“In the rough and violent genre of modern mysteries, this novel is an oasis of peace and offbeat charm.”
—Bookends, Winchester
At the start of Albert’s enchanting third Beatrix Potter mystery set in England’s Lake District, Miss Potter discovers that her beloved Hill Top Farm is overrun with rats. In the nearby town of Far Sawrey, mild-mannered vicar Samuel Sackett also finds himself plagued with unwanted visitors: a cousin and his wife who have long overstayed their welcome.
There are also rumors that a mysterious Mr. Richardson plans to build holiday villas on the shores of Lake Windermere, and he appears to be in league with Mrs. Kittredge, the beautiful new wife of the master of Raven Hall.
Ridley Rattail, one of Hill Top Farm’s resident rats, contrives to rid the farm of its unwanted rodents, but when his program backfires, he must seek a way to redeem the situation. Rich descriptions of the countryside and the imaginative rendering of the animal characters make this gentle tale a delight from start to finish.–Publishers Weekly
Praise for The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
“Albert successfully conveys the atmosphere of Potter’s own writing and pictures…The reader is plunged into a magical yet real world of people with problems and animals with common sense. This is the first of a series. Bring on the rest!”
—Janet Overmyer, www.Iloveamysterynewsletter.com
“An exceptional mystery novel where we not only get to see some puzzles solved, but we also meet some wonderfully rich and vibrant characters. The reader also gets a wonderful picture of English village life and a tantalizing look into the heart and soul of one of the world’s most famous children’s book writers.”
—The Looking Glass Review
“…This is a book for all ages, but it seems to fit the bill perfectly for middle-schoolers who are looking for mysteries and like animal stories…Beatrix is not only an author and illustrator, she is a first-rate sleuth. We bet this series will appeal to you and your middle-school mystery fan.”
—The Detroit Free Press
“In the rough and violent genre of modern mysteries, this novel is an oasis of peace and offbeat charm.”
—Bookends, Winchester
“This is a perfectly charming cozy, as full of English country loam, leaf, and lamb as could be desired.”
—Booklist
“…’Gentle’ seems the best way to describe The Tale of Hill Top Farm. ‘Pastoral,’ perhaps would also give the right impression; it is an escape from telephones and traffic and tv (and murder mysteries) to a slower time, when the loss of the Parish Register is a dreadful thing. Animal lovers will enjoy this book.”
—Midwest Book Review
“This slowly unfolding tale is lovingly told in a style that’s in perfect accord with the bygone age it describes.”
—Cindy Harrison, Romantic Times Book Club
“The Tale of Hill Top Farm is a gentle mystery that is captivating, whimsical, and downright delightful. Susan Albert has taken an idea, run with it, and produced a novel that is both innovative and imaginatively believable.”
—Mary Ann Symthe, for www.bookloons.com
“In the debut title of a new, lighthearted series inspired by the charming children’s author, Beatrix Potter buys a farm in England while her animal friends set out to solve a mystery. For all ages, from young adult to adult.”
—Library Journal
