The Tale of Hill Top Farm (Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter Series #1) by Susan Wittig Albert

From the Publisher

The author of Peter Rabbit and other tales, Beatrix Potter is still, after a century, beloved by children and adults worldwide. In this first Cottage Tale, Albert introduces Beatrix, an animal lover and Good Samaritan with a knack for solving mysteries. With help from her entourage of talking animal friends, Beatrix sets out to win over the human hearts of Sawrey, where she's just bought an old farm--and plans to stay.

Publishers Weekly

Beatrix Potter fans will welcome the talented Susan Wittig Albert's The Tale of Hill Top Farm, the first in a new cozy series to feature Peter Rabbit's creator as sleuth. Newly arrived in Near Sawrey in 1905, the sensible and charming Beatrix, aided by an assortment of talking animals, looks into a suspicious death and several small happenings that mainly serve to introduce the residents of the Lake District village. Despite weak British dialogue ("By Jove" isn't enough), this promises to be a series with legs-and tails. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

When children's author Beatrix Potter moves from London to the Lake District, locals worry about female farmers and tenant eviction. Beatrix has talking rabbits, a hedgehog, and a mouse in tow and only has sketching in mind, which she hopes will take her mind off her late fianc . The town boasts the usual, odd characters (both human and animal); a constant, muted flurry of daily activities; and the sudden, suspicious death of one of its own. Beatrix soon fits right in, sleuthing and all. A fine series start. Albert, the author of the China Bayle herbal mysteries, lives in Houston. [See Mystery Prepub, LJ 6/1/04.] Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Adult/High School-This novel is the first of a proposed eight-volume mystery series and, as might be expected, a great deal of time is spent introducing the characters who live in Near Sawrey, England, where Beatrix Potter has recently bought the farm of the title. This rather curious story, in which all the animals interact and speak to one another, opens with a death, strictly in the "cozy" category; however, the first eyewitness testimony comes some 60 pages later, and from a cat at that. The book comes "fully loaded" with an author's note, a cast of characters (actual beings distinguished from fictional), historical notes, a map, resources, recipes, and a glossary. Keeping track of all of the villagers plus all of the "talking" animals (never mind trying to keep track of clues-this is a mystery after all) can become a chore. All that said, Tale is endearing and worth the work for most readers. The English country village resonates with charm and humor, and sleuth Beatrix positively shines. When the animals or children appear, the story gains an even more vivid voice. Teen fans of Potter or any book in which animals are the protagonists will find this mystery appealing.-Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library District, IL Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

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