Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery by Rachel Ekstrom Courage

Rating: 4 of 5 stars 

Pages: 336 pages
Published: April 2025

On a spontaneous trip to the bookstore, I totally judged a book by its cover, and picked up Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery authored by Rachel Ekstrom Courage. This quaint read follows the story of the iconic quartet from the 1980s sitcom, The Golden Girls. Set during the same era as the show aired, the story centers around Dorothy's blind date who ends up dead in a hotel freezer, making her the first, and seemingly, only suspect. Meanwhile, Rose is determined to pull off a full-fledged traditional St. Olaf wedding for her niece. And just like the show, the book balances humor and heart to create a well-rounded, feel-good mystery. 

As someone who has been a devoted fan of The Golden Girls for decades (I'm aging myself here!), I found myself smiling through many of Courage's callbacks to the beloved sitcom. The book feels like a gentle wink to those of us who grew up laughing a Dorothy's razor-sharp wit, Blanche's dramatic flair, Rose's earnest naivety, and Sophia's unforgettable one-liners. True to the cozy genre, the book isn't too serious, and Courage uses the established quirky characters to create charm and the murder to create just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. 

My only critique is that the story felt a little long in places. A tighter edit could have made the pacing a little stronger. However, taking on such iconic characters was a bold move, and overall, I think Courage pulled it off. I really appreciated the familiar voices, the predictable yet engaging plot, and the warmth and humor during the short days of December. It's exactly what I needed as I wrap up my reading year. And with reports that Courage is writing a second book, that will make this the beginning of a series, and I'll be honest. I'm probably going to pick that one up too! 

Recommendation: If you're looking for a cozy mystery infused with nostalgia that blends humor, heard, and a bit of mischief, I highly recommend this one. It was a lovely reminder of why the show remains so beloved: stories of women empowerment, women supporting women, and sharing a little cheesecake to get them through it all. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.