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Isle of Man #1-3
An Aunt Bessie Collection - ABC
Together in one bargain collection, the first three books of the Isle of Man Cozy Mystery Series:
Aunt Bessie Assumes that she'll have the beach all to herself on a cold, wet, and windy March morning just after sunrise, then she stumbles (almost literally) over a dead body. Elizabeth (Bessie) Cubbon, aged somewhere between free bus pass (60) and telegram from the Queen (100), has lived her entire adult life in a small cottage on Laxey beach. For most of those years, she's been in the habit of taking a brisk morning walk along the beach. Dead men have never been part of the scenery before. Aunt Bessie assumes that the dead man died of natural causes, then the police find the knife in his chest.
Try as she might, Bessie just can't find anything to like about the young widow that she provides tea and sympathy to in the immediate aftermath of finding the body. There isn't much to like about the rest of the victim's family either. Aunt Bessie assumes that the police will have the case wrapped up in no time at all, then she finds a second body. Can Bessie and her friends find the killer before she ends up as the next victim?
Aunt Bessie Believes that Moirrey Teare is just about the most disagreeable woman she's ever had the misfortune to meet. Elizabeth Cubbon, (Aunt Bessie to nearly everyone), is somewhere past sixty, and old enough to ignore the rude woman that does her best to ruin the first session of the beginning Manx language class they are both taking. Moirrey's sudden death is harder to ignore. Aunt Bessie believes that Moirrey's death was the result of the heart condition that Moirrey always complained about. The police investigation, however, suggests that someone switched some of the dead woman's essential medications for something far more deadly. Aunt Bessie believes that she and her friends can find the killer. But with Doona suspended from work and spending all of her time with the dead woman's long-lost brother, with Hugh caught up in a brand new romance and with Inspector Rockwell chasing after a man that might not even exist, Bessie finds herself believing that someone might just get away with murder.
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.
Aunt Bessie Assumes that she'll have the beach all to herself on a cold, wet, and windy March morning just after sunrise, then she stumbles (almost literally) over a dead body. Elizabeth (Bessie) Cubbon, aged somewhere between free bus pass (60) and telegram from the Queen (100), has lived her entire adult life in a small cottage on Laxey beach. For most of those years, she's been in the habit of taking a brisk morning walk along the beach. Dead men have never been part of the scenery before. Aunt Bessie assumes that the dead man died of natural causes, then the police find the knife in his chest.
Try as she might, Bessie just can't find anything to like about the young widow that she provides tea and sympathy to in the immediate aftermath of finding the body. There isn't much to like about the rest of the victim's family either. Aunt Bessie assumes that the police will have the case wrapped up in no time at all, then she finds a second body. Can Bessie and her friends find the killer before she ends up as the next victim?
Aunt Bessie Believes that Moirrey Teare is just about the most disagreeable woman she's ever had the misfortune to meet. Elizabeth Cubbon, (Aunt Bessie to nearly everyone), is somewhere past sixty, and old enough to ignore the rude woman that does her best to ruin the first session of the beginning Manx language class they are both taking. Moirrey's sudden death is harder to ignore. Aunt Bessie believes that Moirrey's death was the result of the heart condition that Moirrey always complained about. The police investigation, however, suggests that someone switched some of the dead woman's essential medications for something far more deadly. Aunt Bessie believes that she and her friends can find the killer. But with Doona suspended from work and spending all of her time with the dead woman's long-lost brother, with Hugh caught up in a brand new romance and with Inspector Rockwell chasing after a man that might not even exist, Bessie finds herself believing that someone might just get away with murder.
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.
772 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2016
881 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Diana Xarissa
222 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 45 reviews
April 4, 2025
Humble Aunt Bessie
Each of the three books in this first set of three books are unique in their stories. The main characters are friends to Aunt Bessie and continue to be close throughout all three books.
I think you will enjoy their relationship and that you will close to them and Aunt Bessie. If you like crime mystery thrillers comparable to Agatha Christie tales, I know you will feel comfortable reading the Aunt Bessie Collection.
The setting is on the Isle of Man with the charm of English customs and the rich culture.
Each of the three books in this first set of three books are unique in their stories. The main characters are friends to Aunt Bessie and continue to be close throughout all three books.
I think you will enjoy their relationship and that you will close to them and Aunt Bessie. If you like crime mystery thrillers comparable to Agatha Christie tales, I know you will feel comfortable reading the Aunt Bessie Collection.
The setting is on the Isle of Man with the charm of English customs and the rich culture.
August 29, 2020
Wonderful English series
The first 3 parts of the series of Aunt Bessie was such an enjoyable read. While the stories are fictional the Isle of Man is not. I took the time to look at the map to see where these stories take place. Somehow knowing a little about the location of a story makes it so much more entertaining. I look forward to the next 3 Aunt Bessie stories. Kudos to the author for the excellent writing as well as the characters she has developed.
The first 3 parts of the series of Aunt Bessie was such an enjoyable read. While the stories are fictional the Isle of Man is not. I took the time to look at the map to see where these stories take place. Somehow knowing a little about the location of a story makes it so much more entertaining. I look forward to the next 3 Aunt Bessie stories. Kudos to the author for the excellent writing as well as the characters she has developed.
May 15, 2021
Another One Bites The Dust!
Aunt Bessie is quite the character . Here we have a "little lady" of "mature" years...old perhaps....but don't let her hear you say anything about being anything "for her age". She tends to bristle. She is an avid walker, loves books (especially a good mystery) and has good deal of knowledge about the history of the Isle of Man. Somehow she manages to find bodies...dead ones. On the beach, in an old mine cart,
in "back room" and wherever or whenever Aunt Bessie happens to be, a body may turn up.
Really loved the first three books in the series
Diana Xarissa keeps it moving. It is fun to try to figure out "Who Done It". Enjoy
Aunt Bessie is quite the character . Here we have a "little lady" of "mature" years...old perhaps....but don't let her hear you say anything about being anything "for her age". She tends to bristle. She is an avid walker, loves books (especially a good mystery) and has good deal of knowledge about the history of the Isle of Man. Somehow she manages to find bodies...dead ones. On the beach, in an old mine cart,
in "back room" and wherever or whenever Aunt Bessie happens to be, a body may turn up.
Really loved the first three books in the series
Diana Xarissa keeps it moving. It is fun to try to figure out "Who Done It". Enjoy
April 15, 2021
Light reading
Aunt Bessie is Miss Marple and Jessica Fletcher combined into a sweet, caring Manx senior and sometime detective. She never really intends to be. It’s just that she keeps coming upon bodies. These stories are easy to read, the characters are likable, and the addition of a bit of island history adds to the books. All in all, they’re exactly what cozy mysteries should be.
Aunt Bessie is Miss Marple and Jessica Fletcher combined into a sweet, caring Manx senior and sometime detective. She never really intends to be. It’s just that she keeps coming upon bodies. These stories are easy to read, the characters are likable, and the addition of a bit of island history adds to the books. All in all, they’re exactly what cozy mysteries should be.
November 11, 2024
Aunt Bessie
The first of three books, in the cozy mystery series, folllows Aunt Bessie as she gets thrown into the middle of murder mysteries.
Elizabth Curbbon is loved by everyone in town and is known as honorable Aunt Bessie to all the town people.
While going through everyday life, she keeps stumbling onto dead bodies. Being friends with the Inspector she helps him determine what happened.
Amazing good reads, with humor and murder mixed in!
The first of three books, in the cozy mystery series, folllows Aunt Bessie as she gets thrown into the middle of murder mysteries.
Elizabth Curbbon is loved by everyone in town and is known as honorable Aunt Bessie to all the town people.
While going through everyday life, she keeps stumbling onto dead bodies. Being friends with the Inspector she helps him determine what happened.
Amazing good reads, with humor and murder mixed in!
April 10, 2021
Delightful read
Couldn't put it down, loved Aunt Bessie's personality and intellect! I'm about her age and enjoy reading about a senior who is witty and yet has realistic age limitations. The location setting is interesting as well and I'll be looking for more Aunt Bessie and Ile of Man stories!
🤗
Couldn't put it down, loved Aunt Bessie's personality and intellect! I'm about her age and enjoy reading about a senior who is witty and yet has realistic age limitations. The location setting is interesting as well and I'll be looking for more Aunt Bessie and Ile of Man stories!
🤗
April 14, 2021
Good
I enjoyed this feisty self opinionated woman of an older age that demanded manners, loved skeet and being an auntie to generations on the island. I really enjoyed books 1 and 2, by the time I got to book 3 I should have had a break, but it was still good I think I was just on overload. It’s clean, very amusing and has good plots.
I enjoyed this feisty self opinionated woman of an older age that demanded manners, loved skeet and being an auntie to generations on the island. I really enjoyed books 1 and 2, by the time I got to book 3 I should have had a break, but it was still good I think I was just on overload. It’s clean, very amusing and has good plots.
September 1, 2021
An Aunt Bessie Collection - ABC: The First Three Books In The Isle Of Man Cozy Mysteries
Aunt Bessie is the most enjoyable and entertaining character, she is a safe haven for some, with a supply of cookies, too! Highly recommend! Looking forward to the next book in the series. Happy reading.
Aunt Bessie is the most enjoyable and entertaining character, she is a safe haven for some, with a supply of cookies, too! Highly recommend! Looking forward to the next book in the series. Happy reading.
March 22, 2025
Something of an updated Agatha
If you like Agatha Christie and clever elderly mature detectives you will love this series! Its like grammy or your great aunt was keeping everyone steadily but lovingly on their best behavior, while butting in on everyone's business and solving crimes that land in her lap!
If you like Agatha Christie and clever elderly mature detectives you will love this series! Its like grammy or your great aunt was keeping everyone steadily but lovingly on their best behavior, while butting in on everyone's business and solving crimes that land in her lap!
April 26, 2019
Lovely story
Well written and researched story about a murder mystery on the Isle of Man. I liked the details about island life, history and customs it made the story more interesting. I enjoyed it very mich, so much I stayed up late to finish reading it.
Well written and researched story about a murder mystery on the Isle of Man. I liked the details about island life, history and customs it made the story more interesting. I enjoyed it very mich, so much I stayed up late to finish reading it.
January 16, 2020
This is the first of this series that I have read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The character of Aunt Bessie was very engaging, and her friends, Doona, Hugh and John were all exactly as they should have been! This won't be the last I read of this series.
March 26, 2021
These three books are very good, I enjoyed them from the first page to the last. Nice clean mysteries I enjoyed trying to solve along with Bessie. Well written and worth the read. they get 5 stars from me.
March 27, 2021
Great trio of stories
Fell in love with Bessie, Doona, Rock well and Hugh on the first story and have not changed my mind about them. They are full of human foibles and contradictions which makes them wonderful characters.
Fell in love with Bessie, Doona, Rock well and Hugh on the first story and have not changed my mind about them. They are full of human foibles and contradictions which makes them wonderful characters.
April 8, 2021
Aunt Bessie & Friends
Aunt Bessie & friends are busy caring for friends, sharing information while eating shares dinners. This was a fun book to read while keeping you focused with clues, hints and innuendos. I will read more of this author.
Aunt Bessie & friends are busy caring for friends, sharing information while eating shares dinners. This was a fun book to read while keeping you focused with clues, hints and innuendos. I will read more of this author.
April 19, 2021
Nice, cozy mysteries
I love the Aunt Bessie stories & the characters. These stories truly are cozy with Aunt Bessie being surrounded by her dear friends & living in a lovely sounding place. I would love to visit the Isle of Man.
I love the Aunt Bessie stories & the characters. These stories truly are cozy with Aunt Bessie being surrounded by her dear friends & living in a lovely sounding place. I would love to visit the Isle of Man.
April 21, 2021
Great reading
Down to earth and the characters keep you guessing as to who the guilty party is. The descriptions and history make you want to visit the island to see for yourself. I recommend this series to any mystery buff
Down to earth and the characters keep you guessing as to who the guilty party is. The descriptions and history make you want to visit the island to see for yourself. I recommend this series to any mystery buff
April 21, 2021
Almost too short
Really enjoyed getting to know Aunt Bessie and friends. Stories were almost too short but probably best that way as too many books by many authors are filled with too many useless words just to stretch their overblown stories out.
Really enjoyed getting to know Aunt Bessie and friends. Stories were almost too short but probably best that way as too many books by many authors are filled with too many useless words just to stretch their overblown stories out.
May 15, 2021
Truly fun and entertaining!
Aunt Bessie and the Isle of Man are addictive. I love the characters and the fascinating location. Each story stands alone, but also builds on the interesting setting and people.
Aunt Bessie and the Isle of Man are addictive. I love the characters and the fascinating location. Each story stands alone, but also builds on the interesting setting and people.
July 25, 2021
Engaging murder mysteries
I loved Aunt Bessie. She is such a neat person. All three books were good. Great interaction esteemed characters and all very interesting and different mysteries.
I loved Aunt Bessie. She is such a neat person. All three books were good. Great interaction esteemed characters and all very interesting and different mysteries.
August 16, 2021
Bessie is a gem
Bessie is a gem. She has the respect of everyone she knows. I love the aspect of her helping the children of the neighborhood. The mysteries keep you interested but her relationships are really the best part of the books.
Bessie is a gem. She has the respect of everyone she knows. I love the aspect of her helping the children of the neighborhood. The mysteries keep you interested but her relationships are really the best part of the books.
August 31, 2021
Great mysteries
These three books gets you to know who Aunt Bessie is and how she thinks through three murder mysteries. I loved the intertwining of the native language within the story.
These three books gets you to know who Aunt Bessie is and how she thinks through three murder mysteries. I loved the intertwining of the native language within the story.
August 31, 2021
Great cozy mystery series!
This is the third Aunt Bessie book that I’ve read and I’m glad there are more for me to read. The characters are well written, the plots are different and challenging, and the location is new to me and interesting.
This is the third Aunt Bessie book that I’ve read and I’m glad there are more for me to read. The characters are well written, the plots are different and challenging, and the location is new to me and interesting.
September 17, 2021
Cozy mystery
I never wanted it to end. I love this series and Aunt Bessie is amazing. This is a wonderful cast of characters. The mysteries are easy to figure out but there are still plenty of twists to them. A page turned you won't be able to put down.
I never wanted it to end. I love this series and Aunt Bessie is amazing. This is a wonderful cast of characters. The mysteries are easy to figure out but there are still plenty of twists to them. A page turned you won't be able to put down.
February 10, 2023
Quite A Murder Mystery!
I enjoyed this book tremendously. Great characters and mystery became mysteries! So many to suspect and Sunt Bessie ended up involved in all of them. Love it!
I enjoyed this book tremendously. Great characters and mystery became mysteries! So many to suspect and Sunt Bessie ended up involved in all of them. Love it!
April 11, 2023
A fun read.
I am thoroughly enjoying the Aunt Bessie series. Diana Xarissa portrays her characters well. I would like to know Aunt Bessie and her friends. I enjoy leàrning a bit about Manx as well.
I am thoroughly enjoying the Aunt Bessie series. Diana Xarissa portrays her characters well. I would like to know Aunt Bessie and her friends. I enjoy leàrning a bit about Manx as well.
March 12, 2025
Great cozy!
Delightful cozy for those who like clean,wholesome mysteries. Aunt Bessie and her friends are people you would like to know. Makes you want to visit Isle of Man and learn Manx!
Delightful cozy for those who like clean,wholesome mysteries. Aunt Bessie and her friends are people you would like to know. Makes you want to visit Isle of Man and learn Manx!
March 20, 2025
I Love Aunt Bessie
Other seniors might enjoy Aunt Bessie as I did!
Aunt Bessie solves mysteries and younger friends that value and love her! Brutish mysteries
W similar to Agatha Christie’s!
Other seniors might enjoy Aunt Bessie as I did!
Aunt Bessie solves mysteries and younger friends that value and love her! Brutish mysteries
W similar to Agatha Christie’s!
March 22, 2025
An Aunt Bessie Collection,ABC:
I loved the book, I loved Aunt Bessie and all the characters and the town. It was like you were right their with them. I hope there are more to this collection.
I loved the book, I loved Aunt Bessie and all the characters and the town. It was like you were right their with them. I hope there are more to this collection.
November 15, 2025
fun reads
I truly enjoy these books, and the characters are wonderful. There are always bad people that make the stories work, but the goodness in the good people is wonderful. I love Aunt Bessie!
I truly enjoy these books, and the characters are wonderful. There are always bad people that make the stories work, but the goodness in the good people is wonderful. I love Aunt Bessie!
March 23, 2021
Once again I have found a good book in this story. I found it hard to put it down until the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews