The Darling Dahlias and the Red Hot Poker

The Darling Dahlias #10

by Susan Wittig Albert

It’s Labor Day weekend, 1935, and members of the Darling Dahlias—the garden club in little Darling, Alabama—are trying to keep their cool at the end of a sizzling summer. This isn’t easy, though, since there’s a firebug on the loose in Darling. He—or she!—strikes without apparent rhyme or reason, and things have gotten to the point where nobody feels safe. What’s more, a dangerous hurricane is poised to hurl itself in Darling’s direction, while a hurricane of a different sort is making a whirlwind campaign the much-loved-much-hated senator from Louisiana, Huey P. Long, whom President Roosevelt calls the “most dangerous man in America.” Add Ophelia Snow’s secret heartthrob, Liz Lacy’s Yankee lover, and the Magnolia Ladies’ garden of red hot pokers, fire-red salvia, and hot pink cosmos, and you have a volatile mix that might just burst into flames at any moment.

Author Susan Wittig Albert has brought us another delightful assortment of richly human characters who face the challenges of the Great Depression with courage and grace. Her books remind us that friends offer the best of themselves to each other, community is what holds us together, and even when life seems too hot to handle, there’s always hope.

''The author of the popular China Bayles mysteries brings a small Southern town to life and vividly captures an era and culture—the Depression, segregation, class differences, the role of women in the South—with authentic period details. Her book fairly sizzles with the strength of the women of Darling.''
--Library Journal Starred Review

''Cozy fans will be delighted to learn that the prolific Albert—known for her clever puzzles, engaging characters, love of nature, and outstanding historic research—is debuting yet another exceptional series.''
--Booklist Starred Review

''Excellent timely regional Depression Era amateur sleuth that brings to life the atmosphere of a period in which people are concerned over the economy that has left no chicken in almost any pot.''
--Follow The Clue

''Albert does a beautiful job of blending a whodunit with a vivid portrait of an idyllic Depression-era Southern town.''
--Publishers Weekly

"This sweet book captures the true tone of a small town.''
--Times-Picayune, New Orleans

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Audiobook

280 pages, Hardcover

Published June 7, 2022

About the author

Susan 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

Reviews

[Tiffany E-P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these books! Love the Darling ladies! And I got quite a laugh about Huey P Long and his “fake news” claims. Seems like a recent Oompa Loompa fake tanned demagogue had an early role model in the Louisiana governor/senator.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series so much and really thought the previous book [The Voodoo Lady] was the best of the series until I sat down and read this in two days [ I was still reading at 11:30 last night and was not mad about it].

This was a really, really, really, good book. Filled with all the characters I have grown to know and love, they deal with all that 1935 has to shove at them along with a new, scary challenge. The author handles the seriousness of that subject matter with a deft hand and leaves you shaking your head at people and their reasoning by the time of the reveal [actually, in several occasions this happens. I feel so badly for one character that I found myself tearing up at her issues].

Filled with love and compassion and grace, for those around them and for themselves, these women [that make up this book] are so real life that I often wish that I could go to Darling and meet with them and have coffee and pie with them at the diner and just absorb all the wisdom they can give out.

[Barbara Cromer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a good read. Interesting historical insert of Huey Long and his "Trump" like behavior in the 1930's. He was a fore shadowing of how things are today. Even used the same tactics and sound bites that trump uses.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally like this series a lot. This one wasn't quite as appealing (I'm not sure why) but it was fun to catch up with the ladies from The Darling Dahlia's club.

[Susan Mattes]

This series - darling dahlias - is not as good as the China Bayles series, which is outstanding.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable addition to the series. I thought the information about Huey Long was extremely interesting. I guess history really does repeat itself.

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 2 out of 5]

DO NOT read Carol’s 2 star review before you read the book - she tells who the arsonist is without a spoiler!

If you want to read a book that you can pick up and put down without forgetting where you were, this is the one for you. The author repeats everything every few pages, over and over and over. Why?

There are at least 75 characters - as if that isn’t bad enough, they have nicknames as well. Good luck keeping them straight (or gay!). Do I really care to have every bite of food they consume described in detail? Does what they all are wearing have any bearing on the story? It’s all just filler.

Trying to define the era the author goes overboard on songs, brands etc. This is the tenth book I’ve read in this series (and the last) and I’m still trying to figure out if the stories are a parody, a joke or satire. They are just too corny to be anything but!!

I will have to say she nailed the political angle. Just substitute Donald Trump’s name whenever she mentions anything about Huey P Long. Two peas in a pod along with Hitler and Mussolini, as she suggests.

[Dsm Jsm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I noticed this book did not have the language caveat included in the others, because it takes place in the South in the 30s. I have issues with liking this series because it skirts racism in a way I find problematic. This one was heavier on the historical information, which fits well into the story and was really interesting. Sometimes the historical aspect seems tacked on or Forest Gumpy, but this one worked well. This series is kind of like songs that are super catchy, but you don't want to look too closely at the lyrics.

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I always have to get myself in the right mindset for these books, to be ready for a very slow read. Once I got into it, this was still fairly enjoyable. I was a bit disappointed though in the way the storyline progressed, and that the book seemed much more focused on the male side characters rather than the Dahlias themselves.

[Stacinator · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colloquial, common, boring. It felt like a slow stroll to nowhere.

[Mburrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Albert’s books are always a fun read.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love catching up with the gals, but the mystery really seemed incidental in this one.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take a slow, relaxing stroll through 1935 Darling, Alabama with the Darling Dahlias who keep the tiny town alive with their puns ("Hot Dogs" for Volunteer Fire Firefighters and "big red" for fire engine to name a couple) and simple kindnesses for others during the lean depression years.

Life is difficult, money is tight and someone is setting fires around town. At first, small and insignificant fires. Then, the cotton gin is hit and causes major damage. The property is insured. However, this fire is certainly the work of an arsonist. The acelerant was found. As well as a fingerprint. Finally, the Sheriff has proof. But who is setting the fires?

Huey P. Long, a potential candidate for President, plans to stop in Darling. He would be running on a third party against Franklin D. Roosevelt with plans unseat FDR. Farmers are anxious to hear Huey speak because they are dismayed with FDR's current measures to curtail farming of 50% of their farmland. "How can a farmer support his family, buy seed for next year and make a profit without farming his land this year? The New Deal is not working. Government has taken our gold in exchange. We've buried our silver on the farm!" (Banks are slow to lend or calling in loans.)

Although a small man in stature, Huey P Long is always surrounded by five or six beefy armed guards for his protection, 24/7. He is either loved or hated.

Politics is, well, dirty. Susan Wittig Albert writes a charming, gentle novel with subtle humor of arson, a married man attempting to romance a local single female, murders, local law enforcement, The Darling Dahlias, and citizen's involvement in their community in the mid-1930's.
Character development is delightful and thorough.

[L Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series. A lot of mystery and action, but to,d in a tempered Southern way. If I weren’t a Westerner I’d want to move to town like Darling (our town used to be.much like it before it suddenly grew so huge).

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always swell to back in Darling Alabama in the thirties to catch up with the members of the Darling Dahlias Garden Club. The date is 1935. The mystery in this book concerns fire. Someone is starting fires and they seem to becoming progressively worse. The main concern is that there could soon be a death.

The other big news is that Huey P. Long is coming to Darling as he is on the campaign trail. The fear is that he will split the votes and take away votes from FDR. He is a polarizing candidate. I knew a little about him but did google his name to find out more. Susan Wittig Albert interspersed news items from the day and sayings. I did google Kate bar the door and coffee blood as I had not heard them before.

This is a favorite series of mine. If you mainly read thrillers, it is probably not for you. It is slower and relaxing as you go with the characters through their daily lives. I thought while reading what a good writer Susan Wittig Albert is. At the beginning of the book, the characters are defined. I keep up with this series. It was go good to be back in Darling with the gardening club and catching up with their lives. Yes, there are changes and more to come.

[Goldi Tewari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading "Darling Dahlias and the Red Hot Poker" during the 2025 LA wildfires added an unexpected layer of irony to my experience. The book’s central theme of fires—both literal and metaphorical—eerily mirrored the current events. This installment stands apart from the previous books in the Darling Dahlias series by delving deeper into the political intricacies of the quaint town of Darling. While it retained the charm of its predecessors, I found myself missing the detailed descriptions of flowers that usually embellish the narrative. This absence left a noticeable void in what has always been a defining feature of the series.
That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the dual mysteries in this book: one unraveling Mr. Ryan’s mysterious background and the other centered around the arsonist. These intriguing subplots kept me glued to the pages until the very end. Here are my favorite lines from the book:


“Fire in the heart sends smoke into the head, her mother had always said, and her mother was right.”

“The old lady made it her business to put people in the wrong, just for the momentary pleasure of feeling herself in the right.”

[Roberta (Always Behind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy visiting with the Darling Dahlias and other residents of the small Southern in this series. The biggest focus of this novel is an arsonist who keeps setting fires. With a small volunteer fire department this affects almost everyone in town.
The author cleverly mixes historical fact into the fiction. Huey P. Long, who was a well known politician in the 1930's, plays a part in the storyline. I had heard of him before, but this book makes me want to look more into his life. One of the things I love about historical fiction is I alway learn new things.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the Darling Dahlias books but for some reason this one didn't grab me. It took forever to read. Not sure why

[Big Otter Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took FOREVER to get from the library-I think everybody in town was on the waiting list. But it was worth the wait. Darling and the Dahlias are always fun to visit. The tone of Red Hot Poker was a little different than previous books. Not so much gardening and character development. Very focused on the main plot and juggling the subplots; it was good but different. In this one, there is a new chief at the volunteer fire department (they call them the HOT DOGS!) and an arsonist keeping things hot. There are some interesting subplots: the 1935 Hurricane, a lover with a secret, and the Kingfish/Huey P. Long on the way to town all at the same time. Lots to keep up with in the plot and Susan Wittig Albert makes it look easy. I enjoyed this (10th !!!) book in the series...not as much as some of the others but still a good read. There was so much history thrown in that I had to stop several times and Google--you know I was in reader heaven over that! I love it when an author enjoys their book world so much that real life seamlessly becomes part of the story. That's the best part about the Darling Dahlias series. You feel like you are really reading about actual people and some things that happen to them instead of flat characters in a book. So, 4 stars from me on this one. Take your own little trip to Darling, Alabama and meet the fine folks. You won't be disappointed.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is part of a series, but this is my first one.
It is set in 1935 Darling, Alabama a small town with lots of characters who don’t mind getting into each other’s business. They are described in detail and attention is paid to their clothing and speech. I liked some of the terms used at that time.
Two parallel stories run throughout the story. The first is the firebug, or arsonist that sets off small fires using a new incendiary device that was just recently introduced to women in New York (tampon). It was later discovered with a book of matches that was taken from his wife. There were six small, test fires and then the cotton gin warehouse was attacked. No one was hurt, but the town people were getting anxious and suspicious of each other.
The second storyline was about feelings and playing with fire. A happily married woman is feeling bored after 20 years and starts to have feelings for her boss. A boss is having feelings for one of his workers. The worker has feelings for a handsome, out of towner who has secrets of his own.
It also referred to the political situation at the time. Franklin D. Roosevelt was trying to keep people working. A senator, Huey Long wanted to be president by any means. He wanted to make America greater and often gave speeches about “fake news”.
It gently touched on female rights and old biased opinions of where a woman’s job was and what her place was in the world.

[Edie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is number 10 in the author's series about a garden club in Darling, Alabama, a mythical city. The series, which usually involves a murder and the solution to the mystery, begins following the Depression; this book takes place in 1935. Liz Lacy is president of the garden club. She works as a secretary for Benton Moseley, a prominent attorney with offices in Darling and Montgomery. Liz also is an author of a newly published novel which has gained her some attention. She has been seeing a young man named Ryan Nichols, who works for the Federal Writers' Project, and comes to Darling periodically to see how that city's written history is coming along. Opie Snow, vice-president of the garden club, is writing the Darling history.
Huey Long is coming to Darling to make a campaign appearance and the town is excited. He will be addressing the crowd from the baseball field and has six bodyguards with him for protection.
The amount of research Susan Wittig Albert has put into writing this book is incredible and the details will amaze you. This book is the best of the series so far.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a delight to visit with the Darling Dahlias. Life isn’t getting any easier in small town Alabama in 1935 but everyone is managing to get through the difficulties and disappointments of daily life, helped by the support of everyone else.

There is no murder victim until the end (and that was a shocker!) but there is an arsonist at work in the village and the possible threat of a major hurricane. Meanwhile Huey Long, a political powerhouse known as the Kingfish, is coming to visit. I don’t know that much about the history of Mr. Long but the similarities are scarily similar to our present Mr. Trump.

There were plenty of LOL moments, especially the guys trying to explain the ignition source used by the arsonist. And would you think to put out a fire with milk or catch an arsonist with eggs?

"Don't fuss. Paste on your brightest smile and pretend that everything was just fine, and sooner or later, it would be. Or near enough."

Opie's advice above was how the Darling people got through world wars, depression, and so much more. Words to live by in today's world.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is mainly about a firebug, and the visit of Huey Long to Darling, AL in 1935. The Dahlias are a group of women who are great gardeners, but also interested in many things, including politics. Since they are living through the Great Depression, it is a time of trial and tribulation, but no matter what they have time to garden and cook. My mouth watered at the menu they were planning for the fire department dinner. The Hot Dogs or (clever nickname) the voluntary firefighters need to keep up their strength because an arsonist is making life miserable in the southern town. On the up side, the town is expecting a speech from Huey Long of Louisiana. This gives the author a chance to include the politics of the time, as well as a hint of small town life.

I don't think I enjoyed this book as much as some of the others in the series, but the series remains a favorite. (3.5 stars rounded up)

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series. I love that there's a history lesson included with the mystery and the relationships of the characters. This book had a lesson on Huey Long, the former US Senator and 40th governor of Louisiana until he was assassinated in 1935. He liked being called 'the Kingfish' and ruled everyone with intimidation and no one who knew any better believed what he was dishing out....
There's always a theme to the story to go with the title of each of these books. This time there's an arsonist setting fires around town, there're red hot romances and politics too.
The best part, for me, with this series is the relationships. The women of the Darling Dahlias and the people close to them. I like their intestinal fortitude while working through the trials of the Great Depression, making joy out of what they can, their conversations, their friendships and loyalties to each other.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arson, gardens, and a long-anticipated visit by Huey P. Long are the themes the Darling Dahlias’ tenth adventure. Local scandals, an avid arsonist, and political wrangling add flavor to the adventures of the Darling Dahlias.

You'll get drawn into the excitement of the Hot Dog (for Fire Fighters) picnic, the panic of another fire, and the thrill of the politician coming to town. Of course, the investigating ladies add flavor all on their own. Pay careful attention as the puns and zingers, referencing the "Red Hot Pokers" (flowers) and the heat of the fires, come thick and fast.

The audio performance is lively and engaging. You'll love the accents and the idioms of this small southern, Alabamian town of 1935.

For a review of the performance, see AudioFile Magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com

NOTE: There was no link to the audio book when I posted this review.

[Claudia Cheyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An arsonist is starting fires around Darling making the already hot summer of 1935 even hotter. News of a huge hurricane heading for the Florida Keys provides another reason for worry. Huey P. Long is making himself known as a Presidential hopeful, but his corruption and brash political style have made some people hate him. One of the Darlings' invited Long to stop in their town as he travels through the South on a campaign tour. Lots of things happen in this installment of the series. I think it was the best book yet. I like how fact and fiction are woven together. It makes me want to know more about the events Wittig incorporates into her books. I have learned more about The Great Depression and that time period thanks to her.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a long time fan of Ms Albert's work. I have read the entire Cottage Tales series and all the Darling Dahlias to date. I also have some China Bayles on my TBR list. I have enjoyed them all, but my heart belong to the Dahlias. These characters have become like neighbors to me. These are people you care about, root for and grieve with. These stories are basically mysteries woven around and through these lives. They are always intriguing with surprising twists and turns to keep you guessing. I also love how the author includes bits of history in the narrative. It is always nice to know what is playing out in the background of the times. I enjoy cozy mystery but these are cozies with some heft. I highly recommend them.

[kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so in love with this series!! I like how the author weaves a core group of main characters together throughout the story lines in each of the books. I also like how she looks at the politics during that time with the presidency, the great depression etc. it definitely is a historical cozy mystery.

This mystery has a fire starter, updates on all the Darling Dahlias lives with a few changes and some politics! A good blend of interesting plot lines. I can’t help but resonate with some of the politics and things going on during the great depression compared to our current times, there are a lot of parallels.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Dahlias are dealing with a firebug in town & everyone is tense. As the Sheriff tries to find the culprit, some of the girls are dealing with personal issues that have carried on from the previous novels. As always, there's a good dose of Depression-era detail as we are immersed in the political life & popular culture of the time. The Labor Day Hurricane that hit the Florida Keys is on the way & may hit Darling, Alabama as they are dealing with the fires in town. Albert never fails to entertain, plus it's fun to see characters from her other writings make guest appearances, like Lorena Hickok.

[Caitlin Sharp · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was really hard to get into perhaps because of all the very long, detailed descriptions of at least a dozen characters that really had no relevance later on.
The first three chapters I swear we’re just talking about snapping beans.

I really expected the arsonist to be a main character and more of a shock, but it was really not exciting.
I would not even really classify this as a mystery book.
It was more of just a lighthearted drama…

Also as a Trump supporter, I did not like the political aspect of Huey Long and how she tried to tie all of our modern day politics to that character…