Welcome to Cozy Wednesday!
I am delighted to give my thoughts about Ellen Byron’s new book, Solid Gold Murder, today!
Solid Gold Murder (Golden Motel Mysteries)
by Ellen Byron
About Solid Gold Murder
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
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 . . .
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Trying to shed the nickname “Murder Motel,” bestowed on it by Verity Donner – Yes, that Donner Gillespie, Dee Stern, a former Hollywood sitcom writer, attempts to carve out a new path for the peaceful place to escape she and Jeff Cornetta, her ex-husband and now partner, have in created at the Golden Motel of the Mountains. Part of that new path includes bringing back a facsimile of an original Forty-Niners’ wooden contraption, a sluice, that uses water to separate gold from the sand. It will allow their guests to pan for “gold,” actually “fool’s gold”. What they didn’t plan on was the discovery of a real gold nugget and a viral video of the incident. A video that started Gold Rush 2.o! All their motel’s accommodations were fully booked within minutes, as were all the places to stay in the area. Everyone is ready for an adventure and interested in the abandoned mines in the area.
All the businesses in Foundgold and Goldsgone were happy to have a huge influx of tourists, but Gold Rush 2.0 attracted some unsavory characters from Silicon Valley who were sure they were going to hit a real gold mine and line their already overflowing pockets. The head of the Core Four immediately got on Dee’s last nerve, but she didn’t wish him dead. Sylvan Burr, a wealthy 30-year-old retired CEO, went missing, and soon his dead body was found at the bottom of an abandoned mineshaft. Another murder connected to Dee, Jeff, and their “Murder Motel”.
Dee’s livelihood was on the line. She was also dealing with Verity and her schemes. Burr had plenty of enemies. Dee hopes to turn the tables on Verity, putting her in a position to root out the killer without putting herself in too much danger. Heck, maybe Bud the Bear will do her a solid and help her get to the bottom of the murder and help her save the Golden.
I was thrilled to be back in Foundgold, population 68, and the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains. Dee handles most of the hotel business while Jeff endeavors to find fun experiences for their guests to do. He isn’t usually successful, but it sure is funny to see him try a variety of things. Dee’s dad, Sam, has been staying at the Golden while work was being done on his Los Angeles home. He’s been having a good time and is in no hurry to head home. The voice actor has taken on the persona of Prospector Pete to assist motel guests panning at the sluice. The backwoods couple of Ma’am and Mister Ma’am are on hand to help Dee and Jeff with anything they need, including teaching them the true craft of panning for gold. Dee also adopted Nugget, a hound dog that belonged to the motel’s late owner. Jonas, Dee’s new boyfriend, had only a minor role this time, but the relationship is moving in the right direction. A variety of residents of Foundgold and Goldgone join this wonderful cast of core characters. I can’t forget Bud, the Bear, who could wander through at any time. I loved the bonus of Dee’s Bud the Bear cartoons and merchandise.
The guests at the Golden are a unique group. Some are there for the pure fun, while others could really use the money that any gold nuggets or flakes can bring. Then there are the techy folks from Silicon Valley. They are up to something.
This mystery was a fun one. Dee is in constant motion, trying to figure out who killed Sylvan Burr and why, all while jumping through the hoops Verity throws into her path. I had a fabulous time trekking around with her as she followed each clue wherever it led. She had many different theories from her eavesdropping and observations, and every twist and turn added something new. The final twist was a big surprise that confirmed an error I made in discarding a thought I had earlier in the book.
Solid Gold Murder is a solid gold addition to this series. Ms. Bryon has plotted this mystery so perfectly with a variety of subplots woven in seamlessly to keep the story moving at a brisk pace. She also fills the story with humor as only she can. The banter between Jeff and Dee is entertaining, and I love the setting of the old-fashioned motel and the woodsy area surrounding it. This book is another Perfect Escape from this wonderful author. I can’t wait to see what she has planned for Dee and Jeff next.
While this book can be read on its own, if you haven’t read the first book in this series, A Very Woodsy Murder, I recommend starting at the beginning to get to know these characters and Goldsgone and Foundgold from the start for maximum enjoyment.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent
About Ellen Byron
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.
A native New Yorker, Ellen is a graduate of Tulane University and lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, daughter, and a rotating crew of rescue pups. Visit her at http://www.ellenbyron.com/.
Author Links
Webpage – Facebook – GoodReads – Instagram – BookBub – Newsletter
Purchase Links –
Amazon – Kensington – Bookshop.org – B&N – Hudson Books – Target – Walmart
Also written by Ellen Byron
Find all of Ellen’s Books HERE.
Written as Maria DiRico HERE.
Great Escapes Praise for Solid Gold Murder (Golden Motel Mysteries)
by Ellen Byron
This book was delightful! I chuckled, snorted, and laughed out loud a time or two. I want more of this series – well worth the read!
~The Plain Spoken Pen
I highly recommend Solid Gold Murder for its wonderful cast of characters, laugh-out-loud humor, unique setting, and complex mystery! 5 stars!
~Christy’s Cozy Corners
While there may be no Solid Gold Dancers SOLID GOLD MURDER is even more entertaining with engaging characters, friendship drama, a complex mystery, gold, and a bear named Bud.
~Cozy Up With Kathy
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?
~Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books
TOUR PARTICIPANTS – Please visit all the stops.
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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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways
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