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wvteddy's review
I chose this book only because the author's last name starts with X and I needed it for the Alphabet Soup Author Challenge. Well, I now have my X author covered for several years because I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery. The characters were well developed and realistic. I loved Aunt Bessie! I was raised by "an old spinster lady" so I could relate to her and the way everyone new her as Aunt Bessie. She was a strong independent woman with a healthy curiosity and knew everyone and everything that went on on the Isle of Man. Her amateur sleuthing with Doona, Hugh, and Inspector Rockwell made this an interesting mystery that was at time humorous. I look forward to reading more about Aunt Bessie.
allthebookblognamesaretaken's review
3.0
Not too bad, the killer isn't a huge surprise but not a bad way to spend an hour. I don't know why we are constantly told how loved Aunt Bessie is, when she's actually a total crank.
elsiebeane's review
4.0
Excellent cozy mystery. I love mystery books with older, competent adults who manage to use their brains while also showcasing competent police officers.
magicaltats's review against another edition
4.0
A good mystery
I liked the characters and setting. It was a pretty light story, but the mystery had a few twists and turns. It was a fun read.
I liked the characters and setting. It was a pretty light story, but the mystery had a few twists and turns. It was a fun read.
julan1027's review against another edition
5.0
Aunt Bessie is an institution in her small home town on the Isle of Man. She's lived in her beach cottage since the age of 18, and has long been acting Aunt to all of the town's children who come to her for anything from a piece of shortbread to someplace to sleep after a falling out with their parents. Now a senior citizen, though she does not take kindly to that description, Bessie is still sharp physically and mentally. She takes daily walks on the beach without concern for the weather and she does historical research as a volunteer. However, one rainy morning on her walk she nearly trips over the body of a murdered man. Because everyone talks to Bessie, she quickly becomes caught up in the investigation. Then there is a second murder and the rush is on to solve the case before anyone else is harmed.
I loved this book. I knew nothing about the Isle of Man, but what a wonderful setting so beautifully described that now I would like to visit. Bessie is a fabulous character - smart, opinionated, kind, with definite ideas about what is and is not proper. The other characters were interesting and expressed very human emotions and behaviors.
The mystery was very well-written. There was only a small pool of possibly suspects, but plenty of red herrings. I was sure I knew who the murderer was and I was wrong. I read so many mysteries and I can't recall the last time that happened. All loose ends were tied up the conclusion - though I admit the conclusion did leave me questioning the intelligence of some of Bessie's friends. Nevertheless, a satisfying ending.
I loved this book. I knew nothing about the Isle of Man, but what a wonderful setting so beautifully described that now I would like to visit. Bessie is a fabulous character - smart, opinionated, kind, with definite ideas about what is and is not proper. The other characters were interesting and expressed very human emotions and behaviors.
The mystery was very well-written. There was only a small pool of possibly suspects, but plenty of red herrings. I was sure I knew who the murderer was and I was wrong. I read so many mysteries and I can't recall the last time that happened. All loose ends were tied up the conclusion - though I admit the conclusion did leave me questioning the intelligence of some of Bessie's friends. Nevertheless, a satisfying ending.
hugbandit7's review against another edition
4.0
I chose this book for my author alphabet challenge and was delighted by the mystery. Sometimes you just never know.
I really like Aunt Bessie, she seems like the sort of woman that most people like (except those trying to kill her) and she endeared many children as they grew up and left an impression on them that they took into their adult years.
I was definitely not sure who killed Danny and while I thought it might have been one of the characters, I was quite wrong and surprised to discover who and why.
I look forward to the next book in this series
I really like Aunt Bessie, she seems like the sort of woman that most people like (except those trying to kill her) and she endeared many children as they grew up and left an impression on them that they took into their adult years.
I was definitely not sure who killed Danny and while I thought it might have been one of the characters, I was quite wrong and surprised to discover who and why.
I look forward to the next book in this series
karenbuttle's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. I wish cosy mysteries would do without the “danger” episode to the heroine in every book but this was well done. I liked learning about the Isle of Man and the characters in this book were likeable and believable.
mrose21's review against another edition
4.0
I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
I didn't know what to expect. I think the other series is slightly more intriguing to me but I did really enjoy this and its actually sort of nice to read an MC that isn't young and available for love. Pleasantly surprised.
I didn't know what to expect. I think the other series is slightly more intriguing to me but I did really enjoy this and its actually sort of nice to read an MC that isn't young and available for love. Pleasantly surprised.
orphan_of_you's review against another edition
5.0
This was cute and educational
I liked the area of the book as somewhere I'd heard of but knew nothing about. Learning the Manx translations were cool as id also never heard of it as well
I liked the area of the book as somewhere I'd heard of but knew nothing about. Learning the Manx translations were cool as id also never heard of it as well