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Mann & Mason #2
Deadly Does It
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26When Natasha Mason’s AA sponsor is in deadly danger, she turns to the cranky yet brilliant Julia Mann for help, in this exciting new mystery novel from the USA Today bestselling author of One Death at a Time.
Mason, a Gen Z adrenaline junkie, and Mann, an ex-con, ex-actress, and lawyer turned sleuth, have already solved one murder together. United by their commitment to sarcasm and general disappointment with the human race, they now face a second crime that’s way too close to home. Alexa Rousso keeps having accidents, and no one but her thinks it’s a coincidence. Could her checkered past be coming back to get her? Mason and Mann’s investigation takes them to the Bay Area, to the Central Coast, and – of course – to the hippest spots in Los Angeles. Will the Berkeley boho vibe convert Mann from vintage couture? Will the wine snobs of Ojai drive Mason to drink (or to vinicide, which isn’t even a thing)? More importantly, will they solve the mystery before the murderer’s sights settle on the detectives themselves, or will this new challenge also be their last?
Mason, a Gen Z adrenaline junkie, and Mann, an ex-con, ex-actress, and lawyer turned sleuth, have already solved one murder together. United by their commitment to sarcasm and general disappointment with the human race, they now face a second crime that’s way too close to home. Alexa Rousso keeps having accidents, and no one but her thinks it’s a coincidence. Could her checkered past be coming back to get her? Mason and Mann’s investigation takes them to the Bay Area, to the Central Coast, and – of course – to the hippest spots in Los Angeles. Will the Berkeley boho vibe convert Mann from vintage couture? Will the wine snobs of Ojai drive Mason to drink (or to vinicide, which isn’t even a thing)? More importantly, will they solve the mystery before the murderer’s sights settle on the detectives themselves, or will this new challenge also be their last?
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 21, 2026
About the author
Abbi Waxman
13 books4,937 followersHi there. I'm a chocolate loving, dog loving writer living in Los Angeles. I sit down if I can, and lie down whenever possible. If you enjoy my book and would like a personalized, signed bookplate to go in it, email me your name and address and I'll send you one! abbi@amplecat.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Abbi Waxman does it again! If you enjoy Catherine Mack or Benjamin Stevenson, and you like a bantery hilarious book that also just so happen to have a mystery involved, you need to read this series. While I think this edition would work as a stand alone, I highly recommend you add the first in the series, One Death at a Time, which was one of my favorite mysteries last year.
Mason and Julia are back and this time helping Mason's sponsor Alexa. Alexa's past has come back to haunt her, and she is getting typewritten anonymous threatening letters and someone is going after her sponsees. Mason has agreed to help and has enlisted Julia's help.
I really love the relationship between Gen Z Mason and her much older employer Julia, who was a golden age movie actor and unjustly accused and convicted of murdering her husband. She became a lawyer in prison so now she acts as the law in the duo and Mason acts as the amateur private investigator. The references to AA are perfect and exactly like they are in real life, some people who got sober during covid are zoom babies and now there are AA meetings literally every single hour of the day on zoom. It is one of the great things that came out of the pandemic.
I am 14 years sober in AA and the authenticity of Mason, Julia and Alexa's program is a huge reason why I love this series so much. But someone outside of recovery will still love the dialogue, the fast pace, and the blend of plot twists with deeper observations of human nature. I have already pre-ordered and I will re-read as a treat for myself when it is published.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley for the ARC. Book to be published July 21, 2026
Mason and Julia are back and this time helping Mason's sponsor Alexa. Alexa's past has come back to haunt her, and she is getting typewritten anonymous threatening letters and someone is going after her sponsees. Mason has agreed to help and has enlisted Julia's help.
I really love the relationship between Gen Z Mason and her much older employer Julia, who was a golden age movie actor and unjustly accused and convicted of murdering her husband. She became a lawyer in prison so now she acts as the law in the duo and Mason acts as the amateur private investigator. The references to AA are perfect and exactly like they are in real life, some people who got sober during covid are zoom babies and now there are AA meetings literally every single hour of the day on zoom. It is one of the great things that came out of the pandemic.
I am 14 years sober in AA and the authenticity of Mason, Julia and Alexa's program is a huge reason why I love this series so much. But someone outside of recovery will still love the dialogue, the fast pace, and the blend of plot twists with deeper observations of human nature. I have already pre-ordered and I will re-read as a treat for myself when it is published.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley for the ARC. Book to be published July 21, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This is the second in a series featuring Mason and Mann. These two have already solved a murder in “Deadly Does It”, I enjoyed this one just as much.
It’s the characters that make this novel so much fun! Natasha Mason, a recovering alcoholic and Julia Mann, a former actress, now a lawyer, have already solved one murder together. These two, along with some great additional characters, make quite the team.
Mann and Mason are surprised when Mason’s AA sponsor, Alexa Rousso, turns to them for help. Someone is writing caustic and confusing notes to Alexa. They claim that they will pay her back for something she did in the past - Alexa claims not to know what they are talking about. But is there something she isn’t telling them? Strange things start to happen to Alexa and the team are convinced that the note is the clue to solving the mystery - and making sure that Alexa stays safe.
I enjoyed the trips to the Bay area and also Central California. The locations added a lot of great vibe and atmosphere to the story.
I definitely recommend this one to readers that enjoyed “One Death at a Time”, I love the snarky humor and fun interactions between the characters. There is also a great mystery to solve and some great twists along the way.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to read and review this novel.
It’s the characters that make this novel so much fun! Natasha Mason, a recovering alcoholic and Julia Mann, a former actress, now a lawyer, have already solved one murder together. These two, along with some great additional characters, make quite the team.
Mann and Mason are surprised when Mason’s AA sponsor, Alexa Rousso, turns to them for help. Someone is writing caustic and confusing notes to Alexa. They claim that they will pay her back for something she did in the past - Alexa claims not to know what they are talking about. But is there something she isn’t telling them? Strange things start to happen to Alexa and the team are convinced that the note is the clue to solving the mystery - and making sure that Alexa stays safe.
I enjoyed the trips to the Bay area and also Central California. The locations added a lot of great vibe and atmosphere to the story.
I definitely recommend this one to readers that enjoyed “One Death at a Time”, I love the snarky humor and fun interactions between the characters. There is also a great mystery to solve and some great twists along the way.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to read and review this novel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Abbi Waxman for the ARC.
Deadly Does It is one of those books that I can see working for a lot of readers—but it just didn’t fully land for me.
It starts off quick and easy to get into, but I found myself not really feeling invested. The story follows Mason, who’s navigating sobriety, family tension, and her job working for a private investigator. There’s definitely depth there, especially with the strained relationship with her mom and her dad’s health scare, but it all felt a little surface-level in terms of emotional impact.
The tone leans heavily on dry humor and a more understated, character-driven style. I think if that kind of writing really clicks for you, this will be a hit. For me, though, it made it harder to connect—especially since I didn’t read the first book and felt like I was missing some of the character development and dynamics.
The mystery element is there, but it takes a backseat to the characters, and I was expecting a little more momentum or intrigue to keep me hooked.
Overall, it’s not a bad read—just one that didn’t fully grab me. If you enjoy quieter, slightly offbeat mysteries with a focus on character over plot, you may like this more than I did.
Deadly Does It is one of those books that I can see working for a lot of readers—but it just didn’t fully land for me.
It starts off quick and easy to get into, but I found myself not really feeling invested. The story follows Mason, who’s navigating sobriety, family tension, and her job working for a private investigator. There’s definitely depth there, especially with the strained relationship with her mom and her dad’s health scare, but it all felt a little surface-level in terms of emotional impact.
The tone leans heavily on dry humor and a more understated, character-driven style. I think if that kind of writing really clicks for you, this will be a hit. For me, though, it made it harder to connect—especially since I didn’t read the first book and felt like I was missing some of the character development and dynamics.
The mystery element is there, but it takes a backseat to the characters, and I was expecting a little more momentum or intrigue to keep me hooked.
Overall, it’s not a bad read—just one that didn’t fully grab me. If you enjoy quieter, slightly offbeat mysteries with a focus on character over plot, you may like this more than I did.
March 18, 2026
Deadly Does It is the sequel to Abbi Waxman’s 2025 book One Death at a Time.
This was another fun mystery full of witty banter and controlled chaos featuring Gen Zer Mason and ex-actress turned lawyer Julia Mann, along with a colorful cast of supporting characters.
Mason’s AA sponsor Alexa has been receiving threating letters and strange things have been happing to her and those around her. First a fashion show she’s organized is sabotaged by falling giant vegetables, and then attendees of a new restaurant’s opening night come down with food poisoning.
Alexa hires Julia and Mason to get to the bottom of what’s going on. It’s possible the threats have something to do with her checkered, pre-rehab past, but Alexa’s memory of those days are pretty spotty.
Julia and Mason travel to the Bay Area and the Central Coast for their detective work, and we get to meet Mason’s family during their travels.
This isn’t a fast-paced thriller, but it is a smart and insightful mystery with lots of warmth, heart, and humor. It’s helpful to read One Death at a Time before Deadly Does it, but it’s not 100% necessary.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the advanced review copy.
This was another fun mystery full of witty banter and controlled chaos featuring Gen Zer Mason and ex-actress turned lawyer Julia Mann, along with a colorful cast of supporting characters.
Mason’s AA sponsor Alexa has been receiving threating letters and strange things have been happing to her and those around her. First a fashion show she’s organized is sabotaged by falling giant vegetables, and then attendees of a new restaurant’s opening night come down with food poisoning.
Alexa hires Julia and Mason to get to the bottom of what’s going on. It’s possible the threats have something to do with her checkered, pre-rehab past, but Alexa’s memory of those days are pretty spotty.
Julia and Mason travel to the Bay Area and the Central Coast for their detective work, and we get to meet Mason’s family during their travels.
This isn’t a fast-paced thriller, but it is a smart and insightful mystery with lots of warmth, heart, and humor. It’s helpful to read One Death at a Time before Deadly Does it, but it’s not 100% necessary.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the advanced review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I am absolutely THRILLED that Abbi Waxman continued this cozy mystery series because I adored the first book, and somehow the second one is even better?? Like… how??
This book was pure chaotic joy. It had me laughing, stressing, and fully invested all at once—but in that cozy, comforting way where you just never want to leave the story. It’s messy, funny, wholesome, and honestly just SUCH a good time from start to finish.
And the characters??? I love them SO much. Mason especially has my whole heart. She is such a cutie and I just want to wrap her in a blanket and protect her at all costs. Watching her reconnect with her family hit surprisingly deep, and you can’t help but feel for her. It made perfect sense that Mann took her under her wing—truly the best decision ever.
Mason and Mann together?? ELITE duo. Their dynamic is everything I want in a cozy mystery—funny, a little chaotic, but also grounded in real care for each other. Watching them investigate new cases is just endlessly entertaining.
All in all, this book was an absolute delight and one of the most fun reading experiences I’ve had in a while. Already impatiently waiting for the next one!!
This book was pure chaotic joy. It had me laughing, stressing, and fully invested all at once—but in that cozy, comforting way where you just never want to leave the story. It’s messy, funny, wholesome, and honestly just SUCH a good time from start to finish.
And the characters??? I love them SO much. Mason especially has my whole heart. She is such a cutie and I just want to wrap her in a blanket and protect her at all costs. Watching her reconnect with her family hit surprisingly deep, and you can’t help but feel for her. It made perfect sense that Mann took her under her wing—truly the best decision ever.
Mason and Mann together?? ELITE duo. Their dynamic is everything I want in a cozy mystery—funny, a little chaotic, but also grounded in real care for each other. Watching them investigate new cases is just endlessly entertaining.
All in all, this book was an absolute delight and one of the most fun reading experiences I’ve had in a while. Already impatiently waiting for the next one!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Let me admit right up front that I love about anything Abbi Waxman writes. This new mystery series is a bit snarkier in tone than some of her previous novels, but just as entertaining.
Actress Julia Mann is a former actress, convicted murderer, recovering alcoholic, and defense attorney. She is smart, blunt, brusque and loyal to the people around her. And she does have an entourage, including her former AA sponsor but current assistant Natasha Mason, her housekeeper/chef Claudia and Claudia's PI boyfriend Teddy, and her tech guru Will.
When Mason's current AA sponsor Alexa comes to them for help after receiving threats linked to some unknown incident in her past, the crew begins to investigate. The meat here is not the plot, although that is suitably devious, but the banter, concern and interaction among the players.
I quite like this new series and hope to read more of their adventures. These are people who have been through rough times, many of them self-inflicted, and care and watch out for each other while never descending into sentimentality. Refreshing. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Actress Julia Mann is a former actress, convicted murderer, recovering alcoholic, and defense attorney. She is smart, blunt, brusque and loyal to the people around her. And she does have an entourage, including her former AA sponsor but current assistant Natasha Mason, her housekeeper/chef Claudia and Claudia's PI boyfriend Teddy, and her tech guru Will.
When Mason's current AA sponsor Alexa comes to them for help after receiving threats linked to some unknown incident in her past, the crew begins to investigate. The meat here is not the plot, although that is suitably devious, but the banter, concern and interaction among the players.
I quite like this new series and hope to read more of their adventures. These are people who have been through rough times, many of them self-inflicted, and care and watch out for each other while never descending into sentimentality. Refreshing. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 12, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Abbi Waxman for the chance to read deadly does it early as an arc. This review is honest and voluntary.
3.5.5. Just like On Death at a Time I really enjoyed the banter and wit in this book. The characters were likable and the humor brought a lighthearted-ness that is often missing from book like this!
It took me a few chapters for me to warm up into the book but that is a me problem, not a writing issue.
Overall I would 100% recommend this book to friends and fellow readers!
3.5.5. Just like On Death at a Time I really enjoyed the banter and wit in this book. The characters were likable and the humor brought a lighthearted-ness that is often missing from book like this!
It took me a few chapters for me to warm up into the book but that is a me problem, not a writing issue.
Overall I would 100% recommend this book to friends and fellow readers!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars. Abbi Waxman will forever be an auto-buy author for me. I love her wacky plots, snarky dialogue and quirky characters. This one kicked off with a very strange event which led us into the new case. I can't say I got fully invested in this one for quite awhile. Once it picked up, it moved quickly and I enjoyed it.
Release date: July 21st.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for the ARC.
Release date: July 21st.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Mason and Julia from One Death at a Time are back and ready to solve more crimes! This time, Mason's AA sponsor is being harassed for something she did in her past. She claims to not know what it is, but Julia isn't buying it. Fortunately, with their quirky team of investigators, they will find out. This hilarious new book from Waxman is sure to delight!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
[I received a review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
4.5 stars
Fantastic follow up to ONE DEATH AT A TIME! We get a closer look at some of the central characters and a mystery full of twists and turns. And I loved the epilogue. I will read anything Abbi Waxman writes, but these mysteries are my favorite. (Language)
4.5 stars
Fantastic follow up to ONE DEATH AT A TIME! We get a closer look at some of the central characters and a mystery full of twists and turns. And I loved the epilogue. I will read anything Abbi Waxman writes, but these mysteries are my favorite. (Language)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another winner from Abbi Waxman! Her books always make me smile. They have just the right amount of mystery, humor and fun, quirky characters. And I love that Mason & Mann are now a series and look forward to the next book! Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Love this series. Great characters and storyline.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Reviewing for Booklist--more to come
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews