READERS GUIDE
Reader’s GuideOne Death at a Time by Abbi Waxman
Discussion Questions:
1. When Natasha Mason and Julia Mann first meet, Mason feels drawn to Julia, despite her prickliness. What do you think Mason recognizes in Julia that makes her feel that way?
2. Julia’s office is very important to her, containing everything she needs to do her work—what impact does physical space have on your own work and life? How important is it to have “a room of your own”?
3. Claudia, Julia’s housekeeper, is clearly very fond of Julia, but they have a somewhat prickly relationship. Discuss the relationship between the two women, and the different ways they have for showing love for each other. Is their dynamic similar to any relationships in your life?
4. When we meet Will Maier, he is clearly a man with a wide range of passions and interests. How do his intense curiosity and slightly quirky intelligence help Mason and Julia?
5. The police decide to arrest Julia because she has means, motive and opportunity, which makes sense. But how much does her previous conviction for murder play into their thinking, and how does prejudice make it difficult for people to overcome their past?
6. When Mason and Julia visit Galliano’s, Mason is surprised by Maggie Galliano. In what ways does Maggie go against traditional stereotypes of women working in a burlesque club?
7. In what ways does the movie business discriminate against women, and in what ways does it perpetuate stereotypes that make it difficult for women to compete professionally?
8. Los Angeles itself plays a big role in the novel. Mason and Julia have very different relationships to the city. In what ways are those expressed in the book?
9. When Mason and Julia travel to Palm Springs, we see how Julia’s acting ability can be helpful in solving problems. What role does
“pretending” play in the novel?
10. Sobriety is important for both Mason and Julia, although they are at different points in their recovery journey. How does active participation in a twelve-step program impact the way they go about their work?
