Welcome to my stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Solid Gold Murder (Golden Motel Mysteries) by Ellen Byron! Today we are featuring a review of the second book in this delightful cozy mystery series. Stop by each blog on the tour for interviews, guest posts, spotlights, reviews, and more! There is also a Rafflecopter Giveaway for a print copy of A VERY WOODSY MURDER (A GOLDEN MOTEL MYSTERY) By ELLEN BYRON. (US Only). ENTER HERE! ⬅️

Solid Gold Murder (Golden Motel Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – California
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 29, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496745388
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496745385
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DLR3TVJP

About the Book:

Dee Stern’s Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains promises a tranquil getaway for outdoor lovers in the scenic Californian village of Foundgold. But when Dee accidentally triggers a modern gold rush, she suddenly turns her peaceful retreat into a hotspot for mayhem and murder . . .

With the summer season looming, former Hollywood sitcom writer Dee Stern has one small goal—scrubbing her motel’s unflattering moniker as the “Murder Motel.” Dee and ex-husband-turned-business-partner Jeff Cornetta are excited to introduce a family-friendly panning activity complete with fool’s gold just in time for the peak tourist months. Except neither could have anticipated the discovery of a real gold nugget or the ensuing social media frenzy. In a flash, the viral sensation draws grizzled prospectors, wide-eyed adventurers, and trend-chasing thrill seekers to the abandoned mines scattered around the woods . . .

The instant popularity proves great for business, but it also attracts a group of out-of-touch Silicon Valley techies with dreams of striking it rich—again. Dee finds herself particularly annoyed by the insufferably smug Sylvan Burr, a retired CEO who sold his startup before age 30 and won’t let anyone forget it. But things take a sinister turn when Sylvan meets a grim fate at the bottom of a mineshaft, leaving Dee at the center of a deadly mystery that could end her days as a motelier. And while Sylvan had plenty of enemies, Dee suddenly faces adversaries rooting against her own success. Now, with her life and the future of the Golden Motel hanging by a thread, Dee must unearth a minefield of suspects and outwit a greedy killer before she finally digs herself too deep . . .

My Review:

Just like book one in this series, this was so much fun! Lots of adulting was required this past week, so I grabbed this on audio and absolutely loved having it in my ears. 

Dee and Jeff are always looking for ways to enhance their Golden Motel and the gold rush they accidentally start pulls readers right into the story. I could easily picture Dee’s dad as an old miner, the rush of guests to find their piece of gold, and the impact all these visitors had on the small town. 

In addition to wonderful descriptions of the setting, the quirky town characters, and hilarious wildlife, I adored the dialogue in this book. It’s clever and funny and thoughtful – all balanced so well. 

And let’s not forget the page-turning mystery. I had no guesses but certainly enjoyed the ride. I love that Dee, despite some rather significant bangs to the noggin’, never gives up. She’s the best character – brave and determined, funny and quick witted. 

This is a five-star bookish treat that I highly recommend. Get lost in the woods with Dee and you won’t regret it! Now, can I please book a stay at the Golden Motel? 

About the Author:

Ellen is a bestselling author, Anthony nominee, and recipient of multiple Agatha and Lefty awards for her Cajun Country Mysteries, Vintage Cookbook Mysteries,  Catering Hall Mysteries (as Maria DiRico), and Golden Motel Mysteries. She is also an award-winning playwright and non-award-winning writer of TV hits like Wings, Just Shoot Me, and Fairly OddParents, but considers her most impressive achievement working as a cater-waiter for Martha Stewart.

Author Links:

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Purchase Links: – Amazon – Kensington – Bookshop.org – B&N – Hudson Books – Target – Walmart 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

• July 30 – The Plain-Spoken Pen – REVIEW – RECIPE 
• July 31 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW 
• August 1 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT 
• August 1 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT  
• August 2 – The Mystery of Writing – CHARACTER GUEST POST 
• August 3 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW
• August 3 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
• August 4 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT 
• August 4 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW 
• August 5 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT 
• August 5 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
• August 6 – Salty Inspirations – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 
• August 6 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
• August 7 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
• August 7 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
• August 8 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW 
• August 9 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – AUTHOR GUEST POST 
• August 9 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT 
• August 10 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

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