Spending Time with the Girls Again: A Delightful Escape in Death on the Lanai

 

I’ve been a Golden Girls fan since the very first episode. Once the series came to an end, those late-night reruns where Dorothy’s sarcasm, Rose’s innocence, Blanche’s flirtations, and Sophia’s one-liners made everything feel a little brighter. So when the first book in this cozy mystery series, Murder by Cheesecake, came out, I dove in immediately. It captured the essence of the show so perfectly that it felt like spending an extra evening in the Miami house with the girls. Naturally, I was thrilled to get my hands on the second installment, Death on the Lanai by Rachel Ekstrom Courage.

This one picks up right where the charm left off. An enigmatic invitation arrives at the house, inviting the four women to a lavish party on a remote island estate in Biscayne Bay. What starts as a glamorous getaway quickly turns complicated when they arrive and meet the host: a famous artist named Declan (known as El Toro), who reveals himself as a man from Blanche’s past. Back in the day, he was the struggling artist who loved her deeply but couldn’t offer the life she wanted. Fate pulled them apart, but now he claims she’s been his muse all these years. Blanche, ever the Southern belle with a trail of suitors, doesn’t quite remember the details—but the chemistry is still there.

The party takes a dramatic turn when a tropical storm knocks out the power, stranding everyone on the island. The next morning, Declan is found dead, and suspicion falls squarely on Blanche. With no way off the island and a house full of potential suspects, the girls band together to uncover the truth.

What makes Death on the Lanai so special is how faithfully it brings the characters to life. The dialogue sparkles with the same witty, heartfelt banter we know from the show. Dorothy’s dry humor cuts through every tense moment, Rose offers her earnest (and often hilariously offbeat) observations, Sophia delivers those classic zingers, and Blanche’s passionate, flirtatious energy drives much of the emotional core. There are even subtle nods to actual episodes and moments from the series that feel authentic rather than forced—little Easter eggs that made me smile in recognition.

The setting is vividly drawn, too. The remote island estate, the storm, the candlelit tension—it all builds a wonderful sense of place and atmosphere. The mystery itself simmers slowly, unfolding through conversations, revelations, and the girls’ sleuthing. If you’re someone who prefers a fast-paced thriller that grabs you in the first chapter, this slower build might test your patience. But for me, it was exactly right. The gradual tension lets the characters shine, and the payoff feels earned and satisfying.

Like the first book, this one is strong on heart and humor. It’s cozy in the best way—comforting, funny, and full of friendship. Reading it felt like catching up with old friends, complete with cheesecake references and plenty of laughs.

If you loved Murder by Cheesecake or if you’re just a Golden Girls devotee looking for more time with Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia), Death on the Lanai delivers. I’m already hoping for book three. Here’s to many more adventures with the girls—because honestly, who wouldn’t want to spend more evenings with them?

 This book is scheduled for release on June 2nd. You can preorder a copy here.

 Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

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A Spirited St. Patrick's Day Whodunit – Death by Irish Coffee

 

 Death by Irish Coffee, the 15th installment in Alex Erickson’s Bookstore Café Mystery series, serves up a pleasant cozy mystery perfect for fans of the genre. Set against the lively backdrop of St. Patrick's Day in Pine Hills, Krissy Hancock partners with local bar owner Bucky to offer festive Irish coffees to the celebrating crowd. When Bucky suddenly falls ill and is later found dead, Krissy can’t resist digging into the case despite her own packed personal life.

The mystery is well-constructed with a large cast of suspects (I could have used a character list in the front of the book), red herrings, and a fairly intricate plot. I appreciated the added complexity; it kept me engaged and guessing until the end. Krissy’s character had some depth to it, and the supporting cast feels richer with ongoing storylines—a wedding on the horizon, coffee shop franchising plans, and a new police chief—building up anticipation for what’s next. 

While the pacing occasionally lets you set the book down, the charming small-town vibe, coffee-shop setting, and solid sleuthing make it an enjoyable read. New readers can jump in without feeling lost, though longtime fans will especially love seeing the series’ threads advance.

A great pick for cozy mystery lovers who enjoy bookstore or café settings, light suspense, and a touch of holiday flair. Pair it with your favorite cup of coffee (Irish or otherwise) for the full experience. 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Murder on the Cricket Green by Catherine Coles

 

I was already sold on Murder on the Cricket Green  (the fourth book on the Martha Miller series) before I even cracked the spine. There, right at the front of the book, was a full character list. A CHARACTER LIST! In this day and age when so many mysteries throw a dozen names at you and expect you to keep track with zero help, seeing that thoughtful little reference page felt like the author personally handed me a warm cup of tea and said, “Don’t worry, I’ve got you.” It completely changed my attitude toward the story before page one. Why don’t more authors do this? I’m begging the cozy mystery community to start a petition.

 

 Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. Catherine Coles transports you straight to the gentle, sun-dappled lanes of postwar Westleham, a quintessential English village buzzing with excitement for its first proper cricket match since the war ended. The characters are warm, believable, and instantly lovable—especially Martha Miller, a woman quietly rebuilding her life, and the kind-hearted vicar Luke, whose gentle presence made me smile every time he appeared.

 

 Then comes the twist that hooks you: Martha’s husband Stan, missing for two whole years and presumed gone for good, suddenly strolls back into the village as if he’d just popped out for milk. He’s acting like nothing ever happened, and his return threatens the quiet, hopeful new beginning Martha has been carefully nurturing. Emotions run high, tensions simmer… and then, during the opening cheers of the cricket match, Stan collapses—dead before he hits the grass. All eyes turn to Martha.

 

 What follows is a perfectly paced, atmospheric cozy mystery full of village secrets, subtle red herrings, and that wonderful sense of community that makes postwar England so irresistible in fiction. Martha’s amateur sleuthing is smart, relatable, and never over-the-top. I genuinely cared about what happened to her, to Luke, and to the rest of Westleham’s colorful residents.

 

 The moment I finished, I immediately went online and bought the first three books in the series. That’s how much I loved it. If you enjoy gentle historical cozies with heart, humor, a touch of romance, and a satisfying murder to solve, Murder on the Cricket Green is an absolute treat. Highly recommended—character list and all.

 

 Perfect for fans of Frances Brody, Rhys Bowen, and anyone who wants to curl up in a 1940s village and never leave.

 4 ½ stars

You can order the book here.

Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Dorie's Anytime Cakes, Reviewed

 

As a longtime Dorie Greenspan fan—ever since her World Peace Cookies sent my taste buds into orbit—I couldn’t wait to dive into Dorie’s Anytime Cakes, scheduled for release on October 21. This book feels like a warm hug from Dorie herself, packed with over 100 recipes for cakes that are simple yet special; from the moment I cracked it open, I was hooked, my mouth watering at the thought of baking every single one.

 

The book kicks off with a cozy intro, covering ingredients, tools, and techniques in Dorie’s signature down-to-earth style. It’s like having her in my kitchen, guiding me with a wink and a smile. The recipes are organized by shape—rounds, loaves, Bundts, squares, baby cakes—and even include a “salty cakes” chapter for savory surprises. Each recipe is a gem: a heartfelt blurb, clear ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, and tips for serving and storing. I adore the “Playing Around” sections, where Dorie nudges you to get creative, like spiking sugar with citrus or adding a hot honey kick.

 

You will find recipes like The BFF Brownie Cake that sounds like pure chocolate bliss, the Buttermilk Plum Cake that I will be making as soon as plums come into season, as well as the Miso-Cheddar Scone Cake that has me rethinking savory baking entirely. Dorie’s frostings and glazes are game-changers, and Nancy Pappas’ stunning, realistic looking color illustrations, that are more than an adequate substitute for photographs, make me want to bake just to see if my cakes can look that good.

  

What sets this book apart is Dorie’s voice—warm, funny, and encouraging. Her “DO NOT MIX!” warnings make me laugh, but her tips (like how to nail a perfect crumb) make me a better baker. Whether I’m craving chocolate, fruit, or something savory, there’s a cake for every mood. This isn’t just a cookbook; it’s a master class in baking with love. I’m already planning my next bake from Dorie’s Anytime Cakes, and I know it’ll be a hit.

  

You can order here.

 Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher who provided me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. 

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Stews: One-Pot Comfort Food From Around The World, Reviewed

  

I love cheering on enthusiastic young talents who achieve great success, and Xavier Bramble, the TikTok sensation and self-proclaimed “CEO of Stews,” is a perfect example. He started by running a student food service from his dorm room, gained fame on BBC’s Young MasterChef, and now has released his vibrant debut cookbook, Stews: One-Pot Comfort Food From Around The World. 

 

This is a lively, colorful collection of 100 global recipes that celebrate the timeless tradition of gathering around a simmering pot of bold, flavorful comfort food. Drawing from cuisines worldwide, it features the warm spices of India, Cajun classics from the American South, hearty French dishes, and much more. Bramble delivers truly innovative takes on stews you'll rarely find elsewhere, including:

 Greek Beef Stifado

West African Chickpea Stew 

Chile Colorado

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

French Beef Bourguignon

Moroccan Sea Bream Tagine 

 

The book is beautifully laid out with stunning, full-color photos of nearly every dish, clear and concise instructions, and a comprehensive index—a feature I’ve come to truly appreciate in cookbooks. 

To be honest, as an avid stew lover, I might only make a handful of these recipes myself, since some call for harder-to-source ingredients (like goat meat, which isn’t easy to find in my area). That said, Bramble has impressed me with the quality, variety, and creativity of his offerings. He proves there’s still room for fresh ideas in the world of stews. The book is inclusive too, with plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets. 

 Overall, this is an inspiring and joyful celebration of one-pot cooking—perfect for anyone looking to expand their stew repertoire with global flair. 4 out of 5 stars.

 It’s scheduled for publication on February 24^th; you can pre-order your copy here.

 I will be trying a number of these recipes; they will be featured on my sister blog, Olla-Podrida, so be sure to subscribe for updates.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.