Best-selling author Susan Wittig Albert offers this third charming mystery set in the Depression-era town of Darling, Alabama. In the wake of the upcoming Confederate Day celebration, the Dahlias set out to solve a rash of mysterious occurrences. They' re ready to tackle the secret code embroidered on a family heirloom and suss out why one local resident is acting quite strange -- yet nothing prepares them for one of their own being accused of stealing county funds.
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"This series is set during the Depression (1931 for this book) in a small town named Darling in south Alabama. The Dahlias are a gardening club who grow both flowers to beautify the town and food to feed them. It's not necessary to read the books in order (this is the 3rd in the series) as Ms. Albert gives pertinent information that you might have missed if you haven't read one of the previous books. The characters are diverse and very human. They grow on you so that you care what happens to them. This book has one main mystery and a couple of side mysteries. The side mysteries are quickly resolved so they don't take too much attention from the primary mystery but they keep the action flowing and the book interesting. A fun read."
— Michelle (4 out of 5 stars)
“Albert expertly weaves three mysteries into one engaging novel…The historical detail is spot-on, and the story moves at a good pace.…A solid, well-plotted mystery with likable characters.”
— RT Book Reviews (4 stars)“Charming characters, a fast-paced plot, and a strong sense of history help make this a superior cozy.”
— Publishers Weekly“As in the other entries in this series, the Dahlias use friendship and careful observation to resolve the crises and bring calm back to Darling. Their daily lives are evocatively created by Albert, using her extensive research into the era as well as her sensitive writing.”
— Booklist“[An] unruffled retro whodunit…As usual, Albert plumps up her…mystery with plenty of charm and period detail.”
— Kirkus Reviews" This is a great continuation to the Darling Dahlia story and as with Cucumber and Naked there is a problem needing resolution and the garden club ladies work to together and successfully clear Verna of the charges of missing money. As always the setting and details are fabulous and I’m impressed at how caring & thoughtful the garden club ladies are to one another and are able to blow-off some of the annoying traits of other members or townsfolk. "
— Quillee, 3/8/2021" Fun, cozy mystery! "
— Lynn, 2/7/2014" A delightful little mystery with a lot of home spun characters. I grew up in a small town and can surely relate to that small town feeling that everyone knows everything. "
— Connie, 2/5/2014" Always enjoy authors cozy mysteries. This is no exception. Especially liked historical perspective. Characters have substance & story moves without stretching into contrived. "
— NVTony, 2/1/2014" Vera, one of the Darling Dahlias, who works as an assistant to the county clerk at the courthouse is accused of embezzlement. Good series. "
— Kitty, 1/19/2014" When was the last time you read a book that was just fun? This was one of those books. A mystery with twist and turns, interesting characters. "
— Violet, 1/18/2014" A good book for what it is. It's a cozy - nothing to think too much about. I use these as nice little palate cleansers between other books. "
— Nanci, 1/18/2014" The Darling Dahlias Series is fun to read...a little mystery, a little history, and interesting characters. Enjoy. "
— gertt, 1/12/2014" I think this is my favorite in the series.... 3 different threads keep the ladies and towns people busy..... "
— Brenda, 1/8/2014" Historical mystery set in the South during the 1930's. Third book in the series. "
— Kristen, 12/12/2013" My favorite is the series so far! "
— Carol, 12/11/2013" I enjoy this series set in the 1930's, you can tell the author does her research regarding food, gardening and politics of the 1930's. "
— Lbaker, 12/6/2013" Cute. Kinda like Fried Green Tomatoes. Summer beach reading kinda thing. Nothing offensive but nothing to write home about either. Not as much gardening in it as I expected. "
— Leslie, 12/4/2013" Another well written book in this series. The women and the time of the Depression are well portrayed. The way the women work through and solve the problems are fun and seem true. "
— Joan, 11/16/2013" I enjoyed this 3rd in a series of the Darling Dahlias. Deceit, theft, historical treasure and the personalities of the Dahlias made this cozy mystery a comfort read. "
— Sallee, 11/5/2013" A nice cozy with good characters. "
— A., 7/24/2013" Sweet town and sweet characters, but just the bare essentials of plot. Was not a happy romantic ending possible with all those spinsters and the unmarried newspaper editor? "
— Karen, 7/14/2013" A little too much Confederacy rah rah for my taste. "
— Debbie, 4/25/2013" It was an entertaining read "
— Edwina, 2/22/2013" Another cute story, tho I liked the second installment better. Fun facts, recipes and some laughs. Easy read. "
— Laura, 1/13/2013" Somehow not as gripping as the others in the series. Maybe because there are three small mysteries instead of one big dramatic tense one? still it's a good read that I finished in an afternoon. "
— Rachel, 12/24/2012" I enjoyed this book,especially the true historical information regarding the Civil War. "
— Kelly, 11/27/2012Susan Wittig Albert is the author of over 100 books. Her work includes four mystery series: China Bayles, the Darling Dahlias, the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter, and the Robin Paige Victorian mysteries. She has published three award-winning historical novels, as well as young-adult fiction, memoirs, and nonfiction. She serves as an editor of Story Circle Book Reviews and helps to coordinate its online class program.
Peggity Price has worked extensively in television and stage, both on and off-Broadway and in regional theatres for over thirty years. She has performed in Australia and Poland and has directed plays for the Barter Theatre and the apprentice company for the Humana New Play Festival at The Actors Theatre of Louisville. Ms. Price is the cofounder and artistic director of the Blue Horse Repertory Company.