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A review by julan1027
Aunt Bessie Assumes: An Isle of Man Cozy Mystery by Diana Xarissa
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.