The Darling Dahlias and the Silver Dollar Bush

By: Susan Wittig Albert

Narrated by: Peggity Price

National best-selling author Susan Wittig Albert takes listeners back in time to small-town Darling, Alabama, in the 1930s - where the Darling Savings and Trust has just closed and the women of the Darling Dahlias' garden club are betting their bottom dollar there's going to be trouble. It's the spring of 1933 and times are tough all over. The only businessman not struggling is moonshiner Mickey LeDoux, though he still has to steer clear of federal agents. But banks are closing all over the country, and the small town of Darling is no exception. Folks are suddenly caught short on cash and everyone is in a panic. Desperate to avoid disaster, several town leaders - including Alvin Duffy, the bank's new vice president - hatch a plan to print Darling Dollars on newspaperman Charlie Dickens’ printing press. The "funny money" can serve as temporary currency so the town can function. But when the first printing of the scrip disappears, the Darling Dahlias set out to discover who made an unauthorized withdrawal.

Meanwhile County Treasurer Verna Tidwell questions whether she can trust Alvin Duffy - and the feelings he stirs up inside her. And Liz Lacy learns her longtime beau may be forced into a shotgun wedding. Seems other troubles don’t just go away when there’s a crisis. There'll be no pennies from heaven, but if anyone can balance things out, folks can bank on the Darling Dahlias.

©2014 Susan Wittig Albert (P)2014 Recorded Books

Not a Whole Lot of Mystery in this One

This was a fine story. I am listening to all the books in a row so it was nice to listen and I like all the characters. However, in terms of there being a mystery, there wasn't much here.

Even my 89 year old Dad likes it

Enjoyable listen that has some history, loving relationships, and a small peek into those times. My dad’s eye sight is bad so we look for series for him. He and I are both enjoying this series.

loved it!!!!!

This series is my favorite. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤I waited a year and am on my second round...a first for me

Great series.

Makes you feel like the Depression couldn't have been all bad. Little details ring true, based on some of my Mom's stories.

What's a cozy mystery without the mystery?

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would recommend the series - as I love Darling AB and the ladies that live there - but this was my least favourite Susan Wittig Albert book.

If you’ve listened to books by Susan Wittig Albert before, how does this one compare?

I know it's normal to give a bit of back story in a series but I felt like this book was 1/3 re-telling of the characters' back stories. It was like I was only reading 2/3 new material and the rest was a re-hash of the character set-ups from previous books. Maybe this is because I've read them all twice - so I know them a bit too well.

Could you see The Darling Dahlias and the Silver Dollar Bush being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Yes, it would be so fantastic! I would definitely tune into that. The fashions alone would great to see - but there are many parallels for today's viewers to take note of.

Any additional comments?

I hate to say it - because I love this author - but I felt like she phoned this one in. The magical and quick appearance of the new character Tallulah Bell was very convenient to the plot, and a bit obvious. I also didn't really feel any suspense in "the mystery", which was kind of lame. As usual I love visiting Darling - and hearing about the ladies. I was happy to read about about Fanny and sad to hear about Liz, but this cozy was very short on mystery.

Not What I Expected!

What disappointed you about The Darling Dahlias and the Silver Dollar Bush?

The story was dull and drab! Not like author's other series.

What could Susan Wittig Albert have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

More upbeat and imaginative.

What does Peggity Price bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She at least tried to put in life.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment

Any additional comments?

Won't be wasting my credits which mean money on this series.