The Tale of Castle Cottage

The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter #8

by Susan Wittig Albert

The latest in the Cottage Tales series-starring Miss Potter herself!

It's the heart of summer in 1913, and Beatrix is eager to marry her fiancé, solicitor William Heelis. But there are a few obstacles blocking the happy couple's path to the altar, like the troubled remodeling of Castle Cottage-Will and Beatrix's future home...

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Historical, Historical Mystery, Fantasy

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 6, 2011

About the author

Susan is the author/co-author of biographical/historical fiction, mysteries, and nonfiction. Now in her 80s and continuing to write, she says that retirement is not (yet) an option. She publishes under her own imprint. Here are her latest books.

A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.

Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.

THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL

THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.

LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters

A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon

THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter

DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert

TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE

AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS

WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD

WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

This final installment in the Beatrix Potter Cottage Series unfolds in 1913, as Beatrix renovates Castle Cottage in preparation for her future with Will Heelis. Set just before the outbreak of World War I, the story quietly highlights how much the world was beginning to change.

For me, this felt more like a biographical reflection, with the narrative gradually receding into the background as the book drew to a close. In her author’s note, Susan Wittig Albert includes a lovely touch—several period recipes that help immerse the reader in the time.

Overall, I enjoyed the series.

I listened to the audiobook edition from Audible, which runs nine hours and thirty-three minutes. Virginia Leishman does a fine job narrating, bringing a consistent voice to the series.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

As I've said before, I really loved the first 3 novels in this Cottage Tales series. Then the narrator seemed to take over, and spoilt the final 5 tomes for me. In the end I found myself skipping the animal chapters, grinding my teeth at the constant self-congratulatory intervenions of the narrator, and even swearing every time she started plugging her other novels ("If you'd like to find out the full story, you can read it in...")!!

This is unacceptable interference on the part of Susan Wittig Albert, and I am surprised her editor didn't point that out, because it makes reading very disagreeable. As Rachel says, in her review below,: "much too much addressing us, "Dear Reader", directly.”

However, I did appreciate this very well documented introduction to Beatrix Potter: a conservationist who left thousands of acres of protected Lake District land to the National Trust. The Historical Note at the end of each book was a pleasure to read.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The coziest of cozy mystery stories, The Tale of Castle Cottage wraps up this series of mysteries that feature Beatrix Potter amidst the backdrop of her beloved Lakes District farming villages. In this tale, Beatrix has commissioned construction work on Castle Cottage, the residence she and her fiance, Will Heelis, plan to live in when married, if the marriage ever occurs. But the work is not proceeding very well and soon there is talk of malfeasance on the contractor's part and thievery of building materials. Then a carpenter is fired and later found dead in an apparent suicide. In the meantime, the animals of the village and surrounding lands find themselves dealing with a gang of the biggest, nastiest rats who have settled in and plan to strip the village bare. Once again, Beatrix manages to piece together the crucial info to reveal the truth of what has occurred.

Note: I strongly urge anyone choosing to read these books to start and read them in order as they cover the events of Potter's life from 1905 to 1913.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author made me feel like I was there. Loved the animal chapters. How awesome to read about the protection and care that the animals ga e to Beatrix and their little village. The mystery was a bonus. The adjectives that were used o describe the area were refreshing. A nice relaxing read.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is a great cozy mystery series for when you need a distraction with slow pacing that’s low on violence. It’s historical fiction based on Beatrix Potter’s life, in which the animal characters, but mostly Ms. Potter, solve the murder.

I think I’d have enjoyed this one more if I hadn’t been reading it alongside a whole bunch of other books I liked better. I’ve been using this series for months as an insomnia companion, as I find it works great for that (interesting but not so interesting that it keeps me awake, and low on violence and excitement).

Now that I’ve finished the series I may just start it over again 😀 I do recommend this series for animal lovers who don’t mind animals being anthropomorphic and who enjoy historical fiction set in the British countryside. I learned a lot about Beatrix Potter, whose books I really enjoyed as a child.

[writer... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the historic details of intro regarding Lindisfarne and illuminated gospel. Beautiful sense of relationship between Beatrix and Will.

Inclusion of recipes particular to Lake District and era a lovely addition as are the historic facts of Beatrix Potter's life .

Charming series of relaxed enjoyment.

[Miz Lizzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I loved this series as a whole, I have to admit that this concluding volume was not one of my favorites. The narrative voice, which started out as a quaint and enjoyable intrusion in the books, rather dominated this last adventure, getting in the way of the story, slight as it was. Beatrix's story in this one was mostly one long wrap-up to her finally marrying Will Heelix with most of the drama actually being "off-screen" during her brother's confrontation with their parents. It was certainly a relief to have it resolved but I think I would have had more enjoyment out of a quicker wrap-up and more time spent on their marriage partnership though, to be fair, the story arch of the series was always about the events leading up to her marriage. The interwoven animal stories has been a continuing delight of the series and really one of the best tributes author Susan Wittig Albert made to Beatrix Potter's own work. I love that the animal characters came to life as solidly, if not more so, than the human characters.

"Everybody knows that an animal's story is one of the most important things about him or her, and it is appallingly rude to criticize it, no matter how wanting in art it might be. Indeed it is one of the Badger Rules of Thumb (the eighth, I believe) that one's stories are as vitally important to one's self-esteem as the state of one's fur or the length of one's whiskers and ought to be admired in much the same way."

A worthy series that is especially notable for its appeal to a broad age range of readers.

I do look forward to reading more (and more traditional) biographies of Beatrix Potter, especially Linda Lear's A Life in Nature: The Story of Beatrix Potter.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I finished the whole series. It is whimsical and charming but there are some writing quirks that get tiresome as the series progresses, such as the constant referrals to earlier books in the series by the omniscient author who often speaks directly to the reader and does an inordinate amount of reminding us what happened in earlier books. But it did make read a real bio of Miss Potter who had an interesting life, if a rather creepy childhood. This last book in the series has an actual murder mystery which we haven't seen for a few books, and it sees her finally marry Will Heelis after much tribulation, and like an earlier novel, there are too many rodents. I barely tolerate talking animals in literature but have gotten a little fond of some of these characters, but I don't love reading about the rodents, especially when they are described in detail like this thieving gang that infiltrates the village. But after reading (and mostly listening) to them all, the long historical note about her life after the series was nice to read and historically accurate.

[Matilda Furness · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun to read and finally finish this sweet ( and sometimes quite silly) series! Also to read the true happenings in Beatrix Potters life in the afterwords. I'm interested in reading more about the remarkable Beatrix Potter.

[L Y N N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad to see this series end, but it is an excellent ending! "...Happily ever after."

Beatrix really had to deal with financial thievery in her lifetime. So sad! But she appeared to be an optimist to the core!

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book! Came in at the tail end of the series as I just randomly picked it off the shelf, but it's still an interesting read. I'm not entirely sure if I like the switching to the perspective of animals but I'm not sure I don't like it either. It very much fits into the aesthetic. Anyway it's a pretty good little tale for what it is.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final entry in the delightful 'Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter' by Susan Wittig Albert. This series of gentle mysteries covers the time from the death of Beatrix Potter's first fiancé, Norman Warne (her publisher), when she first escaped her domineering parents and London (for short periods of time) by buying Hill Top Farm in the first novel, until her marriage to Will Heelis in this one. Here, Beatrix is renovating another farm, Castle Farm, hoping to live there once she and Will are married. But the work is taking forever, and there may be irregularities with the purchase of materials - is Beatrix being swindled? She's not so sure it matters, since she believes that her parents will never consent to the marriage. Will also is not sure the marriage will ever take place, and now his own relatives are beginning to object because they are High Church and the Potters are Dissenters. In the meantime, the contractor has fired his head carpenter, who is later found hanged in his shed. Was it suicide or murder? The cast of local animals also has their hands full with the invasion of a gang of thieving rats. In the end, of course, everything works out. The biographical note after the novel brings us through the end of Beatrix' life; taken together, these notes in each book make me feel like I have also read a biography of Beatrix Potter, a favorite childhood author. There are also a few recipes at the end of each book. I have really enjoyed this series, so it was bittersweet coming to the end of this one.

[Pamela Shropshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final book of the series and wraps up the ongoing courtship of Will Heelis and Beatrix Potter, while featuring a couple of village mysteries involving both the human and animal inhabitants of Near and Far Sawrey.

While it is true that the mysteries are exceptionally cozy (although there are a few murders along the way), and reading all 8 books one after the other is a bit too twee, I have still enjoyed them very much. They aren't books I will often reread, but they are well written and have very well developed characters. Even animals who only occasionally appear are endowed with distinctive characteristics, with the exception of the various rat-villains who tend to show up en masse.

But the outstanding thing about the series is Beatrix Potter herself and the details of her life. Ms. Albert did her research and did an excellent job of weaving fact among the fiction. Thanks to this series, I plan to read some of the non-fiction books about Ms. Potter and visit her beloved Hill Top Farm and the Lake District during our trip to England next spring.

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine conclusion to the series... the author's tendency to break the fourth wall is still present, but perhaps not quite as constant. Really enjoyed the wrap-up for Beatrix Potter and Will Heelis and found it interesting to contemplate the way she spent the rest of her life. Her books took a back seat to her passion for the Lake District and her perseverance in buying up farms to preserve the agricultural lifestyle. I found it very satisfying to imagine Beatrix Potter the farmer, with her herd of sheep and her rolling hills. I find her combination of artistry and practicality fascinating, a person I would very much like to know. Anyone who likes the sound of this should definitely view the movie "Miss Potter."
I've strayed from the book, but anyway, it's nice enough to evoke some pleasant thoughts. Mystery not very intriguing. Some humorous bits.

[Rachel Kopel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am glad to have finished this series. I enjoyed checking in with the characters, but by this last book there is about 1/3 new material and the rest is filler, re-introducing previous characters, giving away the plots of previous stories, and much too much addressing us, dear reader, directly. My friends the animals have a good run of it, and after the story is finished, the Historical Note was particularly interesting. I am going to miss my visits with this community, but am really glad the author has not written another in the series. I think I will reread Wind in the Willows for more great badger stories.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute book -- it's a fun take on historical fiction. The narrator is engaging and rather whimsical. Although it took a bit, I ended up enjoying that some characters are animals from the village. The somewhat predictable twist halfway through the book really picked up the pace of the story. I enjoyed that there were three plot lines going along together -- took away any possible monotony. I'd recommend this book to people who were fans of Beatrix Potter as children and who enjoy whimsical plots alongside mysteries.

[Sonia With an I · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely loved this series from beginning to end. It is the most beautiful journey into Beatrix Potter's wonderful life at Hilltop Farm in the lake district. I listened to this on audible and the narrator is incredible. I am so sad that the series is over, but will gladly revisit it in a reread. This whimsical and inspiring series fed my soul and I will be forever grateful that I picked it up!

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final of Susan Wittig Albert's Beatrix Potter series, THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE as always pleases, especially when the animals tell the story. I will miss those characters more than the fictional human and nonfictional ones. Recommend highly, as I do anything Susan Wittig Albert writes. She is one of my favorite writers.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

8th and final book of The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter series commingling real life events with made up happenings and mysteries with real life people and made up characters, human and animals, some from from her little books between 1905 when her fiancé Frederick Warne died and she bought Hill Top Farm to 1913 when she finally is able to marry Will Heelis. The author’s Historical Notes flesh out the realities of the times. A delightful look at the Lake District and the times and focusing on the difficult life of Beatrix Potter, trapped by her demanding, selfish parents, duty, creating her little books and the quiet farming life she preferred and the Lake District she loved and preserved by buying up farms and properties to prevent their being turned into little vacation cottages ruining the views and countryside. Together Beatrix and William Heelis left over 4300 acres, including 15 farms, 500 acres of woods, cottages, houses and the funds to maintain them to The National Trust, preserving them forever.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenges: RRRCs August 2019 (very belated) - Eye Exam/Character wears glasses (8); Steeped in Books/Stacking the Series - Level 5a/Book 8 (stack/series completed). I cannot say enough about how special this series is. Always cozy and comforting. Always with satisfying resolutions. The story lines that feature the animals who populate the 'Land Between the Lakes', a fantasy for adults, within the historical events of Beatrix Potter's life, her contributions to the Lake District through the National Trust, her time from purchasing Hill Top Farm to the purchase of Castle Cottage, and the loss of her fiance/publisher Norman Warne and finding love again with her legal advisor William Heelis. I admire her so much and the legacy she left. I thank Susan Wittig Albert for allowing me to live with Miss Potter and the humans and animals of Near and Far Sawrey. A top favorite fictional series that has mystery, romance, history, fantasy and biography all wrapped seamlessly into one.

[Amy Tolle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This evening I finished the eighth and last installment of "The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter." It was truly a charming end to a delightful series. If you want an escape from the stressors of the 21st century; if you love whimsy; if you're an Anglophile; if you long for a bucolic existence; and most especially, if you love the works of Beatrix Potter, then this series is for you! Yes, the storylines are a bit predictable. Yes, the author repeats character information frequently and refers back to previous books in the series. But, it is still very enjoyable and filled with love and gentle humor. Susan Wittig Albert is particularly adept at dialogue. I loved the characters and will definitely miss them! 🥰❤️

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful ending for a unforgettable series

Beatrix Potter is famously known for her purposely little children's books depicting wild animals living like humans. They all wear clothing, use tools, cook, and have exciting experiences.

In the Cottage series, Potter, the villagers and the animal intermingled. Albert reminds the readers humans could understand their cats and dogs speech if only they took the time.

As with all of her books, there is a mystery of sorts. Albert uses both the human and animal perspectives and investigating to solve things.

Thank you Susan Sitting Albert for a wonderful journey. These books have caused me to go visit England Lake county one day. (My maternal relatives were from the warmer Southend.)

[Ava Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite sweet and intriguing! Going into this book I did not realize it was not only a part of a book series but that it was in fact the last book in said series! Though that did not stop me. Also it is the first "grandma" book or "cozy mystery" I have read. Safe to say I discovered a new niche genre! The characters are explained throughly and often enough you are sure to know the difference between the animals and the human animals. Prior to reading, all I knew of Beatrix Potter was her illustrations and children's literacy work. Now I feel as though we are partially connected; as if I know part of who she was. Simply splendid indeed.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever and fascinating conclusion to the series on Beatrix Potter and life in the Lake District.
I appreciate how writer Susan Wittig Albert, at the end, provided the facts of what happened in Beatrix's life after her marriage.
The animals of her farm along with several wild animals, come together to help rid the town of Near Sawrey of the recent infestation of rats, which make a home in one of Beatrix's barns. That part was cleverly written and a good reminder of how strangers can come together for a common good to help others and to eliminate those who are harming the good of a community.

[Joan Koch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven't read a mystery in a long while, but was drawn in by the opportunity to learn more about Beatrix Potter and Castle Cottage (recently visited the Lake District and wished I'd read this before going). Charming style, though I wish the narrator hadn't referred to other "Cottage Tales" so frequently throughout the book. (though potentially helpful, it began to feel like a "plug" for her earlier works).
Also, you knew the author was not British as she referred to Beatrix putting on a sweater rather than a jumper (perhaps this was deliberate for American readers?).

[Kelsey Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really a great conclusion to the series, and the five stars is for the series overall. Although the later books got repetitive (literally: sometimes the author's explanations about characters and setting seemed verbatim from earlier books), and this one was no exception, this book seemed to raise the stakes a little higher with its various plotlines. The ending wrapped things up pretty quickly so that what could have been exciting and suspenseful was summarized rather than dramatized, but what's important is Beatrix and Will Heelis's story. :) THAT was immensely satisfying.

[Andree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished this series. I did like this one. I think this one does a better job with the overall character arcs. Nothing feels extraneous or unnecessary, and the plot-line around the animals is less intrusive and makes more sense than in some of these books I do like where the author chose to end Beatrix's story.

These aren't great literature, but they are generally fun easy reads.

2018 Reading Challenge - A book with alliteration in the title

[Joy_S · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series was rather fluffy and at times could be ridiculous with the narrator's omniscient lectures for the "dear reader" and suggestions for other books in the series to elucidate details brought up during narration. Still, I really enjoyed all the animals, ordinary and extraordinary, and found the stories interesting, diverting, and relaxing. I'm sorry this is the end of the series and really enjoyed learning a bit more about the life of Beatrix Potter.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful series

I have read all the books in this series. Ordinarily I’m not a fan of talking animals included in stories, but they fit into these stories beautifully... thank you to Beatrix Potter stories! This writer is a favorite of mine. Hope you enjoy them too. They are special.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful tale

I give this the highest rating because the author did a great job relaying how life was for Beatrix Potter, my favorite children's author. Colorful characters-human and animal, alike. All of the books in this series were most enjoyable. I recommend them to folks who enjoy whimsical, sentimental stories.