In 1985, a groundbreaking sitcom featuring four older women hit the airwaves: “The Golden Girls.” This beloved show quickly became a fan favorite on NBC, running for seven successful seasons. Even four decades later, viewers of all ages continue to express gratitude towards the talented cast, including Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty, and Betty White, for the joy they brought as friends battling life’s challenges together.
Today, the comedy remains popular on streaming platforms like Hulu and has inspired a pop-up restaurant and fan conventions, showcasing its enduring legacy. Recently, the release of a whodunnit novel titled “Murder By Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery” has intrigued fans, inviting them back into the familiar world of their favorite characters.
In this new tale, a murder mystery unfolds when a man Dorothy meets through a video dating service is discovered dead in a hotel freezer, face-down in a cheesecake—an unsettling twist on the ladies’ favorite dessert. The incident disrupts wedding plans for Rose, who is preparing for a grand ceremony for relatives from her beloved hometown of St. Olaf.
As Dorothy finds herself at the center of the investigation—being the last one to see the man who abruptly jilted her—it becomes essential for the women to prove her innocence. Meanwhile, Rose is determined to keep the wedding on track amidst the chaos.
Readers should note that “Murder By Cheesecake” has a different tone than typical “Golden Girls” episodes, feeling more akin to a blend of “Murder, She Wrote” and “Miami Vice.” The lively banter and quick punchlines familiar to the series are less prominent, making the dialogue feel different. Sophia, often known for her sharp comebacks, sometimes appears more harsh than humorous.
Despite this shift in style, the plot effectively leads readers on a suspenseful journey, as the four friends turn into amateur sleuths to clear Dorothy’s name. Imagining them in disguise, rummaging through the hotel manager’s office and the victim’s home, adds a fun visual to the story. Their final confrontation with the culprit, while over the top, offers an entertaining glimpse of these “golden girls” stepping into heroics.
Author Rachel Ekstrom Courage, who clearly has a deep affection for the original series, brings back the essence of the show by meticulously describing familiar settings and weaving in references from the past. The narrative primarily explores the thoughts of Dorothy and Rose, with Blanche and Sophia taking more of a supporting role, though hopefully, their time to shine will come in future installments.
With the original cast now all passed away, “Murder By Cheesecake” provides a delightful and light-hearted reunion with the characters many fans still adore.
