If you’re a lifelong Golden Girls fan like I am, Death on the Lanai feels like catching up with old friends. While the mystery may be the focus on paper, the real heart of this book is spending time with Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia once again.

Synopsis

In Death on the Lanai, the second installment in Rachel Ekstrom Courage’s Golden Girls Cozy Mystery series, Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia are invited to a glamorous party on a secluded island in Biscayne Bay. The celebration takes a shocking turn when their host is murdered, and Blanche suddenly becomes the prime suspect. Determined to clear their friend’s name, the girls work together to uncover the real killer

It Feels Like Watching Another Episode

Just like the first book in the series, the biggest highlight wasn’t solving the mystery. It was getting to spend more time with these iconic women. Their friendships, personalities, and witty banter are captured so well that I could practically hear the laugh track after every sarcastic remark and punchline.

I grew up watching The Golden Girls and still fall asleep to it most nights, so the nostalgia alone made this such an enjoyable read. The dialogue felt authentic, and it was easy to picture every scene unfolding inside the familiar Miami house.

The Audiobook Is Worth Listening To

I listened to part of the audiobook, and I highly recommend it. The narrator did an incredible job bringing each of the women to life. Every character felt true to the show, making it easy to imagine the story playing out like an actual lost episode.

Come for the Characters, Not the Mystery

The mystery itself was entertaining, but it definitely takes a backseat to the characters. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, twist-filled whodunit, this probably isn’t the book for you.

Instead, these mysteries shine because they feel like an extended episode of The Golden Girls. They’re filled with familiar references, witty conversations, cozy moments, and the friendship that made the television series so beloved.

My One Complaint

My biggest issue with the book was Blanche’s backstory.

I know The Golden Girls is famous for continuity errors and changing details throughout the series, but this wasn’t just a small inconsistency. The storyline felt completely unbelievable and unlike anything the show ever hinted at. It pulled me out of the story because it simply didn’t feel true to Blanche’s character.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a longtime Golden Girls fan, I think you’ll have a wonderful time revisiting Miami with the girls. While the mystery isn’t the strongest part of the story, the humor, nostalgia, and perfectly captured chemistry between Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia make this a cozy, entertaining read.

I’ll definitely continue reading the series and look forward to seeing what mystery the girls solve next.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 3.75/5 stars

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