The Tale of Hilltop Farm by Susan Wittig Albert

it is the quiet passing of said Miss Tolliver that sets the humans and animals of Near Sawrey all a twitter. Did she die of natural causes - or was poison involved? Did her death have anything to do with her much disliked nephew, a mysterious young woman, the lost parish register, a missing painting or stolen school roof money?

it is into this busy time that Beatrix Potter, the children's writer, moves Near Sawrey prior to taking up residence in her new home - Hill Top Farm. And like the animals in her books, the animals of Near Sawrey can all talk, only the humans can't hear what they have to say.

This is a wonderful little story, a lovely cozy read, with talking animals as a bonus. The author has done a great job in blending historical fact about Beatric Potter's life with complete make-belive.

As the story progresses the point of view switches between those of the various animals to those of humans - each group having totally different ideas about what they have seen at the same events. The mystery is low key and the solution is fitting and satisfying. 




I enjoyed this cute, sweet cosy.