This was a cute tale! I loved how they switched from the townsfolk and then to the animals. I really enjoyed how the animals got themselves "involved" in solving some of mysteries in the book. Mind you, the death of Mrs Tolliver was just one of the mysteries in this tale, there's also a few other little mysteries within the big one that need to be solved and although not necessary it does add more substance to the book. The description and feel of rural village life is well done and beautifully written. I absolutely loved it and it really did feel as if you were there in the town with these people. Naturally, what isn't a town without the endless drivel of gossip? you have your stereotypical characters: a gossip, a priest, the "liberated" woman who poses as a danger to society (OMG she rides a bike everybody! and wears pants!!), the pair of spinster sisters that live together, the list is endless.

The characters are very likable each in their own little way. I don't think I have a particular favorite yet. Although I really do love the part where Beatrix defends someone, and comes out of her shell to say what's on her mind. It shows Beatrix developing on her own without her parents following her every step with disapproval. I admire her independence and her steps to get away from her parents, and her new skill on how to say "no". The animals are likeable as well I love Mrs Tiggy, she's cute and lovable (especially when she curls up in a ball to sleep, with her little handkerchief covering her face) they each have their own personalities and again, I'd have to say, I don't have a favorite, I like all of them.

The downside of this book; there's no thrills or chills. When you get to the bottom of the mysterie(s) they're not filled with that pack and punch as you find in regular ones. Although my favorite was the one in which the animals had solved one of the mysteries featured in this book. Since this is my first cozy one, I'm not sure if that's the standard with these mysteries, is the finale always low key? so I wish there was a little more excitement in the end. It was all right though. I loved the description of village life enough that it kept me interested until the end. I admit there was a little bit of intrigue and mystery throughout the story but it wasn't much and not what I quite expected. Again, I'll let that pass considering it was my first cozy mystery.

Overall, a cute little tale of village life, their dramas and how the inhabitants of a little town deal with scandal, newcomers, and their mysteries. I definitely recommend this to fans of Beatrix Potter, and her tales. Definitely worth your time, especially to those cozy mystery fans out there. ( )

The author creates a warm friendly world to enter with a village and farms in England's lake country, set in about 1900. The star is a fictional Beatrix Potter, and her animals like Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and the village cats all chat to each other and solve a mysterious death. ( )

Opening Sentence:
'...It was a splendid morning in October when Miss Abigail Tolliver departed this world - one of those brilliant breezy days that sets the heart singing and stirs the blue English lakes and the blue English sky into a grand and glorious celebration of clouds and colour...'

And 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 Beatrix Potter's life with complete make-believe.

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. ( )

A delightful story of Beatrix Potter after her purchase of Hill Top Farm. Seeing the movie "Miss Potter" made this story even more enjoyable. I look forward to more in the series.

Susan Wittig Albert obviously has used the research for the second mystery in the "Death at ...." series written in conjunction with her husband as Robin Paige. Beatrix Potter is one of the real life characters who make an appearance in these historical Victorian mysteries. ( )

1905, England. Beatrix Potter has just bought herself a farm in a small, rural village. The villagers are devided on wether or not this is a good thing, while Beatrix just wants some peace and quiet. Unfortunately, rural life isn't as quiet as it seems. A mysterious death, several thefts, and not to mention the problems with the farm keep Beatrix, but mostly her animals, and those of the village, up at night.

It's a delightful tale, fast-paced, historically acurate as far as the life of Beatrix Potter and her time goes, and having animals as detectives without being ridiculous. It's a great book! ( )