There’s something undeniably comforting about revisiting beloved characters in a new setting, and Rachel Ekstrom Courage delivers this comfort in spades with Murder by Cheesecake, her inaugural entry in the Golden Girls Cozy Mystery Series. As someone who watched Betty White steal scenes for decades, I was both hopeful and hesitant approaching this novel adaptation. Could anyone truly capture the essence of Dorothy’s razor-sharp wit, Rose’s earnest charm, Blanche’s Southern seductiveness, and Sophia’s Sicilian wisdom?
To my delight (and mild relief), Courage succeeds admirably, crafting a mystery that feels authentically Golden Girls while carving out its own identity in the cozy mystery genre. Though not without its flaws, this novel offers enough warmth, humor, and intrigue to satisfy both dedicated fans of the original series and newcomers seeking a light-hearted whodunit.
Plot Perfection: A Recipe for Mystery
The story immediately draws readers into its web of wedding chaos when Rose’s cousin Nettie arrives from St. Olaf for a Miami wedding, bringing with her a cargo hold of bizarre Norwegian traditions. Courage wisely uses Rose’s elaborate wedding planning as the structural backbone of the mystery, creating organic opportunities for mayhem and murder.
When Dorothy’s blind date turns up dead—literally frozen in her cheesecake—the investigation unfolds with the delightful predictability of a well-prepared meal. The mystery itself follows classic cozy convention: limited suspects, no graphic violence, and amateur detectives who stumble into solving crimes. Yet Courage manages to keep the whodunit engaging through clever misdirection and red herrings that don’t feel contrived.
The Anatomy of a Well-Crafted Mystery:
- Multiple viable suspects with believable motives
- Clever timing mechanisms that keep readers guessing
- Well-paced revelations that avoid info-dumping
- Satisfying resolution that ties up loose ends
Character Chemistry: Four Golden Ingredients
Courage’s greatest achievement lies in her character portrayals. Each Golden Girl retains their core personality while being given room to grow:
- Dorothy Zbornak maintains her sardonic edge and fierce intelligence, though her handling as a murder suspect sometimes pushes believability. Her romantic subplot with Henry provides genuine emotional stakes beyond the central mystery.
- Rose Nylund shines brightest, her St. Olaf stories and earnest nature perfectly suited to the cozy mystery format. Her determination to orchestrate the perfect wedding provides both comic relief and dramatic tension.
- Blanche Devereaux transitions seamlessly into her role as the group’s unofficial information gatherer, using her charm and connections to uncover clues. Her flirtation with younger Norwegian Jorgen offers lighthearted moments that never feel forced.
- Sophia Petrillo delivers the sharp one-liners readers expect while surprising us with unexpected depths of wisdom. Her protective instincts toward Dorothy drive some of the novel’s most poignant moments.
Technical Execution: A Mixed Bag
Courage’s prose reads quickly and cleanly, reminiscent of classic cozy mysteries while incorporating the snappy dialogue the TV series made famous. However, certain technical aspects deserve closer scrutiny:
Writing Style Strengths:
- Natural flow between humor and suspense
- Effective balance of dialogue and description
- Vivid sensory details (especially regarding food)
- Authentic character voices
Areas for Development:
- Occasional plot contrivances that strain credibility
- Some repetitive descriptions of character appearances
- Minor pacing issues in the middle act
- Certain St. Olaf traditions feel more convenient than organic
Supporting Cast: Rich but Overcrowded
“Murder by Cheesecake” introduces numerous wedding guests and suspects, creating a web of motives and alibis that sometimes becomes too tangled. While characters like Chip, Jason, and Nettie have distinct personalities, their development occasionally suffers in favor of advancing the mystery plot.
Notable mentions:
- Henry Pattinson: A nuanced romantic interest whose twin brother twist adds complexity
- Chip Bryant: A surprisingly effective antagonist with believable motivations
- Detective Silva: A worthy foil who embodies the “professional vs. amateur” tension
Setting the Scene: Miami Comes Alive
Courage captures Miami’s 1980s atmosphere with authentic period details—from the fashion choices to the cultural references. The contrast between St. Olaf’s rustic traditions and Miami’s vibrant lifestyle creates rich opportunities for humor and conflict.
The author particularly excels at:
- Evoking sensory details of Miami’s nightlife scene
- Contrasting environments (luxury hotel vs. suburban home)
- Using setting to advance character relationships
Cultural Sensitivity and Representation
“Murder by Cheesecake” handles its cultural elements with care, though with varying degrees of success. The St. Olaf traditions, while clearly comedic, sometimes walk the line between fond nostalgia and broad caricature. Similarly, the diverse Miami setting provides opportunities for inclusivity that are sometimes missed.
Comparative Analysis: Standing with Cozy Giants
Murder by Cheesecake holds its own among established cozy mystery series like M.C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin books or Alexander McCall Smith’s No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. While lacking the polish of these seasoned authors, Courage brings fresh energy through her beloved characters and their unique dynamics.
Unlike many cozy mysteries that rely heavily on small-town settings, this urban Miami backdrop provides refreshing variety to the genre.
The Verdict: A Sweet Start
Rachel Ekstrom Courage delivers a solid foundation for what could become a cherished cozy mystery series. While Murder by Cheesecake occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own ambitions, the charm of its central characters and the author’s genuine affection for them shine through.
Final Assessment:
Strengths:
- Authentic character portrayals
- Engaging mystery with satisfying resolution
- Fresh take on cozy mystery conventions
- Strong balance of humor and suspense
Weaknesses:
- Some plot conveniences
- Overcrowded supporting cast
- Occasional pacing issues
Recommendation: Perfect for Golden Girls fans seeking a new adventure with old friends, and cozy mystery enthusiasts looking for familiar comfort with a tropical twist.
Murder by Cheesecake is a good read for its sheer warmth and entertainment value. It’s the literary equivalent of sharing cheesecake with friends—sweet, satisfying, and leaving you eager for the next slice. As the first in a series, it sets promising groundwork for future installments where Courage can refine her craft while maintaining the heart that makes this novel so enjoyable.
For readers seeking comfort food in book form, this mystery delivers exactly what’s on the menu: familiar faces, clever plots, and enough charm to make you forget any minor imperfections. Like the best cozy mysteries, it reminds us that sometimes the greatest adventures happen among the people who know us best—even when those adventures involve murder, mayhem, and the occasional Norwegian wedding tradition.
Looking Forward: Series Potential
As Courage continues developing this series, readers can hope for:
- Deeper character development for secondary characters
- More sophisticated mysteries while maintaining the cozy charm
- Further exploration of Miami’s diverse landscape
- Enhanced integration of Golden Girls’ trademark wit
The foundation is solid, the characters beloved, and the potential endless. Pour yourself a slice of cheesecake, settle in with friends old or new, and prepare to be charmed. After all, as our golden ladies would remind us, some of life’s best mysteries come wrapped in laughter, friendship, and just enough danger to keep things interesting.