Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter

I just read the sixth of this series, The Tale of Applebeck Orchard. These are written by Susan Wittig Albert. The Tale of Hill Top Farm is the first. (She also has an herbal mystery series that I did not enjoy at all.)

These historical personage mysteries are lots of fun. They center around Beatrix Potter, and incorporate many true details of her life. They are filled with an English villages homey characters and places. They have an animal sub-plot. (The animals talk and have a whole culture, that somehow works. After all, this is Beatrix Potter, so should we be terribly surprised that the animal talk amongst themselves?) A bit magical, but in a childlike, guileless way that allows you to suspend reality and enjoy it.

These are best read in order so you know what went on before, but can be read alone, as she gives enough background details to fill you in where necessary. A series of fun reads. My 14-year-old is reading these too.