Book Review: Solid Gold Murder

Solid Gold Murder

Solid Gold Murder is a humorous mystery with great characters, a very woodsy setting, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

• Series: Golden Motel Mystery (Book 2)

• Written by: Ellen Byron

• Published by: Kensington Cozies

• Publication date: July 29, 2025

• Mystery type: Humorous cozy mystery

Plot Overview

Hollywood sitcom writer turned motelier Dee Stern wants to draw in new tourists for the summer and get rid of her motel's horrible nickname—the Murder Motel. She comes up with a fun gold panning activity perfectly suited to the California motel's location in former gold rush country. But then someone finds a real gold nugget, and the find goes viral on social media!

Grizzled prospectors, enthusiastic adventurers, and trend-chasing thrill seekers descend on Dee's Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains motel and the surrounding community of Foundsgold. The sudden gold rush turns the peaceful retreat into a site of mayhem…and murder.

Spoiler-Free Review

Solid Gold Murder is a masterclass in cozy craftsmanship. This follow-up to A Very Woodsy Murder, the award-nominated debut mystery in the Golden Motel Mystery Series, is a five-star cozy mystery that excels in every aspect, from characters and plot to humor, writing, and setting.

Dee Stern is a standout protagonist. She's relatable, resourceful, and endearingly flawed. Dee's ex-husband-turned-best-friend and business partner, Jeff Cornetta, is her sidekick. Jeff and Dee's dynamic is a highlight and includes lots of warm and playful banter.

The book's other supporting characters, including Sam Stern (Dee's dad), Nugget (Dee's cute dog), Serena (Dee's friend and charcuterie artist), Ma'am (handywoman), and Mister Ma'am (Ma'am's fella), are also delightful. They are a quirky and entertaining bunch.

The mystery revolves around the death of an unlikable tech broligarch. There are enough suspects to keep things exciting, and Byron peppers in the clues in all the right places.

Humor is the final cornerstone of Solid Gold Murder. Author Ellen Byron's television writing background really shines through here. The dialogue is witty, and there are plenty of comedic scenes to create laugh-out-loud moments.

Solid Gold Murder is a must-read for fans of the cozy mystery genre. I'm already ready for book three!

Author Interview

Read an interview with Ellen Byron, the author of Solid Gold Murder.

Author Recipe

See a recipe for Pumpkin Chiffon Pie, a recipe from French Quarter Fright Night, a Vintage Cookbook Mystery by author Ellen Byron.

Disclaimers

Review disclosure: I received an advanced reader copy of Solid Gold Murder from Net Galley and Kensington Cozies. This did not influence the review.

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