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The Isle of Wesberrey #2

Mausoleum Madness

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Jess Ward has only been back on the Isle of Wesberrey for a few weeks, but all the recent drama has made it feel a lot longer. Drama much increased by the unexpected arrival of her sister Susannah.

The bishop is due in a few days to formally install her into the benefice of St. Bridget’s and there is so much to prepare. Add to that a double funeral and a surprise visit from her mother and Jess has no time for family legends about the ‘godmother’ and the Well of the Triple Goddess.

However, the disappearance of a wealthy businessman forces Jess to reexamine her personal connection to this ancient family myth - her family claim they can sense that he is dead.

It’s all madness, of course. But the discovery of his body at his father-in-law’s funeral drags them all back into the island’s darkest secrets.

Her best friend has gone AWOL with the handsome undertaker and her sister is proving to be an unwanted distraction for the dishy police inspector.

Things move fast on Wesberrey, and it’s enough to make Jess dizzy. Or is that the result of reconnecting with her pagan past?

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2022

205 people are currently reading
56 people want to read

About the author

Penelope Cress

26 books23 followers

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5 stars
575 (58%)
4 stars
303 (30%)
3 stars
94 (9%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Becky .
600 reviews16 followers
November 18, 2022
Cress and Higgs have another hit in this new series featuring Reverend Jessamyn Ward. She is finally settling in on her home Isle. She has a lot of things going on, a double funeral (from the first book) which brought her family back home, being installed in her new position, and trying to understand her family's pagan beliefs. Add to that a missing member of aristocracy, and things get even more interesting.
There's a lot of humor in this, and it was a quick read that was fun. I can't wait to read what happens to her next.
Profile Image for Rissa.
2,276 reviews3 followers
September 17, 2025
I had to read this second book of the series first because I needed it for a challenge. I will definitely go back to read the first book because it sounds really interesting.

There were a lot of characters here so a lot of names so I had to go back and was all, now who was that again, lol. Plus Hugo and Hugh are such similar names.

I like the differing viewpoints here (religion vs. paganism, etc.). There must be a thing about the sisters too, since there are both 3 of each? I will need to read on to find out but I will definitely go and read the 1st book first! :)
Profile Image for Saadia.
483 reviews
February 6, 2023
too much fun

A bunch of women, some better endowed than others, all trying to move on after disastrous marriages or other life changes. Our heroine is now the vicar on the little island , her her family’s original birthplace. Lots of quirky characters. A scooter for driving around on church business. Dead bodies sprinkled throughout, with just a touch of mystery.
2,014 reviews
March 13, 2023
This book was somewhat chaotic with a lot of storylines crisscrossing. Enjoyable but a bit confusing. will read the next one to see if I want to continue the series,

Amazon synopsis:
Jess Ward has only been back on the Isle of Wesberrey for a few weeks, but all the recent drama has made it feel a lot longer. Drama much increased by the unexpected arrival of her sister Susannah.

The bishop is due in a few days to formally install her into the benefice of St. Bridget’s and there is so much to prepare. Add to that a double funeral and a surprise visit from her mother and Jess has no time for family legends about the ‘godmother’ and the Well of the Triple Goddess. However, the disappearance of a wealthy businessman forces Jess to reexamine her personal connection to this ancient family myth - her family claim they can sense that he is dead.

It’s all madness, of course. But the discovery of his body at his father-in-law’s funeral drags them all back into the island’s darkest secrets. Her best friend has gone AWOL with the handsome undertaker and her sister is proving to be an unwanted distraction for the dishy police inspector.
890 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2023
Book 2 in this series. Jess Ward is the Vicar on Wesberry Island, where she spent the first 10 years of her life. The Lord of the Manor is nearing the end of his long life, and as he was her father's best friend they attend dinner shortly before his death. When his Lordship's son in law goes missing, Police are called back to the island.
Profile Image for Angel Ballard.
771 reviews5 followers
November 24, 2022
It's always something; isn't it?
There's just something very refreshing about a clean mystery. No gore. No explicit sex. But there is still a murder to solve. An intriguing story to sink your teeth into whilst sitting quietly with a nice hot cup of cocoa. Loving this series.
Profile Image for Mary Baker.
631 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2023
Old English Aristocracy

The localaristocrat has caused a ruffle when it is determined he is the father of a local girl. She is murdered. Investigation airs a lot of dirty laundry. A good mystery with strange happenings.
23 reviews
February 22, 2023
They did it again!

I would definitely recommend this to cozy mystery lovers who need a good laugh. This is the second book in the series featuring a non judgemental vicar with a sense of humor.
146 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2023
The 2nd entry in the series was better than the 1st!

An exciting, non stop action second entry into The Isle of Wesberrey series. More quirky characters and just a hint of the paranormal.
875 reviews
September 8, 2023
Madness

Good book. Loved the story and the very large group of characters. Love how the Vicar often hopes her heavenly boss is not looking whenever, she doing something not quit Christian. Very enjoyable reading.
63 reviews
December 7, 2023
Can’t wait for the next episode

What’s next for Jess as she cares for her family and members of her flock. An interesting cast of characters and another mystery solved. What fun to read!
Profile Image for Richard.
424 reviews3 followers
December 14, 2022
They all will come

Visions, murders, love lost, more family secrets revealed, more family coming to the island to live, and a scooter named Cellia await the new vicar!
2,632 reviews
December 23, 2022
Nice read

This was a nice enjoyable read with good characters and interesting little twists to the story! A nice cosy mystery.
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,656 reviews37 followers
January 2, 2023
The second book in this series is as good as the first one, it made me laugh, think, and want to read the following book in the series asap!
I thank the author for the ARC.
Profile Image for Joan.
969 reviews
January 6, 2023
Enjoyable read!

Jess is joined by her entire family, although it is uncomfortable to see her sister and police inspector Dave getting serious.
26 reviews
January 14, 2023
Fun mystery

Interesting plot and I really like the characters. The characters are very real with totally human quirks which makes the book an easy read.
Profile Image for L Kate.
1,275 reviews6 followers
January 23, 2023
fun.

Lots of fun and craziness as the whole family slowly descends on the Vicarage on Wesberrey Island. A good mystery and enjoyable characters.
Profile Image for Carol Filipow Pigg.
242 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2023
GETTing into Vicar Jess’ story more in book two. Interesting and busy story lines. Have downloaded book three.
1,031 reviews
July 22, 2023
Another good story

More of her family shows up. A man goes missing. A man dies. Visions start happening. The story of the town and family is getting interesting.
Profile Image for Les Wilson.
1,839 reviews15 followers
March 7, 2024
Still enjoying this series. Series well with a try.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
February 25, 2020
Revelations, underhand dealings and the mausoleum

Another great read. Love this series. Christian but not in excess and mixed in with a growing supernatural thread that hopefully will expand as the series does. The plot is a murder, with greed as the basis but also with a mixture of shady dealings. Whilst the character list is growing with more of her family returning to the small island and with our heroine having to deal with romantic disappointment but also with rapidly expanding psychic abilities.
The return of her sister has thrown a spanner in the works as regards her attraction to the Inspector but the return of the husband of the daughter of the manor throws ore. He is involved with some shady characters and when he disappears there is a manhunt set in motion. Plus she had seen several visions that give her clues to what might have happened if she would only accept them. Will they find the errant husband? Will her sister steal her 'man' or will a new arrival throw a spanner in the works?
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,907 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2020
Great characters, lovely setting

What a great setting for a cozy mystery. The mystery was clever, even though it started relatively late in the book. But I enjoyed it. Some twists and turns that really surprised me.
And the characters are so nice! Although the archdeacon is more open to different beliefs than Jess is, lol. When is she going to trust Aunt Cindy? When is she going to embrace her heritage and stop kicking at it? Very intriguing and I can’t wait to find out more! This author sure can tell a story. Jess and her family really moved me. And I loved the ending!
Profile Image for Billie.
5,784 reviews71 followers
November 17, 2022
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
1,511 reviews16 followers
December 18, 2023
They call them "arranged marriages" in the East, and a "marriage of convenience" in the West, but they are not much different for those involved, when being tied for life with someone you do not love. But it is surely not enough to commit murder for? Another intriguing mystery for Rev Jess, mixed in with lots of family drama.

Thoroughly enjoyed another good read and visit to Westberry. Looking forward to seeing how things develop as there are so many strands to follow!!
358 reviews
February 5, 2021
Must Read

Book 2 was exactly what I expected - intriguing, captivating, and one I did not want to stop reading until the very end.

Great characters. Of course my favorite is the vicar.

Going on to read book 3.

Highly recommended!!
Profile Image for Angel Ballard.
771 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2023
It's always something; isn't it?
There's just something very refreshing about a clean mystery. No gore. No explicit sex. But there is still a murder to solve. An intriguing story to sink your teeth into whilst sitting quietly with a nice hot cup of cocoa. Loving this series.
1,309 reviews16 followers
November 7, 2022
A spot-on continuation of a delightful series that's sure to enthrall you and keep you guessing until the big reveal. Wonderfully written - superb characters - ever evolving. Highly Recommended.
4,417 reviews43 followers
November 6, 2023
Who killed Gordon and why??? Who knows and who cares??? Family secrets??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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