What do you think?
Rate this book
Golden Girls #1
Murder by Cheesecake
***Instant NEW YORK TIMES bestseller***The first novel in the all-new Golden Girls Cozy Mystery Series!When Dorothy's obnoxious date is found dead in a hotel freezer, it not only ruins a gorgeous cheesecake but threatens the elaborate St. Olaf–themed wedding Rose is hosting.Things are heating up, and not just because of Blanche's hot flashes. Rose's cousin is eloping to Miami, and Rose is playing host. If she can't balance the groom's family's snobbery against the traditional St. Olaf wedding week guidelines, her hometown may never accept her cousin again!Dorothy quickly realizes she needs a date with whom she can exchange wedding-related wisecracks. Turning to a newfangled VHS dating service, she believes she's found the ideal conversationalist. Unfortunately, what looks good on TV can actually be a total jerk in real life. It seems she'll just have to enjoy the company of Sophia, Blanche, and whomever Blanche has targeted for a hookup.As the Girls all pitch in, Rose is thrilled that the tea-and-fish-themed kickoff event is perfect, not a herring out of place. That is until Dorothy's date is found dead—face-planted in an otherwise scrumptious-looking cheesecake. With every guest a suspect (especially Dorothy) and a marriage on the line, the four besties must ID the real killer, get the should-be-happy couple down the aisle, and make sure nobody from St. Olaf gets lost in the wilds of Miami. It's up to the Golden Girls to sleuth out a way for friendship and love to win the day!
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2025
1950 people are currently reading
38424 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Ekstrom Courage
3 books410 followersRachel Ekstrom Courage is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Murder By Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery and the young adult thriller Nothing Bad Happens Here. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband (the children’s book author Nick Courage) and their family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,294 reviews
October 23, 2025
**3.5-stars rounded up**
My initial thoughts upon first hearing the concept for this book were as follows:
I cannot even believe this is a thing. It's like all my dreams have come true. No one is a bigger GG-fan than me!! To have the Girls all together to solve a Cozy Mystery?!
What the heck could be better!?
I put off reading it for as long as I could, wanting to read it just prior to the publication date, April 15, 2025. In my eyes, it couldn't come soon enough.
And I'll tell you what, I did really enjoy it. Was it perfect? No, but it didn't need to be. I feel like a lot of Cozy Mystery series get better as they go, as they find their rhythm and as Readers become more attached to the characters.
While I don't think it's possible for me to be more attached to Sophia, Blanche, Dorothy and Rose than I already am, I do think if the series continues, I will grow to love the format and mystery of the novels more and more.
In this story, we have two things happening. Rose is preparing to host a wedding for her cousin, Nettie, and her beau, Jason, wherein an inheritance clause makes it necessary for the wedding to contain many St. Olafian traditions, so that is a focus of a lot of the action.
Additionally, we have a dead body found on the premises where the wedding is to take place, and due to circumstances I won't get into, Dorothy is considered a lead suspect.
Because of all of this, the Girls are trying to clear Dorothy's name, while also giving Nettie the wedding of her dreams. It's a lot for a weekend!
By the end of the 1st-chapter, I was already impressed by the way the author captured each of the Girls' personalities and mannerisms; minus Sophia using a cane, which I am still scratching my head about.
It was so easy for me to read, picturing all of their intonations and comedic deliveries. It was just incredibly enjoyable for me as a super fan.
Overall, I found it to be a super cute, very fun, and nostalgic read for me. I felt like all four women, Dorothy, Rose, Sophia and Blanche, were executed with grace, and in a way that would make any fan of the show happy.
At times I would have preferred the mystery to be a bit more front-and-center, in comparison to the drama circling Nettie's wedding. Nevertheless, it was still a great read!
I'm actually not sure if this is slated to be a series, or not, but I'm really hoping for more. There's so many more opportunities for mysteries. Miami is a busy place and these Girls are always getting into some sort of sticky situation.
I would recommend this to any Golden Girls fan. I don't think it would hit the same for people who haven't watched the show, but I could be wrong. As a Cozy Mystery, it was still solid, regardless of who the characters are.
Thank you so much for the ARC, Hyperion Avenue. This was a hugely-anticipated release for me, and I'm honored to have received a copy early.
Thank you, thank you!
My initial thoughts upon first hearing the concept for this book were as follows:
I cannot even believe this is a thing. It's like all my dreams have come true. No one is a bigger GG-fan than me!! To have the Girls all together to solve a Cozy Mystery?!
What the heck could be better!?
I put off reading it for as long as I could, wanting to read it just prior to the publication date, April 15, 2025. In my eyes, it couldn't come soon enough.
And I'll tell you what, I did really enjoy it. Was it perfect? No, but it didn't need to be. I feel like a lot of Cozy Mystery series get better as they go, as they find their rhythm and as Readers become more attached to the characters.
While I don't think it's possible for me to be more attached to Sophia, Blanche, Dorothy and Rose than I already am, I do think if the series continues, I will grow to love the format and mystery of the novels more and more.
In this story, we have two things happening. Rose is preparing to host a wedding for her cousin, Nettie, and her beau, Jason, wherein an inheritance clause makes it necessary for the wedding to contain many St. Olafian traditions, so that is a focus of a lot of the action.
Additionally, we have a dead body found on the premises where the wedding is to take place, and due to circumstances I won't get into, Dorothy is considered a lead suspect.
Because of all of this, the Girls are trying to clear Dorothy's name, while also giving Nettie the wedding of her dreams. It's a lot for a weekend!
By the end of the 1st-chapter, I was already impressed by the way the author captured each of the Girls' personalities and mannerisms; minus Sophia using a cane, which I am still scratching my head about.
It was so easy for me to read, picturing all of their intonations and comedic deliveries. It was just incredibly enjoyable for me as a super fan.
Overall, I found it to be a super cute, very fun, and nostalgic read for me. I felt like all four women, Dorothy, Rose, Sophia and Blanche, were executed with grace, and in a way that would make any fan of the show happy.
At times I would have preferred the mystery to be a bit more front-and-center, in comparison to the drama circling Nettie's wedding. Nevertheless, it was still a great read!
I'm actually not sure if this is slated to be a series, or not, but I'm really hoping for more. There's so many more opportunities for mysteries. Miami is a busy place and these Girls are always getting into some sort of sticky situation.
I would recommend this to any Golden Girls fan. I don't think it would hit the same for people who haven't watched the show, but I could be wrong. As a Cozy Mystery, it was still solid, regardless of who the characters are.
Thank you so much for the ARC, Hyperion Avenue. This was a hugely-anticipated release for me, and I'm honored to have received a copy early.
Thank you, thank you!
January 16, 2025
Can I tell you about the speed with which I R.A.N. to NetGalley to beg for an early copy of this as soon as I saw it???? And then I read it . . . .
Oof. This was rough so let’s talk about the positives for a second. Obviously GOLDEN GIRLS. I mean that is just a winner. And the idea of our favorite ladies from the ‘80s Scooby Dooing about Miami? Talk about the chef’s kiss of a cozy. Title and cover art? Fantastic. Staying true to the girls’ personalities and banter? Perfection.
But then there was the story itself. Waaaaaay too much wedding and way too little what happened to the dead guy in the freezer. The St. Olaf traditions schtick got old super fast and unfortunately the author doubled down on things to the point where my beloved Rose was not so likeable. The key to a cozy is truly the K.I.S.S. method – keep it simple, stupid. The wedding should have simply been a vessel to introduce the dead body in the freezer – not overtaken the entire story.
That being said, there is zero chance I won’t be buying a copy of this for my bookshelves if only for the nostalgia it provided and I will absolutely read the next in the series with high hopes that it finds its groove.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
Oof. This was rough so let’s talk about the positives for a second. Obviously GOLDEN GIRLS. I mean that is just a winner. And the idea of our favorite ladies from the ‘80s Scooby Dooing about Miami? Talk about the chef’s kiss of a cozy. Title and cover art? Fantastic. Staying true to the girls’ personalities and banter? Perfection.
But then there was the story itself. Waaaaaay too much wedding and way too little what happened to the dead guy in the freezer. The St. Olaf traditions schtick got old super fast and unfortunately the author doubled down on things to the point where my beloved Rose was not so likeable. The key to a cozy is truly the K.I.S.S. method – keep it simple, stupid. The wedding should have simply been a vessel to introduce the dead body in the freezer – not overtaken the entire story.
That being said, there is zero chance I won’t be buying a copy of this for my bookshelves if only for the nostalgia it provided and I will absolutely read the next in the series with high hopes that it finds its groove.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
February 20, 2025
I remember watching the last few seasons of Golden Girls when it was still on the air, and decades later, I've rewatched the entire series a few times. Actually, we started again for the new year and watch an episode before bed many weeknights. When the book was announced, I giggled. It could be terrible, it could be amusing. It hit my queue last week, so I jumped on in. The author does a good job balancing the comedic zingers and exuberant personalities, as well as drawing a bit of a caricature for the traits that define each of the 4 women. All their exploits are front-and-center, tho this is primarily about Rose and Dorothy. There are moments (like most cozies) where I worry it's not plausible, and there are others where things are too coincidental, but it's a lovely balance of all it is supposed to be. If you're a fan of the show and like extended fan fiction, you'll enjoy this. If you're the kind of reader who picks away at something because that's just what you do, stay away. For two reasons - stop being such a grumpy reviewer who enjoys ruining things for other people and you weren't going to like it anyway so why bother? But for most fans of the show who are readers and who enjoy light mysteries, you'll relish!
December 9, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Cozy Mystery + Pop Culture
I'm thrilled about this cozy mystery series featuring the Golden Girls! I can’t express how excited I am for this book and the series as a whole—I really hope there will be many more installments.
Reading this feels like watching an episode of The Golden Girls, which typically features two storylines. On one side, you have Rose, who is working diligently with the girls to plan a wedding ceremony for her cousin Nettie, following St. Olafian traditions in Miami. On the other side, Dorothy is on the lookout for a date to accompany her to the wedding.
What happens next is shocking for the girls: a dead body is discovered in the hotel freezer, right where Rose's cheesecakes were stored. I don’t want to spoil the story, so I’ll leave it at that.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The characters are true to themselves, making it a story you should read rather than listen to; you’ll want to hear the voices of the characters in your head. The author has done a remarkable job of staying true to the personalities of the characters from the TV show. All four ladies are exactly as we’ve seen them on TV.
The mystery and adventure in this book were exceptional. Even if you've never watched The Golden Girls, I believe you will still enjoy this book. If the characters weren't based on The Golden Girls, I would have probably rated the book four stars. However, the humor and charm of the girls elevate it to a five-star read. I can't wait for the next book in the series, and once it is released, I will definitely get a physical copy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC of this book.
Genre: Cozy Mystery + Pop Culture
I'm thrilled about this cozy mystery series featuring the Golden Girls! I can’t express how excited I am for this book and the series as a whole—I really hope there will be many more installments.
Reading this feels like watching an episode of The Golden Girls, which typically features two storylines. On one side, you have Rose, who is working diligently with the girls to plan a wedding ceremony for her cousin Nettie, following St. Olafian traditions in Miami. On the other side, Dorothy is on the lookout for a date to accompany her to the wedding.
What happens next is shocking for the girls: a dead body is discovered in the hotel freezer, right where Rose's cheesecakes were stored. I don’t want to spoil the story, so I’ll leave it at that.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The characters are true to themselves, making it a story you should read rather than listen to; you’ll want to hear the voices of the characters in your head. The author has done a remarkable job of staying true to the personalities of the characters from the TV show. All four ladies are exactly as we’ve seen them on TV.
The mystery and adventure in this book were exceptional. Even if you've never watched The Golden Girls, I believe you will still enjoy this book. If the characters weren't based on The Golden Girls, I would have probably rated the book four stars. However, the humor and charm of the girls elevate it to a five-star read. I can't wait for the next book in the series, and once it is released, I will definitely get a physical copy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC of this book.
March 30, 2025
3 stars. 🌟 Huge thanks to Hyperion Avenue for the ARC via NetGalley! 💌
Okay, confession time: I have never watched Golden Girls. I KNOW, I KNOW—how dare I?! But listen, when I requested this book, I had no clue it was actually tied to Golden Girls. Now, after reading this? I might watch it someday... just not, like, any day soon.
So what’s the tea (and cheesecake)? Dorothy’s awful date winds up dead in a freezer, ruining both the dessert and Rose’s elaborate St. Olaf-themed wedding plans. (Tragic, really.) Enter: Blanche, Sophia, and the sassiest amateur sleuthing squad Miami has ever seen. They’ve got wisecracks, VHS dating, wedding drama, and a mystery to solve.
Sounds fun, right? And honestly, it kinda was! The humor? Spot-on. The vibes? Pure nostalgia. The characters? Nailed. Dorothy’s sarcasm? Chef’s kiss. Sophia’s one-liners? GOLD. If you love the show, you’ll probably enjoy this cozy little trip down memory lane.
Buuut here’s the thing. The mystery? Weak. Like, “blink and you’ll miss the murderer” weak. The big reveal had me sitting there like… who? 🤨 It felt like the book was more focused on wedding shenanigans than, you know, the actual murder. And while St. Olaf traditions are quirky and all, I didn’t need that much detail about herring shortages.
Would I read the sequel? Maybe. It was fun, light, nostalgic, and definitely entertaining. But if you're in it just for the mystery? Might wanna lower your expectations.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I suddenly have an intense craving for cheesecake. 🍰
Okay, confession time: I have never watched Golden Girls. I KNOW, I KNOW—how dare I?! But listen, when I requested this book, I had no clue it was actually tied to Golden Girls. Now, after reading this? I might watch it someday... just not, like, any day soon.
So what’s the tea (and cheesecake)? Dorothy’s awful date winds up dead in a freezer, ruining both the dessert and Rose’s elaborate St. Olaf-themed wedding plans. (Tragic, really.) Enter: Blanche, Sophia, and the sassiest amateur sleuthing squad Miami has ever seen. They’ve got wisecracks, VHS dating, wedding drama, and a mystery to solve.
Sounds fun, right? And honestly, it kinda was! The humor? Spot-on. The vibes? Pure nostalgia. The characters? Nailed. Dorothy’s sarcasm? Chef’s kiss. Sophia’s one-liners? GOLD. If you love the show, you’ll probably enjoy this cozy little trip down memory lane.
Buuut here’s the thing. The mystery? Weak. Like, “blink and you’ll miss the murderer” weak. The big reveal had me sitting there like… who? 🤨 It felt like the book was more focused on wedding shenanigans than, you know, the actual murder. And while St. Olaf traditions are quirky and all, I didn’t need that much detail about herring shortages.
Would I read the sequel? Maybe. It was fun, light, nostalgic, and definitely entertaining. But if you're in it just for the mystery? Might wanna lower your expectations.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I suddenly have an intense craving for cheesecake. 🍰
March 7, 2025
“Tonight, on a very special episode of The Golden Girls…”
Rose wants to host her niece’s wedding, but wouldn’t you know it, Dorothy becomes the number one suspect in a murder at the wedding venue! Now, the best friends must save St. Olaf wedding traditions and clear Dorothy’s name all under the scrutiny of family and Miami detectives.
(Not *those* Miami detectives)
What a kick. It’s like we’ve unearthed a lost, extended episode with the same ol’ broads we used to be friends with. Rose is still hilariously innocent with the sweetest heart, Dorothy is as sarcastic and level-headed as ever, Sophia continues to deliver her sharp one-liners, and Blanche is still after those romantic and steamy escapades. The novel is mawkishly sentimental which is exactly what we expected and wanted. Hat’s off to Rachel Ekstrom Courage for writing the gals' charms as close to their characters as possible.
If you like a cozy mystery and you miss The Golden Girls, this title is for you. - Sara W.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for our honest review.
Rose wants to host her niece’s wedding, but wouldn’t you know it, Dorothy becomes the number one suspect in a murder at the wedding venue! Now, the best friends must save St. Olaf wedding traditions and clear Dorothy’s name all under the scrutiny of family and Miami detectives.
(Not *those* Miami detectives)
What a kick. It’s like we’ve unearthed a lost, extended episode with the same ol’ broads we used to be friends with. Rose is still hilariously innocent with the sweetest heart, Dorothy is as sarcastic and level-headed as ever, Sophia continues to deliver her sharp one-liners, and Blanche is still after those romantic and steamy escapades. The novel is mawkishly sentimental which is exactly what we expected and wanted. Hat’s off to Rachel Ekstrom Courage for writing the gals' charms as close to their characters as possible.
If you like a cozy mystery and you miss The Golden Girls, this title is for you. - Sara W.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for our honest review.
May 8, 2025
The Golden Girls was a popular American sitcom on NBC Television from 1985 – 1992. It starred Beatrice Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty. It was about 4 mature single women, Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Dorothy’s mother, Sophia who shared a home in Miami, Florida. The half-hour show, each week navigated their ‘golden years’ with humor, friendship and comedic chaos.
Anyone who watched these shows in real time or reruns could attest to the actor’s brilliance, in playing their distinctive characters.
Beatrice Arthur would play Dorothy with a sarcastic straight face and sharp wit, while Betty White’s Rose was the sweet naïve one. White conveyed her with an endless positive energy. The audience could count on Rue McClanahan’s flirty Blanche with her pure southern charm. McClanahan gave viewers a kittenish view of aging women. And, how we could age beautifully and confidently. While Estelle Getty, even with her short-stature, came off brilliantly as the wise-cracking Sophia. Getty with her sharp tongue, always had the one-liners that would create belly laughs. There was a respect for women that resonated with viewers.
The actors came to the series with their own rich resume. But even that didn’t matter. Together they embodied a phenomenal chemistry that worked and radiated a charm week after week that made this show popular with viewers.
And, now, this new murder mystery book series, stars the very same foursome. So, how does a 1980’s-early 90’s sitcom translate to a 2025 written page? Well, the author based the story in the 1980’s. Did it work?
In this story Rose wants to put on a wedding for her niece Nettie who currently lives in St. Olaf, Minnesota. So, she invites her to come to Miami, Florida, where she will put on the wedding for her and her fiancé, Jason. The young couple agree to come.
The girls decide to help Rose. In the meantime, Dorothy decides she wants to have a date at the wedding, and finds a man named Henry via a VHS dating service. She agrees to meet him for lunch in which he uncomfortably stands her up after a stilted meet-greet conversation at the restaurant. She dejectedly leaves without a word to the girls.
As wedding planning continues and the couple arrives from St. Olaf, it is time to partake of the cheesecake that Rose lovingly made as part of one of the many rituals necessary to make for a good St. Olaf traditional wedding. (Finally, we are getting to the point of the title of the book!)
But as Rose and Dorothy open the walk-in refrigerator at the motel to get the cheesecake, they discover a body. A dead body that took them all the way to page 60 to find the purpose of the title of the book!
So, why does this body have on him a note that he was meeting Dorothy at a restaurant? Could it be Henry? And, if it is Henry, what is he doing at this event – now dead?
To be honest, this was a silly read that tried too hard to bring the actors to life in print. (The actresses caricature drawings are on the book cover.) But to this reader, it only stumbled along miserably with an ill-conceived plot that just didn’t feel authentic to the time period or the characters that were beloved in the original series.
Sadly, this book was a convoluted mess. 😢I would recommend passing on this one. Although, I also recommend reading other reviews, as I could be an outlier.
1 star rounded up to 2 stars for the cheesecake recipe at the end!
Anyone who watched these shows in real time or reruns could attest to the actor’s brilliance, in playing their distinctive characters.
Beatrice Arthur would play Dorothy with a sarcastic straight face and sharp wit, while Betty White’s Rose was the sweet naïve one. White conveyed her with an endless positive energy. The audience could count on Rue McClanahan’s flirty Blanche with her pure southern charm. McClanahan gave viewers a kittenish view of aging women. And, how we could age beautifully and confidently. While Estelle Getty, even with her short-stature, came off brilliantly as the wise-cracking Sophia. Getty with her sharp tongue, always had the one-liners that would create belly laughs. There was a respect for women that resonated with viewers.
The actors came to the series with their own rich resume. But even that didn’t matter. Together they embodied a phenomenal chemistry that worked and radiated a charm week after week that made this show popular with viewers.
And, now, this new murder mystery book series, stars the very same foursome. So, how does a 1980’s-early 90’s sitcom translate to a 2025 written page? Well, the author based the story in the 1980’s. Did it work?
In this story Rose wants to put on a wedding for her niece Nettie who currently lives in St. Olaf, Minnesota. So, she invites her to come to Miami, Florida, where she will put on the wedding for her and her fiancé, Jason. The young couple agree to come.
The girls decide to help Rose. In the meantime, Dorothy decides she wants to have a date at the wedding, and finds a man named Henry via a VHS dating service. She agrees to meet him for lunch in which he uncomfortably stands her up after a stilted meet-greet conversation at the restaurant. She dejectedly leaves without a word to the girls.
As wedding planning continues and the couple arrives from St. Olaf, it is time to partake of the cheesecake that Rose lovingly made as part of one of the many rituals necessary to make for a good St. Olaf traditional wedding. (Finally, we are getting to the point of the title of the book!)
But as Rose and Dorothy open the walk-in refrigerator at the motel to get the cheesecake, they discover a body. A dead body that took them all the way to page 60 to find the purpose of the title of the book!
So, why does this body have on him a note that he was meeting Dorothy at a restaurant? Could it be Henry? And, if it is Henry, what is he doing at this event – now dead?
To be honest, this was a silly read that tried too hard to bring the actors to life in print. (The actresses caricature drawings are on the book cover.) But to this reader, it only stumbled along miserably with an ill-conceived plot that just didn’t feel authentic to the time period or the characters that were beloved in the original series.
Sadly, this book was a convoluted mess. 😢I would recommend passing on this one. Although, I also recommend reading other reviews, as I could be an outlier.
1 star rounded up to 2 stars for the cheesecake recipe at the end!
December 14, 2024
I am a huge Golden Girls fan. I have watched the series several times and I adore it each time. So, I was extremely excited about this one. Mystery solving and GG, yes!
I appreciated seeing the girls on paper but this just didn't work for me. There was a mystery. It wasn't great but the storyline was there. It felt secondary to the other plotline.
However, the big detractor for me was the writing style. It felt like someone fed all of the GG screenplays into an AI and asked it to write a mystery with the same characters. There were odd large blocks of description and overall it was a slog for me. I did a good deal of skimming.
Keep in mind this is just one person's opinion and you may love the book! So, if you love GG and enjoy mystery don't let my opinion stop you from checking this out. I hope you love it.
I appreciated seeing the girls on paper but this just didn't work for me. There was a mystery. It wasn't great but the storyline was there. It felt secondary to the other plotline.
However, the big detractor for me was the writing style. It felt like someone fed all of the GG screenplays into an AI and asked it to write a mystery with the same characters. There were odd large blocks of description and overall it was a slog for me. I did a good deal of skimming.
Keep in mind this is just one person's opinion and you may love the book! So, if you love GG and enjoy mystery don't let my opinion stop you from checking this out. I hope you love it.
April 15, 2025
When I read the blurb on this book I knew I wanted to read it. I remember The Golden Girls television series during the eighties. Well this cozy mystery author uses the Golden Girls characters as slueths who dig up clues and find out who the whodunnit is. The author did a fantastic job of bringing the girls back to life in this cute, sometimes silly cozy mystery. Because I watched the show I didn’t have to imagine what Rose, Blanche, Dorothy and Sophia looked like. This book was humorous, unpredictable and as the ending drew closer it was action packed and edge of seat reading. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. I knew I enjoyed the Golden Girls tv show but I wasn’t sure that the author of this book would be able to capture the likeness of the girls on the show with the characters in the book but she did not disappoint. I thought it was a good mystery and if there is a second book I want to read it too.
I recommend Murder by Cheesecake to all readers of Cozy Mystery. This is the first book of a new series. The book is scheduled to be released on 4/15/25.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are solely my own.
#MurderbyCheesecake #NetGalley
I recommend Murder by Cheesecake to all readers of Cozy Mystery. This is the first book of a new series. The book is scheduled to be released on 4/15/25.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are solely my own.
#MurderbyCheesecake #NetGalley
January 3, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the arc!
I love that this is my first read of the new year. This gave me everything. It was truly like watching an episode of Golden Girls! I loved the 80s references and references to some past GG episodes.
The perfect read for fans of the Golden Girls! I’m looking forward to book 2!
I love that this is my first read of the new year. This gave me everything. It was truly like watching an episode of Golden Girls! I loved the 80s references and references to some past GG episodes.
The perfect read for fans of the Golden Girls! I’m looking forward to book 2!
July 28, 2025
4.5 stars ...
Loved it! 👍😁👍 You must understand the differences between a "cozy" mystery and a "traditional" mystery. You also absolutely MUST be VERY familiar with the show and the characters. Otherwise this simply won't work for you the way it's intended.
Loved it! 👍😁👍 You must understand the differences between a "cozy" mystery and a "traditional" mystery. You also absolutely MUST be VERY familiar with the show and the characters. Otherwise this simply won't work for you the way it's intended.
January 3, 2025
Thank you to Net galley for the arc! This was the book of my dreams! Such a comforting ,cozy book inspired by my absolute comfort show! Something I really loved about this book was the fact that it felt like watching the show with a twist of murder mystery. Such a fun read and I hope the author never stops writing these.
April 21, 2025
This book was such a blast! I’m not usually a cozy mystery reader, but as a huge Golden Girls fan, I couldn’t wait to read it once I heard about it. Rachel Ekstrom Courage perfectly captures the wit and charm of Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia, bringing their distinct voices and humor to life. It feels like you’re right there with them as they work together to solve a mystery, clearing Dorothy’s name and ensuring Rose’s niece’s wedding goes off without a hitch. The plot is fast-paced, funny, and full of surprises—drag queens, outrageous disguises, a thrilling chase, and yes, a whole lot of herring and St. Olaf stories. But what really makes this book shine is how Ekstrom Courage nails the deep, unbreakable friendship between these women that has made them beloved for 40 years.
February 14, 2025
I received a free copy of, Murder by Cheesecake, by Rachel Ekstrom Courage, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is a Golden Girls cozy mystery. Sophia, Rose, Blanche, and Dorothy are still alive in our hearts and in this book. Rose's cousin is getting married in Miami,and she has to make her family in St. Olaf proud. When Dorothy's date is found not to be alive, they have a mystery to solve. I enjoyed this book, The Golden Girls, will never be forgotten.
January 14, 2025
What a treat to read this Golden Girls cozy mystery! Over the years, there have been numerous rumors circulating regarding a potential reboot of the show with a new cast and possibly new characters. As an avid fan of the TV series, I approached this novel with cautious optimism. However, I am pleased to report that this novel successfully captures the essence of the beloved show and where the ‘reboot’ should live on!
As RuPaul Charles would say…. bring back my girls.
Murder by Cheesecake is structured in a manner reminiscent of a two-part episode of The Golden Girls. Rose is planning a last-minute wedding for a family member, while Dorothy explores a new VHS-dating service. However, the plot takes a dramatic turn when a dead body is discovered at the wedding venue, leading the police to focus in on their prime suspect - Dorothy.
The novel skillfully combines the humor and charm of The Golden Girls with the suspense of an episode of Murder She Wrote. The dialogue is reminiscent of the actresses' performances, and the characters' actions and conversations feel authentic to the original series. I even found self reading the dialogue in the cast’s voices, sometimes even pausing for the audience to laugh! One minor inconsistency that I noticed was Sophia's use of a cane. While this may have been explained in the beginning of the book, I skimmed back through trying to find an explanation but was unable to discern the reasoning behind that choice for the character.
I can’t wait for the rest of the world to get their hands on this book and I eagerly anticipate the release of the remaining novels in this series, which truly captures the magic of our beloved Golden Girls!!
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Net Galley and Hyperion Avenue for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
As RuPaul Charles would say…. bring back my girls.
Murder by Cheesecake is structured in a manner reminiscent of a two-part episode of The Golden Girls. Rose is planning a last-minute wedding for a family member, while Dorothy explores a new VHS-dating service. However, the plot takes a dramatic turn when a dead body is discovered at the wedding venue, leading the police to focus in on their prime suspect - Dorothy.
The novel skillfully combines the humor and charm of The Golden Girls with the suspense of an episode of Murder She Wrote. The dialogue is reminiscent of the actresses' performances, and the characters' actions and conversations feel authentic to the original series. I even found self reading the dialogue in the cast’s voices, sometimes even pausing for the audience to laugh! One minor inconsistency that I noticed was Sophia's use of a cane. While this may have been explained in the beginning of the book, I skimmed back through trying to find an explanation but was unable to discern the reasoning behind that choice for the character.
I can’t wait for the rest of the world to get their hands on this book and I eagerly anticipate the release of the remaining novels in this series, which truly captures the magic of our beloved Golden Girls!!
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Net Galley and Hyperion Avenue for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
May 24, 2025
4.5 Stars
I love The Golden Girls. I mean, I grew up in the 90s and had a grandmother, so of course I grew up watching the show. If for some reason you don't know what the show is, it's about 4 older ladies Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia who live together in a Miami house. The deal with man problems, health, and other things in a hilarious way. I like to think I'm a Sophia, but I'm probably a Rose. I won't say more because you really just need to watch the show. It's from the eighties, but it was ahead of its time.
Murder By Cheesecake turned a situation comedy into a murder mystery with a side of comedy. It got the vibes of the show perfect. I was watching the show while reading this book.
Murder By Cheesecake is fun, little Cozy Mystery. I'm dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety right now, and this book really took my mind off of things.
I love The Golden Girls. I mean, I grew up in the 90s and had a grandmother, so of course I grew up watching the show. If for some reason you don't know what the show is, it's about 4 older ladies Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia who live together in a Miami house. The deal with man problems, health, and other things in a hilarious way. I like to think I'm a Sophia, but I'm probably a Rose. I won't say more because you really just need to watch the show. It's from the eighties, but it was ahead of its time.
Murder By Cheesecake turned a situation comedy into a murder mystery with a side of comedy. It got the vibes of the show perfect. I was watching the show while reading this book.
Murder By Cheesecake is fun, little Cozy Mystery. I'm dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety right now, and this book really took my mind off of things.
December 11, 2024
I started reading Murder By Cheesecake as soon as I was approved. How could I say no to the Golden Girls solving a crime! What an interesting and funny premise. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this- even to my Golden Girls loving friends.
The author added some of the hilarious banter and was true to the women’s personalities that you would remember from the tv show. However, the crime and resolution itself was nothing special; I know it is a cozy mystery, but there was just So. Much. Filler. The St. Olaf wedding traditions were discussed over and over and stopped being funny. I did quite a bit of skimming and couldn’t wait for it to be over. I guess I’m in the minority. Releases April 15, 2025.
I would like some cheesecake though….
The author added some of the hilarious banter and was true to the women’s personalities that you would remember from the tv show. However, the crime and resolution itself was nothing special; I know it is a cozy mystery, but there was just So. Much. Filler. The St. Olaf wedding traditions were discussed over and over and stopped being funny. I did quite a bit of skimming and couldn’t wait for it to be over. I guess I’m in the minority. Releases April 15, 2025.
I would like some cheesecake though….
February 10, 2025
This was a fun Golden Girls mystery! I would slate this under cozy mystery with a touch of quirkiness. You will love this book if that's your go-to genre. As a Golden Girls fan this book hits all the fun references and sass of our four ladies.
The vibes:
st olaf themed wedding
murder mystery
cheesecake
video dating of the 80's
miami hotels
goats and mackerel (thanks, Rose!)
golden girls go in disguise
Dropped a star because the plot twist and a couple plot points were a little too cheesy for me, but was in keeping with the show theme, so I still gave it four stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
The vibes:
st olaf themed wedding
murder mystery
cheesecake
video dating of the 80's
miami hotels
goats and mackerel (thanks, Rose!)
golden girls go in disguise
Dropped a star because the plot twist and a couple plot points were a little too cheesy for me, but was in keeping with the show theme, so I still gave it four stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
March 31, 2025
A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery - full of all the nostalgia, one-liners, and St. Olaf lore you could wish for! If you've missed your daily dose of The Golden Girls lately, then get your hands on this one! It felt like an extended show - a special murder mystery one!
Rose is pulled into planning her niece's wedding - in Miami, no less! But it must be full of all the St. Olaf traditions so they can move to St. Olaf and live happily ever after. Dorothy, feeling a bit lonely and sad at the prospect of no date to the wedding, she decides to get some of those dating site VHS tapes to see if she can spot a potential date on there. But, after an awkward date, her date is found dead - at the wedding venue no less, Dorothy becomes the #1 suspect in the murder and starts to derail all the wedding plans!
This is a silly cozy, full of Dorothy's "oh maaaa!", Sophia's zingy one-liners, Rose's odd St. Olaf lore and amusing naivete and Blanche's raunchy dips at romance and love at every turn! It truly felt like I was in the show, as we bopped around between each of the group, as they tried to clear Dorothy's name and investigate this murder - all while still planning the wedding!
It was cute, silly and full of so many great moments, I really loved the tribute to such an amazing group of women who truly stand the test of time in their wit, humor and friendship. Now I'm anxious and excitedly awaiting the next in this series!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Rose is pulled into planning her niece's wedding - in Miami, no less! But it must be full of all the St. Olaf traditions so they can move to St. Olaf and live happily ever after. Dorothy, feeling a bit lonely and sad at the prospect of no date to the wedding, she decides to get some of those dating site VHS tapes to see if she can spot a potential date on there. But, after an awkward date, her date is found dead - at the wedding venue no less, Dorothy becomes the #1 suspect in the murder and starts to derail all the wedding plans!
This is a silly cozy, full of Dorothy's "oh maaaa!", Sophia's zingy one-liners, Rose's odd St. Olaf lore and amusing naivete and Blanche's raunchy dips at romance and love at every turn! It truly felt like I was in the show, as we bopped around between each of the group, as they tried to clear Dorothy's name and investigate this murder - all while still planning the wedding!
It was cute, silly and full of so many great moments, I really loved the tribute to such an amazing group of women who truly stand the test of time in their wit, humor and friendship. Now I'm anxious and excitedly awaiting the next in this series!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
November 18, 2024
Hats off to Rachel Ekstrom Courage for bringing our beloved Golden Girls to life in the pages of this cozy mystery! She did a fantastic job of writing these characters and keeping them true to their TV characters.
I was both excited and hesitant to read this book. I have been a Golden Girls fan for decades and was worried the author wouldn't do them justice. But she did! From Blanche's flirtatious ways to Sophia's sassiness to Rose and her St Olaf ways to Dorothy's dry humor, the author brought these characters to life in a new way. I could hear their voices as I read the book and it brought back great memories of watching the show. It was also a nice trip back to the 80s with references to music, products, etc.
This story had all the vibes of the Golden Girls and was easy and fun to read. I am hoping the rest of the series is just as good as this one. I am also hoping we will get an appearance from Stanley.
This book definitely gets my recommendation. It's fun, entertaining, and a great way to spend time with the Girls again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
I was both excited and hesitant to read this book. I have been a Golden Girls fan for decades and was worried the author wouldn't do them justice. But she did! From Blanche's flirtatious ways to Sophia's sassiness to Rose and her St Olaf ways to Dorothy's dry humor, the author brought these characters to life in a new way. I could hear their voices as I read the book and it brought back great memories of watching the show. It was also a nice trip back to the 80s with references to music, products, etc.
This story had all the vibes of the Golden Girls and was easy and fun to read. I am hoping the rest of the series is just as good as this one. I am also hoping we will get an appearance from Stanley.
This book definitely gets my recommendation. It's fun, entertaining, and a great way to spend time with the Girls again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
April 16, 2025
A lovely morphing of the Golden Girls into amateur sleuths. Took a bit of time to get into the groove, but once I did, it felt great to be back with my girls. Looking forward to book 2! Meanwhile, 3.5 out of 5 for this cozy 80's gem.
Thank you Hyperion Avenue Digital and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
Thank you Hyperion Avenue Digital and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
May 5, 2025
Absolutely loved this story. The author captured the authentic essence of the Golden Girls. I had several laugh out loud moments. So thankful this is the start of what I hope will be a prolific series. If you enjoy a witty, light hearted read, this is the book for you. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an ARC and the opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an ARC and the opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
June 22, 2025
it's hard to explain but I had to find the right type of mood and headspace to really enjoy it. I love Rose in the show but reading a book that is heavy on St olaf was at times, a lot to process. But I really enjoyed the book and getting close to the Ladies again. I love the show and it was nice to find a book that adds more content to the show. It was a fun story and I could imagine the characters as I remembered from the show. This book also adds a lot of current values and topics.
March 12, 2025
I love this book!
This book was an enjoyable read and very reminiscent of the Golden Girls Tv show. Reading this book places you right into famous sitcom show. For those of us that watches reruns of the show this book is definitely a must read.
This book starts off with Rose having to plan a wedding for her niece Nettie, this wedding is a good ole fashion St. Olaf wedding. With all the traditions and herrings. This is no easy task for Rose as all things must be followed to a T. Luckily for her she has her three best friends to help her.
Dorothy decides to try video take dating and she meets a match! This guy checks all the boxes for her. Unfortunately for Dorothy he also checks another box, being dead. Sadly Dorothy becomes a prime suspect in his murder.
I enjoyed the jokes and the banter between the characters which makes reading this book all the better. I couldn’t put it down I hope this author writes more books. I’ll definitely be reading.
Thank you to Rachel Ekstrom, NetGalley, and
Hyperion Avenue publishing, Thank you to Rachel Ekstrom, NetGalley, and Hyperion Avenue publishing for providing me with an ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was an enjoyable read and very reminiscent of the Golden Girls Tv show. Reading this book places you right into famous sitcom show. For those of us that watches reruns of the show this book is definitely a must read.
This book starts off with Rose having to plan a wedding for her niece Nettie, this wedding is a good ole fashion St. Olaf wedding. With all the traditions and herrings. This is no easy task for Rose as all things must be followed to a T. Luckily for her she has her three best friends to help her.
Dorothy decides to try video take dating and she meets a match! This guy checks all the boxes for her. Unfortunately for Dorothy he also checks another box, being dead. Sadly Dorothy becomes a prime suspect in his murder.
I enjoyed the jokes and the banter between the characters which makes reading this book all the better. I couldn’t put it down I hope this author writes more books. I’ll definitely be reading.
Thank you to Rachel Ekstrom, NetGalley, and
Hyperion Avenue publishing, Thank you to Rachel Ekstrom, NetGalley, and Hyperion Avenue publishing for providing me with an ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 14, 2025
this was absolute chaos in the best way possible. it truly reads like an episode of the show, with all the heart and sass these ladies are known for. (no for real I laughed out loud so many times)
((sophia and the doggy door had me WHEEZING with laughter I just love her)) the mystery was also pretty solid, and I'll always give extra points for that. was it Literature™? no. but I had so much fun, I'll take 14 of them please and thank you. 5 stars.
**content warning for innuendo
((sophia and the doggy door had me WHEEZING with laughter I just love her)) the mystery was also pretty solid, and I'll always give extra points for that. was it Literature™? no. but I had so much fun, I'll take 14 of them please and thank you. 5 stars.
**content warning for innuendo
April 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Let me just start out by saying this was a great tribute to the Golden Girls tv show. As soon as I saw it was available I requested it. I grew up watching the show and loved every cheesy moment of it. This did not disappoint. It was just like watching the show again.
A wedding to plan, dating gone wrong, cheesecake, and a murder to solve. The perfect cozy mystery!
Let me just start out by saying this was a great tribute to the Golden Girls tv show. As soon as I saw it was available I requested it. I grew up watching the show and loved every cheesy moment of it. This did not disappoint. It was just like watching the show again.
A wedding to plan, dating gone wrong, cheesecake, and a murder to solve. The perfect cozy mystery!
June 6, 2025
So silly and cute
January 16, 2025
“Why does it say LIMP in capital letters, underlined three times?” Sophia pointed to the legal pad. “What does Stan’s sexual performance have to do with the case?”
The Golden Girls are the new Scooby-Doo gang with a lot more cheesecake and all the sass.
Picture it: Miami, 19.. something or other. There’s a wedding to plan, videotape dating, and a dead guy who ruined the cheesecake. The horror!
The beloved girls are back with a delightful little cozy mystery that satisfies our craving for a lighthearted read. The jokes were spot-on, making me laugh out loud at times. I was pleasantly surprised by how the author captured the humor, taking me back to memorable moments from seasons past.
The mystery wasn't really much of one. They threw a couple of things to throw you off the path of figuring out what really happened but you really had to think who this person even was. After all was revealed, I sat there with a confused look on my face because this character wasn't mentioned a whole lot. The girls being super sleuths was a lot of fun though.
Though 'Murder by Cheesecake' may not have been my favorite mystery in terms of the reveal and the murderer, it was an entertaining read that made me eager to see what comes next.
The Golden Girls are the new Scooby-Doo gang with a lot more cheesecake and all the sass.
Picture it: Miami, 19.. something or other. There’s a wedding to plan, videotape dating, and a dead guy who ruined the cheesecake. The horror!
The beloved girls are back with a delightful little cozy mystery that satisfies our craving for a lighthearted read. The jokes were spot-on, making me laugh out loud at times. I was pleasantly surprised by how the author captured the humor, taking me back to memorable moments from seasons past.
The mystery wasn't really much of one. They threw a couple of things to throw you off the path of figuring out what really happened but you really had to think who this person even was. After all was revealed, I sat there with a confused look on my face because this character wasn't mentioned a whole lot. The girls being super sleuths was a lot of fun though.
Though 'Murder by Cheesecake' may not have been my favorite mystery in terms of the reveal and the murderer, it was an entertaining read that made me eager to see what comes next.
January 24, 2025
Wow, this was so beyond awful. I was really looking forward to this. I’ve watched the show more times than I can count and was looking forward to a cozy mystery the girls solve.
This was 80% about a wedding and the planning involved in a St. Olaf wedding. There was hardly any detective work or amateur sleuthing involved. I probably read 50% and skimmed the rest just to complete it.
This book could have been 200 pages shorter with the the same effect. The story line was so pointless it seemed like AI took bits and pieces from the show and morphed them into a book.
I’ve never been so disappointed by a book. I could not wait to finish this. It had me so hopeful but fell so short. There was countless spelling and grammatical errors, the format was ridiculous even for an ARC.
I did love the images and page breaks scattered throughout and indicating a new chapter, those were cute. The characters had little development and they hardly represented the original characters. Rose was more obnoxious than needed.
The ending was just bland. I appreciate the ARC, but I will never read anything like this again.
0⭐️
This was 80% about a wedding and the planning involved in a St. Olaf wedding. There was hardly any detective work or amateur sleuthing involved. I probably read 50% and skimmed the rest just to complete it.
This book could have been 200 pages shorter with the the same effect. The story line was so pointless it seemed like AI took bits and pieces from the show and morphed them into a book.
I’ve never been so disappointed by a book. I could not wait to finish this. It had me so hopeful but fell so short. There was countless spelling and grammatical errors, the format was ridiculous even for an ARC.
I did love the images and page breaks scattered throughout and indicating a new chapter, those were cute. The characters had little development and they hardly represented the original characters. Rose was more obnoxious than needed.
The ending was just bland. I appreciate the ARC, but I will never read anything like this again.
0⭐️
Want to read
August 13, 2024Intriguing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,294 reviews