Death on the Lanai - Rachel Ekstrom Courage

 This is the second installment in the Golden Girls cozy mystery series; I read the first one. While there are references to events from the first book, this one can be enjoyed on its own.

Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia receive a mysterious invitation to a gala celebrating “the greatest artist of the century.” The invitation is accompanied by a box containing an elegant butterfly brooch which Sophia claims she should wear as she is the oldest.

The gala is held at a secluded mansion located on its own island, accessible only by boat. To her astonishment, the mansion is owned by the renowned artist now known as El Toro, a former lover of Blanche’s when she was younger. He was known to her as Declan and she was the muse for much of his work. 

A violent storm plunges the island into darkness when the power fails. Amidst the chaos, the brooch is snatched from Sophia’s dress, and the boat that brought them to the island is destroyed.  When Declan’s body is discovered, the group invited to the gala finds themselves stranded on the island, with suspicion falling on each and every one of them. As they grapple with the possibility of being trapped with a murderer, some must confront their own pasts and unravel the secrets that lie beneath the surface.

This book evokes a nostalgic feel reminiscent of the 1980s-early 1990s TV show, with a locked room/Agatha Christie/Clue-style plot. However, it is the delightful Golden Girls characters, rather than the intricate plot, that make this a delightful read. The witty banter and playful sniping among the women are a highlight, with Sophia’s sharp remarks being my personal favorite.  

Thanks to @NetGalley and @hyperionavebooks for the DRC.

****Death on the Lanai - Rachel Ekstrom Courage