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Isle of Man Ghostly Cozy #12
Letters and Lawsuits
Along with everything that she left to her, Fenella’s aunt Mona left instructions for her own birthday party. Doncan Quayle, Fenella’s advocate, is in charge of arranging the party, following Mona’s detailed plans. He gets a little sidetracked, however, when a woman turns up on the island claiming to be Maxwell Martin’s daughter.
Max had been Mona’s benefactor for most of her life. He’d showered Mona with gifts, and now Rosemary Ballard is demanding a share of Mona’s estate. She claims to have letters that prove that Mona had blackmailed Max for years. When Rosemary turns up dead, Fenella is the number-one suspect.
Inspector Daniel Robinson has to keep Fenella at arm’s length, no matter how he feels about her. As Rosemary’s family threaten to continue with the planned lawsuit, Fenella finds herself trying to prove her innocence in the murder investigation, and to find evidence that Rosemary was lying about her parentage.
Mona, Fenella's ghostly roommate in her luxury apartment, is insistent that the letters are fake. As she reveals more to Fenella about her relationship with Max, Fenella works to find a way to protect her fortune and find a killer.
Is it possible that Mona badly misjudged Max? Who else besides Fenella had a motive for wanting Rosemary dead? Mona is sure that Max’s sister is behind the whole thing, but proving that might be an impossible task. As Mona’s birthday party gets closer, Fenella begins to wonder if there is actually going to be anything to celebrate.
Max had been Mona’s benefactor for most of her life. He’d showered Mona with gifts, and now Rosemary Ballard is demanding a share of Mona’s estate. She claims to have letters that prove that Mona had blackmailed Max for years. When Rosemary turns up dead, Fenella is the number-one suspect.
Inspector Daniel Robinson has to keep Fenella at arm’s length, no matter how he feels about her. As Rosemary’s family threaten to continue with the planned lawsuit, Fenella finds herself trying to prove her innocence in the murder investigation, and to find evidence that Rosemary was lying about her parentage.
Mona, Fenella's ghostly roommate in her luxury apartment, is insistent that the letters are fake. As she reveals more to Fenella about her relationship with Max, Fenella works to find a way to protect her fortune and find a killer.
Is it possible that Mona badly misjudged Max? Who else besides Fenella had a motive for wanting Rosemary dead? Mona is sure that Max’s sister is behind the whole thing, but proving that might be an impossible task. As Mona’s birthday party gets closer, Fenella begins to wonder if there is actually going to be anything to celebrate.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2019
365 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Diana Xarissa
228 books264 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 25, 2020
I generally liked the story, but it didn't really contain enough material to be half as long as it is. I think maybe the reason this author is cranking out so many books in a year is because the same arguments and explanations are repeated over and over and over.
May 1, 2020
In typical fashion, the book is well padded with regurgitating recitations. The first three chapters particularly rehash the characters histories and provide summaries of preceding books in the series. Something that continues throughout the remainder of this book as well.
It seems rather odd that Fenella always makes great attempts to be economic in the amount of times she needs to recount events, yet the author appears to go to great lengths to elongate the material presented to readers.
The reader is “informed” that this story will allow them to learn a little more about Mona, and this proves to be true, but only very near the end of an otherwise over lengthy lacklustre story about family dysfunction. There is at least a very small glimmer of hope for the revival of a relationship between Fenella and Daniel, which appears to be made all the more complex by Fenella not following the same advice she usefully offers to others and instead frustratingly allows her author protract the arrangement. This makes Fenella appear far more incompetent in relationship skills than she probably is.
It seems rather odd that Fenella always makes great attempts to be economic in the amount of times she needs to recount events, yet the author appears to go to great lengths to elongate the material presented to readers.
The reader is “informed” that this story will allow them to learn a little more about Mona, and this proves to be true, but only very near the end of an otherwise over lengthy lacklustre story about family dysfunction. There is at least a very small glimmer of hope for the revival of a relationship between Fenella and Daniel, which appears to be made all the more complex by Fenella not following the same advice she usefully offers to others and instead frustratingly allows her author protract the arrangement. This makes Fenella appear far more incompetent in relationship skills than she probably is.
April 12, 2020
This was one of the books that was hard to read for those of us who really like Mona, and also was tough to take as Fenella was a true suspect in this one. I like the unexpected surprise news from a few of the main characters, and I had a lot of respect both for Fenella and Doncan who held a tight lip when accused of multiple things. This wasn't my favorite in the series but I like the way many threads are getting tied up and the characters you like and admire are still likeable at the end of this story in the series. Still reading 'em. What can I say, I like them and the COV 19 is still here.
June 20, 2024
I’m not a fan of the innocent person unjustly accused of a crime plot line. I call it the Spider-Man Syndrome. No matter how many times that guy saves the city and solves the crime, anytime something bad happens, he’s the first one they accuse. For that reason, I was reluctant to read this book in the series because Fenella is unjustly threatened and accused of murder. Cue the cozy element which meant this didn’t go as badly as expected and, of course, all’s well by the end. Not without some drama and surprise secrets revealed though.
Read
November 8, 2025etters and Lawsuits” by Diana Xarissa is a delightful cozy mystery filled with secrets, ghosts, and clever twists. Fenella’s quest to clear her name and uncover the truth behind a forged letter keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The story explores trust and deception in a way that feels surprisingly modern much like the real-world drama of the meaningful beauty lawsuit. A quick, engaging read for mystery lovers!
February 16, 2020
Another winner
This book continues the isle of Man series by Diana Xarissa, and is on a par with the others, namely well written and enjoyable. It's good to see what our favorite characters are doing, too, from Fenella to her kitty Katie. Please continue the series. It's one of my favorites.
This book continues the isle of Man series by Diana Xarissa, and is on a par with the others, namely well written and enjoyable. It's good to see what our favorite characters are doing, too, from Fenella to her kitty Katie. Please continue the series. It's one of my favorites.
September 16, 2024
Love this series. It's always a pleasure to read.
The mystery element was good. I like the mystery in this. I think it was maybe obvious who the murderer was, it certainly was for who it wasn't.
There's a slight progression on the romance front and I'm so here for it.
Love love love.
The mystery element was good. I like the mystery in this. I think it was maybe obvious who the murderer was, it certainly was for who it wasn't.
There's a slight progression on the romance front and I'm so here for it.
Love love love.
Read
February 13, 2020Each book gets better than the last
March 17, 2020
Secrets are revealed
Someone going after Mona's estate is murdered, leaving Fenella as a serious suspect. Daniel has to keep her at arm's length. Secrets are revealed.
Someone going after Mona's estate is murdered, leaving Fenella as a serious suspect. Daniel has to keep her at arm's length. Secrets are revealed.
August 7, 2021
Another fun book in series.
It is fun learning about Fenella's friends and Mona's previous life. Everyone needs a ghost aunt like Mona. Cannot wait for next book.
It is fun learning about Fenella's friends and Mona's previous life. Everyone needs a ghost aunt like Mona. Cannot wait for next book.
December 24, 2019
Wonderful
These books are wonderful, lovely cozy mysteries that draw you in and make you feel like you are actually there watching everything unfold. I can't wait to read the next book.
These books are wonderful, lovely cozy mysteries that draw you in and make you feel like you are actually there watching everything unfold. I can't wait to read the next book.
December 7, 2019
Thanks for the great read.
Enjoyed the plot. Glad Fenella's relationship with Daniel is progressing. Can't wait to find out more about his past relationships.
Enjoyed the plot. Glad Fenella's relationship with Daniel is progressing. Can't wait to find out more about his past relationships.
December 1, 2019
A woman turns up insisting that she should rightfully have everything that Mona left to Fenella, as Mona obtained everything illegally by blackmailing Max... only for the woman to turn up dead and Fenella is the obvious suspect.
Not good for progressing her relationship with Daniel, although it was very good to see the relationships with each of the men in Fenella's life settling into friendship, possible romance, and so on.
It was really good to learn more about Mona and Max's relationship, bittersweet though some of Mona's revelations were.
Not good for progressing her relationship with Daniel, although it was very good to see the relationships with each of the men in Fenella's life settling into friendship, possible romance, and so on.
It was really good to learn more about Mona and Max's relationship, bittersweet though some of Mona's revelations were.
November 19, 2019
Good Mystery
Another wonderful trip to The Isle of Man. A woman claims to be the daughter Max knew he had and she also claims to have letters from him to her mother claiming that Mona blackmailed him for all the gifts he gave her. Always delightful to visit The Isle of Man.
Another wonderful trip to The Isle of Man. A woman claims to be the daughter Max knew he had and she also claims to have letters from him to her mother claiming that Mona blackmailed him for all the gifts he gave her. Always delightful to visit The Isle of Man.
October 22, 2019
Max’s Good Name
Fenella is gobsmacked when her advocate, Doncan, informs her that a woman named Rosemary Ballard is claiming to be Maxwell Martin’s illegitimate daughter, that Mona Kelley, Fenella’s late aunt, blackmailed Max to keep her mother from marrying Max & is suing for money from Fenella. Rosemary believes she is entitled to part of Mona’s estate because it was illegally obtained and would’ve gone to her.
Mona believes Max’s sister who hated her is behind this & swears Max never cheated. But when Rosemary is found dead & her children try to con Fenella out of a quick settlement, motive for Rosemary’s murder is unclear. To add to Fenella’s stress, Mona arranged for a big birthday party to be thrown for herself posthumously.
Will Rosemary’s killer be found before the party? And why is Peter Ballard, her husband who left 35 years ago suddenly on the scene with an advocate? Another perplexing Isle of Man ghostly mystery with an interesting twist.
Fenella is gobsmacked when her advocate, Doncan, informs her that a woman named Rosemary Ballard is claiming to be Maxwell Martin’s illegitimate daughter, that Mona Kelley, Fenella’s late aunt, blackmailed Max to keep her mother from marrying Max & is suing for money from Fenella. Rosemary believes she is entitled to part of Mona’s estate because it was illegally obtained and would’ve gone to her.
Mona believes Max’s sister who hated her is behind this & swears Max never cheated. But when Rosemary is found dead & her children try to con Fenella out of a quick settlement, motive for Rosemary’s murder is unclear. To add to Fenella’s stress, Mona arranged for a big birthday party to be thrown for herself posthumously.
Will Rosemary’s killer be found before the party? And why is Peter Ballard, her husband who left 35 years ago suddenly on the scene with an advocate? Another perplexing Isle of Man ghostly mystery with an interesting twist.
October 30, 2019
Review
Rosemary Ballard is the despicable person who wants to sue Fenella for Mona' s estate. She claims she is Max' s daughter.
She threatens to ruin Mona's reputation if she doesn't get the money.
When Rosemary is murdered, of course everyone suspects Fenella.
Daniel and Mark investigate.
Mona reveals Max's greatest secret to Fenella, and of course offers her advice on finding the killer. We learn things about Mona that we never knew before.
After everything, Fenella listens to her heart and helps a family in need.
And we discover if Fenella and Daniel can work things out.
I have to say, this one absolutely GOBSMACKED me! What a surprise!
Great story!
Rosemary Ballard is the despicable person who wants to sue Fenella for Mona' s estate. She claims she is Max' s daughter.
She threatens to ruin Mona's reputation if she doesn't get the money.
When Rosemary is murdered, of course everyone suspects Fenella.
Daniel and Mark investigate.
Mona reveals Max's greatest secret to Fenella, and of course offers her advice on finding the killer. We learn things about Mona that we never knew before.
After everything, Fenella listens to her heart and helps a family in need.
And we discover if Fenella and Daniel can work things out.
I have to say, this one absolutely GOBSMACKED me! What a surprise!
Great story!
October 20, 2019
Rosemary Ballard, a woman claiming to be the illegitimate daughter of Mona Kelly's long-time amour, Maxwell Martin, arrives on the Isle of Man with her children and their spouses, determined to get some of Fenella's inheritance from Mona as her rightful share of her "father's" fortune. When Rosemary's body is discovered in a hotel laundry cart (by Fenella and her advocate, Doncan Quayle), Fenella is high on the list of suspects ...
This 12th outing in the Ghostly Cozy series reveals some unexpected truths about the relationship between Max and Mona.
This 12th outing in the Ghostly Cozy series reveals some unexpected truths about the relationship between Max and Mona.
October 21, 2019
Secrets.
I didn’t figure it out real fast and enjoyed how she brought different very plausible theories into the overall telling of the story. Some things were hinted at in the previous books to make you wonder, “what about this?”. Secrets are finally coming out. The plot thickens! You will enjoy this one!
I didn’t figure it out real fast and enjoyed how she brought different very plausible theories into the overall telling of the story. Some things were hinted at in the previous books to make you wonder, “what about this?”. Secrets are finally coming out. The plot thickens! You will enjoy this one!
November 3, 2019
Another Good Read
This was a pleasure to read. I found it a bit different than some of the other books in the series because we learn a lot about Mona and Max, some of it very surprising. We also get to know Doncan better. And it's comforting to know that Daniel still cares deeply for Finella. Overall, o n.y e of my favorites in the series. Very highly recommend.
This was a pleasure to read. I found it a bit different than some of the other books in the series because we learn a lot about Mona and Max, some of it very surprising. We also get to know Doncan better. And it's comforting to know that Daniel still cares deeply for Finella. Overall, o n.y e of my favorites in the series. Very highly recommend.
October 22, 2019
Very satisfying
Things occur in this book that tie up a few loose ends. Plot lines are continued and deepened. I really enjoyed learning more about Mona and her relationships. Well done, fast paced, very interesting characters. This was fun.
Things occur in this book that tie up a few loose ends. Plot lines are continued and deepened. I really enjoyed learning more about Mona and her relationships. Well done, fast paced, very interesting characters. This was fun.
November 10, 2019
Another wonderful adventure!
It’s great that we learn something new about Mona in each book. I can’t WAIT for the next one! I’ve already preordered it!
It’s great that we learn something new about Mona in each book. I can’t WAIT for the next one! I’ve already preordered it!
October 21, 2019
Love this series, but getting fed up with Daniel. Fennella deserves so much more!
October 25, 2019
I really enjoyed this book
I'm a devoted fan of Fenella Woods and Mona. This is a good plot that moves quickly, with some surprising revelations about Max and Mona.
I'm a devoted fan of Fenella Woods and Mona. This is a good plot that moves quickly, with some surprising revelations about Max and Mona.
October 27, 2019
Love this series
October 31, 2019
enjoyed this visit with Fenella and friends, interesting mystery, a few reveals, can't wait for the next visit...
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews