“This whimsical, amiable, enchanting, gentle, and charming tale is the fifth (and best) in Susan Wittig Albert’s series featuring Miss Beatrix Potter.”
—Booklist, Starred Review

Miss Beatrix Potter, disheartened by the frosty atmosphere at the London home of her demanding Victorian parents, returns to Hill Top Farm in the Lake District, as the village of New Sawrey is snowbound by a blizzard. As she catches up on local gossip, she learns of the death of a longtime resident and antiquarian, Hugh Wickstead, killed by a falling tree in the woods. The villagers are certain that his death had to do with a treasure he dug up last spring. But why was he in the wood on a frigid night? What of the claw marks on the limb? And what happened to that treasure–which seems to have inconveniently disappeared?

As usual, the town’s animals know more about these matters than Near Sawrey’s Big Folk. And only Pickles, Mr. Wickstead’s cagey fox terrier, knows the truth.

Meanwhile, Miss Potter (at work on her 1909 book, The Tale of Ginger and Pickles) is pondering whether she can acknowledge her fondness for local solicitor Will Heelis and still remain loyal to the memory of her dead fiancé, Norman Warne. But she has no time to dwell on romance, what with helping the denizens of Sawrey, human and animal–and resolving the troubling suspicions of murder.

Praise for The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter

“A gentle, whimsical tale with a nice dose of a mystery mixed into the cozy storyline.”
—Harriet Klausner

“A delightful series, with legs–and tails.”
—Publishers Weekly

“A mystery that’s a stellar tribute to the famous children’s author. As charming as the ‘little books’ themselves, this is sure to delight Beatrix Potter fans and cozy lovers everywhere.”
—Publishers Weekly *

“Enchantment.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Ms. Albert has a light whimsical touch and integrates animal and human thoughts and conversations in a refreshing, matter-of-fact of way. Delightful and charming old fashioned village mystery, with a twist. It should appeal to teens, animal lovers, and devotees of Beatrix Potter of all ages.”
—Judith Rovenger, Youth Services Consultant for the Westchester Library System, Ardsley NY