We Found 8 Books to Read if You Love ‘The Golden Girls’
From cozy mysteries to a gender-swapped retelling—these books capture the spirit of Rose, Blanche, Dorothy and Sophia
Key Takeaways
- ‘Murder by Cheesecake’ is a cozy mystery featur ‘The Golden Girls’ characters.
- ‘That's What Friends Are For’ is a gender-swapped retelling set in Palm Springs.
- ‘Killers of a Certain Age’ follows four retired assassins in their 60s.
Picture it: your couch, a slice of cheesecake and a book so good you don’t realize it’s 2 a.m. If you’re a Golden Girls fan, you know the best stories are the ones about women who are bold and funny and done apologizing for it. Below, we’ve rounded up eight books that capture exactly that spirit, from laugh-out-loud cozy mysteries to road trips that prove life after 50 is just getting interesting. Read on for our favorite books that carry that beloved Golden Girls energy.
8 books to read if you love ‘The Golden Girls’
From mysteries to tales of moving on, here are the best books to read if you love The Golden Girls.
‘Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery’ by Rachel Ekstrom Courage
In this first novel in the new New York Times bestselling Golden Girls cozy mystery series featuring the ladies we love solving crime, cheesecake takes center stage. After Dorothy’s obnoxious date is found dead in a hotel room—face first in a cheesecake—all four Golden Girls band together to crack the case. If they don’t, the lavish St. Olaf–themed wedding Rose is hosting might just go up in flames. Filled with laugh-out-loud moments and a page-turning mystery, this novel is a can’t-miss.
What readers are saying: “Murder by Cheesecake feels like stepping straight back into the world of the girls. The author absolutely nails the dialogue—every character sounds authentic and true to who they are. Sophia, Dorothy, Blanche and Rose all feel completely in character, which makes the story incredibly easy and fun to read.”
‘That’s What Friends Are For’ by Wade Rouse
This gender-swapped Golden Girls retelling follows Theodore Copeland and his roommates Barry, Ron and Teddy—four older men living in Palm Springs who work on “The Golden Gays,” a monthly drag tribute to The Golden Girls. But when Teddy’s estranged sister Trudy shows up on their doorstep, things slowly begin to change and secrets are revealed. A heartfelt story that’s the perfect blend of love, acceptance and thriving in retirement.
What readers are saying: “I was a kid when The Golden Girls first premiered. I remember watching it every so often when I was growing up. Recently I thought I should rewatch it as an adult. Wade Rouse’s big-hearted comfort novel, That’s What Friends Are For, makes me want to do this rewatch even more! It’s a delightful story about four older gay men living in a pink house in Palm Springs and coming to terms with struggles they have been facing.”
‘The Golden Girls’ Getaway’ by Judy Leigh
Set in the British countryside, this novel follows three women looking to start over. After lockdown causes a group of friends to feel isolated and alone, Vivienne, Mary and Gwen jet off to London and beyond to make themselves feel better. While there, they experience new loves, loss, laughter and heartbreak and begin to discover who they are and why it’s okay that they aren’t who they once were. A moving tale of starting over and remembering that the best is yet to come.
What readers are saying: “This book was so much fun! The three women were so likable, smart, and full of life that it felt like such a treat to be able to join them on their holiday! I hated that it had to end!”
‘Killers of a Certain Age’ by Deanna Raybourn
Mix The Golden Girls with a thriller and you will get this New York Times bestseller. Billie, Mary Alice, Helen and Natalie have worked for the Museum, an elite group of assassins, for 40 years. But after discovering that no one appreciates their old-school talents, they decide to take an all-expenses paid vacation to mark their retirement. While there, they learn that one of their own colleagues has marked them for death. Now the four women must use their skills to find out who is after them—before it’s too late.
What readers are saying: “The story premise, the action situations and characters were outstanding! Great intertwining of professional killers and the honesty of aging female friends!”
‘The Cabernet Club’ by Rona S. Zable and Margie Zable Fisher
Filled with wit, humor and friendship, this novel is a must-read for fans of The Golden Girls. After moving to Florida and discovering The Cabernet Club—a strong group of women who believe that midlife isn’t an ending—Debbie Gordon finally begins to feel like her life is on track. She has good friends, a gorgeous ocean view and enough wine to make anything bearable. A beautiful ode to summertime, second chances and starting over.
What readers are saying: “The Cabernet Club is the kind of book that pulls you in and stays with you long after you’ve bookmarked your page or finished. From the first few pages, I felt an immediate connection—not just to the characters, but to the world they inhabit.”
‘The Golden Girls’ Road Trip’ by Kate Galley
Constance Fitzgerald might be close to 70, but that hasn’t stopped her from traveling. But after becoming engaged and learning that she’s a soon-to-be grandmother, that all changes—until a chance encounter arises and Constance sets out for one last adventure to find a long lost friend. What follows is a tale of trusting your gut and knowing when it’s time to move on.
What readers are saying: “What a wonderful story. You’ll fall in love with the main character, Constance, and get totally wound up in her story. This is a fast, easy and uplifting book about first and last loves. I highly recommend it!”
‘Growing Old Disgracefully’ by Karen King
From the bestselling author of The Old Gals’ Bucket List comes another fun tale centered around three people living in a share-house. After Nancy’s husband disappears to ‘find himself’ on a worldwide tour, she’s devastated to learn he’s left her with nothing. Desperate for money, she decides to let life model Jackie, fortune teller Phyllis and aging rocker Marvin move into her house. But her new houseguests aren’t at all what they seem and soon chaos, fun and a whole lot of laughter ensue.
What readers are saying: “Growing Old Disgracefully is a heartwarming story that gave me major Golden Girls vibes. It is a quick, enjoyable read with a lovely blend of humor and a touch of romance.”
‘The Thursday Murder Club’ by Richard Osman
Mystery, friendship and intrigue come together in this bestselling novel by Richard Osman. At a peaceful English retirement village, four unlikely friends meet weekly for the Thursday Murder Club—a group dedicated to solving cold cases purely for entertainment. But when a local property developer turns up dead, the amateur sleuths decide to put their skills to the test and solve a real murder for the first time.
What readers are saying: “I really enjoyed the change of pace and fun with Richard Osman’s funny, fascinating and quirky senior sleuths. The Thursday Murder Club was so much fun.”
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