if you love the Golden Girls and really know the show you are either going to love or hate this book. Rose's niece has decided to let Rose plan her wedding last minute in Miami as opposed to eloping with her fiancé. This is supposed to be a murder mystery with planning a St.Olaf style wedding as the backdrop but we don't actually get to the murder part until about a third of a way into the book. While the author is very descriptive and will go as far as describing the curtains hanging, all the descriptions don't add anything to the book when nothing related to the plot isn't happening. Also there were just multiple references to people, places and things that happened in the show to a point where it became overkill. While having a book based around some of my favorite fictional characters all time was nostalgic, I think the plot could have been better played out in this book.

Disclaimer: I know and love the show, The Golden Girls. I requested this book on Netgalley to get a hit of nostalgia for the show's characters because we could all use doses of happiness in these times.

Rose's niece from St. Olaf is getting married and after a turn of events, Rose offers to throw the wedding in Miami and play host to a whole trove of St. Olafians that come to visit. Combine that with a murder mystery at the proposed wedding venue where Dorothy winds up as the lead suspect. The results are that our favorite ladies pull together to try to keep Dorothy out of trouble and ensure that Rose's wedding extravaganza goes off without any more hitches.

The mystery aspect was a little convoluted, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. Now I want to go rewatch The Golden Girls.

It’s The Golden Girls meets Murder, She Wrote in a fun cozy mystery that combines the humor of the classic series with a mild whodunnit. The author does a fine job capturing characteristics from the series (there’s a lot of St. Olaf callbacks, especially). The actual plot is pretty tame, as they always are in a cozy. This isn’t one that’ll stick with the reader for too long afterwards — cozy mysteries never do — but fans of the sitcom will enjoy seeing these beloved characters try to crack the case.

This book definitely captures the essence of the golden girls. I felt like I was watching an episode. The descriptions were a little excessive at times and while the characters seemed to reflect the tv series, the story felt a little bit unbelievable.

If you like the Golden Girls and cozy mysteries, this is perfect for you.
I did not read the synopsis, only the title so did not realize this would be based on Rose, Blanche, Dorothy and Sophia. I couldn't decide if I liked that or not. It was like reading an episode (or multiple by the time everything played out). Overall an easy, light read. Thanks Netgalley for the early copy!

I really loved the idea of a Golden Girls book. Unfortunately, this book just did not live up to my expectations. Ultimately as I read, I felt that Rose was made into this really insufferable character and she very clearly did not listen to her cousin about many things regarding to the wedding. There was so much about St. Olaf and their traditions that it felt overwhelming to read, and I didn’t feel like enough attention was being placed on the murder. In the show it worked because of the delivery, but on paper it just didn’t flow well. If the book is supposed to be a cozy mystery, I expected more mystery.

That being said, I really do love the Golden Girls and have been a huge fan of the show. I do feel like for the most part. The girls were well represented except for when Rose became a little unlikable I will go back and watch some golden girls episodes just to feed into the nostalgia.

Overall, this was a three stars for me maybe in the future with later books I’ll be able to enjoy them a little bit more but this one just did not stick.

Picture It: Miami, murder, and mischief.
As a big Golden Girls fan, this book was basically a dream come true! Set in 1980s Miami with all the sass, charm, and cheesecake you could want, Murder by Cheesecake had me smiling from the first page.
When Dorothy’s date ends up face first in a cheesecake and very, very dead, the girls get pulled into the chaos. Between Rose’s over the top St. Olaf themed wedding for her cousin, Blanche being PEAK Blanche, and Sophia just existing in all her glory, this mystery was a wild, hilarious, and nostalgic ride.
It felt like slipping into an episode, but with more murder. If you love cozy mysteries and the Golden Girls, be sure to check this one out.

While Murder by Cheesecake had some positives — I enjoyed the short chapters and found the storyline promising — the book as a whole just didn’t capture me. Despite its potential, it lacked the engagement I was hoping for, and I struggled to stay invested. That said, fans of The Golden Girls might have a better experience, as the cozy vibe and quirky characters could appeal more to that audience.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the Advance Reader's Copy.

What a delightful read. I really enjoyed this book! It reminded me very much of a show. Readers will enjoy it.

A delightful nostalgic cozy mystery involving a favorite fictional Floridian foursome! If you have always wondered what Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia, solving a mystery would look like well here it is. Filled with all of the charm of the television series, callbacks to epic episodes, St. Olaf stories, but some new faces too. Picture it…Murder by Cheesecake. I only hope there are more adventures with the girls ahead.

As a huge Golden Girls fan, this book totally hit the spot! The humor, the friendship, the sass—everything I adore about Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia was spot on. The wedding chaos mixed with a quirky mystery had me hooked from the start, and the girls’ antics were pure gold. The banter between them was just as hilarious as I hoped, and the added whodunit twist made it even more fun. If you love the Golden Girls (and who doesn’t?), this is an absolute must-read for some lighthearted, murder-mystery-filled nostalgia.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the early copy of this book, all opinions are my own!

I really enjoyed this! The book played out in my head like the show, and I pictured each character saying the things in the book! Very lighthearted and enjoyable, and great first book in the new series! I’ll Lee going! 4 stars!!!

I have been SO excited to read this book since I first saw it announced and it did not disappoint! If you love Golden Girls, this is a must read. The references to St. Olaf, Shady Pines and all the nostalgia is there! This isn't an edge of your seat thriller but I wasn't expecting that. I wanted something to remind me of watching the show with my own grandmother when I was little and it was perfect!

This book was alright. Feels like an extended episode of the Golden Girls but a little over done on their personality traits. We know that Rose and St. Olaf are a bit eccentric but this felt so exaggerated and ridiculous but on the other hand I get it. The story was just a little over the top for me but I can't say I didn't enjoy the descriptions and the sharp wit in it. I wouldn't run out and tell all my friends they've just got to read it but probably wouldn't discourage my friends who are GG fans from reading it either.

This was such a fun read. I loved that I could envision each of the characters throughout the story, and the fact that they were involved in a murder mystery!!! It was easy to follow, yet engaging and quirky. I enjoyed the mystery and the overall story as well. A super fun read for anyone who is a golden girls fan for sure!

This whole book played in my mind like an episode of the Golden Girls. If you’re a fan of the show, you’ll love this book. It’s GG with a mysterious twist.

It’s an easy, fun read that you’ll get through in a day or two. Definitely recommend if you need a light read between books.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

A wild, wacky, fun time. A major win for fans of the Golden Girls and equally as fun for fans of cozy mysteries.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hyperion Avenue, and Rachel Ekstrom Courage, for this ARC of Murder By Cheesecake; A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery out April 25, 2025!

📝Quick Summary: If you’re a Golden Girls fan, this was a cute little mystery (think Nancy Drew ish) that was nostalgic to the characters. I found myself thinking on their voices in my head while reading it 😂.

⭐️Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This novel was provided by the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed reading Murder By Cheesecake!! It was a cozy mystery, but I enjoyed the banter between the characters the most. For those who love the golden girls, it will feel so nostalgic! The humor and wittiness was on point!!

My only complaint is the pacing of the book. I still really enjoyed it!! Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!!

What a delightful dive back into the 80s with the crew. Book 1 of this series has set a high bar, as we follow Rose through a recreation of St Olaf's myriad quirky wedding traditions and Dorothy enters the dating scene with tragic results.

Rachel Ekstrom Courage has developed the gang from their TV show personas and placed them into a cozy mystery. The humor - and shoulder pads - are as big as I remember, and the twist of them becoming amateur detectives is a hoot. The references to things quintessentially 80s are a fun throwback, yet the book holds a modern sensibility.

I'm eager to read the next "episode" and hope to have Sophia and Blanche featured more. And of course, lots more Dorothy - she is and will always be my favorite.