Customer Reviews:
 The grownups win this time. November 27, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The Tale of Hawthorn House: The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter (Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter Mysteries)
Albert and the Folk score one for the grownups. This "tale" is a melt-in-the-mouth, high-class bon-bon that has one reaching for the next one out of the box. It is genteel excitement with a few catch-on-quick puzzles. Enjoy.
 Another Cute Cottage Tale October 26, 2007
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
I've read this whole series so far (this is the 4th book) and they are very ... cozy to read. The books are definitely not mysteries in the true sense of the word; they have some village intrigue is about all. This book finds Miss Potter searching for the story (and mother) of an abandoned baby. Although we all know Miss Potter is the main character, this installment focused heavily on the story of Dimity/Miles Woodcock/Christopher Kittredge, and not so much on Beatrice. The characters are becoming familiar now, but the best part is that if you're new to the series you don't have to read the back stories - this book can stand alone. The thing that makes this book even better than the previous three is that the animals do much less talking in this book - that was welcome. Although it's fun to 'hear' the animals and have them move the story along, it often gets a bit .. childish. I found myself wondering how many more books will be in this series, as we haven't even reached the point of romance between Beatrice and Will Hellis. Anyway, I'd definitely recommend this title and will be reading the next book.
Enchanting Tale September 30, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is Susan Wittig Albert's fourth Beatrix Potter mystery (after 2006's The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood) and it's a charming addition to the series. Beatrix, to her profound surprise, finds a lovely baby girl left on at doorstep of her Tree Top Farm. Unbeknownest to all, Baby Flora was stolen from her teenage mother, Emily, by a stange old lady, Mrs. Underthewall. Emily, agast at the theft of her baby, and a bit muddled in the head, takes this as an omen, and decides to leave her life as a maid and runs off to London to begin a new and exciting life. Beatrix suspects the child of having gypsy origins and proceeds to investigate the abandonment of the baby. Capt. Miles Woodcock and his sister, Dimity, temporarily give Flora a new home, while leaving Beatrix to solve the mystery of her old one. Meanwhile, the animal characters also have issues and problems to solve. Jemima Puddleduck broods over a nest of long overdue eggs; Reynard the Fox, smitten by Jemima, struggles with his unnatural and unforseen love for Jemima; and the whole village is talking about a marriage between Beatrix and the highly eligible Captain Woodcock, and his sister, Dimity, and the highly unsuitable Major Kittdrige. Meanwhile, on a business trip to London, Beatrix accidently meets Emily and gets to the bottom of the mystery of the stolen baby. This charming book with its whimsical blend of mystery, romance and the cozy descriptions of English village life and Beatrix Potter's Tree Top Farm, will delight all cozy mystery lovers. I suggest that if you haven't read the other 3 books in the series, you begin with the first one and proceed happily through to the present volume.
This story will captivate you September 25, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
During the time of the Summer Fete, deep and riveting descriptions abound related to the community and countryside in the cozy English Lake District village of Sawrey. Someone must account for romance, mystery, gypsies, a haunted manor house, the Thorn Folk, animals, and a baby. None does it better than Beatrix Potter, who is cast into the roll of amateur sleuth when the aforesaid baby Flora is left on her doorstep.
The basket left on Beatrix's doorstep includes not only Flora, but a note, a sprig of hawthorn, and a scarab ring. These clues indeed lead Beatrix on a formidable chase to uncover the identity of the mother and help settle the baby into a loving home.
Beatrix seeks the assistance of Dimity Woodcock, who is taking care of Flora. Dimity soon falls in love with the baby. Her brother and Justice of the Peace, Captain Miles Woodcock, is seeking the mother of the infant to bring her to justice, while also seeking a suitable husband for his sister. Conflict is rampant in the Woodcock household over what justice will be brought to bear on Flora's mother-and who Dimity will marry.
Theories flourish amongst the not-so-tight-lipped villagers and in the animal kingdom. These side stories between the humans and animals are skillfully interwoven throughout the story.
For those who have loved Beatrix Potter and her stories, Susan Wittig Albert continues to captivate the reader with the adventures of Beatrix Potter.
Armchair Interviews says: Delight your imagination and challenge your wit as you trip down fantasy lane with Beatrix and friends.
Wonderful place to dwell! September 16, 2007
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
If you are a fan of Beatrix Potter you have already read the first 3 books in this series AND have seen the film "Miss Potter"! If not I would suggest you begin with the open mind and heart of a child and read this book with the abandonment of conventional ideas. Animals speak, humans listen, mysteries occur, mouth-watering desserts are served and the villages will become home. I have reluctantly left the last book and wish to return. Jan Karon and Susan Albert have both created a haven for readers to dwell in and forget 9-11, Iran and money problems. You will love this style of writing if you remember to "let go and enjoy". Start with the first book - and when you are finished this series move on to the mystery series Ms. Albert has written. She is a writer worth the time and money.
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