements that leaves readers eagerly anticipating what might come next.