Title: The Darling Dahlias and the Naked Ladies
Author: Susan Wittig Albert
First published July 5, 2011
288 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780425241288 (ISBN10: 0425241289)
Rating: 3.88
Overview
In the small town of Darling, Alabama, rumors are swirling once again. This time, it’s about the new residents – the charming and secretive couple, Mr. and Mrs.
Smith. The Darling Dahlias are convinced that there’s more to the Smiths than meets the eye, especially when they catch Mrs.
Smith in a lie. As they start to dig deeper into the couple’s past, they unearth a web of secrets and deception that could threaten the town’s peace.
Will the Dahlias be able to uncover the truth before it’s too late? Join them in their latest adventure in The Darling Dahlias and the Mysterious Smiths.
About the Author
Susan is a prolific writer who has authored/co-authored books across various genres, including biographical/historical fiction, mysteries, and nonfiction. Despite being in her 80s, she is still actively writing and has no plans of retiring anytime soon.
She publishes her books under her own imprint and has several new releases that readers can look forward to.
For mystery lovers, Susan’s latest book is A Plain Vanilla Murder, which is the 27th book in the popular China Bayles/Pecan Springs series. She has also written two novella trilogies set in Pecan Springs – 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).
Fans of historical fiction can check out her book, The General’s Women, which explores the wartime romance between Kay, Mamie, and Ike. The book delves into how their love won a war but could have potentially derailed a presidency.
Another historical fiction book by Susan is Loving Eleanor, which is a novel about the 30-year friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters.
A Wilder Rose is Susan’s nonfiction book that tells the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon. She has also written The Tale of Castle Cottage, which is the 8th book in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter.
Susan has co-authored a mystery series with Bill Albert, and their last book together was Death on the Lizard. However, she has also written nonfiction books such as 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 and Writing from Life: Telling Your Soul’s Story.
With her wide range of books, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Editoral Review
Susan Wittig Albert’s The Darling Dahlias and the Naked Ladies is an excellent addition to the cozy mystery genre. First published on July 5, 2011, this book is part of a series of six books featuring the Darling Dahlias, set in the small town of Darling, Alabama, during the Great Depression.
Albert is a prolific writer, and she has produced over eighty novels in a variety of genres. The Darling Dahlias and the Naked Ladies is set in the spring of 1933, and the main characters are a group of women belonging to the local garden club, the Darling Dahlias.
The story opens with the discovery of a dead body in a vacant lot. The victim is identified as Ophelia Snow, the town’s top hat-check girl.
To make matters worse, a prominent citizen, the editor of the local newspaper, is arrested for the crime. The members of the garden club are determined to clear his name and find the real killer.
The setting of the book is charming and evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time. The characters are well-drawn, and the pacing of the story is perfect for an afternoon of cozy reading.
The book also captures the economic and social issues of the times, which adds depth and context to the story. The Darling Dahlias are an unlikely group of amateur detectives, but their determination and resourcefulness carry the story forward to a satisfying conclusion.
Albert’s writing is solid and effortless, and she adroitly balances the elements of mystery, humor, and history. The portrayal of life during the Great Depression is convincing and provides a rich backdrop for the story.
Albert also manages to touch on themes such as gender roles, race relations, and economic inequality without overwhelming the reader with heavy-handed messages. One of the strengths of the book is the attention to detail in terms of the characters’ personalities and the setting.
Each of the garden club members has a unique background and perspective, and their interactions are often hilarious and heartwarming. The town of Darling is lovingly depicted, and the descriptions of the gardens and flowers add an extra layer of charm to the story.
However, the book’s main weakness is the predictability of the plot. Readers who are experienced in the cozy mystery genre may find some of the twists and turns too familiar.
Additionally, some readers may find the characterizations of the townspeople and their values to be idealized and unrealistic. Despite these limitations, The Darling Dahlias and the Naked Ladies is an enjoyable and well-written book.
Fans of the cozy mystery genre will find it to be a satisfying read, and those interested in historical fiction will appreciate the attention to detail and accuracy.
Overall, The Darling Dahlias and the Naked Ladies is a delightful and entertaining novel that will transport readers to a bygone era of Southern charm and intrigue.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries or historical fiction, and it deserves a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.
