Reviews

The Tale of Hill Top Farm by Susan Wittig Albert

junojunejunie's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

thenovelbook's review against another edition

4.0

This book is in many ways different from what one would expect. The author normally writes murder mysteries; this is NOT. In fact the few "mysteries" scattered in it are pretty domestic. This is good, because to turn Beatrix Potter into a sleuthing adventurer would be rampant fiction, and this book instead feels like a pretty good reflection of what her life and actions could have really been. The author even consulted with a Beatrix Potter biographer to confirm that her approach was valid.
At least as much space is devoted to the villagers as to Potter herself. And a sizeable amount is also devoted to the animals who, get this, TALK to each other. (Another thing that makes this book different.) But it works. I mean, in a novel about Beatrix Potter, it's pretty fitting that her animals should have mild adventures too, right?
This book picks up right as Beatrix Potter has bought Hill Top Farm. Lovely setting.
I will definitely be reading more in the series.

kbcozy22's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

What a cozy book! The mystery is not the real focus but love the goings on of the Sawrey village. The descriptions of the Lake District are immersive and beautiful. I also like the mix of real characters and fictional- well balanced and wrll written. The animals perspectives were good too (wasn't sure if I would enjoy them but I did). Already asked for the next books from the library :)

whimsicaljune's review against another edition

4.0

A sweet story that makes you want to curl up with a cup of tea and spend the afternoon reading. I wouldn’t necessarily classify this first book as a mystery. Perhaps the other books in the series are different.

ainwena's review against another edition

lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

matildathebookdragon's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

jgintrovertedreader's review against another edition

4.0

It's been a while since I read this, but I remember it as being very cute and well-written. Fans of Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown should enjoy these.

tlctbr's review against another edition

1.0

Not my kind of book at all. I'm so glad it was short because I wanted to finish it, but hated the process of getting to the end. I think I might have liked it ok when I was about 11, but even then I would have chosen Dr. Doolittle ANY day over this one. Definitely will not be finishing the series...

quietlyflourishing's review against another edition

hopeful mysterious slow-paced

4.0

tiu_reads's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Really cute. I love the small village life and all the descriptions and dialogue between the characters. Some of the animal scenes with Beatrix’s pets were a bit dry but I enjoyed everything else. Also- the recipes at the end of the book were a nice surprise! I’m definitely going to be making some of them!