Book description
The Golden Girls Cozy Mystery Series launches with remarkable aplomb in "Murder by Cheesecake," an audiobook that masterfully transposes the beloved characters into a fresh, utterly engaging mystery. Rachel Ekstrom Courage's debut novel transcends mere homage, delivering a plot brimming with the signature wit and warmth of its iconic predecessors while establishing a compelling new narrative framework. The audiobook format elevates this experience profoundly, as the voices of the cast-each embodying Dorothy's sharp intellect, Blanche's flamboyant charm, Rose's earnest vulnerability, and Sophia's razor-sharp wisdom-create an immersive, almost familial listening environment. Their interactions, laced with familiar banter and affectionate ribbing, resonate with authenticity, making the central mystery feel deeply personal.
The premise unfolds with delightful precision: Dorothy's ill-fated date, discovered face-down in a hotel freezer beside a ruined, decadent cheesecake, shatters Rose's meticulously planned St. Olaf-themed wedding. The tension escalates beautifully as the foursome navigates Rose's cousin's impending elopement, familial tensions, and the chilling discovery that a murder has marred their celebration. Courage cleverly weaves traditional cozy mystery elements-the ensemble of potential suspects, the pressure of a social event, the need for discreet investigation-with the unique dynamics of these four women, whose friendship is the true heart of the story. The audiobook's pacing ensures each character's contribution to the sleuthing feels organic, whether it's Dorothy's deductive wit, Blanche's unexpected insights into the social scene, or Sophia's no-nonsense pragmatism.
What distinguishes this audiobook is its seamless blend of humor and genuine suspense. The descriptions of Rose's wedding chaos, Dorothy's disastrous VHS dating experiment, and the girls' collective efforts to maintain order while uncovering the truth are rendered with such vibrant vocal nuance that the listener feels present in the scene. The narration avoids caricature, instead honoring the depth of these characters even within a lighthearted mystery. The warmth of their camaraderie is palpable, transforming the central murder investigation into a testament to enduring friendship and community-a poignant counterpoint to the crime itself.
Courage's prose, when voiced, carries a sophisticated rhythm that suits the genre perfectly. Phrases like "a marriage on the line" or "the should-be-happy couple down the aisle" are delivered with just the right touch of dramatic tension, while the sheer joy of the characters' banter-discussing everything from wedding themes to Blanche's hot flashes-infuses the narrative with infectious energy. The audiobook excels in making the reader feel the girls' shared resolve as they work to solve the case, ensuring the resolution feels earned and deeply satisfying. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of these characters that their presence, even within a new mystery framework, feels both nostalgic and refreshingly original.
"Murder by Cheesecake" is more than a mystery; it is a celebration of connection, cleverly disguised as a cozy whodunit. The audiobook format proves essential, allowing the distinct voices and chemistry of the Golden Girls to breathe life into Courage's sharp, character-driven plot. It offers a perfect blend of intellectual engagement, heartfelt warmth, and pure, unadulterated fun-a true instant classic for fans and newcomers alike, proving that the magic of these iconic women is as enduring as ever. This is the quintessential cozy mystery experience, elevated by exceptional narration and the timeless appeal of friendship solving the impossible.
Ladysmith
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Gothic Slacker
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Rooster
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Thrasher
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Mad Kid
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ThreadTraveler
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Valley Guardian
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ChatterChampion
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Sapiens
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101
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Blackfire
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience