Title: A Dilly of a Death
Author: Susan Wittig Albert
First published January 6, 2004
323 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780425199541 (ISBN10: 0425199541)
Rating: 3.95
Overview
In A Dilly of a Death by Susan Wittig Albert, China Bayles finds herself facing multiple challenges. With a pregnant daughter of her best friend Ruby on her doorstep and a bored husband looking for a career change, China decides to start a private investigating business with the help of her friend, Ruby.
Their first client is Phoebe, also known as the Pickle Queen, who suspects her plant manager of embezzling. However, things take a sour turn when Phoebe disappears just days before the annual Picklefest, which China and Ruby are a part of.
China and her team must follow the clues and search for the missing Pickle Queen before it’s too late, in a case that promises to be as tangy as the pickles themselves.
About the Author
Susan is a prolific author who has written biographical/historical fiction, mysteries, and nonfiction. Even in her 80s, she continues to write and has no plans to retire.
She self-publishes her books under her own imprint. Here are some of her latest works:
– A Plain Vanilla Murder: This is the 27th book in the China Bayles/Pecan Springs series. – Two novella trilogies set in Pecan Springs: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox) includes noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY.
The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson) includes DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES. – The Darling Dahlias and the Poinsettia Puzzle: This is the eighth book in the Darling Dahlias series, which takes place in the fictional town of Darling, Alabama in the early 1930s.
– The General’s Women: This nonfiction book tells the story of the wartime romance between Kay, Mamie, and Ike. Their love helped win a war but could have derailed a presidency.
– Loving Eleanor: This novel is based on the intimate 30-year friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok. It is told through their letters.
– A Wilder Rose: This is the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who helped transform her mother from a farm wife to a literary icon. – The Tale of Castle Cottage: This is the eighth book in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter series.
– Death on the Lizard: This is the 12th and final book in the Robin Paige series, which was co-written by Susan and Bill Albert and was published in 2006. – Together, Alone: A Memoir of Marriage and Place: This book is a memoir that explores the complexities of marriage and the importance of place.
– An Extraordinary Year of Ordinary Days: This memoir chronicles a year in Susan’s life and the small, everyday moments that made it extraordinary. – Work of Her Own: A Woman’s Guide to Right Livelihood: This nonfiction book offers guidance and advice for women seeking fulfilling careers.
– Writing from Life: Telling Your Soul’s Story: This book is a guide for writers who want to tell their personal stories with honesty and authenticity.
Editoral Review
Susan Wittig Albert takes readers on a thrilling journey with her cozy mystery novel A Dilly of a Death. First published on January 6, 2004, this delightful work is a part of the China Bayles Herbal Mysteries series.
Albert is a celebrated author who is best known for her fiction and non-fiction work that explore the world of plants and herbs. She has been praised for her beautiful writing style and the way she weaves history and culture into her stories.
In A Dilly of a Death, she successfully blends these aspects with the mystery genre to create an engaging and entertaining read. The story is set in the small town of Pecan Springs, Texas, and follows China Bayles, an herbalist and former lawyer turned amateur sleuth.
When a dill farmer and a local caterer both die mysteriously, China becomes embroiled in the investigation. Her quest for answers leads her down a dangerous path as she uncovers secrets about the town’s past and present.
Albert’s character development is impressive, and the protagonist’s journey is enthralling. China is a complex and relatable character, with her past experiences constantly influencing her decisions.
The town of Pecan Springs is also a character in its own right, with its quirky inhabitants and rich history. The mystery itself is well-written, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the end.
The pacing is just right, with enough action and suspense to keep things interesting without feeling rushed. Albert’s attention to detail is commendable, and the herbalism aspect adds an extra layer of depth to the story.
One of the strengths of A Dilly of a Death is how it explores the issues faced by small, rural communities. The book is set in the early 2000s, but the problems faced by Pecan Springs – economic instability, environmental concerns, and social tensions – are still relevant today.
Additionally, Albert’s use of herbalism as a central theme highlights the importance of nature and the environment, which is another topical issue. Although A Dilly of a Death is a fantastic read, it does have some limitations.
The book’s cozy mystery genre may not be to everyone’s taste, as it does lack the grit and darkness of some other mysteries. Furthermore, some readers may find the herbalism aspect overwhelming at times.
Overall, I would highly recommend A Dilly of a Death to fans of cozy mysteries and anyone who enjoys a well-written story with engaging characters. The book is an excellent example of the genre and showcases Albert’s writing talent.
I give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on its impressive writing, character development, and exploration of relevant issues.
