What do you think?
Rate this book
The Darling Dahlias #4
The Darling Dahlias and the Texas Star
National bestselling author Susan Wittig Albert returns to the small town of Darling, Alabama, in the 1930s—where the Darling Dahlias, the colorful ladies of a garden club, are anything but shrinking violets when it comes to rooting out criminals…
The Texas Star herself—Miss Lily Dare, the “fastest woman in the world”—is bringing her Dare Devils Flying Circus to Darling. Unfortunately, she’s also bringing a whole lot of trouble. As the Dahlias prepare for the annual Watermelon Festival—where they will present the famous female aviatrix with her own Texas Star hibiscus—rumors are flying.
Dahlias president Liz Lacy learns from newspaperman Charlie Dickens that Miss Dare has been threatened and her plane sabotaged. Apparently the bold and beautiful barnstormer has made plenty of enemies. And is it possible she may even be involved with the husband of one of Darling’s local ladies?
And speaking of wings, the new cook at Myra May’s Darling Diner can fry a chicken and whip up a sweet potato meringue pie like nobody’s business. But why is she keeping her past such a mystery?
As the Texas Star barnstorms into town, Liz and Verna Tidwell offer to help bring down a saboteur who may be propelled by revenge. Before it’s all over, there will be plenty of black eyes and dark secrets revealed…
Includes Southern-Style Depression-Era Recipes!
The Texas Star herself—Miss Lily Dare, the “fastest woman in the world”—is bringing her Dare Devils Flying Circus to Darling. Unfortunately, she’s also bringing a whole lot of trouble. As the Dahlias prepare for the annual Watermelon Festival—where they will present the famous female aviatrix with her own Texas Star hibiscus—rumors are flying.
Dahlias president Liz Lacy learns from newspaperman Charlie Dickens that Miss Dare has been threatened and her plane sabotaged. Apparently the bold and beautiful barnstormer has made plenty of enemies. And is it possible she may even be involved with the husband of one of Darling’s local ladies?
And speaking of wings, the new cook at Myra May’s Darling Diner can fry a chicken and whip up a sweet potato meringue pie like nobody’s business. But why is she keeping her past such a mystery?
As the Texas Star barnstorms into town, Liz and Verna Tidwell offer to help bring down a saboteur who may be propelled by revenge. Before it’s all over, there will be plenty of black eyes and dark secrets revealed…
Includes Southern-Style Depression-Era Recipes!
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2013
88 people are currently reading
1125 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wittig Albert
120 books2,375 followersSusan is the author/co-author of biographical/historical fiction, mysteries, and nonfiction. Now in her 80s and continuing to write, she says that retirement is not (yet) an option. She publishes under her own imprint. Here are her latest books.
A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.
Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.
LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters
A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert
TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE
AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS
WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY
A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.
Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.
LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters
A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert
TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE
AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS
WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
February 16, 2019
This series is light on mystery but heavy on character. Great sense of time and place.
Alabama 1932
Alabama 1932
March 5, 2015
The Darling Dahlias and the Texas Star is the fourth book in The Darling Dahlias series. And a wonderful addition it is, too.
I've read all of Albert's books and love them, but this book, she really shines as a storyteller. This series takes place in Darling, Ala., a small rural community, during the Great Depression.
The series follows the lives of the 14 members of Dahlias Club as they work together to make the best of a bad situation for the residences of Darling. Not only do they stay busy with the gardening that they love, but they reach out to those in need.
Darling is bustling as they get ready for their annual Watermelon Festival. It is the Darling Dahlias year to host the festival and Lizzie Lacy is busy making sure that the festival will come off without a hitch. This year's attraction will be Lily Dare, the fastest woman in the world and she will be bringing her Dare Devils Flying circus. But she is also might be bringing possible trouble, at her last show someone attempted to sabotage her airplane.
Lizzie soon learns that the editor of the newspaper, Charlie Dickens, has had a liaison with Miss Dare in the past. Then a rumor is circulating the Roger Kilgore, one of the Dahlias husbands might also be having an affair with her too. Lizzie is hoping that the mystery as to who is out to get Lily will be solved before the Festival begins.
As Lizzie points out in her letter of introduction to the story, will let Mrs. Albert finish telling the story.
Albert also provides the reader with Getting Beautiful for Pennies tips from the depression and also provides the reader with recipes from the Great Depression.
Definitely looking forward to the next book in this delightful series.
I've read all of Albert's books and love them, but this book, she really shines as a storyteller. This series takes place in Darling, Ala., a small rural community, during the Great Depression.
The series follows the lives of the 14 members of Dahlias Club as they work together to make the best of a bad situation for the residences of Darling. Not only do they stay busy with the gardening that they love, but they reach out to those in need.
Darling is bustling as they get ready for their annual Watermelon Festival. It is the Darling Dahlias year to host the festival and Lizzie Lacy is busy making sure that the festival will come off without a hitch. This year's attraction will be Lily Dare, the fastest woman in the world and she will be bringing her Dare Devils Flying circus. But she is also might be bringing possible trouble, at her last show someone attempted to sabotage her airplane.
Lizzie soon learns that the editor of the newspaper, Charlie Dickens, has had a liaison with Miss Dare in the past. Then a rumor is circulating the Roger Kilgore, one of the Dahlias husbands might also be having an affair with her too. Lizzie is hoping that the mystery as to who is out to get Lily will be solved before the Festival begins.
As Lizzie points out in her letter of introduction to the story, will let Mrs. Albert finish telling the story.
Albert also provides the reader with Getting Beautiful for Pennies tips from the depression and also provides the reader with recipes from the Great Depression.
Definitely looking forward to the next book in this delightful series.
March 3, 2018
This one was very good. The narrator, who had improved with the last book, was even worse in this one. There were moments when I just wanted to smack her and then teach her how to speak correctly. Audibly swallowing is not what you want to hear in an audiobook. Seriously.
There was one thing that happened that I knew right away was going on, but it really didn't diminish it when it was revealed and there was also a scene that was so heartbreakingly sad that I cried for quite awhile. I am still thinking about that one part and sighing a bit.
I really enjoy these characters so much.
There was one thing that happened that I knew right away was going on, but it really didn't diminish it when it was revealed and there was also a scene that was so heartbreakingly sad that I cried for quite awhile. I am still thinking about that one part and sighing a bit.
I really enjoy these characters so much.
December 18, 2013
wasted my time with this one...written for grade school level.
June 23, 2023
Another absolutely excellent mystery in this series!
May 29, 2021
The Darling Dahlias and the Texas Star is the 4th book in the cozy mystery series about a gardening group in Darling Alabama in the 1930's. While not my favorite cozy series they are still most enjoyable. I have become very fond of each and every character. ~ Chris L.
September 11, 2013
The Darling Dahlias and the Texas Star is the 4th book in the cozy mystery series about a gardening group in Darling Alabama in the 1930's. The Darling Dahlias are in charge of the Watermelon Festival this year in Darling. Liz Lacey,the club president, is the head of planning and organizing everything for a successful event. The highlight of the event will be the Dare Devil Airplane show starring Lily Dare. Lily Dare is a exotic beautiful stunt pilot who has done stunt flying in movies and is advertised as the fastest woman in the world. There will be wing walking and an air show.
Lily's plane recently was sabotaged so who wants to kill or harm her? There are a lot of prospects. She is a flirt and doesn't mind having an affair with a married man. Liz and Verna try to find out who is trying to harm Lily. Another interesting part of the book was the new cook that Myra employs after her previous cook leaves to work somewhere else.
This book featured Liz Lacy, Verna Tidwell, Myra Mosswell and Mildred Kilgore. So the other members of the club played a smaller part in the plot.
This is the first series that when I read the first book in the series, I read the next two right after as I liked it so much. Have been waiting for the fourth book to come out. This is a gentle series about the lives of a diverse group of women in the 1930's who like to garden and get drawn into various mysteries. They are women that I would like to know if they were contemporary with us in the real world. One can sit back, relax , go back into time and enjoy the storytelling of the lives and adventures of the Darling Dahlias. It was a very good read.
Lily's plane recently was sabotaged so who wants to kill or harm her? There are a lot of prospects. She is a flirt and doesn't mind having an affair with a married man. Liz and Verna try to find out who is trying to harm Lily. Another interesting part of the book was the new cook that Myra employs after her previous cook leaves to work somewhere else.
This book featured Liz Lacy, Verna Tidwell, Myra Mosswell and Mildred Kilgore. So the other members of the club played a smaller part in the plot.
This is the first series that when I read the first book in the series, I read the next two right after as I liked it so much. Have been waiting for the fourth book to come out. This is a gentle series about the lives of a diverse group of women in the 1930's who like to garden and get drawn into various mysteries. They are women that I would like to know if they were contemporary with us in the real world. One can sit back, relax , go back into time and enjoy the storytelling of the lives and adventures of the Darling Dahlias. It was a very good read.
October 8, 2016
Somewhat entertaining but sloppy. Albert has apparently written too many of these books and can't remember what she has already told the reader about certain characters. She seems to be on some kind of a deadline, and must keep writing quickly instead of going back and checking what she has already written. Thus she introduces characters more than once and repeats unimportant facts.
I guessed all the outcomes of the mysteries very early on. Absolutely nothing was a surprise. The real mystery for me was where hat maker Fanny Champlain went, and I never really found out, and I guess that wasn't supposed to be one of the mysteries.
I like the fact that the book was set around an all woman garden club in the South in the early 1930s, and I liked the ladies themselves, but Albert could have done so much more with her themes and her lovely ladies.
I guessed all the outcomes of the mysteries very early on. Absolutely nothing was a surprise. The real mystery for me was where hat maker Fanny Champlain went, and I never really found out, and I guess that wasn't supposed to be one of the mysteries.
I like the fact that the book was set around an all woman garden club in the South in the early 1930s, and I liked the ladies themselves, but Albert could have done so much more with her themes and her lovely ladies.
May 26, 2021
Nice mystery, fun characters. Set in summer of 1932 in the deep south.
November 11, 2015
I don't expect a lot from this series, but it was the weakest one I've read so far. Far-fetched plot and too "cutesy."
October 16, 2019
Another sweet look inside a Southern town during the Depression.
July 28, 2022
More of the same - a quick cozy. Now I know why I felt Nancy Drew vibes, Ms Albert wrote for the series, one of many who penned as Carolyn Keene. She is obviously an Agatha Christie fan as well. It’s a fun, fast read. I’ll continue with the Darling Dahlias.
October 22, 2017
This was another cozy read with a now-familiar circle of friends, and it was nice to revisit them =) The mysteries were pretty easy to solve (especially since both of them are more or less spoiled right from the get-go), but it was nice to visit Darling, AL again - and even knowing what was happening, it was still a quite amusing ride!
The Dahlia at the focus of this story is Mildred Kilgore, wife of Roger Kilgore, the owner of the town's Dodge dealership. Mildred is one of the few left in town who has the luxury of hiring full-time help at her mansion out by the country club, but its obvious from the start that money can't shield her from pain. She confides in Lizzy that she's received several disturbing anonymous notes, alleging that her husband is involved with the svelte, sexy, stunning Lily Dare, and that the lady daredevil has managed to swindle him out of a large sum of money. Worst of all, the Kilgores will be hosing the lovely Miss Dare during her stay in Darling, and Mildred can't stand the thought of that woman staying under the same roof as her. She asks Lizzy to sleep over so she can help keep an eye on her - and ensure that she stays far, far away from Roger Kilgore!
The town is abuzz with the news, as airplanes are still a novel thing, and a lady pilot even more rare of a sight. It turns out that stunt pilot work is not Lily Dare's first time at the rodeo - local newspapermak Charlie Dickens knew her back when she was the young wife of an old wealthy Texas rancher, who was infamous for the multi-day "parties" she thew on her wide expanse of Texas land. She was a heartbreaker, even then, and there are rumors flying that at least one of her lovesick suitors killed himself while trying to impress her. Charlie was close enough to Miss Dare that he knows her dark side - she's a schemer, and she's a chameleon who's reinvented herself more times than he cares to count.
She's also hit a spot of trouble, as someone tried to sabotage her plane at their previous show. Charlie is concerned about her, and asks Liz Lacy to help him keep an eye out for her - nobody wants anything nefarious to happen to her while she's in Darling, especially not when she's the star attraction at the Watermelon Festival! It's the Dahlias' year to organize the event, and Liz dreads a re-run of last year, when it turned into a comedy of errors.
She agrees to help Charlie and Mildred, and soon finds herself in the middle of a plot straight out of a Miss Marple novel. She enlists Verna to help her, and together they figure out what's going on - who's behind the anonymous notes, the mysterious payments, and the sabotage. The entrap the antagonist with a little help from the sheriff's deputy, in a plot that would make Jessica Fletcher proud! =)
The subplot is the appearance of a new cook at the Darling Diner, just when the previous one decided to leave for sunnier pastures. Raylene Riggs is a godsend, and she makes an big impression on even the town curmudgeons. Myra May and Violet are eager to hire her, as well as other part-time help, to keep the Diner afloat. Raylene is mum about her past, and why she's chosen to settle in Darling, but Aunt Hetty Little holds the key to unlocking her mystery, and she reveals all in a very sweet scene near the end of the book. (However, if you've read the intro pages to the books that come after this one in the series, you know what the big secret is, because of course Raylene joins the Dahlias! :P)
A secondary plotline is the burgeoning romance between Charlie Dickens and Fannie Champaign, who is also an enigma. The whole town has them practically married off, but Charlie balks at the idea of a commitment, so he quite foolishly breaks up with her -and when he comes around to the foolishness of his actions and goes to apologize to her, finds that she's left town, and nobody knows where she is.
The other thin line of romance is the series-long triangle between Lizzy, her long-time beaux Grady Alexander, and her boss, Mr. Moseley. The longer she hems and haws, the more I'm leaning towards her making a play for her boss, but honestly, I'm not too sure...I do think that after 3 years, Grady is losing the advantage in the race for her hand, considering he totally takes her for granted, along with the fact that they'll one day get married. Hmm...
The plot of the book was predictable, yet cozy, and I loved the way it wrapped up: with a big gossip session at the town's beauty parlor, as the various characters discuss the events of the book, and speculate on Miss Champaign's whereabouts. Even though she's a Dahlia, nobody knows much about her ~ so I'm getting the sense that she might be our next character in the spotlight.
This felt like a middle-series book, if that makes any sense. It doesn't stand out as particularly good or particularly bad - just very middle of the road. I'm definitely not giving up on finishing out the series - plan to glom the last two books during the upcoming holiday - though I am kinda hoping the action picks up a little again.
The Dahlia at the focus of this story is Mildred Kilgore, wife of Roger Kilgore, the owner of the town's Dodge dealership. Mildred is one of the few left in town who has the luxury of hiring full-time help at her mansion out by the country club, but its obvious from the start that money can't shield her from pain. She confides in Lizzy that she's received several disturbing anonymous notes, alleging that her husband is involved with the svelte, sexy, stunning Lily Dare, and that the lady daredevil has managed to swindle him out of a large sum of money. Worst of all, the Kilgores will be hosing the lovely Miss Dare during her stay in Darling, and Mildred can't stand the thought of that woman staying under the same roof as her. She asks Lizzy to sleep over so she can help keep an eye on her - and ensure that she stays far, far away from Roger Kilgore!
The town is abuzz with the news, as airplanes are still a novel thing, and a lady pilot even more rare of a sight. It turns out that stunt pilot work is not Lily Dare's first time at the rodeo - local newspapermak Charlie Dickens knew her back when she was the young wife of an old wealthy Texas rancher, who was infamous for the multi-day "parties" she thew on her wide expanse of Texas land. She was a heartbreaker, even then, and there are rumors flying that at least one of her lovesick suitors killed himself while trying to impress her. Charlie was close enough to Miss Dare that he knows her dark side - she's a schemer, and she's a chameleon who's reinvented herself more times than he cares to count.
She's also hit a spot of trouble, as someone tried to sabotage her plane at their previous show. Charlie is concerned about her, and asks Liz Lacy to help him keep an eye out for her - nobody wants anything nefarious to happen to her while she's in Darling, especially not when she's the star attraction at the Watermelon Festival! It's the Dahlias' year to organize the event, and Liz dreads a re-run of last year, when it turned into a comedy of errors.
She agrees to help Charlie and Mildred, and soon finds herself in the middle of a plot straight out of a Miss Marple novel. She enlists Verna to help her, and together they figure out what's going on - who's behind the anonymous notes, the mysterious payments, and the sabotage. The entrap the antagonist with a little help from the sheriff's deputy, in a plot that would make Jessica Fletcher proud! =)
The subplot is the appearance of a new cook at the Darling Diner, just when the previous one decided to leave for sunnier pastures. Raylene Riggs is a godsend, and she makes an big impression on even the town curmudgeons. Myra May and Violet are eager to hire her, as well as other part-time help, to keep the Diner afloat. Raylene is mum about her past, and why she's chosen to settle in Darling, but Aunt Hetty Little holds the key to unlocking her mystery, and she reveals all in a very sweet scene near the end of the book. (However, if you've read the intro pages to the books that come after this one in the series, you know what the big secret is, because of course Raylene joins the Dahlias! :P)
A secondary plotline is the burgeoning romance between Charlie Dickens and Fannie Champaign, who is also an enigma. The whole town has them practically married off, but Charlie balks at the idea of a commitment, so he quite foolishly breaks up with her -and when he comes around to the foolishness of his actions and goes to apologize to her, finds that she's left town, and nobody knows where she is.
The other thin line of romance is the series-long triangle between Lizzy, her long-time beaux Grady Alexander, and her boss, Mr. Moseley. The longer she hems and haws, the more I'm leaning towards her making a play for her boss, but honestly, I'm not too sure...I do think that after 3 years, Grady is losing the advantage in the race for her hand, considering he totally takes her for granted, along with the fact that they'll one day get married. Hmm...
The plot of the book was predictable, yet cozy, and I loved the way it wrapped up: with a big gossip session at the town's beauty parlor, as the various characters discuss the events of the book, and speculate on Miss Champaign's whereabouts. Even though she's a Dahlia, nobody knows much about her ~ so I'm getting the sense that she might be our next character in the spotlight.
This felt like a middle-series book, if that makes any sense. It doesn't stand out as particularly good or particularly bad - just very middle of the road. I'm definitely not giving up on finishing out the series - plan to glom the last two books during the upcoming holiday - though I am kinda hoping the action picks up a little again.
August 26, 2025
Listened to this on Libby. Helps me sleep at night.
March 2, 2017
cute, fun history about flying & circus life
July 5, 2022
Three and a half....I wish Goodreads used fractions.
Anyway, I'm trying to figure out why I like this series. I'm on this one, #4. I didn't read #3 because my online digital library doesn't carry it. After spending a fortune on books, I went to Kindle and library mode.
A few books ago, I declared I was done with Cozies, but I like these. Why??
Well, they're pretty well-written as far as sentence structure, grammar, and dialogue go. The tone is consistent, and the characters seem like real people. They have distinct personalities, and their actions are true to character. No cliches! We learn a little more about the individual Dahlias in each book.
The plots are not exciting, if you are looking for excitement, adventure, or suspense. But I don't think they're meant to be. The only danger is the kind you might find in a small town in the 1930s.
They're a little gossipy & comfortable, but there are real troubles that real people have.
I know a lot is ignored, a lot of social and justice issues. It's during the Depression, and that is dealt with and discussed, but not the issues of racism or extreme poverty. The African Americans live across the tracks in Maysville, but that is only alluded to now and then. Some of the African Americans figure as cooks, maids, and handymen. But we're seeing things from the POV of genteel, but mostly not-well-off white ladies who are concerned with weeding their gardens, saving money, helping their neighbors, and gossiping about relationships. Not every book can be about everything.
There always is a "mystery," of sorts. Someone gets killed, someone is blackmailed, someone has an assumed identity, and in their treatment, these books fit the Cozy category.
I guess I'm not reading them for the thrills or the mystery, but for some other reason.
For what they are, I think they're well done.
Anyway, I'm trying to figure out why I like this series. I'm on this one, #4. I didn't read #3 because my online digital library doesn't carry it. After spending a fortune on books, I went to Kindle and library mode.
A few books ago, I declared I was done with Cozies, but I like these. Why??
Well, they're pretty well-written as far as sentence structure, grammar, and dialogue go. The tone is consistent, and the characters seem like real people. They have distinct personalities, and their actions are true to character. No cliches! We learn a little more about the individual Dahlias in each book.
The plots are not exciting, if you are looking for excitement, adventure, or suspense. But I don't think they're meant to be. The only danger is the kind you might find in a small town in the 1930s.
They're a little gossipy & comfortable, but there are real troubles that real people have.
I know a lot is ignored, a lot of social and justice issues. It's during the Depression, and that is dealt with and discussed, but not the issues of racism or extreme poverty. The African Americans live across the tracks in Maysville, but that is only alluded to now and then. Some of the African Americans figure as cooks, maids, and handymen. But we're seeing things from the POV of genteel, but mostly not-well-off white ladies who are concerned with weeding their gardens, saving money, helping their neighbors, and gossiping about relationships. Not every book can be about everything.
There always is a "mystery," of sorts. Someone gets killed, someone is blackmailed, someone has an assumed identity, and in their treatment, these books fit the Cozy category.
I guess I'm not reading them for the thrills or the mystery, but for some other reason.
For what they are, I think they're well done.
December 8, 2014
I really love reading historical cozy mysteries. They paint a very realistic picture of daily life back then, with normal people. Allright, most characters are a bit eccentric, but who knows if that was normal back then.
Darling is a little village in Texas, and times are difficult. Lots of people have lost their jobs. The Darling Dahlias, the ladies of the local gardening club, do their best to help out people who can’t afford to buy foodstuff by giving away the groceries they grow and haven’t sold at the local farmers market. This series focuses on some of those ladies, their daily lives and troubles, and of course, a mystery to solve. And this time, there is no murder! I have to admit, that makes for a nice change of pace and I did not miss it at all.
I really enjoyed reading about the presidential campaign between Hoover and Roosevelt, and no one knew what his New Deal was yet. Amelia Earhart is mentioned in this book, and the main character, Miss Lily Dare, is a female pilot, who used to hold the title of fastest women on the planet, she loves air stunts and has done some stunt work for the movies as well. I have no idea if she was a real character or not.
Opening a book of the Darling Dahlias instantly transports me back to a time I ofcourse only know from reading about it. But I love all the main characters and their struggles to find joy in such difficult times. They all help each other. Yes, there is some romance and heartbreak and marriage problems as well. No love scenes though, it is a cozy.
It is a real nice series, and I heartily recommend it. In the back are recipes for beauty products, for your face and nails and hair, and food recipes as well. All cheap according to that time, and easy to make.
8 stars.
Darling is a little village in Texas, and times are difficult. Lots of people have lost their jobs. The Darling Dahlias, the ladies of the local gardening club, do their best to help out people who can’t afford to buy foodstuff by giving away the groceries they grow and haven’t sold at the local farmers market. This series focuses on some of those ladies, their daily lives and troubles, and of course, a mystery to solve. And this time, there is no murder! I have to admit, that makes for a nice change of pace and I did not miss it at all.
I really enjoyed reading about the presidential campaign between Hoover and Roosevelt, and no one knew what his New Deal was yet. Amelia Earhart is mentioned in this book, and the main character, Miss Lily Dare, is a female pilot, who used to hold the title of fastest women on the planet, she loves air stunts and has done some stunt work for the movies as well. I have no idea if she was a real character or not.
Opening a book of the Darling Dahlias instantly transports me back to a time I ofcourse only know from reading about it. But I love all the main characters and their struggles to find joy in such difficult times. They all help each other. Yes, there is some romance and heartbreak and marriage problems as well. No love scenes though, it is a cozy.
It is a real nice series, and I heartily recommend it. In the back are recipes for beauty products, for your face and nails and hair, and food recipes as well. All cheap according to that time, and easy to make.
8 stars.
August 29, 2013
I was trying to decide on my next read when an uncorrected proof of THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE TEXAS STAR arrived on my doorstep. This was a Goodreads First Reads book -- my first!
A big fan of Albert's China Bayles series, I did read the first book in the Darling Dahlia's series, THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE CUCUMBER TREE. While I liked the book, I really didn't want to start another series. After reading THE TEXAS STAR, I've changed my mind!
It is 1932. Americans have lost their jobs, banks have failed, Bonnie and Clyde are on the loose, the Lindberg baby has been kidnapped and a national election is on the horizon. Just what is the New Deal this Roosevelt guy is talking about?? In Darling, Alabama, folks are looking forward to the Watermelon Festival. Members of the Darling Dahlias Garden Club are busy putting the finishing touches on the festival which promises to be quite a show with The Texas Star, Miss Lily Dare and Her Dare Devils Flying Circus coming to town. The arrival of Miss Dare also brings trouble to town. Someone is trying to sabotage her plane. There is also a mystery surrounding the new cook at the local diner.
I thought THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE TEXAS STAR was charming. Well plotted with a strong sense of history and local color, Albert really brings the depression to life and, in her words, shows the "depression doesn't have to be depressing". It was an easy, cozy read with characters I liked. I enjoyed the descriptions of the food and the gardens. There are recipes at the end for skin care and for meals.
A big fan of Albert's China Bayles series, I did read the first book in the Darling Dahlia's series, THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE CUCUMBER TREE. While I liked the book, I really didn't want to start another series. After reading THE TEXAS STAR, I've changed my mind!
It is 1932. Americans have lost their jobs, banks have failed, Bonnie and Clyde are on the loose, the Lindberg baby has been kidnapped and a national election is on the horizon. Just what is the New Deal this Roosevelt guy is talking about?? In Darling, Alabama, folks are looking forward to the Watermelon Festival. Members of the Darling Dahlias Garden Club are busy putting the finishing touches on the festival which promises to be quite a show with The Texas Star, Miss Lily Dare and Her Dare Devils Flying Circus coming to town. The arrival of Miss Dare also brings trouble to town. Someone is trying to sabotage her plane. There is also a mystery surrounding the new cook at the local diner.
I thought THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE TEXAS STAR was charming. Well plotted with a strong sense of history and local color, Albert really brings the depression to life and, in her words, shows the "depression doesn't have to be depressing". It was an easy, cozy read with characters I liked. I enjoyed the descriptions of the food and the gardens. There are recipes at the end for skin care and for meals.
October 14, 2013
I love the Darling Dahlias and I love Ms. Albert's writing. There isn't a book of hers that I've read that I haven't loved. The Dahlias are especially wonderful. Five or six very correct southern ladies who live in the charming little town of Dahlia, Alabama in the 1930's. Times are tough in Darling during the Great Depression, and each of these ladies know how to pinch a penny and stretch a nickel. So as readers we are given lots of helpful hints for homemade beauty products, and recipes for good southern dishes. In this book the Dahlias are hosting the annual Watermelon festival, so everybody is busy with all the planning and set up for the big festival. Liz Lacy, who is the president of the Darling Dahlia's Garden Club, is worrying that things are going to go wrong as they always seem to at this festival. Will they have the tents in place? Will there be enough watermelons? Will the carnival arrive in time? and a whole host of things. But at least she's happy that there is an air show booked that is sure to be a hit. The whole town is excited to see Miss Lily Dare and her Dare Devils Flying Circus. But once Miss Lily arrives things start happening. Miss Dare has made lots of enemies in her storied life, and some of them are right in Darling. Liz and her friend Verna find themselves trying to uncover the secrets behind extortion and poison pen letters as well as trying to uncover a saboteur. No one dies in this story, but there are still enough secrets and thrills and spills to keep Liz and Verna very busy.
November 25, 2019
Five reasons I'm giving Five Stars to The Darling Dahlias by Susan Wittig Albert:
1. For me this is cozy mystery at its best. A series of books (eight so far) with an interesting setting,
not too much blood and gore, a light tone and very decent writing.
2. The time and place - the story is set in the small town of Darling, Alabama, in the early 1930s.
A group of ladies get together to form the Darling Garden Club and if they happen upon a mystery - they are on it.
3. The protagonist - we gradually get to know all the ladies of the club and some of the town's people, but the protagonist and my favorite character is Miss Elizabeth Lacey, club president.
Lizzy is a legal secretary by profession, a gardener and a writer, and as nice as they come.
She is said to look a little like Loretta Young.
4. Beyond the mystery plot this is the story of a small town struggling with the Depression of the early 1930s. There are a lot of domestic details, which I always love, and a lot about the way the ladies help each other and the town through these difficult times.
5. The message of these books, to my mind, is that friendship and community are the best weapons to have in times of adversity (and always).
1. For me this is cozy mystery at its best. A series of books (eight so far) with an interesting setting,
not too much blood and gore, a light tone and very decent writing.
2. The time and place - the story is set in the small town of Darling, Alabama, in the early 1930s.
A group of ladies get together to form the Darling Garden Club and if they happen upon a mystery - they are on it.
3. The protagonist - we gradually get to know all the ladies of the club and some of the town's people, but the protagonist and my favorite character is Miss Elizabeth Lacey, club president.
Lizzy is a legal secretary by profession, a gardener and a writer, and as nice as they come.
She is said to look a little like Loretta Young.
4. Beyond the mystery plot this is the story of a small town struggling with the Depression of the early 1930s. There are a lot of domestic details, which I always love, and a lot about the way the ladies help each other and the town through these difficult times.
5. The message of these books, to my mind, is that friendship and community are the best weapons to have in times of adversity (and always).
June 12, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up
One of the books from this series was chosen for my local book group a couple of years ago, and I liked it enough to go back and start the series at the beginning. I’ve enjoyed all of them so far, and this book was no exception.
Set in small town Alabama in the 1930s, it’s different from many of the other books I read, which may be why it’s so appealing. There are not only gardening tips scattered throughout, but also tips that families of the era could use to save money and other resources, many that could still be put to good use today. As a lifelong Yankee, I admit to cringing when the “war of northern aggression” was referenced, but then I remembered that the book is set in Alabama, a relatively short time after said war, so it’s to be expected.
There isn’t a murder in this story, but there are a lot of questions to answer and puzzles to solve, and it’s up to the reader to determine if they’re related or separate events. I was suspicious of one character almost from the start, and I was right, but didn’t quite have the entire story figured out.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series, perhaps later this year.
One of the books from this series was chosen for my local book group a couple of years ago, and I liked it enough to go back and start the series at the beginning. I’ve enjoyed all of them so far, and this book was no exception.
Set in small town Alabama in the 1930s, it’s different from many of the other books I read, which may be why it’s so appealing. There are not only gardening tips scattered throughout, but also tips that families of the era could use to save money and other resources, many that could still be put to good use today. As a lifelong Yankee, I admit to cringing when the “war of northern aggression” was referenced, but then I remembered that the book is set in Alabama, a relatively short time after said war, so it’s to be expected.
There isn’t a murder in this story, but there are a lot of questions to answer and puzzles to solve, and it’s up to the reader to determine if they’re related or separate events. I was suspicious of one character almost from the start, and I was right, but didn’t quite have the entire story figured out.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series, perhaps later this year.
January 23, 2015
A light and mildly enjoyable read. Substance a bit lacking for me in this one but I found many of the characters appealing. At this point I'm not sure if I am up to trying another novel in this series.
May 24, 2015
Cozy mystery is perfect for a cloudy damp day meant for curling up with a good book. And this continued the string of fun returns to the garden club of Darling AL where members have great skills in solving mysteries.
October 6, 2013
I always enjoy reading books by Susan Wittig Albert. It's like sitting with a dear friend as she tells a most interesting and satisfying story.
December 5, 2014
not as good as her others - slow moving action - couldn't even finish the book.
April 1, 2020
This was a funny story... black eyes haha
October 28, 2021
Another soft, cozy mystery. I didn’t feel as engaged with it as I have others in the series. But I did enjoy it, and will read more. It gives a good feel for the Depression and small town life
September 3, 2023
The Darling Dahlias flower club members are at it again. Its July 1932 and the community is still struggling with the Depression but even with tough times the Dahlias are busy planning the annual Watermelon Festival with a carnival, booths of fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade jams and jellies, hotdogs, watermelons and an air show with Miss Lily Dare, The Texas Star and the "fastest woman in the world."
The Dahlias plan on presenting the aviatrix with a Texas Star hibiscus but before she even arrives in Darling, Alabama, there are rumors flying about the women and threatening letters.
But beyond the festival plans and woes, the little community has smaller woes: the Darling Diner has lost their cook, which could ruin their business and an important catering job.
There's always plenty to read about with this charming cozy mystery series and the charming flower club members. Its light, warm, delightful reading about small community life during a distinct time period. In this outing, however, the story doesn't finish up with all the various threads tied. But somehow the reader is always assured that things will get better.
The Dahlias plan on presenting the aviatrix with a Texas Star hibiscus but before she even arrives in Darling, Alabama, there are rumors flying about the women and threatening letters.
But beyond the festival plans and woes, the little community has smaller woes: the Darling Diner has lost their cook, which could ruin their business and an important catering job.
There's always plenty to read about with this charming cozy mystery series and the charming flower club members. Its light, warm, delightful reading about small community life during a distinct time period. In this outing, however, the story doesn't finish up with all the various threads tied. But somehow the reader is always assured that things will get better.
April 9, 2021
Good story. Love happy endings....
The Texas Star herself—Miss Lily Dare, the “fastest woman in the world”—is bringing her Dare Devils Flying Circus to Darling. Unfortunately, she’s also bringing a whole lot of trouble. As the Dahlias prepare for the annual Watermelon Festival—where they will present the famous female aviatrix with her own Texas Star hibiscus—rumors are flying.
Dahlias president Liz Lacy learns from newspaperman Charlie Dickens that Miss Dare has been threatened and her plane sabotaged. Apparently the bold and beautiful barnstormer has made plenty of enemies. And is it possible she may even be involved with the husband of one of Darling’s local ladies?
And speaking of wings, the new cook at Myra May’s Darling Diner can fry a chicken and whip up a sweet potato meringue pie like nobody’s business. But why is she keeping her past such a mystery?
As the Texas Star barnstorms into town, Liz and Verna Tidwell offer to help bring down a saboteur who may be propelled by revenge. Before it’s all over, there will be plenty of black eyes and dark secrets revealed…
The Texas Star herself—Miss Lily Dare, the “fastest woman in the world”—is bringing her Dare Devils Flying Circus to Darling. Unfortunately, she’s also bringing a whole lot of trouble. As the Dahlias prepare for the annual Watermelon Festival—where they will present the famous female aviatrix with her own Texas Star hibiscus—rumors are flying.
Dahlias president Liz Lacy learns from newspaperman Charlie Dickens that Miss Dare has been threatened and her plane sabotaged. Apparently the bold and beautiful barnstormer has made plenty of enemies. And is it possible she may even be involved with the husband of one of Darling’s local ladies?
And speaking of wings, the new cook at Myra May’s Darling Diner can fry a chicken and whip up a sweet potato meringue pie like nobody’s business. But why is she keeping her past such a mystery?
As the Texas Star barnstorms into town, Liz and Verna Tidwell offer to help bring down a saboteur who may be propelled by revenge. Before it’s all over, there will be plenty of black eyes and dark secrets revealed…
February 11, 2019
Susan Wittig Albert's book series "The Darling Dahlias" is really growing on me! I've just finished "The Darling Dahlias and the Texas Star." It's the story of a group of ladies who are known as the Darling Dahlias (named after their town of Darling, TX, and the flowers that their meeting house's owner loved so well) and how they work to help each other and their town during the early 1930's. Ms. Albert's research into the 1930's life of small town America is remarkable and also very enjoyable to read about. It's made me think of life in my own small hometown where my parents grew up and how they lived. This story revolves around a female pilot who has her own business flying to all parts of the country putting on air shows and giving airplane rides to people. There is always intrigue and subplots going on in this series and how the Dahlias figure into the story. I'm eager to read the remaining books in this series and will look forward to future stories!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews