The Darling Dahlias and the Poinsettia Puzzle

I have not read the previous Dahlia books but I was surprised how quickly all the pieces fit together just like their puzzles. From spunky Liz to the adorable Cupcake I felt I knew the characters. Set in Alabama during the depression you get an appreciation for how hard life was and this spirited community makes the best of what little they have. Murder, puzzle clubs, child abduction, moonshiners and new bakery owners all collide and somehow it works so well! I really loved this charming story and I intend to continue reading more of the Dahlias!!! .

Once again, this series takes us directly to the 1930s, providing us with detail that allows us to see and feel like we're right in Darling as silent characters. More information came forth regarding various main characters, leading me to believe there may be another book in this series. One can only hope! Anyone who is a fan of Susan Wittig Albert's other series, must add this series to their 'to be read' list.

“The Darling Dahlias and the Poinsettia Puzzle” is the first one I read in this series, although I read many other books by this author. It was well worth the time to read it! I was drawn in to the characters from the beginning of the book. The historical setting from the past brought the 1930’s to life. I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters, and learning more about police procedures in the time period. Many of the characters reminded me of ladies I knew when I was growing up in the 1950’s! The plot moved along to maintain my interest and reveal new bits of information at every turn. The seasonal aspects of the story added to the spice of the novel, but did not overpower the main plot. This novel served as an “appetizing” introduction for me, and I intend to read more in this series.
I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

It’s 1934 and the town of Darling, Alabama is still in the throes of the worst economic downturn in the history of the industrialized world - The Great Depression. The ladies of the local garden club (the Dahlias) are all engrossed in their personal interests, aspirations and conflicts. Two are taking the plunge and opening a bakery on the town square, while others are gearing up for the local jigsaw puzzle contest, there is a little “Cupcake” whose future may be in jeopardy, and the sheriff believes he may have stumbled on a murder as well as other criminal activity at the local prison farm and has enlisted the help of Charlie Dickens, the publisher of the local newspaper. On a more personal level, it appears that there may be romance on the horizon for one of the Dahlias as well as a career opportunity.

These are just a taste of the many things this clever book has going on but author Susan Wittig Albert manages to keep “all the balls in the air” in this entertaining juggling act. Her characters are strong, loyal and magnetic, the cultural and community details of the era informative and the various story threads keep the reader glued to the page.

Ms. Albert has even placed a cherry on top of this delightful confection in the form of recipes for some scrumptious Southern goodies that are sure to tempt your sweet tooth not to mention the helpful botanical and gardening information for those with a green thumb.

This cozy is a fun, quick read to add to your holiday season…..or you can hold off and welcome spring with a visit to this idyllic Southern town.

#TheDarlingDahliasAndThePoinsettiaPuzzle #NetGalley
I received this ARC from NetGalley and it was darling ( smiling), actually it was a great read and sorry I have not explored this series before this! I loved the fact that Susan Wittig Albert explained what book certain events would have happened in, which is terrific, since this was my first.

The author is a favorite of mine and I have read and reviewed many of her books( A Wilder Rose, The General's Women, Loving Eleanor) and read two of her series (Robin Paige and Beatrix Potter ) Not quite sure why I did not try this one but that can soon be remedied.

The town, the Dahlia's and all the supporting characters were so well done, as was the mystery and how it was solved. The romance between Mr. Moseley and Liz was such a good ending, as was the murder/bootlegging prison investigation and arrest which preceded it.

Please read this to find out about the Poinsettia Puzzle and "Hide the Cupcake" and you will enjoy it as I did

This is the first time I've read any of Susan Wittig Albert's work, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Set in 1934, in the rural Alabama town of Darling, the story revolves a close knit group of residents whose lives merge together on a series of problems and events. Everything from a jigsaw puzzle solving contest to murder, and moonshine, and possible abduction, and a new bakery, and even a touch of romance make this story memorable. I was fascinated by the small historical facts brought out about the time period as well. This author is a real story teller, and I can't wait to read another of her books!

It’s Christmas in Darling, AL and the Dahlias are getting ready for the community puzzle competition. Mildred and Earlynne are preparing for the grand opening of their bakery. Meanwhile, the police department is trying to solve the mystery of some questionable events at the nearby prison.

This book 8 in the series but my first book. I had no problems following the story so the book can definitely be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery. The characters are realistic, unique, and quirky. The book takes place in 1934 Alabama, being an Alabamian I learned a lot about life during this time in places that I have been often. The storyline grabbed me from the beginning and held my attention until the end. The friendships and other relationships felt real and the well placed red herrings keep the mystery intact. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of this series.

I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.