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.
German Coach
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. I'm hooked on this app β it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is remarkable. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Sir Shark
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits β it's a game-changer. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Acid Gosling
Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. π‘ Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder β thank you, this app! π±π
Eight Patrol
Audiobooks have never been this immersive β this app transports me to different worlds. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
Thunder Tank
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way β while cooking, working out, or even gardening. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Elektrik
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. πΌ Merging work and pleasure β audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! π»π§ ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver!
Dr. WMD
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. π Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores β pure joy! ππ ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
Crash Test
This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences β time flies by! User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience.
StarZen
ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. The app supports background playback, which is a must for me.
Spit Turanga
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. Savoring stories has never been this smooth β this app's functionality is genius. User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is impressive. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
Iron Butterfly
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is a true delight. ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. Itβs a pleasure to use.
AirportHobo XD
With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature!
Nutmeg
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
Silver Rose
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations β it's like the app knows me! With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education β it's brilliant! Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature! I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. Itβs perfect for my listening style.
Black Firefly
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! π±π Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks. Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly.
MysticMingle
This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. π±π The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions! Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
Skylark
This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Bang Shift
Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
SereneScribe
The voice actors are incredible β they make the characters come alive. I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites.
Ginger Chaos
This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
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