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Isle of Man Ghostly Cozy #3
Cars and Cold Cases
Fenella Woods is nervous but eager to start driving lessons on the Isle of Man.
Having never driven a manual transmission before, she quickly finds herself struggling with having to change gears with her left hand while sitting on what feels like the wrong side of the car and driving on what seems to be the wrong side of the road.
Her friendship with CID Inspector Daniel Robinson is less stressful. He's going through some cold cases, and he asks her to share her thoughts. Daniel seems to think that she'll have a different perspective on the investigations because she doesn't know any of the people involved. He's surprised to find that the first case he mentions, a missing person from thirty years earlier, involves Fenella's new driving instructor.
Fenella's aunt Mona, who is either a ghost or a figment of Fenella's imagination, has her own ideas about both the missing person and an unconnected thirty-year-old murder investigation that Daniel is also reopening. And, of course, she's eager for Fenella to get involved in both cases.
Fenella isn't sure she's ready to try to deal with driving lessons, two cold cases, one nosy aunt, a kitten who needs surgery, and three different men who all appeal to her in very different ways. She knew her life was going to change when she moved to the Isle of Man, but she wasn't anticipating quite this much excitement.
Having never driven a manual transmission before, she quickly finds herself struggling with having to change gears with her left hand while sitting on what feels like the wrong side of the car and driving on what seems to be the wrong side of the road.
Her friendship with CID Inspector Daniel Robinson is less stressful. He's going through some cold cases, and he asks her to share her thoughts. Daniel seems to think that she'll have a different perspective on the investigations because she doesn't know any of the people involved. He's surprised to find that the first case he mentions, a missing person from thirty years earlier, involves Fenella's new driving instructor.
Fenella's aunt Mona, who is either a ghost or a figment of Fenella's imagination, has her own ideas about both the missing person and an unconnected thirty-year-old murder investigation that Daniel is also reopening. And, of course, she's eager for Fenella to get involved in both cases.
Fenella isn't sure she's ready to try to deal with driving lessons, two cold cases, one nosy aunt, a kitten who needs surgery, and three different men who all appeal to her in very different ways. She knew her life was going to change when she moved to the Isle of Man, but she wasn't anticipating quite this much excitement.
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First published May 17, 2017
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About the author
Diana Xarissa
226 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 36 reviews
August 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery set on the Isle of Man off the coast of England. I loved the MCs, and the fact that Mona, Fanelle's aunt, is a ghost that haunts her at her old apartment. I'm not sure if I'm team Peter or team Daniel, but I think I'm leaning towards team Daniel. I like her with the inspector. And I loved little Katie, and the pub they visit, the Tail and Tale (with books everywhere and comfortable seating). I want to go there!
April 25, 2021
In the third Isle of Man Ghostly mystery, American ex-pat Fenella Woods is asked by friend/potential boyfriend CID Inspector Daniel Robinson for an outside perspective on two cold cases (since she provided good insight into the murders she discovered in the first two books). One involved the mysterious disappearance of her driving instructor's wife, while the other was the murder of a wealthy businessman.
The cold case format was a nice break from the cozy mystery cliche of the heroine/hero practically tripping over a dead body. The book had a good mix of mystery and personal development, including Fenella's love quadrangle with police inspector Daniel and neighbor Peter (and wanna-be suitor Donald). Plus, her ghostly Aunt Mona is always a hoot. I also like the Manx insights -- I had no idea that getting a driver's license overseas was so complicated!
The cold case format was a nice break from the cozy mystery cliche of the heroine/hero practically tripping over a dead body. The book had a good mix of mystery and personal development, including Fenella's love quadrangle with police inspector Daniel and neighbor Peter (and wanna-be suitor Donald). Plus, her ghostly Aunt Mona is always a hoot. I also like the Manx insights -- I had no idea that getting a driver's license overseas was so complicated!
July 16, 2018
This book contained two excellent whodunnit cold cases. It also discusses in detail the trials and tribulations of learning to drive on the wrong side of the road while sitting on the wrong side of the car! I have always been curious about that!
November 21, 2020
This is pretty good. I do enjoy this series. Its an easy to read series and this book is a nice addition to this series.
June 10, 2017
Ghostie Aunt Mona & Daniel's Cold Cases
As last book ended with Inspector Daniel the hottie asking Fenella to review some cold cases, book #3 opens with him reviewing 2 cold case files with her. The ghostly Aunt Mona is, of course, witness to this and intrigued by the cases which both occurred in 1986.Mona knew the players in the cold murder case, and neighbor Peter (& Fen's Bachelor #2) was well acquainted with the people involved in the cold case of a missing women. The missing woman just happens to be the spouse of Fenella's driving instructor--Peter's friend. While many of the characters are featured in every book, readers are also introduced to several new characters, most of whom were involved in one of the 2 cold cases. Fenella, at Aunt Mona's behest, talks to some of the players, it is truly Aunt Mona who figures out the murder culprit.
Intriguing mysteries, lovely setting, & interesting characters make this series an easy read. I thoroughly enjoyed this 3rd installment & look forward to the next!
As last book ended with Inspector Daniel the hottie asking Fenella to review some cold cases, book #3 opens with him reviewing 2 cold case files with her. The ghostly Aunt Mona is, of course, witness to this and intrigued by the cases which both occurred in 1986.Mona knew the players in the cold murder case, and neighbor Peter (& Fen's Bachelor #2) was well acquainted with the people involved in the cold case of a missing women. The missing woman just happens to be the spouse of Fenella's driving instructor--Peter's friend. While many of the characters are featured in every book, readers are also introduced to several new characters, most of whom were involved in one of the 2 cold cases. Fenella, at Aunt Mona's behest, talks to some of the players, it is truly Aunt Mona who figures out the murder culprit.
Intriguing mysteries, lovely setting, & interesting characters make this series an easy read. I thoroughly enjoyed this 3rd installment & look forward to the next!
March 10, 2021
This is the third book in the series and the third one I have read. Fenella has settled in to her aunt's estate very well in the past four months or so, even though her aunt's ghost is still there and still interfering in her life. Fenella loves the apartment on the sixth floor of the building with a wonderful view of the ocean right across the Promenade. The handsome police inspector has asked her to help him with some cold cases and Fenella thinks that may mean a chance for some romance so she has agreed. Daniel brings the first two cases over to her, and she finds they are from 30 years ago in 1986. One is a missing person, the wife of Fenella's driving instructor. The other is the murder of a very successful investment broker. Fenella's involvement in both these cases has led to an unexpected need to help her neighbor Peter evade the clutches of a key witness by manufacturing some romance toward Peter. I really, really loved this complicated plot.
June 7, 2017
A lovely story
Not much excitement in this book, just a nice story about the life & friends of Fenella. Actually I routing for Daniel to be the main man in her life! I like Peter also I just think Daniel is more suited for her. The rich playboy I'm very cautious of! He sounds like he has ulterior motives which I have no idea what they could be. There's a murder to solve & a missing person but not any excitement like the last book, but still nice. A bit boring in the beginning tho, hoping the next one will be more action. I do like that the books can be read by anyone & not worry about everyone falling into bed with someone. Its a lovely book that anyone could read knowing the story isn't inappropriate.
Not much excitement in this book, just a nice story about the life & friends of Fenella. Actually I routing for Daniel to be the main man in her life! I like Peter also I just think Daniel is more suited for her. The rich playboy I'm very cautious of! He sounds like he has ulterior motives which I have no idea what they could be. There's a murder to solve & a missing person but not any excitement like the last book, but still nice. A bit boring in the beginning tho, hoping the next one will be more action. I do like that the books can be read by anyone & not worry about everyone falling into bed with someone. Its a lovely book that anyone could read knowing the story isn't inappropriate.
March 4, 2018
This is a great series to curl up with for an evening; quick, light reads that are very cozy indeed. I enjoyed the plot, two decades-old cold cases involving a missing woman and a man found dead and I liked how Mona's extensive knowledge of the major players in the mystery came into play, with the juicy soap opera lives of the rich making for an enjoyable mystery. I have to say, Fenella's overwrought hysterics about her driving lessons were a bit overdone. The way she was going on about it, you'd think she'd never driven anywhere, let alone on a tiny island. Get a grip, woman!
June 20, 2023
After inheriting her Aunt Mona's home, car and money Fenella Woods, 52, moves to the Isle of Man for a fresh start. Within her first few months she has made some friends and helped in a couple of murder investigations. Now she is trying to learn to drive on the British side of the road and a standard drive so as to drive her aunt's car. She has also been asked by the new police inspector to look at some cold cases from 30 years ago. Hoping fresh eyes will suggest new things to investigate. Pretty good series.
June 8, 2018
Isle of Man Ghostly Mystery
Fenella agreed to help Inspector Robinson with some cold cases. One of the cold cases involved her driving instructor's missing wife and the other involves a murder. Fenella ends up helping the police solve the murder case with help from her ghostly Aunt Mona. The missing person case is also resolved when the husband finally tells the truth. An enjoyable mystery and a great addition to the series.
Fenella agreed to help Inspector Robinson with some cold cases. One of the cold cases involved her driving instructor's missing wife and the other involves a murder. Fenella ends up helping the police solve the murder case with help from her ghostly Aunt Mona. The missing person case is also resolved when the husband finally tells the truth. An enjoyable mystery and a great addition to the series.
June 23, 2023
I liked this one as well…
The only complaint I had was Fenella’s whining about her driving. You’d think she never drove before. I’ve been to New Zealand and drove there after driving in the US for over 40 years. It does take some gettin used to but it’s doable. Her heart is not in it.
Otherwise, this cozy was a fun read. I like the development of the romance between Fenella’s and the men. Who will she keep? My money is on Daniel.
The only complaint I had was Fenella’s whining about her driving. You’d think she never drove before. I’ve been to New Zealand and drove there after driving in the US for over 40 years. It does take some gettin used to but it’s doable. Her heart is not in it.
Otherwise, this cozy was a fun read. I like the development of the romance between Fenella’s and the men. Who will she keep? My money is on Daniel.
February 6, 2020
A rather Complex Chronicle which nevertheless involves all the main characters in a Convoluted, but sometimes humorous manner. Essentially a good read with plenty of twists and turns that keeps the reader interested in its progress, but perhaps overdone in an apparent setting up of a developing Complicated relationship threading.
March 3, 2020
Two cold cases solved
Daniel brings 2 30-year-old cold cases for Fenella's help. And to see her again. One involves her driving teacher, Peter's friend, and an old friend of his. The other involves some rich and powerful folks.
Fenella's men are still keeping her a little confused; she tells herself she's not ready for a relationship, but they are good kissers...
Daniel brings 2 30-year-old cold cases for Fenella's help. And to see her again. One involves her driving teacher, Peter's friend, and an old friend of his. The other involves some rich and powerful folks.
Fenella's men are still keeping her a little confused; she tells herself she's not ready for a relationship, but they are good kissers...
February 16, 2018
I enjoyed this mystery very much. Diana has a way of making the characters so likeable and interesting that I become a binge reader. I love the Aunt Bessie series and now I am beginning to live the Fenella and Mona mystery series as much.
October 8, 2018
Slow going
At least Fenella didn’t stumble across any dead bodies. She revolves her life around her kitten. Seriously, so boring, feeding the kitten 3 times a day. Worrying incessantly about the kitten or driving. She’s driving me away.
At least Fenella didn’t stumble across any dead bodies. She revolves her life around her kitten. Seriously, so boring, feeding the kitten 3 times a day. Worrying incessantly about the kitten or driving. She’s driving me away.
May 21, 2017
Xarissa does it again
Great plot, great characters, right amount of suspense, and voila another great mystery. More, more, more! I want to live on the Isle of Man.
Great plot, great characters, right amount of suspense, and voila another great mystery. More, more, more! I want to live on the Isle of Man.
May 21, 2017
Great cozy mystery series!
May 23, 2017
chatty and fun, enjoyed the mysteries
July 27, 2017
Another wonderful Isle of Man story
Enjoyed this story very much
Mona, the ghost, is very good and makes the story wonderful. Thanks for a great read!!
Enjoyed this story very much
Mona, the ghost, is very good and makes the story wonderful. Thanks for a great read!!
February 9, 2018
A reasonable read but nothing startling in it, In common with lots of cosy mysteries it seems to arrive at the solution without any real investigation.
March 29, 2018
This a really fun series, light read . Entertaining characters particularly Aunt Mona . Look forward to more of the series.
February 21, 2019
Enjoyable mystery
A good mystery, great characters that I am quite liking (this is the third book in the series), and the enchanting Isle of Man.
A good mystery, great characters that I am quite liking (this is the third book in the series), and the enchanting Isle of Man.
May 24, 2020
Great
Double the fun to have two very different cold cases. I like the way that the author finds new methods of solving the mysteries. Bravo!
Double the fun to have two very different cold cases. I like the way that the author finds new methods of solving the mysteries. Bravo!
August 9, 2020
Book three. She learns to drive and gets involved in a cold case.
January 6, 2021
Third of the three books I got free on Kindle. Quick reads, not bad.
March 11, 2021
Great plot
Fenella and Mona are great characters and made this book interesting and entertaining. Looking forward to the next installment of their adventures.
Fenella and Mona are great characters and made this book interesting and entertaining. Looking forward to the next installment of their adventures.
March 23, 2021
Good read
July 21, 2021
Fun series to read!
Quirky characters. Entertaining mystery. I love the animal lovers and their entertaining personality. This a quick read. I enjoy this series.
Quirky characters. Entertaining mystery. I love the animal lovers and their entertaining personality. This a quick read. I enjoy this series.
January 31, 2022
2.5 rounding up
December 23, 2022
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews