I have found an entry IoM Times Saturday 26 March 1898 - The Law Courts

Under Probates & Administrations (here is the text):

Caroline Crook v. tbe next-of-kin of John Crook, late of the Saddle Inn, Douglas.— Mr Browne appeared for the petitioner. Mrs Crook said that her husband died on the 25th February, leaving three daughters and one son surviving, all living off the Island. Another son was dead, leaving children now living off the Island. The personal estate was valued under £800. Mr Percy Cannell proved the execution of tbe will.— Mrs Crook was sworn.

I am still utterly confused!

I can see that on ManBMD 1898 John Crook died aged 58 (correct age with the date of birth I have)

I can see a GRO M Qtr (Jan-Feb) 1898 aged 56 - Bolton - which matches the Probate Record which mentions Beer-house Keeper and Alice Crook Widow

Am I correct in understanding that the reason Caroline Crook took this to court was to argue the will that was in place left to Alice?

The dates of death are slightly different too -

Probate mentions died 4 March 1898

IoM Newspaper mentions died 25 February 1898

I could be looking at the wrong John Crook entirely in Bolton