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Isle of Man #3
Aunt Bessie Considers
Aunt Bessie considers it an honour to be giving a presentation about her research at a conference at the Manx Museum. Miss Elizabeth Cubbon is known as “Aunt Bessie” to nearly everyone in her hometown of Laxey. While she never earned a college degree, she’s become something of an expert in the history of the island that she’s called home for all of her adult life. Once she turned sixty, she stopped counting how many years that includes. Aunt Bessie considers it unfair when the entire conference schedule is thrown into disarray by Mack Dickson’s sudden arrival. Mack promises that what he has to say is important enough to warrant the upheaval. But even more turmoil follows when Bessie discovers Mack’s body only a short time after he’s finished giving his speech. Aunt Bessie considers Police Inspector Peter Corkill a poor substitute for her friend, John Rockwell. But the Manx Museum is out of Rockwell’s jurisdiction and that means Corkill is in charge of the investigation, no matter what Bessie thinks. With Corkill insisting that Mack’s death was probably an unfortunate accident, Mack’s slides that shocked the conference disappear. Bessie finds herself drawn into another investigation, and she’s determined to drag her friends, Rockwell, Doona and Hugh, in with her. This is the third book in the Isle of Man Cozy Mystery Series.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2014
338 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Diana Xarissa
221 books262 followersDiana started self-publishing in 2013 and over a decade later she now has over a hundred books available for readers. Writing remains her passion and she has no plans to stop writing in the foreseeable future.
Diana grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and earned a history degree from Allegheny College. She met her husband, an Englishman, while living and working in Washington, DC. Following their marriage, she moved to Derbyshire. A short while later, the happy couple moved to the Isle of Man.
During their years on the island, Diana and her husband welcomed two children, and Diana completed a master’s degree in the history of the island. In 2008, the family made the decision to move to the US. Now empty-nesters, Diana and her husband are living in the suburbs of Buffalo, New York, and contemplating moving somewhere that doesn’t get snow.
Diana also writes mystery/thrillers set in the not-too-distant future as Diana X. Dunn and Young Adult fiction as D.X. Dunn.
Diana grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and earned a history degree from Allegheny College. She met her husband, an Englishman, while living and working in Washington, DC. Following their marriage, she moved to Derbyshire. A short while later, the happy couple moved to the Isle of Man.
During their years on the island, Diana and her husband welcomed two children, and Diana completed a master’s degree in the history of the island. In 2008, the family made the decision to move to the US. Now empty-nesters, Diana and her husband are living in the suburbs of Buffalo, New York, and contemplating moving somewhere that doesn’t get snow.
Diana also writes mystery/thrillers set in the not-too-distant future as Diana X. Dunn and Young Adult fiction as D.X. Dunn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 4, 2020
I am enjoying this series more with each book I read. I have never been to the Isle of Man but I really wish I had!
I think by book three the author has got into the swing of things and this reader at least has started to really enjoy the characters, the setting and the way each story evolves. These books are obviously cosies, but they are still sensible and rational and do not dwell too much on food as most of the genre seems to do. Although I have to admit Aunt Bessie does eat a lot. And she relies on many cups of coffee and tea to get her through. Maybe there is a lot about food...…
Anyway, Aunt Bessie is a smart and very likeable lady and her policeman friend is a believable asset. Like any cosy series the reader just has to accept that some people find dead bodies on a regular basis while the rest of us hardly ever do. That is not too hard a premise to swallow and the resultant stories are worth the effort.
I will be reading book 4 very soon.
I think by book three the author has got into the swing of things and this reader at least has started to really enjoy the characters, the setting and the way each story evolves. These books are obviously cosies, but they are still sensible and rational and do not dwell too much on food as most of the genre seems to do. Although I have to admit Aunt Bessie does eat a lot. And she relies on many cups of coffee and tea to get her through. Maybe there is a lot about food...…
Anyway, Aunt Bessie is a smart and very likeable lady and her policeman friend is a believable asset. Like any cosy series the reader just has to accept that some people find dead bodies on a regular basis while the rest of us hardly ever do. That is not too hard a premise to swallow and the resultant stories are worth the effort.
I will be reading book 4 very soon.
March 6, 2023
Fun and fluffy...lots of food eaten, a rotter murdered who comme d'habitude with La Xarissa just flat needed killin' and nobody shoulda done more than tut unconvincingly about these awful modern times and scarfed another jammy dodger or two and left it alone. I hope Aunt Bessie has occasion to delve into the murder of someone who's decent instead of another craptastic creep.
The setting, an archaeology conference about Manx history, was very interesting; several people from this story will be returning or I have lost my spidey-senses along with my left side; and a big ol' hint about who'll end up in some bad trouble eftsoons got plonked before us. The British obsession with tea remains opaque to me. Stuff's nasty, yet these folk swill absolute hogsheads of it, even polluting it with sugar and milk like it wasn't foul enough already. Still and all, they're good company are Bessie and her Scoobygroup, and the stories feel so genuinely honestly reflective of the author's worldviewthat I look forward to my next outing with them.
The setting, an archaeology conference about Manx history, was very interesting; several people from this story will be returning or I have lost my spidey-senses along with my left side; and a big ol' hint about who'll end up in some bad trouble eftsoons got plonked before us. The British obsession with tea remains opaque to me. Stuff's nasty, yet these folk swill absolute hogsheads of it, even polluting it with sugar and milk like it wasn't foul enough already. Still and all, they're good company are Bessie and her Scoobygroup, and the stories feel so genuinely honestly reflective of the author's worldviewthat I look forward to my next outing with them.
June 30, 2025
The Manx Museum on the Isle of Man was having a weekend of conferences, speeches and talks by well known archaeologists and their peers, which included Aunt Bessie. Her research was something she was proud of and although she didn't like speaking in front of a crowd, she was happy to share her knowledge. Her spot was on the last day of the weekend - Sunday afternoon. But on Friday, when the conference began, an unexpected and uninvited participant arrived, and pushed his way forward to give the opening speech. Mack Dickson wasn't liked by many, but after his speech, when Aunt Bessie discovered his dead body, hidden away in a small room, an immediate investigation began. Police Inspector Peter Corkill was a rude and abrupt man who put the hackles up of those around him. Bessie knew her friend, Inspector John Rockwell would have worked much better, but with Corkill calling it an unfortunate accident, and Bessie knowing better, sparks flew. What would be the outcome on a weekend where nothing went as planned?
Aunt Bessie Considers is the 3rd in the Isle of Man series by Diana Xarissa and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The delicious food that was catered for the conference goers made my mouth water; the camaraderie between Bessie and her friends was special, and Bessie is fabulous! A great character. I'm looking forward to more in this series, with 23 still to go!! Highly recommended.
Aunt Bessie Considers is the 3rd in the Isle of Man series by Diana Xarissa and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The delicious food that was catered for the conference goers made my mouth water; the camaraderie between Bessie and her friends was special, and Bessie is fabulous! A great character. I'm looking forward to more in this series, with 23 still to go!! Highly recommended.
May 23, 2019
Aunt Bessie solves another murder! I liked the format in this one...it's a bit different but in the end it had just a few dashes of a Perry-Mason-esque final reveal which was fun to read. And I guessed the murderer, too! On scant initial evidence.
Content: a few swears
Content: a few swears
February 11, 2017
This is my third Aunt Bessie book. These light-hearted mysteries, set on the Isle of Man, with a charming elderly auntie to the entire community, and her quirky friends, are entertaining and fun. Nothing heavy, just good old escapist fun.
February 10, 2019
Another easily read but truly enjoyed little murder mystery on Isle of Man featuring the endearing Aunt Bessie who seems to be a divining rod, forever discovering dead bodies.
This time up there is archaeology conference scheduled at Manx Museum where Bessie is one of the scheduled speakers and many of her friends will be in attendance. The conference has a last-minute change in the first speaker that causes resentment and a certain amount of mayhem.
The dude who pulls off this upset delivers astounding news about discovering Roman remains on the Isle of Man -- but did he really?
You will have to read to find out.
Kindle Unlimited
This time up there is archaeology conference scheduled at Manx Museum where Bessie is one of the scheduled speakers and many of her friends will be in attendance. The conference has a last-minute change in the first speaker that causes resentment and a certain amount of mayhem.
The dude who pulls off this upset delivers astounding news about discovering Roman remains on the Isle of Man -- but did he really?
You will have to read to find out.
Kindle Unlimited
November 16, 2014
The normally sanguine Elizabeth Cubbon — called Aunt Bessie by virtually everyone on the Isle of Man — is dreading her presentation at a conference on Isle of Man history and archeology. Although she hasn’t a degree, Aunt Bessie has collected quite a lot of knowledge in seven-plus decades — nearly all of which have been spent on her native Isle of Man, and she is well respected in her field of 19th century wills and what they reveal about family relationships.
But Aunt Bessie’s fears are pushed entirely aside when she discovers the body of Dr. Mack Dickson, a pushy archeologist who opened the conference with a jaw-dropping discovery: Roman artifacts on the Isle of Man! Local police in the city of Douglas think Dickson’s death was accidental, but Aunt Bessie — and her friend Inspector John Rockwell from neighboring Ramsey — think differently. So does Dickson’s pretty blonde girlfriend. So who killed Dickson? A rival archeologist, many of whom had been bested and belittled by Dickson? Or a former flame of the womanizing professor?
I never guessed the culprit, and I enjoyed this novel, probably more than the first two in the series, Aunt Bessie Assumes and Aunt Bessie Believes. However, the resolution had an element that was just silly. Still, I had so much fun with Aunt Bessie, that I don’t how I’ll be able to wait until January to read the fourth installment in the series, Aunt Bessie Decides!
But Aunt Bessie’s fears are pushed entirely aside when she discovers the body of Dr. Mack Dickson, a pushy archeologist who opened the conference with a jaw-dropping discovery: Roman artifacts on the Isle of Man! Local police in the city of Douglas think Dickson’s death was accidental, but Aunt Bessie — and her friend Inspector John Rockwell from neighboring Ramsey — think differently. So does Dickson’s pretty blonde girlfriend. So who killed Dickson? A rival archeologist, many of whom had been bested and belittled by Dickson? Or a former flame of the womanizing professor?
I never guessed the culprit, and I enjoyed this novel, probably more than the first two in the series, Aunt Bessie Assumes and Aunt Bessie Believes. However, the resolution had an element that was just silly. Still, I had so much fun with Aunt Bessie, that I don’t how I’ll be able to wait until January to read the fourth installment in the series, Aunt Bessie Decides!
August 22, 2021
An easy to read, cozy mystery in the Agatha Christie style with an older woman as the sleuth. Aunt Bessie gets caught up in an Isle of Man Convention that covers history and archeology where she is presenting; but when one of the speakers turns up dead after giving a surprise speech, she finds herself once again hunting for the guilty person.
This is an enjoyable cozy mystery series, and it is interesting to learn about the Isle of Man, its history, and its culture. The glossary in the back is quite helpful if you need assistance in deciphering some of the vocabulary used on the Isle of Man and in England.
This is an enjoyable cozy mystery series, and it is interesting to learn about the Isle of Man, its history, and its culture. The glossary in the back is quite helpful if you need assistance in deciphering some of the vocabulary used on the Isle of Man and in England.
August 24, 2016
A fun read!
I'm so glad I've discovered this mystery series! These are the sort of cozy mysteries that go perfectly with a cup of tea, some snacks, and a quiet night in. I can't wait to read the next one!
I'm so glad I've discovered this mystery series! These are the sort of cozy mysteries that go perfectly with a cup of tea, some snacks, and a quiet night in. I can't wait to read the next one!
January 22, 2025
Another Aunt Bessie mystery wrapped up. This one was really pretty good. An archeologist was killed at a conference Bessie was speaking at, and there were several reasons someone could have wanted him dead. Aunt Bessie doesn't actually intend to meddle in the case so much as everyone involved seems to come to her with their concerns and suspicions. She's just that kind of person. Everyone turns to her.
August 3, 2023
What is it with cozy mysteries having multiple murders in a short period of time? If it were reality, tourists would keep clear of this lovely isle of Man.
Aunt Bessie is an accidental "find a body" witness and amateur historian of Isle of Man - Wills specifically. The island is presenting a Conference on the island's history and she is honored to be a presenter. A big honor considering most of the presenters have doctorates.
This time she is in the town of Douglas. Among the convention attendees are local historians, and researchers from the US and UK. A researcher promises attendees his presentation will shock everyone. And it does. It was a good little novel, with lots of suspects.
There are 26 of this series with a dead body almost every month. There appears to be more than one foreshadowing of things to come. And introductions of new interesting characters that readers want to get to know better. As if the author wants us to keep reading more...
Unfortunately, the books feel a bit formulaic. The thought Aunt Bessie's second series Cold Cases, is a mere 2 years after book 26, makes me wonder if I want to pursue the entire series.
Aunt Bessie is an accidental "find a body" witness and amateur historian of Isle of Man - Wills specifically. The island is presenting a Conference on the island's history and she is honored to be a presenter. A big honor considering most of the presenters have doctorates.
This time she is in the town of Douglas. Among the convention attendees are local historians, and researchers from the US and UK. A researcher promises attendees his presentation will shock everyone. And it does. It was a good little novel, with lots of suspects.
There are 26 of this series with a dead body almost every month. There appears to be more than one foreshadowing of things to come. And introductions of new interesting characters that readers want to get to know better. As if the author wants us to keep reading more...
Unfortunately, the books feel a bit formulaic. The thought Aunt Bessie's second series Cold Cases, is a mere 2 years after book 26, makes me wonder if I want to pursue the entire series.
August 1, 2015
The book has a strong sense of place, makes me want to visit the Isle of Man. I've always enjoyed the British culture and this is the same with a little twist. The subject matter, an archeological/history conference, adds to the sense of place and knowledge of the area. As in all cozy mysteries it is a bit formulaic, but the characters are well-developed and there are plenty of suspects and twists and turns in the plot. Sometimes even the nicest people end up being the murderer.
March 20, 2018
Another wonderful story from the Isle of Man and Aunt Bessie
In this third adventure, Aunt Bessie is taking part as well as attending a conference at the museum.
All goes to pot when Dr Mack Dickson turns up demanding to take the first talk. George Quale is paying the lion's share of the costs and agrees for him to do so, upsetting many at the conference.
However later on Mack is found dead, it is assumed it is a food allergy but Bambi his girlfriend thinks it was murder.
Unlucky for Bessie she ends up in the middle but this time she is in Douglas out of her friends' area. Now she has to deal with Inspector Corkill who apparently thinks she is like Miss Marple, after hearing about her previous police interactions. Bessie is not as keen on the inspector but is happy to let the police deal with things. Siding on the side of an unfortunate incident the police do not wish to claim murder until Bambi is also harmed.
With the help of her friends, Bessie deals with all the problems emerging with the investigation.
It was a very easy flowing story and enjoyable to read. The story has it's conclusion within, so it can be read as a stand-alone but it is best to read from the start so you can fully appreciate the characters development.
The characters' developments are coming on well. They are like a group of close friends now. The story brought up some interesting aspects of conference running and gave some past characters from previous books to have a bigger part to play in this story.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
In this third adventure, Aunt Bessie is taking part as well as attending a conference at the museum.
All goes to pot when Dr Mack Dickson turns up demanding to take the first talk. George Quale is paying the lion's share of the costs and agrees for him to do so, upsetting many at the conference.
However later on Mack is found dead, it is assumed it is a food allergy but Bambi his girlfriend thinks it was murder.
Unlucky for Bessie she ends up in the middle but this time she is in Douglas out of her friends' area. Now she has to deal with Inspector Corkill who apparently thinks she is like Miss Marple, after hearing about her previous police interactions. Bessie is not as keen on the inspector but is happy to let the police deal with things. Siding on the side of an unfortunate incident the police do not wish to claim murder until Bambi is also harmed.
With the help of her friends, Bessie deals with all the problems emerging with the investigation.
It was a very easy flowing story and enjoyable to read. The story has it's conclusion within, so it can be read as a stand-alone but it is best to read from the start so you can fully appreciate the characters development.
The characters' developments are coming on well. They are like a group of close friends now. The story brought up some interesting aspects of conference running and gave some past characters from previous books to have a bigger part to play in this story.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
February 26, 2019
Another fun - if murder can be fun - adventure with Aunt Bessie. This time she is attending a three day conference in the capital city of the Isle of Man, Douglas, at the Manx National Heritage Museum. Everyone has been looking forward to this most informative meeting of the minds until one of the presenters turns up dead. The conference staggers on in spite of the mysterious death and Aunt Bessie puts her now considerable investigative skills to work to try and sort out what has happened. Is it simply an unfortunate "natural causes" death or is it murder? In an interesting twist, Bessie butts heads with a new police inspector, Peter Corkill, as Douglas is out of her beloved John Rockwell's jurisdiction. Inspector Corkill makes it quite clear from the start that he has no use for Aunt Bessie's help. Can she win him over or will she have to take a back seat this time through?
I guessed the outcome pretty early on but it was still fun to go along for the ride. On to Aunt Bessie Decides!
I guessed the outcome pretty early on but it was still fun to go along for the ride. On to Aunt Bessie Decides!
August 13, 2023
I don't particularly like these books but I keep them around for X author requirements. I don't hate them either. I think these are short stories that stretch out to novel length by adding some Isle of Man related facts and several repetitions. I enjoyed this one slightly better because the facts actually had some bearing to the plot, as it's set at an academic conference about the Isle itself. But it's still too long, and the killer is quite easy to predict. In this book, unlike the previous one, Bessie does get at the killer. She does it well, even though it takes her a while to get there and only because her talk is scheduled to be the last in the conference. I like Aunt Bessie, and Doona is growing on me.
April 23, 2025
Aunt Bessie is taking part in a conference and giving a paper on 19th century wills. One of the presenters pulls some strings to get this presentation the first on opening night. He gives a startling find...he has found evidence of a Roman settlement on the Isle of Man! When he takes a few minutes to himself before a q and a session, he is found dead by Aunt Bessie! And then it starts...his reputation takes a big hit, everyone is a suspect. How will they find out what really happened to him? Lots of twists and turns; I did not suspect the true murderer.
May 19, 2023
Aunt Bessie Saves the Conference
I will never assume that those dry, dusty old educational conferences are, well, dry and dusty again. Aunt Bessie has been working on her part of the conference for months, and now, someone has the bad taste to die. I thoroughly enjoyed the many suspects who presented themselves for my and Aunt Bessie's attention. I can't wait for more Aunt Bessie and friends.
I will never assume that those dry, dusty old educational conferences are, well, dry and dusty again. Aunt Bessie has been working on her part of the conference for months, and now, someone has the bad taste to die. I thoroughly enjoyed the many suspects who presented themselves for my and Aunt Bessie's attention. I can't wait for more Aunt Bessie and friends.
November 2, 2025
I'd give it a 4.8 if I could. Not quite as gripping as the previous 2, but still dang good.
Bessie finally gets a chance to present her talk on historical wills, at a history conference, but on the first night finds another dead body! Who did it? Well Bessie figures it out. Though I must admit that it wasn't exactly reveled how she figured it out. (Or did I just miss it?)
All my favorite characters were included. These make me want to go spend some time on the Isle of Man.
Bessie finally gets a chance to present her talk on historical wills, at a history conference, but on the first night finds another dead body! Who did it? Well Bessie figures it out. Though I must admit that it wasn't exactly reveled how she figured it out. (Or did I just miss it?)
All my favorite characters were included. These make me want to go spend some time on the Isle of Man.
September 10, 2017
Aunt Bessie
Another great Aunt Bessie mystery. This is a great series. The editing was superb and the characters were well developed. I did not figure out the murderer until the end. This book kept me so engaged that I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend this book and the series as well.
Another great Aunt Bessie mystery. This is a great series. The editing was superb and the characters were well developed. I did not figure out the murderer until the end. This book kept me so engaged that I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend this book and the series as well.
October 21, 2017
Very good book.
I have just recently started reading this series, and find it to be well written. The island is described so well, that the reader can almost see it. This is an excellent mystery that is loaded with suspense and innuendos as to who the killer is. The surprise ending will surprise you.
I have just recently started reading this series, and find it to be well written. The island is described so well, that the reader can almost see it. This is an excellent mystery that is loaded with suspense and innuendos as to who the killer is. The surprise ending will surprise you.
June 17, 2018
What's not to love!
I thoroughly enjoy reading the adventures of Aunt Bessie, Doona, Hugh and Inspector Rockwell. Also , I long to visit the Isle of Man. Even though I'm not there reading these stories transports my imagination to this lovely place. I'm ready to read the next story.
I thoroughly enjoy reading the adventures of Aunt Bessie, Doona, Hugh and Inspector Rockwell. Also , I long to visit the Isle of Man. Even though I'm not there reading these stories transports my imagination to this lovely place. I'm ready to read the next story.
September 20, 2018
My favorite in this series so far.
I am really enjoying this series. Set isle of man the author brings the place alive , great characters an unlikely set of friends, I learned a lot about isle of man which been bonus. Aunt Bessie is a lot like miss marple in she knows everyone just about on the island and understands people
I am really enjoying this series. Set isle of man the author brings the place alive , great characters an unlikely set of friends, I learned a lot about isle of man which been bonus. Aunt Bessie is a lot like miss marple in she knows everyone just about on the island and understands people
August 16, 2020
Another excellent mystery
This is more than just a cozy mystery, as it gives insight into the history and culture of the Isle of Man. One thing I’m finding very good about this series is that the victims and perpetrators are likeable people with history and reasons for what they do.
This is more than just a cozy mystery, as it gives insight into the history and culture of the Isle of Man. One thing I’m finding very good about this series is that the victims and perpetrators are likeable people with history and reasons for what they do.
November 11, 2024
The third book in the Isle od Man Cozy Mystery, Aunt Bessie, is giving a lecture on her paper of Wills Importance. During the conference, Aunt Bessie accidentally finds a fellow lecturer dead. Will she be able to find out who did it, or will the weekend end without any answers?
I love this series. It's fun, light, and definitely keeps you reading, trying to work it out yourself.
I love this series. It's fun, light, and definitely keeps you reading, trying to work it out yourself.
November 8, 2017
Nice to get back to Aunt Bessie - this time caught up with an unexpected death at a conference in the Manx Museum.
Great fun for me, as I can imagine the setting all to well, having both led and attended events in that exact setting myself!
Great fun for me, as I can imagine the setting all to well, having both led and attended events in that exact setting myself!
January 11, 2019
I have the books on my Kindle and while I do enjoy them, I find the grammatical/spelling errors incredibly distracting. I have never read a book with such an abundance of errors. I would have easily given this title five stars had it not been for the lack of editing.
February 25, 2019
Another great installment
I love the main characters in this series. I also love the addition of new characters. I have found that they enrich the story. The setting is great. The author's descriptions make me want to visit Isle of Mann and the museum as well.
I love the main characters in this series. I also love the addition of new characters. I have found that they enrich the story. The setting is great. The author's descriptions make me want to visit Isle of Mann and the museum as well.
January 31, 2023
Lectures
I love who dunnits. This is a great one. Thr cast of characters was an emotional roller coaster for me. You love them, they did it, they didn’t do it; it just was a great ride. Thank you Aunt Bessie.
I love who dunnits. This is a great one. Thr cast of characters was an emotional roller coaster for me. You love them, they did it, they didn’t do it; it just was a great ride. Thank you Aunt Bessie.
July 29, 2023
Aunt Bessie is invited to speak at a conference. Someone with a somewhat suspect past shows up to make a big announcement at the conference, overshadowing everything else. Of course there is a murder and Aunt Bessie gets to investigate.
May 5, 2024
Good read
This is a easy to read in one or two days book. The characters are believable and interesting. The story moves quickly and doesn't get bogged down in unnecessary distractions.
This is a easy to read in one or two days book. The characters are believable and interesting. The story moves quickly and doesn't get bogged down in unnecessary distractions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews