I was so excited for this book. I love The Golden Girls. I love Rose. I love her St. Olaf stories.

Maybe this book was too much of a good thing? Because it was HEAVY on the St. Olaf and very light on the murder. I really wanted to love it.

It’s cute. It captures the spirit of The Golden Girls. But it was over-the-top, and I just couldn’t wait for it to end.

2.5 stars, rounded up.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not always a big fan of cozy mysteries. They often struggle with keeping the tone light enough to stay cozy without losing the stakes and tension in the mystery. However, this book struck that balance perfectly!

The author really captured the characters of the Golden Girls that it almost felt like reading a novelized version of an actual episode at times. The stakes were high enough to keep me invested, but still silly enough for the story to remain lighthearted and fun. I had a great time reading this one and hope there are more in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Love that there’s a cozy mystery with THE Golden Girls! Why hasn’t this been a thing before? So happy Rachel Ekstrom Courage wrote this fun and entertaining story. I hope this turns into a series and we get many more! Rachel’s writing is perfect for The Golden Girls and has fans rejoicing! If you want to laugh, have fun and spend time solving a mystery with The Golden Girls, then run to the store and grab this book. I know I will be doing just that on April 15th. Thank you Rachel Ekstrom Courage, NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for this digital arc.

When I saw this Golden Girls-themed cozy mystery on NetGalley, I just couldn’t resist it. It was exactly what I expected: fun, nostalgic, and a little bit campy. Any book that uses the word “dastardly” gets my vote! There’s a lot of description, especially at the beginning, to set the scene as we know it from the tv series, and first books in a series are often based around the setup of the characters and location, so there are some bumpy spots, but I thought it was really fun and hope there are more!

I love the Golden Girls, as well as cozy mysteries, so I was excited to check this out. While I enjoyed the book overall, as it was easy to envision and hear their voices, I had expected more with the cozy mystery angle. The banter is what anyone who's watched the show would expect from the leading ladies. The pace was a bit off, making the flow a somewhat choppy. There was a large focus on the St. Olaf traditions and the wedding, pushing the murder mystery to the side. Everything came together by the end, but I wish that had happened earlier in the story. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and I'm likely to check out future books in the series.

Oh my gosh, I absolutely adore the Golden Girls!!! I can recite EVERY episode. It took me a moment to wrap my head around the girls solving a murder, but I totally believed they could do it! It was such a fun read, and it definitely wouldn't have been the same without those hilarious St. Olaf stories. So for all the fans who have wished and wished there could be new epsiodes this title will delight them.

Thanks to Netgalley and Publisher for allowing me to review the title.

Ah the 80's, when women could speak their mind...at least on The Golden Girls! When I saw this new book, I was intrigued to see how the author would handle the characters and setting. Those two are nailed completed- Rose is Rose, Sofia is Sofia, etc, and being set in the 80s, means remembering some things didn't exist, so the premise works. You will definitely picture the actresses in their roles, and that's a plus, as it sorta side lines you from realizing the mystery plot is...a tad weak. If you're ready as a fan, you'll love the book. But if you're reading it as a cozy, you'll be more meh. So expect it to take a bit to get through the book, this isn't a fast read like most cozies.

I just loved this cozy mystery so much. The characters are the same as The Golden Girls: Dorothy, Blanche, Sophia, and Rose.

Nettie is getting married and Rose wants to give her the best wedding ever, but she wants it to have "all" of the St. Oaf traditions, and there are many including riding a donkey down the aisle. Right before the wedding, Nettie and her fiancé Jason drop a bomb on Rose. They honestly would just as soon elope because Jason's parents want the wedding to be in THEIR control and theirs only. The wealthy family offers some really good incentives, one of which is free rooms at their hotel they own. So when the families come together at the destination wedding in Miami, Florida (instead of St. Olaf, Minnesota), it's interesting to watch how they manage all that happens. In the midst of it all there is a murder and it's definitely of the "cozy type."

I love all of the characters! It was like visiting The Golden Girls and laughing at the way they talk to each other and vie for certain attentions and yet love each other. It was just too fun reading it.

As a huge fan of the Golden Girls, this was a fun read. It started out slow but got better. This was just like the show. The girls were sassy, funny and plenty mentions of St. Olaf. Overall this was a good cozy mystery.

2.5

As a die-hard Golden Girls fan, this was right up my alley, so of course, I requested the ARC from NetGalley.

I had recently finished my millionth rewatch before starting this, so the show was fresh on my mind… which probably wasn’t the best idea. Reading through the book, the writer plagiarized some of the jokes from the show, which caused some of the “funny” scenes to be lackluster at best.

The book for the most part focused mainly on Dorothy and Rose, which is a shame because there was opportunity to add more for Blanche and Sophia. however, this is book one so we will see what book two will bring. The author also focused too much on the wedding and the St. Olaf traditions than the actual murder. Rose also came out looking very unlikable throughout the story, which is CRAZY to say the least.

Overall the story wasn’t bad, it’s definitely a cozy vibe but not exciting enough for a murder mystery novel.

Murder by Cheesecake is book 1 in the new Golden Girls cozy mystery series by Rachel Ekstrom Courage, and it was a nostalgic, fun romp with the four characters from the 80s television show.

Rose is planning a wedding for her young cousin. Just as the wedding events start to kick off a man turns up dead at the hotel owned by the groom’s family and the girls are drawn into the mystery.

This was a fun nostalgic read. Throughout the book, there were little Easter eggs and reminisces of events from the television show. The characters were written true to their television versions with just as many sarcastic zingers as you might expect.

With so many people in town for the wedding, there were lots of suspects to investigate, as well as an unexpected link to Dorothy, which had her facing off against a hard nosed detective.

For anyone familiar with The Golden Girls this was like a trip down memory lane and I would recommend it to fans, especially if you love a cozy mystery.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

🎶Thank you for being a friend. Travel down the road and back again.
Your heart is true, you're a pal and a confidant🎶

This is the real deal. Sophia, Dorothy,Blanch and Rose are THE main characters.Some cozy mysteries tout they are about the Golden Girls but are really about women of a certain age.
The author definitely nails their different personalities brilliantly. All four friends become sleuths when a man is found dead inside a freezer at the hotel where Rose's neice is getting married. There are hilarious moments during their investagation, and some intense moments. I highly recommend this book and very much hope it will be a series.
I'd like to thank NetGalley, Hyperion Avenue Digital and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Thank you for being a friend! Oh my goodness, as a child of the ‘80s and ‘90s, this was such a fun, nostalgic treat! Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia feel like extended family members, and their voices are wonderfully captured in this gem of a whodunnit. It’s definitely cute, cozy and full of mischievous twists and turns! Thank you so much NetGalley and Hyperion for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

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.

This is an amusing read and a nostalgic revisiting of the beloved characters in the Golden Girls television series. In terms of a mystery, this one is long on comedy and lovable characters and short on suspense. Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia leap right off the television screen into the action of this novel; they are completely recognizable, and hit off the TV characters perfectly. Rose is more or less the star of this adventure, as her niece and fiance have come to Miami to be married, and it is up to Rose to bring off their wedding in the St. Olaf tradition required. The far-fetched and hilarious shenanigans that ensue as Rose and her roommates navigate solving a murder of which Dorothy is suspected and the machinations of the groom's family, owners of the wedding venue hotel, keep the reader entertained through ever more unlikely developments. Lovers of the Golden Girls should enjoy this cozy mystery and look forward to further adventures for the ladies.

This was a delightful Golden Girls-inspired mystery. It's a cozy whodunit that perfectly captures the charm and wit of Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia as they find themselves tangled in a murder mystery. The story is light, kitschy, and filled with humor, making it an easy and enjoyable read.

While its been a while since I've watched the Golden Girls, it was easy to pick up back in the lives of these four women living their best life in Miami! Courage does a great job of bringing the characters' personalities into her story and it was easy to visualize them. Their personalities ended up being my favorite part of the book! I did get annoyed at times with Rose and the St. Olaf-themed wedding as it seemed super repetitive at times. The mystery was so-so and more of a subplot than the actual storyline. I definitely see potential for the series in the future and would be a fun addition to add to my cozy mystery rotation!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion for the ARC!

The story kicks off when Dorothy’s date (found through a VHS dating service, hey it’s the 80s!) ends up dead, face-down in a cheesecake at a wedding event Rose is hosting. With an entire guest list full of potential suspects and Rose’s cousin’s wedding on the line, the Girls must work together to solve the murder while navigating the chaos of strange St. Olaf traditions, snooty in-laws, and Miami mishaps.

One of the highlights of the book is how effortlessly it brings the characters of Rose, Blanche, Dorothy and Sophia to life. Their banter, quirks, and personalities shine through, making it feel like an extended episode of the show. Blanche is as flirtatious as ever, Dorothy’s signature sarcasm is sharp and on point, and Rose is as earnest and well-meaning as she is hilariously oblivious. Sophia, of course, remains the quick-witted matriarch we all love. Murder by Cheesecake is a fast-paced, lighthearted read that never takes itself too seriously, making it the perfect cozy mystery for fans of the series.

What makes this book truly shine is its dedication to preserving the humor and dynamic relationships that made The Golden Girls such an enduring classic. The dialogue is snappy and filled with the kind of witty jokes that fans will immediately recognize. Dorothy’s dry humor, in particular, is a standout, and it’s easy to imagine Bea Arthur delivering each line with perfect deadpan timing. Blanche’s over-the-top flirtatious comments, Rose’s naive yet endearing storytelling about St. Olaf, and Sophia’s sharp-tongued wisdom all feel completely in character.

The mystery itself is engaging without being overly complicated. The plot of Murder By Cheesecake moves at a brisk pace, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. While the stakes are relatively low compared to grittier crime novels, the book’s feels like a classic whodunit with laugh-out-loud moments.

Rose’s role as the wedding planner adds an additional layer of amusement to the plot. Her struggle to meet the expectations of both the St. Olaf traditions and the high-society demands of the groom’s family creates plenty of comedic moments.

The book also does a great job of maintaining the warm, found-family dynamic that made The Golden Girls so beloved. The friendships between the four women remain at the heart of the story, providing moments of genuine affection and support amidst the comedic chaos. Their loyalty to each other and their determination to get to the bottom of the mystery (even when Dorothy is a prime murder suspect) reinforce the friendships that defined the original series.

While Murder by Cheesecake is a treat for fans of The Golden Girls, it also works as a standalone cozy mystery for those who may not be as familiar with the show. The story is engaging enough on its own, and the humor is universal. However, longtime fans will undoubtedly appreciate the many references and nods to classic moments from the series. The book captures the spirit of the show in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Overall, Murder by Cheesecake is an entertaining, well-crafted cozy mystery that successfully blends humor, friendship, and an engaging whodunit. It’s a quick read, perfect for a relaxing weekend or a nostalgic trip back to Miami with some of TV’s most beloved characters. If you love The Golden Girls and enjoy a fun whodunit, Murder by Cheesecake is a must-read.

This book was a perfect, classic whodunit, but made infinitely better because the characters are the Golden Girls! I could hear the ladies’ voices in my head any time there was dialogue, which just felt perfect to me.

I loved how there were two storylines – getting the perfect St. Olaf wedding together and solving the murder mystery. It made the story more three dimensional and gave everything some extra depth.

It took a while for me to get into the book, but I enjoyed the whole thing. I didn’t figure out who committed the murder until right before the reveal (and even then I wouldn’t say I “figured it out myself”). The ending was really satisfying and I enjoyed it.

Overall, this was a good, entertaining read and I’m happy I picked it up! I recommend this to anyone who is a Golden Girls fan and a cozy mystery fan.

Thank you to Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my review!

Murder by Cheesecake
By Rachel Ekstrom Courage
“Murder by Cheesecake” transports readers to a delightful and nostalgic moment in time, blending cozy mystery elements with a touch of humor. In this charming whodunit, Rose’s cousin is about to tie the knot, but in keeping with tradition, the wedding must take place in Miami instead of their hometown of St. Olaf. Eager to make the event perfect, Rose and her friends dive into wedding preparations. However, things take a turn when Dorothy, decides she needs a date – and ends up with a dead body on the cheesecake. Now, it's up to Rose and the gang to unravel the mystery and discover who is behind the crime.
The strength of Murder by Cheesecake lies in its witty banter and the sense of familiarity that fans of the series will appreciate. The dynamic between the characters, combined with the cozy mystery atmosphere, creates an enjoyable reading experience.
While I loved the nostalgic feel of the story, the pacing and flow could have been smoother. The plot felt a bit slow at times, which slightly hindered the overall enjoyment. That said, for fans of cozy mysteries, this book provides a solid dose of entertainment.
Overall, I’d rate Murder by Cheesecake 3 out of 5 stars. It’s a fun read with a great atmosphere, but it could benefit from a bit more refinement in terms of pacing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion for the opportunity to read Murder by Cheesecake.