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Isle of Man #24
Aunt Bessie's X-Ray
Aunt Bessie’s X-ray happily doesn’t reveal a break.
Bessie Cubbon, Aunt Bessie to nearly everyone, has been walking on Laxey Beach for a great many years. An unfortunate fall sees her visiting the Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital for X-rays.
Aunt Bessie’s X-ray necessitates a follow-up visit.
Because of Bessie’s age (don’t ask) the doctor insists on seeing her again to check her arm. When the receptionist asks Bessie for help, Bessie is intrigued. Kelly Sutton’s sister died a year ago in Manchester. The death was ruled an accident, but Kelly thinks Kara was murdered.
Aunt Bessie’s X-ray was just the start.
Before long Bessie finds herself caught up in an investigation into a death that may or may not have been accidental. Can she discover what really happened to Kara Sutton? It’s been a year, and most of the witnesses are in Manchester. Can Bessie find answers or is Kelly’s father right? Is she just being nosy?
Bessie Cubbon, Aunt Bessie to nearly everyone, has been walking on Laxey Beach for a great many years. An unfortunate fall sees her visiting the Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital for X-rays.
Aunt Bessie’s X-ray necessitates a follow-up visit.
Because of Bessie’s age (don’t ask) the doctor insists on seeing her again to check her arm. When the receptionist asks Bessie for help, Bessie is intrigued. Kelly Sutton’s sister died a year ago in Manchester. The death was ruled an accident, but Kelly thinks Kara was murdered.
Aunt Bessie’s X-ray was just the start.
Before long Bessie finds herself caught up in an investigation into a death that may or may not have been accidental. Can she discover what really happened to Kara Sutton? It’s been a year, and most of the witnesses are in Manchester. Can Bessie find answers or is Kelly’s father right? Is she just being nosy?
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2020
352 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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 - 27 of 27 reviews
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December 11, 2023It's readable, but generic, run-of-the-mill stuff.
June 8, 2020
I really thought this was going to be one of the few 'good' Aunt Bessie stories, but Xarissa continually thwarts my hopes. The curmudgeonly Bessie has been involved in 24 murder investigations in 2 years!!! Just think of the implications of that, especially since most them took place on the Isle of Man, not Detroit! And she is still as 'touchy' about her age as she was in book one. I don't blame the victim's father for thinking she's a meddlesome, interfering female; she is. She protests, but ALWAYS gets involved. I think it's become as necessary to her as a cuppa.
Courtesy of Xarissa, Bessie usually comes up with a solution, but this one was so obvious as to be laughable. Perhaps as Xarissa moves to the end of the alphabet, she'll come up with a believable plot. Wishful thinking, I'm afraid.
Courtesy of Xarissa, Bessie usually comes up with a solution, but this one was so obvious as to be laughable. Perhaps as Xarissa moves to the end of the alphabet, she'll come up with a believable plot. Wishful thinking, I'm afraid.
May 31, 2020
My rating is close to 3.5. I have mixed emotions about this story. I wasn't happy that Bessie allowed other characters to manipulate her into doing something she didn't want to do, but, as she says of herself, she's polite. Also, I can still never understand how people ask for her help then blame her for being involved in the very thing for which they requested assistance. I was alao disappointed that I knew "who dunnit" and how they dunnit the moment that character was introduced. with those things being said, what I'll always love of these stories is how the characters grow and become more like real people that one cares about. Some editing issues, but, that is to be expected with ebooks, I guess. I am sorry this series is coming to an end, but, the author's other series seem to have many of the same characters so I'll definitely be trying those series out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2022
Aunt Bessie visits the doctor's office for an X-ray after tripping on a piece of driftwood and injuring her arm. As she is leaving, the receptionist, Kelly Sutton, requests a conversation with her. Over tea and biscuits, Kelly asks Bessie to use her skills to discover who murdered Kelly's sister Kara.
There are a few problems Bessie can foresee with that task:
1. The police investigation ruled that Kara's death was an accidental drug overdose;
2. Kara's death occurred in Manchester, UK, where Bessie knows nothing of the city, or the people involved; and
3. This happened nearly a year ago, so any possible leads have already gone cold.
Still, Bessie agrees to try to help ... but the odds are stacked against her.
There are a few problems Bessie can foresee with that task:
1. The police investigation ruled that Kara's death was an accidental drug overdose;
2. Kara's death occurred in Manchester, UK, where Bessie knows nothing of the city, or the people involved; and
3. This happened nearly a year ago, so any possible leads have already gone cold.
Still, Bessie agrees to try to help ... but the odds are stacked against her.
April 23, 2020
A well-paced mystery spoiled only in that the identification of the offender is easily predicted two thirds of the way through the book. Nevertheless, the dynamics of the story remains, making it a continued interesting read.
Unlike many of the preceding books of the Aunt Bessie series, for the benefit returning readers, character descriptions are kept refreshingly concise. The story begins almost immediately and is maintained throughout the entire book without too much additional padding of familiar and already known detail.
Unlike many of the preceding books of the Aunt Bessie series, for the benefit returning readers, character descriptions are kept refreshingly concise. The story begins almost immediately and is maintained throughout the entire book without too much additional padding of familiar and already known detail.
June 8, 2020
An investigation at a distance, that Aunt Bessie doesn't really want to be mixed up in, but is too kind and polite to avoid.
And I definitely got an inkling of who had done what as the story developed - but then that is always part of the fun of a cosy mystery; if you have no idea until the last page, where it turns out to be someone there had been no hint about, the writer has not done their job.
Good to see Doona and John really beginning to work their relationship out - and I hope we finally found out what happened to Sue by the end of Aunt Bessie's Z book!!
And I definitely got an inkling of who had done what as the story developed - but then that is always part of the fun of a cosy mystery; if you have no idea until the last page, where it turns out to be someone there had been no hint about, the writer has not done their job.
Good to see Doona and John really beginning to work their relationship out - and I hope we finally found out what happened to Sue by the end of Aunt Bessie's Z book!!
December 27, 2024
In this book Bessie is asked by her doctor’s receptionist to investigate the death of her sister a year ago. Bessie is reluctantly drawn into an investigation that puts someone in danger, and exposes the controlling character of at least one man in the victim’s circle. In the background, there are issues being dealt with by Bessie’s closest friends, and Bessie is recovering from an arm injured in a fall on the beach, which was the reason she visited the doctor.
Another interesting visit to the Isle of Man.
Another interesting visit to the Isle of Man.
December 26, 2020
Closer to the end
What is it with murderers and mental health issues? Whew! I guess if Aunt Bessie ever had a job it should have been a mental health advisor. Actually, that may have been her calling as she seemed to have most of the Laxey children at her house at one time or another. It’s a shame that not all children have an Aunt Bessie. It seemed easy to figure out who murdered Kara but we didn’t know why. Two more books to go and I’m sad.
What is it with murderers and mental health issues? Whew! I guess if Aunt Bessie ever had a job it should have been a mental health advisor. Actually, that may have been her calling as she seemed to have most of the Laxey children at her house at one time or another. It’s a shame that not all children have an Aunt Bessie. It seemed easy to figure out who murdered Kara but we didn’t know why. Two more books to go and I’m sad.
March 4, 2023
Aunt Bessie
Aunt Bessie has a fall and hurts her arm. When she goes to see the doctor the receptionist asks to talk to her. The receptionist, Kelly Sutton, is convinced her sister, Kara, who lived in Manchester, was murdered and hopes Bessie can help her find the killer. How Bessie and one of Kara's former roommates unmask the murderer makes for a great story. Really enjoying this series and highly recommend it.
Aunt Bessie has a fall and hurts her arm. When she goes to see the doctor the receptionist asks to talk to her. The receptionist, Kelly Sutton, is convinced her sister, Kara, who lived in Manchester, was murdered and hopes Bessie can help her find the killer. How Bessie and one of Kara's former roommates unmask the murderer makes for a great story. Really enjoying this series and highly recommend it.
October 5, 2020
An interesting Aunt Bessie mystery
It starts as a request for Aunt Bessie to help solve a closed cold case that was called a suicide but the victim's sister believes was a murder. It is a good mystery but I easily deduced who was the killer fairly early. The back stories are why I gave it 4 stars.
It starts as a request for Aunt Bessie to help solve a closed cold case that was called a suicide but the victim's sister believes was a murder. It is a good mystery but I easily deduced who was the killer fairly early. The back stories are why I gave it 4 stars.
April 20, 2020
Love Aunt Bessie
It was fun to visit with Aunt Bessie again. Looking forward to July when the next book is released. I did figure out who the killer was but still enjoyed watching Aunt Bessie figure it out.
It was fun to visit with Aunt Bessie again. Looking forward to July when the next book is released. I did figure out who the killer was but still enjoyed watching Aunt Bessie figure it out.
April 29, 2020
Good read
Great character development as usual. Love Aunt Bessie and will miss her when we get to the "z" book. Love will seem strange without her in it. Looking forward to Aunt Bessie yearns in July
Great character development as usual. Love Aunt Bessie and will miss her when we get to the "z" book. Love will seem strange without her in it. Looking forward to Aunt Bessie yearns in July
May 1, 2020
Love it
Love this series and this book. Such fun with warm and lovely people. Didn’t really learn anything mor e about the .isle of Man in this book, but I would love to visit. It sounds lovely.
Love this series and this book. Such fun with warm and lovely people. Didn’t really learn anything mor e about the .isle of Man in this book, but I would love to visit. It sounds lovely.
April 21, 2020
The Stalker Strikes Again
I enjoyed reading this story. Aunt Bessie did it again! She figured out the killer. It is so wonderful to not really know until closer to the end!
I enjoyed reading this story. Aunt Bessie did it again! She figured out the killer. It is so wonderful to not really know until closer to the end!
April 22, 2020
Always enjoy Aunt Bessie
I love the Aunt Bessie series and look forward to each one. Favorite character ? Why Aunt Bessie of course!
I love the Aunt Bessie series and look forward to each one. Favorite character ? Why Aunt Bessie of course!
May 4, 2020
Great read
Aside from a very ride father, this was another great mystery with all the favorite characters and good relationship developments! Looking forward to the next book!
Aside from a very ride father, this was another great mystery with all the favorite characters and good relationship developments! Looking forward to the next book!
May 11, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed my visit with Aunt Bessie, looking forward to the next one...
July 16, 2020
The Aunt Bessie books are delightful. This volume does not disappoint. Highly recommended to those who enjoy cozy mysteries.
July 21, 2020
another nice Isle of Man cozy. If you are a fan of an easy reading, maybe late at night book while you enjoy a cup of tea, this book will be appealing.
July 23, 2020
Another good read
I love Aunt Bessie books. Quick and easy read. The Aisle of Man sounds like a beautiful place to visit.
I love Aunt Bessie books. Quick and easy read. The Aisle of Man sounds like a beautiful place to visit.
February 5, 2022
Great story
Loved all Aunt Bessie stories so far and this one is no different, well worth a read I thoroughly enjoyed it
Loved all Aunt Bessie stories so far and this one is no different, well worth a read I thoroughly enjoyed it
November 6, 2023
Unlike all of the other Aunt Bessie books, the culprit in this book is obvious very very early. Given how prolific Ms. Xarissa is it's actually a wonder that this is so rare.
December 8, 2023
Another great read featuring Aunt Bessie. This got 4 stars because I guessed the killer as soon as they were introduced to the story. Very enjoyable.
December 24, 2023
book 24 of the series
June 6, 2020
Review: Aunt Bessie’s X-Ray by Diana Xarissa. 3* 05/23/2020
This is another smooth mystery with Aunt Bessie as the main character who lives on Laxey Beach. She makes herself well known because if there is a crime of murder she is always around. She is no kind of a detective or legal investigator but some how she gets involved. The story starts out with Bessie walking the beach as usual but then falls over a piece of driftwood and hurts her arm.
After a slight hesitation Bessie is taken to cottage hospital for x-rays. Her arm is not broken but because of her age the doctor was worried and told her to come back in a couple of days to be seen again. Her arm was sore but she didn’t think that she needed to be seen again. However, the community she lived in everyone looked after her and made sure she had a ride back each time to see the doctor. The tight community cared for her that a few of them clean the driftwood off of the beach.
However, the visits to the doctor gave the receptionist, Kara Sutton the chance to ask Bessie about the police procedure of the death of her sister that happened a year ago in Manchester. They closed the case and said it was an accidental death. So here the reader is again in the midst of another of Bessie’s investigations because Kara and her father didn’t believe it was an accidental death…Another enjoyable read…
This is another smooth mystery with Aunt Bessie as the main character who lives on Laxey Beach. She makes herself well known because if there is a crime of murder she is always around. She is no kind of a detective or legal investigator but some how she gets involved. The story starts out with Bessie walking the beach as usual but then falls over a piece of driftwood and hurts her arm.
After a slight hesitation Bessie is taken to cottage hospital for x-rays. Her arm is not broken but because of her age the doctor was worried and told her to come back in a couple of days to be seen again. Her arm was sore but she didn’t think that she needed to be seen again. However, the community she lived in everyone looked after her and made sure she had a ride back each time to see the doctor. The tight community cared for her that a few of them clean the driftwood off of the beach.
However, the visits to the doctor gave the receptionist, Kara Sutton the chance to ask Bessie about the police procedure of the death of her sister that happened a year ago in Manchester. They closed the case and said it was an accidental death. So here the reader is again in the midst of another of Bessie’s investigations because Kara and her father didn’t believe it was an accidental death…Another enjoyable read…
March 7, 2022
One of the better mysteries in this series which I think is because it's a cold case and for some reason those work out better for me than the other ones. Granted it was pretty obvious how it was going to turn out but I liked the characters and the continual side story developments though Hugh was being a complete idiot during this one.
August 13, 2021
I just finished the last of the Aunt Bessie series. I started the first one in January 2021 and finished the 24th one today. I thoroughly enjoyed the series. So much food and Aunt Bessie's no nonsense approach to life. She ranks up there with Ms. Marple and Mrs. Pollifax. Two of my other favorite characters. This book was a good read but was not my favorite in the series. It had an interesting ending deserving of only an Aunt Bessie could do. If you read this series, please start with A and work your way to Z. I am looking forward to other books by Ms. Xarissa. They are a delightful read. I even looked up some of the puddings and meals and prepared them myself. The Victoria Sponge Cake was very tasty and loved the Leek and Potato soup. Yum Yum. Thanks again for a delightful series
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews