There is a lot going on in Darling: There is a jigsaw puzzle contest. Mildred and Earlynne are planning to open a bakery on the square. Charlie Dickens faces two of the biggest puzzles of his career as an investigative reporter, and one of them involves his wife. Cute little Cupcake’s talent as a singer and dancer makes her a tempting target for her unscrupulous father; Lizzy is confronted by a romantic puzzle. And Sheriff Norris is working on a puzzling mystery that the town thought was solved.
It is a bit too much. I felt like the book would have been better with fewer story lines so that the individual story lines could be developed more.
Overall a sweet cozy mystery. ( )

I've only read one book previously in this series and that was the one that was published before this one. But, I've read a number of Susan Wittig Albert books and I pretty much want to read anything she writes. And as always (nowadays) did I both listen to the audiobook as well as reading parts of the book. What can I say, the perks with my job is that I can listen to audiobooks all day long...

One thing that I find so great with this series is that, despite it having so many characters, is it easy to get into the story. Much thanks both to the character list as well as a few tidbits the author gives during the stories progress about the people in Darling. The Darling Dahlias is such a charming series and I loved to once again return to this little town in Alabama. Also, I love books set in the 30s, it such an interesting time period. As for this book, there are several things going on, a new bakery is open up (with lots of drama involved). Little Cupcake father is out to try to get her back after discovering her sing talents. And an old case has to reopen ... and much more happens in Darling. Oh, I almost forgot the puzzle competition set in Darling...

A lovely book that I recommend warmly! ( )

The ending, oh the ending!! My ship has unexpectedly set sail again, and for that lovely ending, I had to bump my rating up another star ♥

After the disappointment of Unlucky Clover, I was a little hesitant to pick this book up. I didn't like that Clover more or less ended only halfway through the story, and I was wary of that happening again. Luckily, it didn't - the storylines from the last book were all wrapped up, albeit somewhat disappointingly. It seems like this series is shifting away from mysteries and more towards small town/slice of life stuff. I like the characters, but I also liked the mystery aspect of this series.

It was really nice to see (most of) the Dahlias again, after their collective non-appearance in the previous book. I thought the subplot with Mildred and Earlynne's bakery was hilarious. I did find the whole Cupcake storyline a bit tedious and unbelievable - I can't image the entire town taking that child to heart in any serious sort of way. The big mystery surrounding Fannie Champaign was a huge disappointment. The prison farm subplot turned out better than I anticipated - I'm glad there was more to that story than was revealed in Unlucky Clover, or else it would've felt like a disappointment, too.

The other bit I could've done without was all the asides that seemed wedged into the narrative. Did we really need to hear the history of the brassiere just because Liz was putting one on one random morning? Or the secrets of the titular poinsettia? Or about the wonder of Wonder Bread not once, but several times?! I don't know if Ms. Albert has an editor for these stories now that she's publishing independently, but I think it would help. I know research is fascinating, but everything in its place, eh? ( )

It's awesome to be back in Darling again. I have missed Liz, Verna, Myra Mae, Violet, Aunt Hetty and many more. They are like old friends to me, and I look forward to each new book in this wonderful series. It's Christmas time in Darling when this book begins and it's a cold one. They may even go down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit! Oh Lordy me! If that was only as cold as we get up here in the snowy north. But anyway, for a couple of days I can bask in the Alabama warmth and enjoy my Dahlias. There really is no real mystery in this book and it is a continuation of the story line from the previous book "The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover.", but that does not make it unenjoyable. You will discover as you read that "nothing ever happens in Darling" as the locals believe is far from the truth. We have numerous nefarious deeds occurring throughout the County. It is the Depression, and money is tight, and since people still need to eat, there is crime aplenty, a lot of it committed in order to keep the wolf from the door. But I encourage you to come and sit at Liz's table, have a cup of coffee and some pecan tassies,, and read the tale that Susan Albert has created. I love this delightful series, and i think it would make a wonderful television series too. Can't wait for the next one where I'm thinking Liz will have to be making some very difficult decisions. ( )

Very cute cozy mystery that keep you turning every page. Who says things don't happen in small towns in the South??? Yes they do!!! ( )