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Golden Girls Cozy Mystery #2
Death on the Lanai
The
New York Times
bestselling series that began with
Murder by Cheesecake
continues with an all-new Golden Girls cozy mystery!
When the Girls accept a very strange invitation to a lavish party on a remote island estate, they find that murder has a way of ruining even the most glamorous of evenings.
The invite delivered to 6151 Richmond Street was short on details, only promising to celebrate “the greatest artist of the century” and accompanied by a jewel-encrusted brooch—the whole package a brand of mysterious opulence that another Saturday night of gin rummy just can’t match.
Blanche Devereaux’s passionate dalliances are as plentiful as hot Southern nights, and surely one can’t be expected to remember all of one’s suitors. But when the Girls disembark the party’s ferry at a small Biscayne Bay island and meet their secretive host, the memories come flooding she a Radio City Rockette in her twenties, he the poor artist who could offer her nothing but his love. Fate drove them apart, but Declan, now a famous artist El Toro, professes that Blanche has always been his muse.
Featured prominently in his artworks and central to El Toro’s return to the apex of the art world, Blanche is thrilled to have been such an inspiring figure to this man. But looking around at a party filled with those who have made their livings off the artist’s fame—his assistant, his art dealer, his greatest critic, and more—Dorothy isn’t so sure they’re welcome on the island after all.
When a tropical storm knocks power out across the island, an optimistic Blanche proclaims that everyone looks better by candlelight anyway. But when Declan is found dead the next morning, all eyes are on her, his supposed muse of thirty-plus years. Trapped at the estate with the other guests—suspects all—the Girls must band together to find the true killer and get back to pleasant evenings of card games and cheesecake.
When the Girls accept a very strange invitation to a lavish party on a remote island estate, they find that murder has a way of ruining even the most glamorous of evenings.
The invite delivered to 6151 Richmond Street was short on details, only promising to celebrate “the greatest artist of the century” and accompanied by a jewel-encrusted brooch—the whole package a brand of mysterious opulence that another Saturday night of gin rummy just can’t match.
Blanche Devereaux’s passionate dalliances are as plentiful as hot Southern nights, and surely one can’t be expected to remember all of one’s suitors. But when the Girls disembark the party’s ferry at a small Biscayne Bay island and meet their secretive host, the memories come flooding she a Radio City Rockette in her twenties, he the poor artist who could offer her nothing but his love. Fate drove them apart, but Declan, now a famous artist El Toro, professes that Blanche has always been his muse.
Featured prominently in his artworks and central to El Toro’s return to the apex of the art world, Blanche is thrilled to have been such an inspiring figure to this man. But looking around at a party filled with those who have made their livings off the artist’s fame—his assistant, his art dealer, his greatest critic, and more—Dorothy isn’t so sure they’re welcome on the island after all.
When a tropical storm knocks power out across the island, an optimistic Blanche proclaims that everyone looks better by candlelight anyway. But when Declan is found dead the next morning, all eyes are on her, his supposed muse of thirty-plus years. Trapped at the estate with the other guests—suspects all—the Girls must band together to find the true killer and get back to pleasant evenings of card games and cheesecake.
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2026
About the author
Rachel Ekstrom Courage
3 books570 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
June 24, 2026
Death on the Lanai is the latest installment to the Golden Girls Cozy Mystery series from Rachel Ekstrom Courage.
I had a lot of fun reading the 1st-book, Murder by Cheesecake, so had been highly anticipating this release. I'm happy to report, I enjoyed this one even more!
In this installment, REC brings a classic murder mystery set-up to the page for our GGs. The ladies receive a mysterious invitation to attend a dinner party at a remote island estate. Even though they have no clue who the invitation is from, there could be single men there, so they're definitely going to attend.
Dressed to the nines, the ladies climb aboard a water taxi to be ferried out to the island prepared for a glamorous night. The possibilities are endless of what the evening could hold, but they couldn't imagine what would actually go down.
Once they've arrived, the ladies are introduced to their mystery host and owner of the estate, Declan, a famous artist known as El Toro. Quickly, memories of her time as a NYC Rockette come flooding back to Blanche.
Declan was Blanche's beau during her short time in NYC, before she was swept back to Georgia by her family. She's had no contact with him for years. How did he possibly find her, and what is the intent of this unexpected reunion?
The dinner guest list is small, and as the evening progresses the ladies get to know each of the other attendees and their basic connection to Declan. The majority of them are closely tied to his career as an artist, and as it turns out, even Blanche has a connection she never knew about.
As is expected in situations like this, a ferocious storm ends up battering the island, knocking out the power and stranding the guests there overnight.
The next morning, Declan is found dead in his studio and all eyes are on Blanche. The ladies know that Blanche is innocent, meaning someone else on that island is a killer, and they're trapped there with them. It's up to the ladies to suss out the real killer before they're able to kill again.
This was so cute. I loved the classic set-up for the mystery and laughed so many times as the ladies tried to solve the whodunit. I love them all so much.
I feel like Rachel Ekstrom Courage is really settling into writing their personalities and bringing them to life. She's honed in on their dynamic so well and it definitely translated better onto the page this time. Their vibe felt much more natural than it did in the 1st-book.
The mystery was also more intriguing to me, and I loved having this set cast of possible killers. There were red herrings, and at times, it was a real head-scratcher.
I'm so in love with this series at this point. I'm really hoping we get more. Miami is a busy place, and our girls are good at getting themselves into, and then out of, sticky situations.
As I said with the 1st-book, I would recommend it to any Golden Girls fan. The GGs were handled with grace, and I think it's quite nostalgic for any long-term fan of the television show.
Personally, I don't think it would hit quite the same for people who haven't watched the show, but I could be wrong. As a Cozy Mystery, it's still solid, regardless of who the characters are.
Thank you to the publisher, Hyperion Avenue, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm so invested in this series now, I'm already anxious to hear news of what's next!
I had a lot of fun reading the 1st-book, Murder by Cheesecake, so had been highly anticipating this release. I'm happy to report, I enjoyed this one even more!
In this installment, REC brings a classic murder mystery set-up to the page for our GGs. The ladies receive a mysterious invitation to attend a dinner party at a remote island estate. Even though they have no clue who the invitation is from, there could be single men there, so they're definitely going to attend.
Dressed to the nines, the ladies climb aboard a water taxi to be ferried out to the island prepared for a glamorous night. The possibilities are endless of what the evening could hold, but they couldn't imagine what would actually go down.
Once they've arrived, the ladies are introduced to their mystery host and owner of the estate, Declan, a famous artist known as El Toro. Quickly, memories of her time as a NYC Rockette come flooding back to Blanche.
Declan was Blanche's beau during her short time in NYC, before she was swept back to Georgia by her family. She's had no contact with him for years. How did he possibly find her, and what is the intent of this unexpected reunion?
The dinner guest list is small, and as the evening progresses the ladies get to know each of the other attendees and their basic connection to Declan. The majority of them are closely tied to his career as an artist, and as it turns out, even Blanche has a connection she never knew about.
As is expected in situations like this, a ferocious storm ends up battering the island, knocking out the power and stranding the guests there overnight.
The next morning, Declan is found dead in his studio and all eyes are on Blanche. The ladies know that Blanche is innocent, meaning someone else on that island is a killer, and they're trapped there with them. It's up to the ladies to suss out the real killer before they're able to kill again.
This was so cute. I loved the classic set-up for the mystery and laughed so many times as the ladies tried to solve the whodunit. I love them all so much.
I feel like Rachel Ekstrom Courage is really settling into writing their personalities and bringing them to life. She's honed in on their dynamic so well and it definitely translated better onto the page this time. Their vibe felt much more natural than it did in the 1st-book.
The mystery was also more intriguing to me, and I loved having this set cast of possible killers. There were red herrings, and at times, it was a real head-scratcher.
I'm so in love with this series at this point. I'm really hoping we get more. Miami is a busy place, and our girls are good at getting themselves into, and then out of, sticky situations.
As I said with the 1st-book, I would recommend it to any Golden Girls fan. The GGs were handled with grace, and I think it's quite nostalgic for any long-term fan of the television show.
Personally, I don't think it would hit quite the same for people who haven't watched the show, but I could be wrong. As a Cozy Mystery, it's still solid, regardless of who the characters are.
Thank you to the publisher, Hyperion Avenue, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm so invested in this series now, I'm already anxious to hear news of what's next!
March 15, 2026
Growing up with the show as a favorite, and admittedly watching full series reruns at least three times, I was super excited about this book launch. The first in series was wonderful. I didn't love this second one as much. There were some character deviations as tho the author didn't really watch the entire series. The mysterious island felt too contrived. And the scenes were too forced in a few instances. I laughed tho. I enjoyed a good amount of the book. It just needed someone more familiar with the show to change some parts to make it shine brighter.
Want to Read
August 4, 2025LET'S GO!!!!!
Currently Reading
June 2, 2026I CANNOT WAAAAIT FOR THIS BOOK 😭 I NEED TO GET BACK TO MY GIRL'S WORLD 🥹 UNTIL THEN ILL REWATCH THE SHOW AGAIN 🫣🤭
March 13, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
This week I was really craving a light, easy read.
Nothing focused on politics, the economy, or healthcare; I kind of needed a distraction from everything going on in the world right now.
So when I got that approval email from NetGalley for this book, it instantly put a smile on my face.
I requested it a couple of weeks ago and am actually glad that I didn’t get it instantly, because I got it when I needed it the most!
Reading this book really felt just like watching The Golden Girls.
The author, Rachel Ekstrom Courage, did a great job of giving them the right lines reflective of their own personalities:
Sophia’s chutzpah, Rose’s naivety, Blanche’s Southern charm and love of men, and Dorothy’s acumen with just about everything.
When the book starts, the ladies receive a mysterious invitation to a dinner party on a private island near Miami.
There’s no return address, and they really aren’t even sure which of them it was meant for.
After a short debate, they decide to go for a chance to get dressed up and hopefully have a fun evening.
Shortly after the dinner party starts, a storm comes and they lose electricity.
Then, someone is killed.
Keep in mind, this took place in the late 80’s; there were no iPhones to use to get help.
I enjoyed the locked room mystery theme to this, but I will be honest…I was really reading this for the nostalgia of reconnecting with the characters on a show that I’ve been watching (repeatedly) for nearly three decades.
I appreciated the several references to things that happened in specific episodes and even some characters who only appeared in a couple of episodes.
The author clearly did her research, or maybe, like me, she is just a huge Golden Girls fan.
At first I was hesitant to request this because I noticed that it’s number two in a series, but then I read some reviews saying that it isn’t necessary to read them in order.
Although I do definitely intend the read the first one, Murder By Cheesecake!
Thanks to NetGalley, Hyperion Avenue, and Rachel Ekstrom Courage for providing me with this eARC!
This week I was really craving a light, easy read.
Nothing focused on politics, the economy, or healthcare; I kind of needed a distraction from everything going on in the world right now.
So when I got that approval email from NetGalley for this book, it instantly put a smile on my face.
I requested it a couple of weeks ago and am actually glad that I didn’t get it instantly, because I got it when I needed it the most!
Reading this book really felt just like watching The Golden Girls.
The author, Rachel Ekstrom Courage, did a great job of giving them the right lines reflective of their own personalities:
Sophia’s chutzpah, Rose’s naivety, Blanche’s Southern charm and love of men, and Dorothy’s acumen with just about everything.
When the book starts, the ladies receive a mysterious invitation to a dinner party on a private island near Miami.
There’s no return address, and they really aren’t even sure which of them it was meant for.
After a short debate, they decide to go for a chance to get dressed up and hopefully have a fun evening.
Shortly after the dinner party starts, a storm comes and they lose electricity.
Then, someone is killed.
Keep in mind, this took place in the late 80’s; there were no iPhones to use to get help.
I enjoyed the locked room mystery theme to this, but I will be honest…I was really reading this for the nostalgia of reconnecting with the characters on a show that I’ve been watching (repeatedly) for nearly three decades.
I appreciated the several references to things that happened in specific episodes and even some characters who only appeared in a couple of episodes.
The author clearly did her research, or maybe, like me, she is just a huge Golden Girls fan.
At first I was hesitant to request this because I noticed that it’s number two in a series, but then I read some reviews saying that it isn’t necessary to read them in order.
Although I do definitely intend the read the first one, Murder By Cheesecake!
Thanks to NetGalley, Hyperion Avenue, and Rachel Ekstrom Courage for providing me with this eARC!
Want to Read
February 8, 2026ha! I loved book 1 - Golden Girls cozy mysteries! SO fun!
Can't wait for this one in 2026
*** EEE! ARC REC'D THANK YOU!! **
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.
Can't wait for this one in 2026
*** EEE! ARC REC'D THANK YOU!! **
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.
June 9, 2026
This really is just like having brand new Golden Girls content. The author nails their voices so authentically, even telling us what they’re thinking and feeling in a way that feels accurate. No detail seemed out of place. Courage writes as if she knows these characters on a personal level. Even when she adds an original memory from one of their backstories, it’s completely believable, and I find myself wondering if I ever heard that story mentioned before on an episode of the show. (She does also incorporate many familiar references for those of us who have watched it over and over, and those are so fun to spot!)
The actual mystery here is pretty interesting and well crafted in my opinion, but I also have limited experience with the mystery genre. I was mainly here for the nostalgia and the comedy, both of which delivered in spades. I have one very tiny little gripe and it’s not really a spoiler but I’ll still put it behind a cut:
I liked the overall story of the first book more, but this one was cute and fun and had a heartwarming ending. Every once in a while it’s really nice to take a little break in between the bloody horror stuff and just be cozy and comforted for a second! Highly recommend these books for any and all Golden Girls fans.
The actual mystery here is pretty interesting and well crafted in my opinion, but I also have limited experience with the mystery genre. I was mainly here for the nostalgia and the comedy, both of which delivered in spades. I have one very tiny little gripe and it’s not really a spoiler but I’ll still put it behind a cut:
I liked the overall story of the first book more, but this one was cute and fun and had a heartwarming ending. Every once in a while it’s really nice to take a little break in between the bloody horror stuff and just be cozy and comforted for a second! Highly recommend these books for any and all Golden Girls fans.
February 7, 2026
I loved it! Rachel Ekstrom Courage once again nails the Girls’ voices in Death on the Lanai, giving us a cozy mystery that feels like a lost episode of the show in the best way. The banter is sharp, the jokes genuinely laugh-out-loud funny, and the setup (stormy island, a blast from Blanche’s romantic past, way too many suspects) is exactly the kind of trouble you can picture Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia getting into. It’s a clever mystery that captures the heart of The Golden Girls and is just plain fun to read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this book as an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love the Golden Girls show and had high expectations for this book. The storyline was alright, but I thought that the writing itself wasn't great. The chapters were very short and choppy, which made it hard for me to really get drawn in. The characters were true to the show, though.
I love the Golden Girls show and had high expectations for this book. The storyline was alright, but I thought that the writing itself wasn't great. The chapters were very short and choppy, which made it hard for me to really get drawn in. The characters were true to the show, though.
April 7, 2026
Just what I needed… a light and easy read in between all of my dark thrillers and historical fiction lately 🤣
It’s so fun to be back in the heads of the characters of The Golden Girls via this series; the first one focused on Rose, this one focuses on Blanche. I’m curious to see who’s next and what murder they’ll be solving this time.
A nice funny cheesy story! 3.5 ⭐️
It’s so fun to be back in the heads of the characters of The Golden Girls via this series; the first one focused on Rose, this one focuses on Blanche. I’m curious to see who’s next and what murder they’ll be solving this time.
A nice funny cheesy story! 3.5 ⭐️
June 2, 2026
4.25 stars
Four best friends, Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia, are excited by a mysterious invitation to a gala on a private island. When they arrive, it's more like a small dinner party, and Blanche is surprised when their host reveals his identity. The fun evening takes a bad turn when a storm knocks the power and phone lines out and becomes even worse when there is a death. Now the Golden Girls and the other guests are trapped on the island with a killer. Can they solve the crime before the killer strikes again?
This is the second book in the Golden Girls mystery series, and I enjoyed this one even more than the first. This book again captures the essence of the characters and the dialogue rings true. I found the plot in this one was more engaging. I think the book is more fun if you've seen at least a few episodes of the TV show. As I read, I could picture the lines being delivered by the actresses on the show.
Since nobody from law enforcement can get to the island, Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia start their own investigation, at one point improvising by making notes on a mirror with lipstick. In spite of their differences, they work well together and are able to solve the case. This helps them to realize it's okay that they're not all alike and proves the strength of true friendship and found family. This is an entertaining, sometimes funny and sometimes sweet, cozy mystery.
I received an advance copy of the ebook from Hyperion Avenue Books and NetGalley, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
Four best friends, Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia, are excited by a mysterious invitation to a gala on a private island. When they arrive, it's more like a small dinner party, and Blanche is surprised when their host reveals his identity. The fun evening takes a bad turn when a storm knocks the power and phone lines out and becomes even worse when there is a death. Now the Golden Girls and the other guests are trapped on the island with a killer. Can they solve the crime before the killer strikes again?
This is the second book in the Golden Girls mystery series, and I enjoyed this one even more than the first. This book again captures the essence of the characters and the dialogue rings true. I found the plot in this one was more engaging. I think the book is more fun if you've seen at least a few episodes of the TV show. As I read, I could picture the lines being delivered by the actresses on the show.
Since nobody from law enforcement can get to the island, Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia start their own investigation, at one point improvising by making notes on a mirror with lipstick. In spite of their differences, they work well together and are able to solve the case. This helps them to realize it's okay that they're not all alike and proves the strength of true friendship and found family. This is an entertaining, sometimes funny and sometimes sweet, cozy mystery.
I received an advance copy of the ebook from Hyperion Avenue Books and NetGalley, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
nope
June 12, 2026Writing is just a little too light.
May 9, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
As someone who grew up watching The Golden Girls series, the nostalgia was easily my favorite part of this story. I loved being able to picture the characters so clearly and hear their voices while reading. The banter between the girls felt authentic to the show and there were several moments that genuinely made me smile because they captured the personalities and humor so well. Fans of the series will definitely appreciate all the familiar references and cozy throwback vibes.
Unfortunately, the mystery itself fell pretty flat for me. The pacing was slow, the chapters felt choppy and it took too long for the actual murder plot to really get going. While I enjoyed spending time with these characters, the story leaned much more on nostalgia than suspense and the mystery never became very compelling.
Overall, this was a cozy, easy read for Golden Girls fans, but I was hoping for a stronger plot and more depth to the mystery.
As someone who grew up watching The Golden Girls series, the nostalgia was easily my favorite part of this story. I loved being able to picture the characters so clearly and hear their voices while reading. The banter between the girls felt authentic to the show and there were several moments that genuinely made me smile because they captured the personalities and humor so well. Fans of the series will definitely appreciate all the familiar references and cozy throwback vibes.
Unfortunately, the mystery itself fell pretty flat for me. The pacing was slow, the chapters felt choppy and it took too long for the actual murder plot to really get going. While I enjoyed spending time with these characters, the story leaned much more on nostalgia than suspense and the mystery never became very compelling.
Overall, this was a cozy, easy read for Golden Girls fans, but I was hoping for a stronger plot and more depth to the mystery.
March 16, 2026
OVERALL STAR RATING: 4/5
CLEAN RATING: 4/5
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Book two in this Golden Girls cozy mystery series and once again I am left speechless at how well this author can nail each of the girls’ unique personalities. If you’re a super fan, this is a MUST read. You’re going to forget you’re even reading – it feels like you’re watching some never-before-seen television episode, and you can see and hear every detail play out in your brain because you already KNOW these characters so well. The sarcasm and banter are top notch. It’s just one ginormous nostalgic hug that will leave you smiling. This is one of those book series that I want to go on forever. It’s so obvious that the author isn’t just trying to turn a buck on behalf of the popularity of the Girls but is truly a fan herself – it shines through on every page.
A mysterious invitation and gorgeous jeweled brooch are delivered to the girls’ home, boasting a celebration of “the greatest artist of the century”. The girls all speculate on who it could be from and for whom the invite was intended for. Their curiosity gets the better of them, and they set off to the remote island where the party is being held, dressed to “kill”. ;)
El Toro, the renowned artist being celebrated, happens to be one of Blanche’s old flames who used her as a muse for his work. A massive storm knocks out power on the island and the next morning El Toro is found dead. The girls are determined to solve this mystery to clear their own names of the crime. Just an overall fun and unique cozy mystery series that has really won over my heart.
As with book one, a 4-Star clean rating because this is exactly like the television show. This book reads very true to the girls’ on-screen banter with some sexual innuendo woven throughout.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 4/5
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Book two in this Golden Girls cozy mystery series and once again I am left speechless at how well this author can nail each of the girls’ unique personalities. If you’re a super fan, this is a MUST read. You’re going to forget you’re even reading – it feels like you’re watching some never-before-seen television episode, and you can see and hear every detail play out in your brain because you already KNOW these characters so well. The sarcasm and banter are top notch. It’s just one ginormous nostalgic hug that will leave you smiling. This is one of those book series that I want to go on forever. It’s so obvious that the author isn’t just trying to turn a buck on behalf of the popularity of the Girls but is truly a fan herself – it shines through on every page.
A mysterious invitation and gorgeous jeweled brooch are delivered to the girls’ home, boasting a celebration of “the greatest artist of the century”. The girls all speculate on who it could be from and for whom the invite was intended for. Their curiosity gets the better of them, and they set off to the remote island where the party is being held, dressed to “kill”. ;)
El Toro, the renowned artist being celebrated, happens to be one of Blanche’s old flames who used her as a muse for his work. A massive storm knocks out power on the island and the next morning El Toro is found dead. The girls are determined to solve this mystery to clear their own names of the crime. Just an overall fun and unique cozy mystery series that has really won over my heart.
As with book one, a 4-Star clean rating because this is exactly like the television show. This book reads very true to the girls’ on-screen banter with some sexual innuendo woven throughout.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
March 1, 2026
Death on the Lanai is the second installment in the Golden Girls cozy mystery series. This is a cute book that focuses on Blanche and a mystery man from her past. If you are a fan of the Golden Girls then these books are the best way to keep the girls alive - this book has so many references to events and memories from the TV show. The author has continued to do an amazing job with the character's personalities and their interactions with each other - she has captured them perfectly! I am a Golden Girls SuperFan and love everything about this series. I look forward to more!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the opportunity to read this ebook ARC.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the opportunity to read this ebook ARC.
June 13, 2026
Okay I know these are cheesy cozy mystery books but I LOVED this one so much! I hope the author does a book for each of the girls. The 1st book primarily focused on Rose & the wedding she was hosting. This one focuses on Blanche being framed for murder. Now we just need Dorothy & Sophia’s books 🤣 If you are a fan of The Golden Girls then you need to read these!
June 6, 2026
This book feels like watching a Golden Girls episode. The author did such a good job of capturing the personalities and voices of the characters we know and love! I enjoyed the locked room mystery vibes of this one.
June 15, 2026
I loved the first book and had high hopes for this one! It was cute and fun to hang out with the girls, but something about the story didn’t quite stick for me.
May 22, 2026
Like Finding Lost Golden Girls Episodes With Murder Included
This was such a cozy, nostalgic listen for me. If you grew up watching The Golden Girls on reruns like I did, this honestly feels like slipping back into that world again — just with a murder mystery layered in. The references and character dynamics felt true to the show without feeling forced, and that’s really what made this work.
The Golden Girls aspect absolutely carried the experience. Sophia was probably my favorite in this one (with Dorothy close behind 😂), and the narrator deserves serious credit because she genuinely sounded shockingly close to the original characters at times. I honestly don’t think this would hit nearly as hard in physical book format — the audiobook performance is what brings the whole thing to life.
The mystery itself was actually stronger than the first book for me, which surprised me. It still kept that cozy, low-stress feel, but there was enough intrigue to stay engaged the whole time. The pacing stayed smooth too, even while I’ve generally been in a bit of a reading slump lately. Emotionally, this wasn’t deep so much as comforting — one of those rare reads tied to genuinely happy memories and familiar characters. Overall, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ purely for the nostalgia and fun factor.
Who should read/listen: If you love The Golden Girls, this is absolutely for you. Especially in audiobook format.
This was such a cozy, nostalgic listen for me. If you grew up watching The Golden Girls on reruns like I did, this honestly feels like slipping back into that world again — just with a murder mystery layered in. The references and character dynamics felt true to the show without feeling forced, and that’s really what made this work.
The Golden Girls aspect absolutely carried the experience. Sophia was probably my favorite in this one (with Dorothy close behind 😂), and the narrator deserves serious credit because she genuinely sounded shockingly close to the original characters at times. I honestly don’t think this would hit nearly as hard in physical book format — the audiobook performance is what brings the whole thing to life.
The mystery itself was actually stronger than the first book for me, which surprised me. It still kept that cozy, low-stress feel, but there was enough intrigue to stay engaged the whole time. The pacing stayed smooth too, even while I’ve generally been in a bit of a reading slump lately. Emotionally, this wasn’t deep so much as comforting — one of those rare reads tied to genuinely happy memories and familiar characters. Overall, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ purely for the nostalgia and fun factor.
Who should read/listen: If you love The Golden Girls, this is absolutely for you. Especially in audiobook format.
June 2, 2026
3.5⭐️ such a fun book for fans of The Golden Girls!
June 3, 2026
It’s always bad when a mystery novel bores me. Adding in how the ladies were outright rude to one another at times. I still stand by my belief that this series doesn’t need to be Golden Girls at all…the most we get are a few humorous bits of dialogue at the beginning that you can practically hear the laugh track run over, but otherwise, it could just be quirky senior citizen: the mystery novel. I don’t think I’ll be bothering with any further books in this series.
March 15, 2026
Death on the Lanai is a cozy mystery that perfectly captures the charm and humor of The Golden Girls. As a lifelong fan of the series, the characters feel so authentic that it genuinely feels like stepping back into an episode of the show. Watching the ladies get pulled into a murder investigation was both entertaining and nostalgic. I could easily picture every scene playing out just like it would on screen—but with a mystery to solve. This was a delightful read and a must for fans of the iconic show!
June 6, 2026
To sum it up quickly: great nostalgia, mediocre story. Overall, just okay…
This is book 2 in the Golden Girls cozy mystery series. I really wanted to love this. Book 1 wasn’t my favorite storyline because even in the show, I get tired of Rose’s whole St. Olaf schtick. I was hoping with the focus on a different character like Blanche, I’d love it more. But it was just as silly and over the top as the first.
The author does a fantastic job at capturing the Golden Girls’ voices - I can hear them reading each of these lines in my head as if I was watching the show. And the story itself is fitting too, really: The girls are invited to an exclusive party at an island mansion. They don’t know who invited them - or who the beautiful brooch is for, but they dress for a night to remember and set out on a weekend adventure where they must solve another murd3r.
And yet… I found myself so bored in the middle of this book. It became very repetitive and was maybe 100 pages longer than it really needed to be. It took me a while to figure out why I kept setting it down to pick up my phone, but I think that was it.
That being said, the little Easter eggs and reminders from the show were still really fun and pulled me through this book. If you’re a Golden Girls fan, this one is for you!
This is book 2 in the Golden Girls cozy mystery series. I really wanted to love this. Book 1 wasn’t my favorite storyline because even in the show, I get tired of Rose’s whole St. Olaf schtick. I was hoping with the focus on a different character like Blanche, I’d love it more. But it was just as silly and over the top as the first.
The author does a fantastic job at capturing the Golden Girls’ voices - I can hear them reading each of these lines in my head as if I was watching the show. And the story itself is fitting too, really: The girls are invited to an exclusive party at an island mansion. They don’t know who invited them - or who the beautiful brooch is for, but they dress for a night to remember and set out on a weekend adventure where they must solve another murd3r.
And yet… I found myself so bored in the middle of this book. It became very repetitive and was maybe 100 pages longer than it really needed to be. It took me a while to figure out why I kept setting it down to pick up my phone, but I think that was it.
That being said, the little Easter eggs and reminders from the show were still really fun and pulled me through this book. If you’re a Golden Girls fan, this one is for you!
June 6, 2026
3.5!
Thank you to Netgalley and Hyperion Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my review!
I love the Golden Girl, Sophia is one of my favourite fictional characters.
I have the first book but haven't read it yet - I was excited when this book was available for request.
It started off strong and super cute, I mean it's the Golden Girls! Roughly at about the 50% mark, it started to taper off and get a bit stale! It shouldn't have taken me as long as it did to read...some parts were a bit of a sleeper, but nonetheless still a good time.
The humour of the girls was there and had some serious laugh at out loud moments which was a great touch. If you're not a GG fan, I recommend skipping this one - if you are a Golden Girls fan, I recommend giving the book a go for nostalgia and another addition to the GG universe!
Thank you to Netgalley and Hyperion Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my review!
I love the Golden Girl, Sophia is one of my favourite fictional characters.
I have the first book but haven't read it yet - I was excited when this book was available for request.
It started off strong and super cute, I mean it's the Golden Girls! Roughly at about the 50% mark, it started to taper off and get a bit stale! It shouldn't have taken me as long as it did to read...some parts were a bit of a sleeper, but nonetheless still a good time.
The humour of the girls was there and had some serious laugh at out loud moments which was a great touch. If you're not a GG fan, I recommend skipping this one - if you are a Golden Girls fan, I recommend giving the book a go for nostalgia and another addition to the GG universe!
June 2, 2026
I grew up on The Golden Girls. Reruns and marathons are heaven-sent. The theme song regularly gets stuck in my head even if I haven't watched an episode in awhile.
This book (and I did not read the first in the series, if that matters) did not quite live up to the Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia I know and love. In a way, it tries just a little too hard to live up to the magic of the show - often by weaving in random storylines from episodes.
It's basically fanfiction. And I am a fan of fanfiction. There's just... always a little something lacking in fanfiction simply because it's not the original thing that passionate fans loved - which brought them to fanfiction in the first place.
Thanks to the author, Hyperion Avenue, and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest & original review.
This book (and I did not read the first in the series, if that matters) did not quite live up to the Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia I know and love. In a way, it tries just a little too hard to live up to the magic of the show - often by weaving in random storylines from episodes.
It's basically fanfiction. And I am a fan of fanfiction. There's just... always a little something lacking in fanfiction simply because it's not the original thing that passionate fans loved - which brought them to fanfiction in the first place.
Thanks to the author, Hyperion Avenue, and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest & original review.
June 16, 2026
The first one was fun enough in the sense that it’s “fun” to imagine what a 90-minute special could have been like, this is a horribly written piece of fan-fic that may as well have been AI generated. You could prompt a generator to spit out a GG meets Clue mashup and it would be better than this.
Not only are the characters’ personalities magnified in weird ways (Dorothy being bullied for being ugly, Rose insisting she’s intelligent), Blanche’s new backstory is totally unbelievable, and the way she wishes Big Daddy were there?
Even if you are a die-hard fan, or especially if you are? I would skip this. If you like early-reader-level cozies, this may be for you.
Not only are the characters’ personalities magnified in weird ways (Dorothy being bullied for being ugly, Rose insisting she’s intelligent), Blanche’s new backstory is totally unbelievable, and the way she wishes Big Daddy were there?
Even if you are a die-hard fan, or especially if you are? I would skip this. If you like early-reader-level cozies, this may be for you.
June 21, 2026
A fan of The Golden Girls for nearly 30 years, I am *loving* this book series with its many nods to the TV show. This author does a great job as capturing the spirit of these 4 characters and this is another great installment! Laugh out loud hilarious with a few touching moments. Can't wait for more books!
May 28, 2026
Death on the Lanai is the second in the Golden Girls book series, and it is just as delightful as it sounds. A locked door, or rather locked island, mystery that is even better than the first installment of this series.
The ladies are wonderful to read. Their biting wit, insane situations, and tight sisterly bond make this a light read that delights while still getting a gruesome murder in the mix. I really enjoyed hearing more of Blanche's point of view, but I still rooted for Dorothy all the way!
I wish that they hadn't made Rose so airheaded in this book, especially after we got her POV in the last novel, which justified her actions and backstory a bit more. It seemed silly that the others mentioned growing from the adventure in the first book, but it almost reads like Rose is "sundowning" at certain parts. I also am not the biggest fan of Dorothy's story in the epilogue. I am #teamdorothy all the way, but it felt like a last-minute throw-in that wasn't well developed or earned.
Overall, this was a great ride, and a big thank you to Hyperion Avenue for the advanced copy.
ARC provided by NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue -
Release June 2, 2026
The ladies are wonderful to read. Their biting wit, insane situations, and tight sisterly bond make this a light read that delights while still getting a gruesome murder in the mix. I really enjoyed hearing more of Blanche's point of view, but I still rooted for Dorothy all the way!
I wish that they hadn't made Rose so airheaded in this book, especially after we got her POV in the last novel, which justified her actions and backstory a bit more. It seemed silly that the others mentioned growing from the adventure in the first book, but it almost reads like Rose is "sundowning" at certain parts. I also am not the biggest fan of Dorothy's story in the epilogue. I am #teamdorothy all the way, but it felt like a last-minute throw-in that wasn't well developed or earned.
Overall, this was a great ride, and a big thank you to Hyperion Avenue for the advanced copy.
ARC provided by NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue -
Release June 2, 2026
June 5, 2026
A cute casual read about four close friends solving a murder mystery. Has a satosfying ending and quirky comedic moments. Good for a quick read if you need a refresh in between books.
June 6, 2026
It was a fun read, took me back to watching on the girls on tv.
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