Reviewed by Mystereity Reviews on
The Manx Heritage Society (No, I don't know why people on the Isle of Man are called Manx. I thought it was a kind of cat) is making preparations for the Christmas at the Castle fundraiser. Several charities around the island have set up Christmas themed displays to be auctioned off on Christmas Eve. When a committee member brings in a disagreeable designer who manages to upset and anger several people, it comes as no surprise when he's found murdered in his hotel room. Bessie's friend Inspector Corkill is on the case and they team up to find a killer.
The enjoyable plot followed Bessie's investigation into the murder of designer Christopher Hart. He is thoroughly unlikable, so it's not hard for Bessie to uncover several likely motives and suspects. While perhaps not the most intricate plot, it was engrossing and the lovely world the author has created on the Isle of Man is definitely the big draw for this series. I love going along with Bessie on her blustery walks down the beach past the holiday cottages to Thien Yn Trae, on her cab rides to shop in Douglas, and settling down for a good read in her cozy, book-filled cottage. I loved the Christmas at the Castle idea, it sounded so cute! A big old castle, decorated for Christmas with cute displays, I would be there in a heartbeat. I loved the room where kids could write letters to Father Christmas, what a great idea!
Aunt Bessie Joins can be read as a standalone, but there are a few minor plot threads that run through the series, so they're better enjoyed in order (and really, this is such a cute series, why wouldn't you want to read all of them?)
Overall, another enjoyable stay on the Isle of Man and I don't hesitate to recommend the series to cozy mystery fans.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 7 November, 2016: Finished reading
- 7 November, 2016: Reviewed