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The Darling Dahlias and the Eleven O'Clock Lady
Darling Dahlias Series #6
Susan Wittig Albert

Penguin
09/01/2015 / ISBN 9780425260623
Mystery / Historical - 1930s, USA

Reviewed by Brenda Weeaks

 

"We keep our faces to the sun so we can't see the shadows."

It's 1934 and the town of Darling is enjoying a beautiful, prosperous summer thanks to Camp Briarwood and the Civilian Conservation Corps formed by President Roosevelt, but a storm is brewing and the town of Darling in right in its path.

A young telephone switchboard operator named Rona Jean Hancock is murdered. The killer leaves Rona Jean in a very unladylike position in an attempt to ruin her reputation. Everyone in town knows about Rona Jean and her attraction to men, but never thought she could be harmed by it. Rona Jean had four gentlemen callers - two locals, one from the CCC camp and Sherriff Norris. Sherriff Buddy Norris and his investigation take center stage in this mystery. With the sensitive issues surrounding this murder, it's best the sheriff handles it instead of the Darling's Dahlias. Norris is a strong character; he's young, honest, determined, and somewhat naïve - he is absolutely refreshing. The Dahlias and other town folks give Norris important information about the boyfriends and the camp. The mystery takes the sheriff in various directions; some are false leads and others reveal the men as well as others involved with young Rona Jean. It all leads to surprising conclusion. As for the Dahlias, it's business as usual as they open the garden to visitors and prepare for the July 4th parade. The ladies are at the top of their game as always, as they support the young sheriff and the town of Darling.

The Darling Dahlias and the Eleven O'Clock Lady is an entertaining mystery, as well as a fascinating history lesson about the 1930s. The author includes more information at the back of the book. It's also a stark reminder of how far we've come in life -- from party lines to cell phones and daily human interaction to internet and entertainment dependence. The town of Darling is a memorable place, and I enjoyed meeting up with the ladies; they are a constant reminder of simplicity and humanity.

Reviewed 2015
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