Susan Wittig Albert's Beatrix Potter mysteries,

[raccoon]

I've read "The Tale of Holly How" and "The Tale of Hill Top Farm" and am working on "The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood."

If you're looking for a gentle read with some likeable animal and human characters, you might look into these. The animals talk, conspire, and help out as needed. And the people do, too. :-)

I didn't think I'd enjoy that sort of thing, but I do.

If you know of some similar mysteries, please post.

[TechBear_Seattle]

1. Have you ever read Jasper Fforde?

His "Thursday Next" and "Nursery Crimes" series are a hoot.

[DUgosh]

2. Rita Mae Brown and her cat Sneaky Pie Brown

Write mysteries. Her pets talk to each other and lead their mistress Harry to solve the many murders in their small town.

[raccoon]

3. Haven't read her books nor Jasper Fforde, which TechBear mentions, but I'll try both. nt

[DUgosh]

4. Try Carolyn Haines - Sleuth Sarah Booth DeLaney

Sarah's animals don't talk to her, but her dog Sweetie Pie saves her from many dire situations. Chablis her PI partner Tinkie's dog got Sarah into the detective business but I won't spoil it for you. Her horse Reveler and neighbors cats are very prominent in her mysteries. Jitty a ghost from the civil war can talk and she haunts Sarah's delapadated southern mansion. Jitty is always trying to marry Sarah off to procreate the DeLaney line. Jitty has access to a vast closet of period costumes. They are a hoot. Nobody can see Jitty but Sarah and Sweetie Pie. You will laugh out loud and enjoy every line.