What do you think?
Golden Girls Cozy Mysteries #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.
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 2, 2026
About the author
Rachel Ekstrom Courage
4 books668 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 524 reviews
June 3, 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!
February 22, 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.
August 4, 2025
LET'S GO!!!!!
Three and a half stars!
Three and a half stars!
September 15, 2025
- 3.75-4⭐️ i'm going to be soo heart broken when this series ends😭😭.. I really hope Rachel comes out with another Golden Girls Series. Reading this series with the show Playing in the Background is such a vibe. I'm already excited for the next book☺️
I CANNOT WAAAAIT FOR THIS BOOK 😭 I NEED TO GET BACK TO MY GIRL'S WORLD 🥹 UNTIL THEN ILL REWATCH THE SHOW AGAIN 🫣🤭
I CANNOT WAAAAIT FOR THIS BOOK 😭 I NEED TO GET BACK TO MY GIRL'S WORLD 🥹 UNTIL THEN ILL REWATCH THE SHOW AGAIN 🫣🤭
July 8, 2026
Enjoyed reading this second addition of the Golden Girls Cozy Mystery series . Rachel Ekstrom Courage brings our Golden Girls back to life in this perplexing whodunnit murder mystery. Our girls get invited to a party on a private island by one of Blanches former boyfriends. Their stay at the island gets extended when a severe storm takes out the power lines and tears up the boat that is the only way off the island. Good thing that Blanch packed an extra suitcase.
Things take a twisted turn when the island owner is found dead in his living quarters at the old mansion. Since no one can get off the island everyone of the guests becomes suspects for the deceased’s murder. Dorothy and her Mother, Rose and Blanch put on their slueth’s hats and set to work at shifting through clues and solving the case. There’s a murderer among them who could kill again!
I highly recommend Death on the Lanai to readers of cozy mystery and to fans of The Golden Girls and the television reruns. If you read book one you won’t want to miss the second addition in the series.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are entirely my own.
#DeathontheLanai #NetGalley
Things take a twisted turn when the island owner is found dead in his living quarters at the old mansion. Since no one can get off the island everyone of the guests becomes suspects for the deceased’s murder. Dorothy and her Mother, Rose and Blanch put on their slueth’s hats and set to work at shifting through clues and solving the case. There’s a murderer among them who could kill again!
I highly recommend Death on the Lanai to readers of cozy mystery and to fans of The Golden Girls and the television reruns. If you read book one you won’t want to miss the second addition in the series.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are entirely my own.
#DeathontheLanai #NetGalley
July 12, 2026
Had so much fun reading this. Love the Golden girls show and enjoy being able to read a cozy mystery inspired by the show. Of course its not quite the same but im very entertained by the series. Hopefully there will be a book 3
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!
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.
Want to Read
November 19, 2025ha! 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.
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!
July 17, 2026
This perfectly captures the essence of The Golden Girls as a fun cozy mystery! Unfortunately I think the first book was much better in terms of crime, dialogue, and plot. This was a good follow up, but it just wasn’t as magical as the first book.
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 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.
July 27, 2026
This one was just eh. Not nearly as good as the first one, in my opinion.
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.
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.
July 7, 2026
I think I preferred the first one ever so slightly, but this was so much fun. The author has a fantastic handle on how these characters talk, our leading ladies feel so in character and it's fabulous. (plus there are LOTS of references to the original show, which I love!) I did kind of call whodunnit from an early point, but the chaos of watching it all unravel was fun. I will definitely continue to read these if they continue to publish them.
**content warnings for mild profanity and innuendo
**content warnings for mild profanity and innuendo
nope
June 12, 2026Writing is just a little too light.
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
June 21, 2026
Maybe the Publisher is mad at the Author?
Pose this question as this book is riddled with typos. Thought it was a one off but when the Reader is more fixated on how many can you count, then focused on the plot, there's a problem. From the onset, there were words that would have - (hyphen). And, no, it's not words that are suppose to have the - like "mother-in-law" or "well-intentioned". It was distracting.
Setting that aside, found the second in the series just not as 'fun' as the first. Sure, you hear references to past characters like Blanche's siblings Virginia and Clayton, and Rose's perpetual St. Olaf stories, but think the bloom is off the rose and won't be reading the rest of the series. Too many secondary characters to keep track off (though their physical descriptions help from their attire to their facial features) but having so many left little development in their characters.
Pose this question as this book is riddled with typos. Thought it was a one off but when the Reader is more fixated on how many can you count, then focused on the plot, there's a problem. From the onset, there were words that would have - (hyphen). And, no, it's not words that are suppose to have the - like "mother-in-law" or "well-intentioned". It was distracting.
Setting that aside, found the second in the series just not as 'fun' as the first. Sure, you hear references to past characters like Blanche's siblings Virginia and Clayton, and Rose's perpetual St. Olaf stories, but think the bloom is off the rose and won't be reading the rest of the series. Too many secondary characters to keep track off (though their physical descriptions help from their attire to their facial features) but having so many left little development in their characters.
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.
March 8, 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 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.
June 23, 2026
Honestly, I kept getting bored and was losing focus. The occasional familiar joke from the show was fun, but that's all that kept me from giving this only 1 star.
September 23, 2026
The author really came into her own with this story! It was much better than the first book in the series. The mystery was much more compelling, even though some of it was easier to figure out. I still remember the first time I watched “The Golden Girls” and fell in love with the idea of having your chosen family and what that can bring to your life. This book took me back to that feeling and it truly does capture the incredible women who brought these characters to life.
October 7, 2026
This is the second book in the Golden Girls mystery series. I ended up liking it more than the first one. The setting probably helped, since it was an isolated, closed circle mystery. The solution felt a little more complicated than it needed to be, but I still enjoyed it. The best part of this series is, of course, the 4 main characters themselves and how well the author writes their dynamic.
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!
September 9, 2026
A solid Golden Girls adventure. Just like the first book, this one reads exactly like an episode which I appreciate. Downside, so many daydreams about Big Daddy which didn’t really feel relevant all the time. Blanche is a woman in her late 40s after all 😉 I liked how the mystery was solved and the means/motive behind it. Always a plus. I do want to know how big Dorothy’s sleeves were though for the amount of papers that kept being shoved in them.
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