The Darling Dahlias and the Texas Star

Aviation provides the theme for Albert’s charming fourth Depression-era mystery set in Darling, Ala. (after 2012’s The Darling Dahlias and the Confederate Rose). As the members of the Darling Dahlias garden club prepare to host the annual Watermelon Festival, they are excited that they have persuaded barnstormer Lily Dare (aka the Texas Star), who has been compared to Amelia Earhart, to perform with her flying group, the Dare Devils, at the festival. Mildred and Roger Kilgore, Darling’s leading citizens, are hosting a black-tie gala, at which the Dahlias plan to present Lily with a Texas Star hibiscus. Alas, as the festival opening day draws near, reports of sabotage to Lily’s plane and her possible involvement with a local lady’s husband spell trouble for the air show. Lizzy Lacy, the Dahlias’ president, soon finds herself and her committee dealing with more than just event planning in this winning cozy. (Sept.)