Local Author Spotlight: Rachel Ekstrom Courage

By: Emily King

Pittsburgh author Rachel Ekstrom Courage is an award-winning author, literary agent, and Golden Girls fanatic. Her newest book, Death on the Lanai, is set to be released in June and features the iconic Blanche, Dorothy, Rose and Sophia as the main characters. This is her second Golden Girls themed mystery. The first, Murder By Cheesecake, became an instant New York Times Bestseller and book club favorite.

Murder by Cheesecake was hailed as a hilarious light-hearted whodunit, melding a fast-paced plot and favorite nostalgic characters. Reviews note that she nails the quick-witted dialogue the Golden Girls are known for, an impressive feat. If you’re in the mood for an escape from reality or a cozy poolside read this summer, Ekstrom’s books are the perfect choice.

In Death on the Lanai, your favorite posse of senior besties accept an unexpected invitation to an extravagant party on a remote island. The mysterious host is Declan, one of Blanche’s past lovers from her heyday as a Rockette in New York City in her 20’s. He was a starving artist at the time but rose to fame after their love affair was broken off. Now, reunited with Blanche after decades, he confesses that she has been his muse all these years, inspiring his art and fueling his success.

When a storm cuts off power to the island, the party rages on. But in the morning, Declan is found dead. The party-goers immediately suspect Blanche, his mysterious ex-lover. Now the ladies are trapped on the island with a murderer, and they must work together to find the true killer and prove Blanche’s innocence.

Besides her Golden Girls tributes, Ekstrom is also the author of Nothing Bad Happens Here, a young adult thriller. She is also the founder of literary agency Courage Literary. She began her publishing career in New York City and now calls Pittsburgh her home. Death on the Lanai is available for preorder on Amazon.com and your other favorite booksellers.