Read any good books lately?

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"All work and no play make Jack a dull boy."

I don't mean the technical volumes we rely on to keep us current in our genealogical craft. I mean works of fiction that take us to another time or another world. Some may be biographical or historic fiction; others may be cleverly written mysteries. I may be generalizing too much but I think that genealogists enjoy mysteries; why else do we seek answers for our own family history?

Historical fiction and mysteries

A relatively new twist in the mystery genre is the genealogist as a main character. Several authors are writing series of books with these story lines.

Nathan Dylan Goodwin

My introduction to this genre was a few years ago when, as SKCGS newsletter editor, I was offered a complimentary copy of Nathan Dylan Goodwin's  The America Ground.  Since it was his third book, I thought it would be a good idea to read his first two books as well.  I was hooked not only on his books but similar books by other authors.




Morton Farrier

I was introduced to Morton Farrier, an English forensic genealogist who, in producing family history for a client, solves ancient mysteries as well.  Through that book and subsequent books I've learned so much about historical English life--smuggling on the southern coast of England, the suffrage movement, women code breakers during World War II and the English involvement in Suez.  

Goodwin uses dual timelines--the historic story and modern times--to develop his plots.  As we learn the historic events, Morton is researching modern repositories and connecting the dots.  The books are so well researched and so well written they are almost a text book in how to be a thorough genealogist.  And each book leaves us wanting more, anxious for the next volume.

Madison Scott-Barnhart





In his latest book, The Chester Creek Murders, he has started a new series with Madison Scott-Barnhart as a genetic genealogist whose company solves cold cases.  This book helped explain using DNA "cousin clusters" to find most recent common ancestors.  On top of more clearly understanding the techniques used, I was so wrapped up in the characters and the plot that I wanted to hop on Ancestry or FamilySearch and look for the clues myself.  I had to remind myself that this was fiction!

Latest word from Nathan is that he is 61,000+ words written on his next Morton Farrier adventure.  I can hardly wait!

And there's more! Facebook Group


This group exists for fans of genealogical crime mystery stories.  Authors Nathan Dylan Goodwin, MJ Lee, Stephen Molyneux and Wendy Percival set up the group as a place to promote the growing genre and to encourage general discussion.

Don't forget the library!

A search at kcls.org (King County Library System) for the subject "Genealogists--fiction" will give you several other authors you might enjoy.  Happy reading!





MaryLynn Strickland



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