Mann & Mason: Book 2
Publication Date: July 21, 2026
When 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?
Deadly Does It by Abbi Waxman is the second book and the awaited sequel in the Mann and Mason Mystery series. Readers are reunited with the two main characters, as well as Julia’s entourage, and Mason’s AA sponsor plays a key role, along with the others she sponsors.
The story moves at a good clip with appropriate pacing and crimes to solve. As Julia and Mason piece together clues with the help of others, adrenaline is high, and red herrings abound, especially as they try to put together clues from a fire twenty years prior. All because Mason’s sponsor is receiving threatening notes. We also learn of their current sobriety and the things they did in their youth, but how is it all connected?
Set mostly in LA and Northern California, there are vivid descriptions of some of the poorer, rundown areas. As we chase down clues, there are unexpected twists and turns, especially when we find out whodunnit and a cold case gets settled too. The epilogue ties up loose ends and gives satisfying closure. I hope we get to meet up with everyone for future adventures.
Deadly Does It is filled with suspense, crimes to solve, and a wonderful and endearing cast of characters.
Abbi Waxman, USA Today bestselling author, is a chocolate-loving, dog-loving woman who lives in Los Angeles; has three daughters, three dogs, and three cats; and lies down as much as possible. She worked in advertising for many years, which is how she learned to write fiction.
