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The Darling Dahlias #7
The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover
It looks like the music has ended for Darling’s favourite barbershop quartet, the Lucky Four Clovers—just days before the Dixie Regional Barbershop Competition. Another unlucky break: a serious foul-up in Darling’s telephone system—and not a penny for repairs. And while liquor is legal again, moonshine isn’t. Sheriff Buddy Norris needs a little luck when he goes into Briar Swamp to confront Cypress County’s most notorious bootlegger. What he finds upends his sense of justice.
Once again, Susan Wittig Albert has told a charming story filled with richly human characters who face the Great Depression with courage and grace. She reminds us that friends offer the best of themselves to each other, community is what holds us together, and luck is what you make it.
Once again, Susan Wittig Albert has told a charming story filled with richly human characters who face the Great Depression with courage and grace. She reminds us that friends offer the best of themselves to each other, community is what holds us together, and luck is what you make it.
260 pages, Hardcover
First published March 6, 2018
189 people are currently reading
1906 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wittig Albert
120 books2,381 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
March 18, 2018
After reading a couple of other books by Susan Wittig Albert (A Wilder Rose, Loving Eleanor and The General's Women) was I curious about her works. So, I was thrilled when I the chance to read The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover, book seven in The Darling Dahlias series.
As a new reader to this series can I conclude that I besotted in this series. Yes, utterly charmed and in need of the previous books. From the very first page was I intrigued by the story and engrossed in the mystery of one the missing man, a member of the Lucky Four Clover quartet. To be honest, I would have read this book without the mystery, I was so charmed by all the characters, their lives in the little town during the depression with bootleggers and a struggling telephone system. And then we have The Darling Dahlias, the garden club, the heart of this book and their digging into the mystery of the missing man and what happened to him.
I found that Susan Wittig Albert has really captured the 30s. The book is atmospheric and the characters are, despite being new to me, easy to remember and I found myself quite enjoying their everyday plight with money and relationship problems. The 30s is such a fascinating period and it's interesting to read about ordinary people's lives in a little town during the depression. Of course, with the addition of some mysterious events.
As a new reader to this series can I conclude that I besotted in this series. Yes, utterly charmed and in need of the previous books. From the very first page was I intrigued by the story and engrossed in the mystery of one the missing man, a member of the Lucky Four Clover quartet. To be honest, I would have read this book without the mystery, I was so charmed by all the characters, their lives in the little town during the depression with bootleggers and a struggling telephone system. And then we have The Darling Dahlias, the garden club, the heart of this book and their digging into the mystery of the missing man and what happened to him.
I found that Susan Wittig Albert has really captured the 30s. The book is atmospheric and the characters are, despite being new to me, easy to remember and I found myself quite enjoying their everyday plight with money and relationship problems. The 30s is such a fascinating period and it's interesting to read about ordinary people's lives in a little town during the depression. Of course, with the addition of some mysterious events.
March 6, 2018
The Darling Dahlias And The Unlucky Clover is the seventh book in the Darling Dahlias series.
I’ve read all of the Susan Wittig Alberts mystery series books and the series written as Robin Page and wonderful books they all are. Albert is one of the truly great wordsmith writing today. All of her books are all very well-plotted and all have a well-developed cast of believable characters.
I’m so glad that this series found a new home and that there will be more to come. This series just makes it into my criteria for a historical series, being that it takes place before I was born. Granted it is only ten years. Albert’s descriptive writing in this series is probably the thing that I like the most. As I read this book, I feel that I am transported back to the 1930’s and walking through the interesting community of Darling, Alabama. The story has been well researched and I particularly enjoy reading the prices of food items, listening to residents provide the views on prohibitions and moonshiners. Albert even provides some political views of residents as to how the upcoming election of FDR and Huey Long.
It’s 1934 and the Darling Dahlias are busy canning and baking pumpkin pies for the Darling Blessing Box and the Dixie Regional Barbershop Quartet competition. The Lucky Four Clovers get some bad news when the lead singer is ordered by his doctor to not sing for a while. A replacement, Mr. Whitney Whitworth, is found things look good for the Lucky Four Clovers. Liz Lacy’s gets a phone call from Benton Mosely, asking her to go over the Regina Whitworth’s and see why she is in such a panic-stricken state. Liz soon finds out that Whitney hadn’t come home last night. At about the time that Liz is heading to see Regina, Charlie Dickens, editor of the Darling Dispatch gets a phone call and rushes to the scene of a car wreck on a narrow county road. The body in the car is identified at Whitney Whitworth. Dickens is making notes at the scene of the accident scene and notices some damage to the car that appears that it was no accident. Dickens then provides Sheriff Norris. Sheriff Norris with the help of several residents begins to investigate and soon discover that Mrs. Whitworth was planning on filing for divorce and three businesses that Whitney was a “silent partner” in had gone to him for additional capital and he had turned them down. Could one of them have gotten even, rather than getting madder?
Delicious sounding recipes are also included with the book.
I’m hoping that there will be more books coming in this series. I so look forward visiting Darling and learning what the colorful residents have been up to since the last visit.
I’ve read all of the Susan Wittig Alberts mystery series books and the series written as Robin Page and wonderful books they all are. Albert is one of the truly great wordsmith writing today. All of her books are all very well-plotted and all have a well-developed cast of believable characters.
I’m so glad that this series found a new home and that there will be more to come. This series just makes it into my criteria for a historical series, being that it takes place before I was born. Granted it is only ten years. Albert’s descriptive writing in this series is probably the thing that I like the most. As I read this book, I feel that I am transported back to the 1930’s and walking through the interesting community of Darling, Alabama. The story has been well researched and I particularly enjoy reading the prices of food items, listening to residents provide the views on prohibitions and moonshiners. Albert even provides some political views of residents as to how the upcoming election of FDR and Huey Long.
It’s 1934 and the Darling Dahlias are busy canning and baking pumpkin pies for the Darling Blessing Box and the Dixie Regional Barbershop Quartet competition. The Lucky Four Clovers get some bad news when the lead singer is ordered by his doctor to not sing for a while. A replacement, Mr. Whitney Whitworth, is found things look good for the Lucky Four Clovers. Liz Lacy’s gets a phone call from Benton Mosely, asking her to go over the Regina Whitworth’s and see why she is in such a panic-stricken state. Liz soon finds out that Whitney hadn’t come home last night. At about the time that Liz is heading to see Regina, Charlie Dickens, editor of the Darling Dispatch gets a phone call and rushes to the scene of a car wreck on a narrow county road. The body in the car is identified at Whitney Whitworth. Dickens is making notes at the scene of the accident scene and notices some damage to the car that appears that it was no accident. Dickens then provides Sheriff Norris. Sheriff Norris with the help of several residents begins to investigate and soon discover that Mrs. Whitworth was planning on filing for divorce and three businesses that Whitney was a “silent partner” in had gone to him for additional capital and he had turned them down. Could one of them have gotten even, rather than getting madder?
Delicious sounding recipes are also included with the book.
I’m hoping that there will be more books coming in this series. I so look forward visiting Darling and learning what the colorful residents have been up to since the last visit.
December 10, 2017
I generally do not read this genre of story, but to my surprise, it was quite interesting. A novel set in a charming town of Darling where even the time of Great Depression, cannot repress the people of this town. Then a murder occurs and the Sheriff investigates...
The story takes its own gentle twists and turns, down the pages. There is both suspense and humor, and that makes this an easy read.
Characters are from different fields of life and are well developed.
This is the 7th book in the Darling Dahlias series, but my 1st read. The author Susan Wittig Albert is quite the wordsmith. Her research into history is well evident in this book. It is wonderful to read a book where mystery and history go together.
On the whole, a fast, enjoyable read.
The story takes its own gentle twists and turns, down the pages. There is both suspense and humor, and that makes this an easy read.
Characters are from different fields of life and are well developed.
This is the 7th book in the Darling Dahlias series, but my 1st read. The author Susan Wittig Albert is quite the wordsmith. Her research into history is well evident in this book. It is wonderful to read a book where mystery and history go together.
On the whole, a fast, enjoyable read.
March 10, 2018
I've been a big fan of the previous Darling Dahlias books but this latest offering missed its mark. The resolution of the mystery was not complete so I can only hope it continues into the next book. Additionally, the newspaper publisher, Charlie, has a little mystery of his regarding regarding his wife's finances which was never resolved.
Much of the charm of these books comes from the Darling Dahlias interactions with each other but there wasn't much of that in these books. Most of the character's actions were independent of each other. Verna, one of my favorite characters, hardly appeared at all.
As usual, the book included very interesting facts about music, government programs, cost of living, recipes, etc, of the times. That part of the book was top-rate. I hope there's another book in the series to conclude the unsolved mysteries.
Much of the charm of these books comes from the Darling Dahlias interactions with each other but there wasn't much of that in these books. Most of the character's actions were independent of each other. Verna, one of my favorite characters, hardly appeared at all.
As usual, the book included very interesting facts about music, government programs, cost of living, recipes, etc, of the times. That part of the book was top-rate. I hope there's another book in the series to conclude the unsolved mysteries.
February 4, 2018
This was definitely my least favorite in the series so far. The first quarter of the book was just reintroducing the characters and their backstories, which I already knew. The mystery was uninteresting and very slow paced. Hopefully the next one is better.
I received this Kindle copy from Goodreads Giveaways.
I received this Kindle copy from Goodreads Giveaways.
March 15, 2018
I was delighted to return to the people and setting of Darling but this book has no real ending at all. It’s half a book.
March 17, 2018
I was very happy to see that Susan Albert wrote another Darling Dahlia Book. This was the seventh book. I have enjoyed all seven books that take place in Darling Alabama during the early 1930's. A prominent resident of Darling was found dead in his Pierce Arrow car. It had crashed down an embankment. Questions start to arise if it was really an accident or murder.
The book contains a roster at the beginning identifying the members of the Dahlia gardening club.
I don't believe that one has to start at book one in this series. The author does a good job at not leaving the new readers to the series in the dark. However, if you are new, you will probably want to go back and read the previous books in the series after reading this book. I love this series-the characters and reading about their daily lives in the 30's. It is a series that is relaxing for me to read. It is also an automatic purchase for me when a new book is released. So glad a new Darling Dahlias book was released. Now waiting eagerly for the next book.
The book contains a roster at the beginning identifying the members of the Dahlia gardening club.
I don't believe that one has to start at book one in this series. The author does a good job at not leaving the new readers to the series in the dark. However, if you are new, you will probably want to go back and read the previous books in the series after reading this book. I love this series-the characters and reading about their daily lives in the 30's. It is a series that is relaxing for me to read. It is also an automatic purchase for me when a new book is released. So glad a new Darling Dahlias book was released. Now waiting eagerly for the next book.
February 7, 2018
My Review of "The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover" by Susan Wittig Albert
I appreciate the intriguing way that Susan Wittig Albert, Author of "The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover", weaves her charming, delightful and mysterious story and colorful characters together.
The timeline of this story is around the depression in Darling, Alabama. The genres for this story are mystery, cozy mystery, fiction with some historical fiction.
The author describes her characters as quirky, likeable, neighborly, nosy, and flawed. This is the seventh book in the series, and the first book that I am reading and reviewing. It can be read as a stand- alone, and I would be interested in reading the others.
Alcohol is now legal, but bootlegging still exists, and is a big business by the swamps, and prison. It is fascinating to hear reference to Party phones, the automobiles of the time, and the way people had different complications. Although times were less complex, there still were hardships. There were financial hardships after the Depression. There is talk of a "New Deal" that promises more jobs. There is news of Kidnappings for money. Since money is hard to come by, there is an old broken- down phone system, and some businesses might have to close. One of the limited partners in these businesses doesn't want to provide the monies necessary to improve and keep these things running.
To top it off, the "Lucky Four Clovers" the town's winning quartet is having problems of its own. The Women's "Darling Dahlias", the local garden club helps boost the morale, by making pies, and being a support system to one another.
In addition, the town is faced with a murder. There are a few characters that could be suspect. In a small town, it is hard to keep secrets and information from getting out.
The women of this town are hardworking, resourceful, enterprising , and creative with the lack of funds. I appreciate that the author discusses the roles of women during the depression, family, friendships, neighbors, and community.
I would recommend this cozy mystery to readers that appreciate mystery, and fiction. I received an Advanced Reading Copy for my honest review.
I appreciate the intriguing way that Susan Wittig Albert, Author of "The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover", weaves her charming, delightful and mysterious story and colorful characters together.
The timeline of this story is around the depression in Darling, Alabama. The genres for this story are mystery, cozy mystery, fiction with some historical fiction.
The author describes her characters as quirky, likeable, neighborly, nosy, and flawed. This is the seventh book in the series, and the first book that I am reading and reviewing. It can be read as a stand- alone, and I would be interested in reading the others.
Alcohol is now legal, but bootlegging still exists, and is a big business by the swamps, and prison. It is fascinating to hear reference to Party phones, the automobiles of the time, and the way people had different complications. Although times were less complex, there still were hardships. There were financial hardships after the Depression. There is talk of a "New Deal" that promises more jobs. There is news of Kidnappings for money. Since money is hard to come by, there is an old broken- down phone system, and some businesses might have to close. One of the limited partners in these businesses doesn't want to provide the monies necessary to improve and keep these things running.
To top it off, the "Lucky Four Clovers" the town's winning quartet is having problems of its own. The Women's "Darling Dahlias", the local garden club helps boost the morale, by making pies, and being a support system to one another.
In addition, the town is faced with a murder. There are a few characters that could be suspect. In a small town, it is hard to keep secrets and information from getting out.
The women of this town are hardworking, resourceful, enterprising , and creative with the lack of funds. I appreciate that the author discusses the roles of women during the depression, family, friendships, neighbors, and community.
I would recommend this cozy mystery to readers that appreciate mystery, and fiction. I received an Advanced Reading Copy for my honest review.
March 21, 2018
This was such an odd reading experience for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the original Dahlias series, and was ecstatic when I discovered there was a new one, but I came out of the reading experience mostly disappointed. None of the plot lines are really resolved, not even the cover mystery (not really - there is an explanation, but it is a suspiciously neat one, derived from the characters basically running into each other and gossiping about the accident). The mystery was most disappointing, and not what I've come to expect from this author.
Meanwhile, new plotlines have been introduced: Grady Alexander is suddenly single and looking to Liz as a mother for his son. Liz might be losing her job at Mr. Moseley's office, which suddenly makes Grady an attractive option. Her literary contacts in New York recommend her for an upcoming federal project. Charlie Dickens is suspicious of his wife Fannie's money management and conspires to go behind her back about it (in a plot line that goes nowhere). The other Dahlias make cameo appearances at best; Verna has one scene in the entire book.
It was nice to visit Darling again, but this felt like one that was definitely left at loose ends. Hopefully that means there will be more to come, but as its own entry into the line, this one's a dud, IMO.
Meanwhile, new plotlines have been introduced: Grady Alexander is suddenly single and looking to Liz as a mother for his son. Liz might be losing her job at Mr. Moseley's office, which suddenly makes Grady an attractive option. Her literary contacts in New York recommend her for an upcoming federal project. Charlie Dickens is suspicious of his wife Fannie's money management and conspires to go behind her back about it (in a plot line that goes nowhere). The other Dahlias make cameo appearances at best; Verna has one scene in the entire book.
It was nice to visit Darling again, but this felt like one that was definitely left at loose ends. Hopefully that means there will be more to come, but as its own entry into the line, this one's a dud, IMO.
March 6, 2018
I've read another series by this author which I enjoy immensely but this was my first foray into this one and I was very pleased with it. I love period mysteries and this one didn't disappoint. Set in the 1930's during the great depression you are introduced to a group of ladies in a gardening club who make the most of life no matter the times. Follow along as they deal with one piece of bad news after another. Even though times are hard they always find a way. This was a truly fun read, it was great to see how a mystery could be solved in a time without cellphones, and the internet. I loved the southern setting and the sayings, being from the south I always get excited when hearing another person perspective of it. I look forward to going back to the beginning and catching up on everyone before the author comes out with another book. The characters were a treat to get to know.
January 9, 2018
This book is the seventh in the series but the first one of the series that I have read. The author writes in a couple of genres and shows talent in each. This series is based in the 1930’s in a small town named Darling in Alabama. From the beginning letter to the reader to the ending recipes for pies this book made me happy. The main characters are mostly charming ladies from the Darling Dahlias, a gardening club. As always with this author the subject matter and time period are well researched. B
There is a bit of mystery and intrigue to the story line. The theme consists of good people in a community that works together to survive the national economy and the local situations.
There is a bit of mystery and intrigue to the story line. The theme consists of good people in a community that works together to survive the national economy and the local situations.
March 23, 2018
I was disappointed, as I've really enjoyed this series so far. Susan Albert had decided not to write any more of the Darling Dahlias, but has changed her mind. There were so many loose ends left at the end of this book that it looks like there will be a follow-up. I'd rate it 3 1/2 because of the major unresolved mystery: spoiler alert - who killed the prison warden? (I'm guessing the prison manager ordered him to kill Whitworth, then shot the warden to keep him from talking when the sheriff's deputy was suspicious; and that Whitworth was involved in dodgy financial dealingsat the prison.)
March 15, 2018
I thought this was the best of the Darling Dahlias books so far--until it stopped without resolving major story lines. Why was the man killed? What will Liz decide to do? How will the sheriff figure out what's going on with the prison farm and the bootlegger, and how is that tied to the death? Yes, it's a series, but usually the major plot points are not left hanging until the next book, if indeed they are picked up there. Disappointing.
September 5, 2018
I absolutely love the Darling Dahlias, and I am glad that Susan decided to add this book to her lovely series. I had heard that she was considering stopping the series. I look forward to more of the Dahlias, and with the way this book ended, I think I can rest easy on that score. The most wonderful thing about this series is the sense of time and place that Ms. Albert puts into every book in the series. We learn about the 1930's southern states and the culture and norms of that time. We learn about Pie dinners, the role that radio played with the people, the barbershop quartets, and even about the business of making moonshine. All built around the wonderful Dahlias. The murder mysteries are always secondary in these books. It's about immersing the reader in the time and the era that the author has created. Love the Dahlias, and loved this book about an accident on Spook Road (don't you love that name?) that may have not been an accident. And we get 1930's recipes to boot! Thank you Susan for giving us the present of the Dahlia's. I look forward to reading more about the Dahlias.
April 16, 2018
Another story in the delightful Dahlias and their era during the depression and in this case the new deal of President Franklin Roosevelt's presidency. There is a group of men who make up a quartet of singers who compete in a contest that they enter sponsored in their own towns. The Dahlias investigate when one of the singers disappears. Each Dahlia investigates after the missing member is found dead.
April 13, 2018
I really enjoy this series; the characters are so very real and should you live in a small town [like I do], you can find variations of these characters all over. Therefore, when one of them does something COMPLETELY STUPID, it makes you just want to yell and harumph at them [which I may or may not have done when this happened in this book - no, I will not tell you, you will have to find out on your own]. Sigh. It was the only part of the book that felt...false?...is that the word I am looking for? I just am unsure that after all this character has been through, that they would behave this way. But perhaps I am wrong.
You once again get to see Buddy in action and much more of his deputy Wayne. There IS a murder in this one....or is there? The ending leaves it very open for another book and in a way, that annoys me. I am not a big fan of the "cliffhanger" and while this isn't exactly that per say, it does leave it very opened ended.
This story was very close to my heart because my family has long been involved and in love with the Barbershop Quartet. My Grandfather and his brother sang, my Dad sang, a close family friend sang with my Dad and on and on. There used to be a big show every year near us and I used to wait in pins and needles waiting for that night. I wish there had been more about that in the book, but was glad that they used that format at all. It is a dying art form.
Those who have read the previous books will be happy with this story - it was very very good and I look forward to the next installment.
You once again get to see Buddy in action and much more of his deputy Wayne. There IS a murder in this one....or is there? The ending leaves it very open for another book and in a way, that annoys me. I am not a big fan of the "cliffhanger" and while this isn't exactly that per say, it does leave it very opened ended.
This story was very close to my heart because my family has long been involved and in love with the Barbershop Quartet. My Grandfather and his brother sang, my Dad sang, a close family friend sang with my Dad and on and on. There used to be a big show every year near us and I used to wait in pins and needles waiting for that night. I wish there had been more about that in the book, but was glad that they used that format at all. It is a dying art form.
Those who have read the previous books will be happy with this story - it was very very good and I look forward to the next installment.
August 8, 2022
If you think I keep reading this series of books just so I can bash them in my reviews you are wrong!! I actually enjoy seeing these foolish people jump out of the frying pan and into the fire. The new Sheriff is dumber than a box of rocks, maybe the Darling Dahlias should run the police department and send Buddy into the gardens to pull weeds!
Half the book is verbatim from the previous six and the other half is taken up describing the 124, yes 124 characters that appear page after page after page.
She names and describes everyone of them, from the President of the US to the moonshiner lackey. That’s a lot for a 260 page book. I don’t know why the publisher/editor wouldn’t find this disarming and suggest the author change it up a bit,
The final blow was that the solution to the murders is never disclosed - how about using all those pies in a throwing contest, with the author the target!! Now I have to wallow through Book #8, maybe I’ll find out whodunnit in those pages.
Half the book is verbatim from the previous six and the other half is taken up describing the 124, yes 124 characters that appear page after page after page.
She names and describes everyone of them, from the President of the US to the moonshiner lackey. That’s a lot for a 260 page book. I don’t know why the publisher/editor wouldn’t find this disarming and suggest the author change it up a bit,
The final blow was that the solution to the murders is never disclosed - how about using all those pies in a throwing contest, with the author the target!! Now I have to wallow through Book #8, maybe I’ll find out whodunnit in those pages.
October 29, 2017
I have been an avid reader of Ms. Albert's books for many years, and I am so grateful she decided to continue this series. I feel like I am right there in the book with her characters, because they are real, and her depression period facts are well researched. My parents were raised during the depression, so I've heard the stories, and these books continue to add details to the stories. There are many elements I love about this book, and Ms. Albert's books in general. She spins a good tale that you can't put down, and you don't ever want to end. I know times were tough, but it makes me want to live in Darling with the Darling Dahlias. The extras she gives us are amazing, too: the pie recipes and historical information on the various pies, along with Liz Lacy’s Garden Gate column on lucky plants.
October 29, 2017
4 stars
What a charming novel. The book opens with a letter to the reader. This seems like a warm and friendly way to introduce Ms. Wittig Albert’s new book.
It’s 1934 in Darling, Alabama and we’re in the middle of the Great Depressions. But the irrepressible citizens of Darling can’t be kept down for long. The local barbershop quartet the Lucky Four Clovers are about to compete in the Regional Barbershop Competition.
The phone lines get messed up and Mr. Whitworth of the Lucky Four Clovers is killed. Although prohibition has ended, there are still moonshiners creating their own special brew. The local Sheriff is on the trail of one who is operating in the Darling area. He even suspects who it is.
The book is filled with charming “Southernisms” to make the reader smile and chuckle. It is both well written and plotted. It is an easy read with little mayhem or violence. It’s just a gentle journey through a small Southern town. While there is tension in the story, it is not a stomach-clenching kind. Rather, it is a presence in the mind so the reader knows they are perusing a mystery. Sufficient background information is given about the major characters to flesh them out (and for those of us who haven’t read the entire series), but not so much that it intrudes on the story. I am almost embarrassed to admit that this is my first Susan Wittig Albert novel, but it won’t be my last. I truly enjoyed this little book.
I want to thank NetGalley and Persevero Press/Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)/Members’ Titles for forwarding to me a copy of this charming little book to read and enjoy.
What a charming novel. The book opens with a letter to the reader. This seems like a warm and friendly way to introduce Ms. Wittig Albert’s new book.
It’s 1934 in Darling, Alabama and we’re in the middle of the Great Depressions. But the irrepressible citizens of Darling can’t be kept down for long. The local barbershop quartet the Lucky Four Clovers are about to compete in the Regional Barbershop Competition.
The phone lines get messed up and Mr. Whitworth of the Lucky Four Clovers is killed. Although prohibition has ended, there are still moonshiners creating their own special brew. The local Sheriff is on the trail of one who is operating in the Darling area. He even suspects who it is.
The book is filled with charming “Southernisms” to make the reader smile and chuckle. It is both well written and plotted. It is an easy read with little mayhem or violence. It’s just a gentle journey through a small Southern town. While there is tension in the story, it is not a stomach-clenching kind. Rather, it is a presence in the mind so the reader knows they are perusing a mystery. Sufficient background information is given about the major characters to flesh them out (and for those of us who haven’t read the entire series), but not so much that it intrudes on the story. I am almost embarrassed to admit that this is my first Susan Wittig Albert novel, but it won’t be my last. I truly enjoyed this little book.
I want to thank NetGalley and Persevero Press/Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)/Members’ Titles for forwarding to me a copy of this charming little book to read and enjoy.
October 14, 2017
I found this to be a charming story from the get-go. Susan Wittig Albert starts the story with a letter from her characters to the reader and it is small touches like this that made me feel comfortable as a reader entering this world for the first time.
This book was a pleasure to read, and a well-written example of a mystery that relies on plot for its effectiveness instead of shock.
This book was a pleasure to read, and a well-written example of a mystery that relies on plot for its effectiveness instead of shock.
March 6, 2018
I read it in one sitting. I really enjoy the Darling Dahlias.
October 24, 2017
What a lovely book! I love the Darling Dahlias mysteries and I like the personal stories and well as the historical setting and the descriptions of how people lived. This is a good mystery with a little cliffhanger that let hope for a development in book that will come soon.
Really enjoyed it!
Tnx to Netgalley and the publisher
Really enjoyed it!
Tnx to Netgalley and the publisher
March 7, 2018
First, full disclosure: I won my copy through a Goodreads giveaway. I'm not sure if I received a finished copy, because it seems like I'm missing chapters that would explain things like Charlie's wife's mystery. I liked the book, my copy just feels unfinished.
March 8, 2018
GNab Although I adore Susan Wittig Alberts' stand alone books, I had not looked into her serial historical novels. Shame on me. The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover, though stand alone, is #7 the the Dahlias series and a hoot. Think Miss Seaton with a deep southern accent and the best pecan pie recipe ever. Set in an imaginary small town in southern Alabama in the early 1930's, the Dahlias are a loose group of women, both stay-at-homers and working women, who do their best to keep Darling, Alabama on the straight and narrow. And looking great, with their floral gardens everywhere. But don't set them apart from the serious stuff - These are tough ladies when their community is threatened. You go, girls.
I received a free electronic copy of this historical novel from Netgalley, Susan Wittig Albert, and Persevero Press IBPA in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
pub date March 6, 2018
Persevero Press IBPA
I received a free electronic copy of this historical novel from Netgalley, Susan Wittig Albert, and Persevero Press IBPA in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
pub date March 6, 2018
Persevero Press IBPA
April 20, 2019
What was this book? Did I miss something where the clover band was actually relevant and the whodunnit made sense? Is it the first part of a twin series where we find out the motive? Also, I feel like the bribe was a little out of character and needs to be revisited, and weird government job business at the end came out of nowhere. Half the book was setting up questions that weren't answered - it felt like half a book and the strange background details should have been resolved or removed. It was just too disjointed for me. Also, Whitworth was spelled as Wentworth and Moseley as Mosely a few times. I feel like this book needed a finer-tooth comb, a bit of rethinking, and either plus or minus a third of a plot.
March 5, 2019
As usual want to tell at Liz Lacy. "You are not a bad daughter! Your mother is awful! There is nothing wrong with loving your solutude and being happy with your life without a man.
"This has all the charming aspects, i.e. gardening and recipes, of the series. But first part is a rehash of events in previous book and then new mysteries are left unfinished. Fortunately I read DD and Poinsettia Puzzle back in December so I know what happens. It's almost like author should have condensed and combined the two books.
"This has all the charming aspects, i.e. gardening and recipes, of the series. But first part is a rehash of events in previous book and then new mysteries are left unfinished. Fortunately I read DD and Poinsettia Puzzle back in December so I know what happens. It's almost like author should have condensed and combined the two books.
March 16, 2018
The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover tells the story of the ladies in a garden club in Depression era Alabama. The book gives glimpses of their lives and follows them as they solve a mystery.
I love historical fiction, southern fiction, and mysteries, and cannot believe I am only now discovering the Darling Dahlias series! This book was such a delight. I grew up in the Deep South, and love the nostalgic, evocative small town that comes to life in this book. I could almost smell honeysuckle and hear the screened doors closing!
I also loved the details of gardening and old time cooking. From the Letter to Reader:
"We know that flowers nourish the heart and soul, but a big plate of stewed okra with tomatoes, buttered corn on the cob, and potato salad go a long way to comfort a body, especially these days, when jobs don't grow on trees and money is as scarce as hen's teeth. Every Dahlia agrees: If you've got a garden, you'll have all the wealth you need -- and good health to boost" (p. viii).
This is my first Darling Dahlias read. It took me a while to get all the characters straight, but the Autumn 1934 Club Roster, included at the front of the book, helped a lot with that. I really got invested in the characters easily and enjoyed following their stories. I especially loved the story of Liz Lacy's work at the law firm -- and re-emergence of her old beau.
The mystery aspect of the story was well written and well paced, with good little clues here and there. I am very eager to catch up with the previous books in this series -- and to read upcoming Darling Dahlia books too.
The historical details were also well done, and brought a lot to the small town, 1934 Alabama setting. I find the Depression Era fascinating, and rarely get to read books set during this time period.
For foodie fans, there are also some delicious sounding pie recipes at the end of the book! They include some unique, old fashioned recipes like Vinegar Pie and Liz Lacy's Green Tomato Pie.
I recommend The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover highly for fans of historical fiction, southern fiction, and mysteries. It is a delight from start to finish!
I love historical fiction, southern fiction, and mysteries, and cannot believe I am only now discovering the Darling Dahlias series! This book was such a delight. I grew up in the Deep South, and love the nostalgic, evocative small town that comes to life in this book. I could almost smell honeysuckle and hear the screened doors closing!
I also loved the details of gardening and old time cooking. From the Letter to Reader:
"We know that flowers nourish the heart and soul, but a big plate of stewed okra with tomatoes, buttered corn on the cob, and potato salad go a long way to comfort a body, especially these days, when jobs don't grow on trees and money is as scarce as hen's teeth. Every Dahlia agrees: If you've got a garden, you'll have all the wealth you need -- and good health to boost" (p. viii).
This is my first Darling Dahlias read. It took me a while to get all the characters straight, but the Autumn 1934 Club Roster, included at the front of the book, helped a lot with that. I really got invested in the characters easily and enjoyed following their stories. I especially loved the story of Liz Lacy's work at the law firm -- and re-emergence of her old beau.
The mystery aspect of the story was well written and well paced, with good little clues here and there. I am very eager to catch up with the previous books in this series -- and to read upcoming Darling Dahlia books too.
The historical details were also well done, and brought a lot to the small town, 1934 Alabama setting. I find the Depression Era fascinating, and rarely get to read books set during this time period.
For foodie fans, there are also some delicious sounding pie recipes at the end of the book! They include some unique, old fashioned recipes like Vinegar Pie and Liz Lacy's Green Tomato Pie.
I recommend The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover highly for fans of historical fiction, southern fiction, and mysteries. It is a delight from start to finish!
March 11, 2018
Everything is going along swimmingly in the small town of Darling, Al. Though they are still in the throes of the depression, the townsfolk in 1934 Darling have kept their spirit and are making do with what they have, grateful for everything they do have. The town garden ladies, the Darling Dahlias, who make up the bulk of the book’s characters are keeping things moving, planning and preparing for the Dixie Regional Barbershop Competition, involving their own favorite barbershop quartet, the Lucky Four Clovers. Then, a well-known local is found dead. The original conclusion is that there was a horrible accident, resulting in the death, but Sheriff Buddy Norris and his deputy begin to have suspicions that all is not what it seems. The duo, along with a plucky member of the Darling Dahlias, set out to figure out what really went down the night Mr. Whitney Whitworth died.
This book is a nice read that is not too long. However, I was disappointed with the ending, and the way the author worked a cliff hanger into it at the very end. I detest cliff hangers and usually subtract one star from my rating, which I am going to do this time. As the book stands, the ending was totally flat. There is very little build-up throughout and no mystery with its built-in discovery of clues, but what there is, right now is a big bunch of red herrings and pictures of depression era daily life. The story is nice, but lacks the oomph that keeps a reader going, wondering where things are going next. I have read the other books by this author in this series as well as in other series, and this one will never be my favorite. In fact, I am finding that many of her books just seem to lack that certain something they once had. The descriptions throughout the book are true to the setting and time and do present a good picture of daily life in the depression era, complete with all its hardships, depravations, hopes and dreams and stark reality, which I found interesting. I just wish it had had more mystery and a better ending. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
This book is a nice read that is not too long. However, I was disappointed with the ending, and the way the author worked a cliff hanger into it at the very end. I detest cliff hangers and usually subtract one star from my rating, which I am going to do this time. As the book stands, the ending was totally flat. There is very little build-up throughout and no mystery with its built-in discovery of clues, but what there is, right now is a big bunch of red herrings and pictures of depression era daily life. The story is nice, but lacks the oomph that keeps a reader going, wondering where things are going next. I have read the other books by this author in this series as well as in other series, and this one will never be my favorite. In fact, I am finding that many of her books just seem to lack that certain something they once had. The descriptions throughout the book are true to the setting and time and do present a good picture of daily life in the depression era, complete with all its hardships, depravations, hopes and dreams and stark reality, which I found interesting. I just wish it had had more mystery and a better ending. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
November 10, 2017
The review was also made possible through an advanced copy offered by NetGalley.
The main cast of ladies are also diversely employed: a legal secretary, a reporter, diner owners, a fashion mogul, telephone exchange owners and operators, and stay at home wives. They're busy with civic responsibilities like the pie bakes and supporting the barbershop quartet, the Lucky Clovers. There's exploration into the pressure about how old a woman is and when she's expected to marry and have children; the audacity of women living alone; and most especially, women who come from their own money but have to relinquish charge of the accounts to their husbands.
Readers will be taken into Darling like they've magically transported. You'll learn about citizens who have to pay their legal fees with hens. You'll also get to see how the law decides which moonshiners were left alone and which ones were raided. Perhaps my favorite trivia planted in the story was the invention of the chocolate chip cookie by Ruth Wakefield.
As the sheriff wraps up the murder case, there is question about a second death. I'm curious if this is intentional to show the reality that not all crimes are solved with truth and justice; or if Wittig Albert plans to carry it over into book eight.
full review: http://www.amberunmasked.com/review-d...
The main cast of ladies are also diversely employed: a legal secretary, a reporter, diner owners, a fashion mogul, telephone exchange owners and operators, and stay at home wives. They're busy with civic responsibilities like the pie bakes and supporting the barbershop quartet, the Lucky Clovers. There's exploration into the pressure about how old a woman is and when she's expected to marry and have children; the audacity of women living alone; and most especially, women who come from their own money but have to relinquish charge of the accounts to their husbands.
Readers will be taken into Darling like they've magically transported. You'll learn about citizens who have to pay their legal fees with hens. You'll also get to see how the law decides which moonshiners were left alone and which ones were raided. Perhaps my favorite trivia planted in the story was the invention of the chocolate chip cookie by Ruth Wakefield.
As the sheriff wraps up the murder case, there is question about a second death. I'm curious if this is intentional to show the reality that not all crimes are solved with truth and justice; or if Wittig Albert plans to carry it over into book eight.
full review: http://www.amberunmasked.com/review-d...
April 3, 2018
This book is set in 1934 in Dahlia. The local garden club is involved in everything the town does. The local singing group is having bad luck just when they had a good chance of winning , the town’s telephone system is overloaded and people are out of work. Liquor is legal again but the bootleggers are selling it without paying the taxes. With all this happening the garden group gets involved with a murder. Interesting story of the 1930’s.
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