The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover

By: Susan Wittig Albert

Narrated by: Peggity Price

It looks like the music has ended for Darling's favorite barbershop quartet, the Lucky Four Clovers, just days before the Dixie Regional Barbershop Competition. Another unlucky break comes when there's a serious foul-up in Darling's telephone system - and not a penny for repairs. And while liquor is legal again, moonshine isn't. Sheriff Buddy Norris needs a little luck when he goes into Briar Swamp to confront Cypress County's most notorious bootlegger - and what he finds upends his sense of justice.

In the seventh book of this popular series, Susan Wittig Albert once again tells a charming story filled with richly human characters who face the Great Depression with courage and grace. She reminds us that friends offer the best of themselves to each other, that community is what holds us together, and that luck is what you make of it.

©2018 Susan Wittig Albert (P)2018 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Is That It?

Once again, Mrs. Albert delivers a charming tale of the Darling Dahlias, the garden club members in quiet -- and sometimes not-so-quiet -- Darling, Alabama. In particular, I have enjoyed how Mrs. Albert is developing these characters. From former deputy, now sheriff, Buddy Norris, to Liz Lacy, it's intriguing to listen as they discover new things about themselves -- things they like and dislike, and how their thoughts and actions change as they deal with the latest turn of affairs in their hometown.

In this book, though, the surprise for me was the end of the story. Not the "ending," but the end. I actually called Audible and asked if there was some way my download could have missed a few chapters in the end! No, the end is actually the end, and by following Susan Wittig Albert on Facebook, I soon discovered I was not alone in thinking, "Is that it? What about ..." LOL! Fortunately for us, the next installment of The Darling Dahlias will provide some closure ... but only "some."

I recently finished "The Darling Dahlias and the Poinsettia Puzzle," and I continue to enjoy these wonderful women and their charming hometown, so much so that I bought the hardcover books, too. If you love a good cozy mystery, the Dahlias won't disappoint!

another hit

I really enjoy this series. each time I listen, i feel transported to Darling in the 30's. the characters are realistic and I love the historical references.

LOVE THIS SERIES!!!

Would you listen to The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover again? Why?

Yes, yes, yes!!
I love the earlier book too!! The characters are all a part of the small Texas town in the 20's that I would want to live in and yes I would definitely be a Dahlia!!

What did you like best about this story?

Historical mystery!! A cozy to love.

Which character – as performed by Peggity Price – was your favorite?

I really love them all but Liz is my favorite.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laughter definitely. Empathy too.

Any additional comments?

To anyone who loves cozy's this series is for you!!!

fun series

Really enjoy this series, which takes place in a small southern town in the depression. So many small references give you the flavor of the place and daily lives. Seems like the main murder investigation was left hanging with a lot of unanswered questions. But as that's not why I read these, still really enjoyed it.

Charming and entertaining

I love this series. The characters are endearing. Ms Albert’s sense of humor is at work as well as her magnificent storytelling. Can’t wait for the next one!

Love this series

My favorite Dahlia book to date. Can’t wait to find out what happens with Liz. An enjoyable read that keeps you turning the pages!

I am extremely disappointed.

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I love the Dahlias and waited so long for the next installment and to be let down by an author I trusted makes me mad as hell.

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

She could have told us who did the murder! What was the point of leading us all of that way and then not telling us! I am really angry.

Which scene was your favorite?

None

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

Anger - I hate it when authors do this.

Any additional comments?

She had better resolve this in the next book. Otherwise I am done with her.

Mixed Emotions

Be aware, this story is incomplete, many threads left hanging including the actual murder mystery. If I were not a fan of this series, I might have returned the book to Audible after the first few chapters.. I could not tell if she wanted to write a story or do a documentary of the Depression era. I loved the previous books but this time her narrative seemed tedious. When I thought she finally was into the story she goes off on a tangent describing the history of five and dime stores. Entirely too much time on this subject to remind us Liz's mother would be involved. Eventually the mystery gathers steam only to end in a Cliff Hanger. Fans will be glad to know another book is coming and I will purchase it, but I sure am disappointed with this edition. Peggity Price was lovely.