Many thanks to Berkley for the invitation to this blog tour. I was very excited to receive an early copy of this novel.

Introduction:

This spring, beloved USA Today bestselling author Abbi Waxman pulls back the veneer of Hollywood’s glitz and glamour in her dazzling pivot to feel-good mystery, ONE DEATH AT A TIME (Berkley Trade Original; on sale April 15, 2025). With her signature indelible dry wit, and knack for writing hilarious and relatable heroines, Waxman delivers her first twisty mystery, starring a pair of misfit amateur sleuths alongside an eccentric cast of characters, that tackles the subject of sobriety with care.

In ONE DEATH AT A TIME, Waxman continues to deliver the wry humor and quirky protagonists that have made her novels widely adored by readers. Waxman’s previous novels The Bookish Life of Nina Hill (2019), Adult Assembly Required (2022), and Christa Comes Out of Her Shell (2024) all center unforgettable heroines who could easily be readers’ best friends as they are grappling with real issues like isolation, connection, mental health, and complex family ties.

More about the book:

The sleuthing duo at the center of ONE DEATH AT A TIME are no different: two recovering alcoholics battling the daily challenges that come with sobriety as they also happen to be solving a murder.

Let’s set the scene: Los Angeles, California.

Enter: Julia Mann—bad-tempered ex-actress, professional thorn in the side of authority, and recovering alcoholic. Julia just found a dead body in her swimming pool, and the cops say she is responsible (she already went to jail for murder once, so now they think she’s making a habit of it).

Enter: Natasha Mason—college dropout, Gen Z gig-economy worker, and recovering alcoholic. When Julia runs into Mason at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 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 on Sunset Boulevard 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?

Perfect for fans of feel-good mysteries, and readers of The Thursday Murder Club and Killers of a Certain Age, loyal Waxman fans and new readers will adore ONE DEATH AT A TIME’s unlikely sleuthing duo, clever dialogue, and slew of incredible pop culture references.

Mystery & Thrillers

396 pages

About the author:

Abbi Waxman is a chocolate-loving, dog-loving woman, who lives in Los Angeles and lies down as much as possible. She worked in advertising for many years, which is how she learned to write fiction. She has three daughters, two dogs, three cats, and sundry other animals.

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Abbi Waxman is both irreverent and thoughtful.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Giffin

“Waxman’s mystery is a sly female bonding manifesto: It’s Thelma & Louise without booze or Brad Pitt.”—Oprah Daily

“[A] fun, clever tale.” —AARP

“An absolute rollercoaster ride of a mystery! Loaded with hilarity and heart, it is impossible not to get attached to this snarky dynamic duo and their shenanigans. A must read for mystery lovers and fans of Hacks, there is something in this fabulous multi-generational journey for every reader.”—Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author of A Merry Little Murder Plot

“Hold on to your non-alco drinks because a new detective dream team has arrived. Meet Julia and Mason: recovering, rebellious, and gloriously sarcastic. I ugly-snorted too many times to count. A fabulous mystery, characters with depth, and a total hoot too. More please!”—Alison Goodman, New York Times bestselling author of The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies

“Abbi Waxman has done it again. This book has everything you could want: a cast of funny, flawed, feisty characters, a deliciously irreverent, hilariously high-octane murder mystery plot, and a huge amount of heart. I absolutely loved it.”—Freya Sampson, USA Today bestselling author of Nosy Neighbors

“Sparkling prose, quirky, well-drawn characters, laugh-out-loud dialogue, and a murderous ‘curse.’ This is a total winner with a satisfying ending.”—Kathleen West, author of Are We There Yet?

“Full of the witty banter and laugh-out-loud scenarios readers have come to expect from Waxman, this raucous romp around Tinseltown with an odd couple of sleuths will delight readers.”—Library Journal

“Sharp and clever!”—Kirkus Reviews

“Delivers a caffeinated Hollywood whodunit full of fast-talking characters… Waxman stuffs the narrative with colorful side characters and witty repartee…movie buffs and fans of comical mysteries will enjoy themselves.”—Publishers Weekly

“The joy of this book is both its breadth and depth…. It’s a marvelous portrait of 30 years in Hollywood, the conflict between the generations, and how humor can almost conquer all.”—First Clue

My thoughts:

This was the first book that I have read by Abbi Waxman but it will not be the last. I hope that she will write more funny, snarky, mystery/thrillers that have interesting characters (including a recovering alcoholic, jailed for murder previously protagonist), and a plot that will take readers for an interesting ride.

Follow Julia and Mason as they get to know each other, go all over the place meeting with a variety of California characters. Will they emerge unscathed?

Take a look at this title to find out.

Again, many thanks to Berkley for this opportunity and to NetGalley as well.

An e book bargain

I was thrilled to receive the e-galley of this title from the publisher. Mainly this was because I have read and enjoyed all of the other books by this author. I was also delighted to be approved for a title by Berkley as this is a rarity for me.

Local Gone Missing was an absorbing book from the start. It followed many characters, among them, Charlie. He is quite the man but what is behind his facade? Early on readers learn that Charlie has a severely disabled daughter (Birdie) and a second wife (Pauline) who is quite attached to her creature comforts. What will “hail fellow, well met” personality, Charlie, do to meet his financial obligations?

Dee is a cleaner. As often happens in fiction, Dee observes a lot while she tidies. There is more to Dee than meets the eye.

Pete Diamond (is it a coincidence that his name is the same as Peter Lovesey’s detective? This is just an aside as I noticed the name). Pete is one of the weekenders, a group that the insiders do not welcome. He has organized a music festival. It does not go well. Read the book to find out why.

There are many other characters as well. They are both local and not. Many of them (and all of the ones in the book) have complex interrelationships.

Finally, there is Elise, a character whom I really liked. Elise is a police officer who has been on leave due to a bout with cancer. She is friendly with Ronny. The two insinuate themselves into the investigations that are going on in their beach community. Of course, the police are involved as well.

Much happens over the course of the novel. I was deeply immersed and eager to see what would happen next.

I can honestly say that this might be my favorite book by the author. Those looking for a suspenseful, slow burn summer read need look no further.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 14 Jun 2022

#AShadowinMoscow #NetGalley

Katherine Reay is a versatile writer. Some of the first books that I read by her were homages to literature. Just a few of the titles that I enjoyed were Dear Mr. Knightley (a take on Daddy Longlegs), The Austen (yes, Jane) Escape, The Printed Letter Bookshop and, Of Literature and Latte. She then expanded into historical fiction with The London House.

In this novel, a dual time line historical one, Reay takes readers to WWII Vienna in telling one story, while in the other a Russian young woman is an exchange student in DC in the 80s.

Ingrid, of the earlier time period , has lost many in the war. Her parents were helping the Allies when fate caught them. Ingrid has decisions to make about where she will live her life. What does she decide? Who is her husband? What will she do as she learns more about him?

Anya, in the later time period, comes to love America more than she thought she would. Will she go back to Russia? If yes, what will she do there? And, importantly, how will the story lines converge?

Those who love history, spy stories, love stories, family stories and all around good reads, pick this one up. I really enjoyed it.

Many thanks to Harper Muse and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 13 June 2023

From the Publisher

Watch for Reay’s next novel:

by David P. Wagner is an e book bargain for 11.6.21

Readers who enjoy art, architecture, gardens, twisting streets, Italian food and red wine will want to read this mystery. It is part of a series although the novels can be read out of order. This was the first book that I have read by Mr. Wagner and I look forward to reading all of the others.

Rick Montoya works as a multi-lingual translator while his significant other, Betta, is employed by an art crime squad in the Italian cultural ministry. The two are in the Urbino area where a wealthy Spanish collector has donated a Piero Della Francesca drawing to a small, local museum. Unfortunately he is murdered and the drawing is missing. Solving the case is the focus of this story with intervals for food and drink.

There are many suspects. These include directors of other museums, a collector who was unable to secure the drawing himself, the victim’s second wife and his daughter, his assistant and more. Readers will get to know each of them as they try to solve the case.

Those who enjoy mysteries by Donna Leon and Andrea Camilleri will want to read this. There is even a character who continuously pays homage to the latter’s series detective, Inspector Montalbano.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

by David P. Wagner

I previously read and enjoyed To Die in Tuscany which is a later entry in the series that features Rick Montoya. In Cold Tuscan Stone, readers meet Rick for the first time. He is from New Mexico, has an Italian mother and has moved to Italy where he works as a translator.

In this novel, an old friend of Rick’s, affectionately nicknamed Beppo, asks for Rick’s help in investigating what seem to be nefarious doings in the sale of Etruscan artifacts. Rick is asked to pose as a buyer and to infiltrate several sources of antiques to help with the case.

What I learned from the prior novel is that where Rick goes, murder follows, along with good food that is lovingly described, wine, and attractive women. What more could a reader want?

As noted above, this book offers an interesting plot, a wonderful setting and a likeable protagonist. Readers who enjoy the Brunetti and/or Montelbano series will likely enjoy the Montoya books as well. There are seven of these in all.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 26 Jan 2021

Transient Desires

A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery

by Donna Leon

Transient Desires is Donna Leon’s thirtieth (!) book about Guido Brunetti. What an accomplishment to have kept a series fresh over so many novels..

In thinking about this title, I concluded that it is a story of place and character, as compared to a classic mystery. There are people good and bad, those with and without morals, those who get caught up in situations with difficult consequences, vicims, various types of love and more. Venice is also critical part of this story. Areas of the city that were new to me were in this book as were the canals, cafes and tourist sites along, of course, with Brunetti’s home.

My favorite of all of the people in this novel is Brunetti. His desire to do right, his willingness to apologize when wrong, his trying to help others and his love of lunch and Paola (his wife) all play their part.

The plot is not dense. Two young girls are injured and left at a hospital. The story goes from there as it impacts a number of others.

If you are going to be a new reader of Brunetti, start at the beginning with Death at La Fenice. All other Leon fans welcome our Commissario back! Now I just have to wait for #31.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#MyMagnoliaSummer #NetGalley

I am among the many readers who delighted in the novels of this author’s mom. Her death was a cause of sorrow on many levels. Dorothea created wonderful stories set in the Low Country. She is missed by many.

That said, it was a delight to get to know another Benton Frank. Not only did I very much enjoy this novel but so did some of my favorite authors including Patti Callahan Henry.

Here is a Southern family story. The setting, character and plot are all quite well done making it hard to believe that this is Victoria’s first novel.

I recommend this one for lovers of women’s/family fiction. It offers just the right kind of summer read; get to know Magnolia (Maggie), Lily and the others in the family. As a bonus, there is a restaurant too!

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 06 June 2023

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“No one can ever take the place of Dorothea Benton Frank, but by writing My Magnolia Summer, a novel of low country food, family drama, and just the right amount of romance, Victoria Benton Frank shows that she is the rightful heir to the crown of summertime storytellers. Her mother would be so proud.” — Ann Patchett

“In My Magnolia Summer, author Victoria Benton Frank spins all the plates and brings all the magic of the lowcountry to life. A tale of the complicated relationships between mothers, daughters and let’s not forget, sisters—this enchanting novel will bring romance and sunshine to your summer reading list.” — Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author of The Five-Star Weekend

“My Magnolia Summer is a sensory treat and a mesmerizing tribute to the complicated strength and solace of family. Frank’s warm and wise prose is splashed with just the right amount of wit in this sultry Lowcountry tale. With a delectable peek behind the kitchens of the best restaurants, a romp through the marshes of South Carolina, and a glimpse into the intricate hearts of sisters, this is a powerful debut. Proving that when things fall apart, indomitable women come together, My Magnolia Summer is enchanting, hilarious and insightful.” — Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author

by Valérie Perrin, Hildegarde Serle (translator)

Narrated by Sara Young

Pub date: June 1, 2021

Fresh Water for Flowers is the first book by Valerie Perrin to be published in English. The writer’s native language is French. Fresh Water is a beautiful book that is told in a unique voice. Protagonist, Violette, was abandoned by her mother and grew up in care. She was a loner until she becomes involved with Phillipe Toussaint. Together they have a child but Phillipe eventually disappears.

Phillipe and Violette worked at a railroad crossing although Violette did most of the work; they later go on to become cemetery keepers. Violette remains there after Phillipe leaves.

The story is told from Violette’s point of view. She tells it all, her hard times, her hopes, the things that she learned and taught herself, the people she sees and cares for and those with whom she works. All this within the background of the cemetery and many sayings from gravestones.

This novel is filled with humanity. I recommend it.

I am reviewing the audio version. It was a beautiful listen and I was sorry when the story ended.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A Novel

by Diana R. Chambers

#TheSecretWarofJuliaChild #NetGalley

Julia Child has been having a fictional moment. She has been a detective in Paris in the new series by Colleen Cambridge and has been in a TV series as well. In The Secret War of Julia Child, Diana R. Chambers nimbly lets readers into Julia’s world.

In these pages, readers get a sense of how Julia felt about herself (too tall, for one), her parents, her hopes to do something with her life, her wishes for a relationship and more. Readers also find out about Julia’s experiences in WW II. She worked for “Wild” Bill Donovan and was stationed in India and Ceylon, among other places. Some of her work was clandestine. Some of it led to her meeting Paul Child-of course, Julia McWilliams became Julia Child in time.

This story is about much that happened before Child became known for her cooking. It offers an immersive look at her life and WWII. I recommend it highly to fans of Child and historical fiction.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks-Landmark for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 22 October 2024

Delightful: Mastering the Art of French Murder

Now out: A Murder Most French (Colleen Cambridge)

The Essential Companion to Talking Therapy

Everything you need to know about the therapy journey

by Karin Blak

#TheEssentialCompaniontoTalkingTherapy #NetGalley

The title says it all. This book will be welcomed by those who are in therapy or thinking about seeing a therapist, as well as those who know someone in therapy, or are curious.
This title is divided into sections on the entire arc of therapy from starting through therapy itself to afterwards.
The author begins by sharing something of her own experience. She then offers guidance to readers on everything from choosing a therapist to types of therapy to what to expect and much more.
Recommended to those who would like to demystify the process of therapy and who may need some help in making decisions about counseling.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in February 2021